Today's home in Phoenix, Arizona was once the home of John and Cindy McCain. The home, on over two acres, was Cindy McCain's childhood home, where she was raised as a privileged beer distributor's daughter. When the McCains lived there they spent $250,000 remodeling the home back in the 1980s. In 2006, the couple downsized into a condo and put the home on the market. When I first heard about it in 2006, they had a bit of trouble selling the house, listing it for around $3.75 million.

The current owner is going for a bit more. They have listed the home, which has seven bedrooms in the main house and two bedrooms in the guest house, for a hefty $12 million. The home includes a master suite with a Mexican-tiled private patio with a spa and built-in fireplace and seating. The gourmet kitchen has slate floors, granite counters and heavy commercial stainless steel appliances. The guest house also has an attached his/her dressing cabana. More pics at the virtual tour. It seems to have had quite the renovation since the McCains lived there. Check out the pics from 2005 when Architectural Digest visited the McCains. It's virtually unrecognizable except for certain telling details like the fireplace in the master bedroom. I have to say, I prefer Cindy McCain's version of this house.

For more prime properties and lush locations, see Luxury Homes and Mansions.

What is it that makes a house special? Today's estate in Tempe, Arizona has a number of desirable features including its own two-acre lake and seven total acres of tranquil Arizona land. The home itself is a single-level dwelling that rambles over 11,000 square feet. It has gorgeous wood ceilings, cool stone floors, a curved stone fireplace and stained glass details. The home gets much of its charm from the uses of arched windows and doorways. The master suite has a gas fireplace and opens to a private outdoor spa.  One of the most impressive features is the incredibly over-the-top million-dollar kitchen designed by Kitchen Expo.There is also a two-story guest house, expansive outdoor entertaining area and parking for 10 cars. It is listed at $.8.5 million. Pictures of the interior, including that ridiculous kitchen, after the jump.