Residence of Gary and Anna Lee reveals dramatic outdoor splendor

Some guests may not see the house for the view, but owners Gary and Anna Lee insist they love to show off their "million-dollar view."

"The backyard to me is the most gorgeous," Gary Lee said. "I have over a 180-degree view."

The 8,000-square-foot lawn of the Lee home at 1491 18th Place has the manicured look of a par three fairway.

"It wasn't my intention to have the most beautiful lawn in town," Gary said. "When I come out here at sunset with a cocktail, I want to be (as) impressed as any of my guests."

At night, the entire yard is illuminated like a park, thanks to floodlights concealed in the rock garden next to the lawn.

The Lees' "great room" is a dynamic space that is a combination kitchen, dining, and living room.

Contemporary is the accent on the kitchen, including a side-by-side refrigerator and freezer and also a computerized microwave oven with 125 programmed recipes. Typically, when a host entertains, his guests wind up in the kitchen, Gary noted.

"So with the great room, everybody is part of the action and nobody is excluded," Gary said.

Despite the comfort of suede leather sofas, the Lees spend much of their time at the sunken bar. This is a fully stocked liquor service with a granite top that has a swirl pattern unlikely to be found anywhere else, Gary said.

Many of his eclectic accessories were borrowed from tours in high-end homes throughout the desert southwest.

"I got the idea for the sunken bar in California," Gary said. "The bartender stands two steps below the guests, making them eye level. It makes it more conducive to conversation when you're eye level."

Although Gary is the chef in the family, Anna said she enjoys the kitchen the most. "I love the open space, the view."

The Lees say they are delighted to participate in the Home A Rama tour, especially because not enough people in Yuma have experienced their spectacular view.

"So many people drive by and when they turn around at the end of the cul-de-sac, they stop because they like what they see," Gary said.

It is hard to miss the Lee's one-of-a-kind door ornament suspended over their entrance. It is a wrought iron circle of metal with their name and address cut into the orb, which frames a map of Arizona.

Gary said he hopes when guests tour his house they will pick up an idea for a home they are building or remodeling for themselves. And he hopes they enjoy the view.

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William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.