The heart of historic Las Vegas is home to a glamorous property that embodies a timeless era and has a rich history shaped by notable residents including late country music legend Kenny Rogers.
Built to measure in the early 1970s by the late Terrible Herbst’s owner and founder Jerry Herbst, the 7,249-square-foot single-story property sits on 1 acre property and showcases the iconic architecture of the decade.
“It’s entirely custom,” said Kent Smith, co-trustee of the estate. “The design was ahead of its time when it was built.”
The property at 500 Shetland Road is listed for $ 3,199,999 with Darin C. Marques, founder of Darin Marques Group at Huntington & Ellis.
Casino mogul Phil Ruffin and his late ex-wife Lynne bought the property from Rogers in 1998. From 1995, Rogers owned the property for three years.
“The renovations began immediately,” said Smith, Lynne Ruffin’s son from a previous marriage. “She only had a flair for decoration and decorated the house to make it hers.”
She stayed at home after her divorce from Phil Ruffin in the early 2000s. She later remarried RT Smith and lived in the apartment until her death in 2011. RT Smith stayed in the apartment until his death in 2019.
Kent Smith and his sister Michelle Ruffin-Stein are co-trustees of the estate. They received the property in August following the death of their stepfather.
Since it took possession, it has worked tirelessly to regain its original shine with fresh paint, enhancements, and repairs. The scope of work included the repair of the inner marble floors and the outer slate tiles. He replaced the broken glass on the interior walls, added lighting, and changed the exterior design.
“We have lost control of the property for over nine years,” said Smith. “My main goal was to bring the house back to the way it was when Mom was still alive. Since it has returned to its original state, it has become more comfortable and homely. “
The property has four en-suite bedrooms and two master suites, six and a half bathrooms, an office / library with custom built-ins, a formal living room, a formal dining room, and a great room with a sunken bar.
The architectural elements that contribute to the timeless attractiveness include beveled mirror walls, wooden beam ceilings, fabric upholstered walls made of silk, paneling, moldings, polished marble floors with gold inlay and natural stone throughout the interior and exterior of the house.
“The quality and level of construction of this home are second to none,” said Marques. “You don’t see that kind of quality in most homes these days.”
Access to the property begins with a private entrance gate. Smith redesigned the front stone motor area of the entrance, which offers ample parking for guests.
A large two-door glass entrance leads into the formal foyer of the house. A door on the opposite side offers a view of the lush back yard.
Next to the main entrance is a formal living room with a unique vaulted gas fireplace that provides an intimate, relaxed atmosphere.
The main living area drains seamlessly from the formal dining room, expansive kitchen, office / library, large room with a sunken bar, and the outdoor courtyard.
“It’s a great home for entertainment,” said Smith. “My mother loved having people in her home and expanding hospitality regardless of their status in life.”
An iconic design feature of the 1970s and focal point of the main living area is the classic sunken bar lined with padded club armchairs. The nostalgic, full-service black bar features a refrigerator, ice maker, sink with built-in mixer, and plenty of storage space.
Smith recalled several stories surrounding the chic bar, including a time when a family member poured a Dixie mug of expensive Louis XIII cognac down the drain after trying a taste.
“Louis is one of the most expensive cognacs out there, the bottle is Baccarat Crystal,” said Smith. “He dumped about $ 400 down the drain. The room went deadly quiet. From then on, Mama regularly put cognac in this bottle and Louis in a carafe. “
The window walls and sliding glass doors of the main living area open outwards and offer a view of the landscaped grounds and the voluminous pool terrace.
Lavish cabinets made of black lacquer and counters made of black granite create a sophisticated modern aesthetic for the gourmet kitchen. The sprawling, central 7 by 9 foot island with a sink and casual seating in the bar provides a natural meeting place.
“Mom completely renovated the kitchen,” said Smith. “There was never a time when she did nothing to improve the functionality or attractiveness of the home.”
An informal built-in seating area right next to the kitchen provides comfortable seating for six. The vaulted wood beam ceiling gives the kitchen an open, airy feeling.
Next to the kitchen, the formal dining area is separated from the large room by a two-way gas fireplace, which has eye-catching black leather wallpaper edging on both sides. The dynamic environment provides a stylish separation between the two rooms.
“This is a very comfortable home worth living in,” said Marques. “You feel like you can come in, sit down and relax.”
Both masters, located on opposite sides of the house, enter the private back yard through sliding glass doors.
The elegant main master suite of the house has two gas fireplaces, a separate seating area, and two oversized walk-in closets with built-ins. A luxurious master bathroom mimics a spa-like resort with marble floors, a large walk-in shower, a marble-framed passport hot tub, two water closets, and two vanities.
The opulent main secondary bathroom features a unique two-sided vanity, expansive glassless walk-in shower with marble surround and whirlpool.
Private glass atriums underline the calm ambience in each of the main bathrooms.
A private backyard oasis features a resort-style pool with spa and an expansive pool deck. Right next to the pool is a covered, fun cabana with a built-in blender, gas grill, pizza oven, microwave, TV, sink, dishwasher, breakfast bar, and bathroom. A motorized Roman umbrella provides protection from the elements.
“It really is a desert oasis,” said Smith of the back yard. “It has an incredible resort feel to it.”
The large garden features grass, mature landscaping, and a quiet walking path that winds through roses, bushes, and groves of trees.
“It’s a nice place to sit and think about your future,” said Smith of the serenity path. “It gives you access to walk around the entire property.”
The property has no neighboring houses and has an 8 foot fence. Privacy is enhanced by the fact that there are no homeowners association or fees.
“It’s very private,” said Smith. “My mother loved to entertain. She hosted weddings, charity events, family celebrations, and even funerals. “
Additional features of the property include electronic security shutters on multiple windows, a brick facade, a three car garage with a separate work area, and a metal standing seam roof.
“Basically, it’s a roof forever,” said Smith. “It’s very durable and functional.”
Smith said the house could be sold furnished if a buyer was interested.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to get the house back and make it the way it was,” said Smith. “I hope it goes to someone who can appreciate the uniqueness of the property and the care that has been taken to keep it as it is.”
