Preserving History, Art, and the Wild Sonoran Desert
In 2021, we had the opportunity to become the stewards of Harmony Hollow, a 28-acre stretch of Sonoran Desert tucked inside the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. By purchasing it, we protected this stunning riparian habitat from development that could have seen up to multiple large homes built here. Instead, the land remains what it has always been—a quiet, wild place where the desert meets the creek, and where history, creativity, and conservation come together.
A Land Rich in History
Long before modern settlements, the Hohokam people lived in this region, thriving here from around 800 A.D. until the 1400s, when the Apache arrived. In the late 1800s, prospectors were drawn to the area, hoping to strike it rich in gold. Evidence of their time here still exists—if you know where to look.
Fast forward to the early 1970s, when artist Jeffrey Cross found his way to this land and began building the house that still stands today. Jeffrey was a talented sculptor known for his bronze cast bells, and under his ownership, Harmony Hollow became a hub for artists, travelers, and even a rotating cast of animals that called it home.
Creativity thrived here, with musicians, sculptors, and dreamers passing through, drawn by the land’s rugged beauty and quiet inspiration.
But in 1977, Jeffrey went missing. His body was later found, bringing an untimely and tragic end to his story. In the wake of his death, his brother Bradley Cross stepped in, finishing construction on the home Jeffrey had started.
Bradley later moved the Harmony Hollow Bell Works to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where it still operates today. The house and land remained in the Cross family for many years and continued to be home to local artists.
Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future
We’ve lived in Cave Creek since 2000 and have always felt a deep connection to this landscape. When the opportunity arose to take care of Harmony Hollow, we knew we had to act—not just to preserve its natural beauty, but to honor the history woven into every inch of this land.
By 2024, we completed a sensitive reconstruction of the house, respecting its artistic and historical roots while making it more livable and welcoming. The aging verandas, which were dangerous and falling apart, were transformed into enclosed indoor spaces with expansive windows that bring the outdoors in. We also added updated the large deck space, creating a place to gather with friends, enjoy the views, and continue Harmony Hollow’s long tradition of connection and creativity.
Expanding Protection: The Historic Stamp Mill Property
Our conservation efforts didn’t stop there. To further protect the Cave Creek and its surrounding ecosystem, we acquired an additional 8-acre parcel across the creek—the Historic Stamp Mill site, also known by the former owner Skip, as his “Man Cave”. This land holds the remains of a late 1800s stamp mill, once used to crush ore from nearby gold mines.
By preserving this area, we’ve ensured that a piece of local mining history remains intact and that the creek’s fragile riparian habitat continues to thrive.
A Legacy of Conservation
Harmony Hollow now sits as a protected piece of land within the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, a 2,154-acre expanse of rugged Sonoran Desert. This land is filled with history—archaeological sites, remnants of mining and ranching, and some of the most stunning desert landscapes you’ll ever see.
This lush riparian corridor of Cave Creek provides habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, keeping this place teeming with life even in the harshest seasons.
By stepping into this role as stewards, we’ve ensured that Harmony Hollow remains what it was always meant to be—a place where art, history, community, and nature converge. It’s a space for reflection, creativity, and deep appreciation for the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. And we’re honored to be a part of its story.
Steve and Lori Greenberg
