Encanto-Palmcroft's historic "Holly Cottage," downtown Phoenix cultural center
Location: Encanto-Palmcroft, Phoenix, Greater Phoenix Area, Arizona, USA (10 min. from Sky Harbor Airport across from Encanto Park) View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Library, 3 Baths (Sleeps 2-6)
Keywords: historic, park, convention, cottage, pool, private, patio, fireplace, garden, non-smoking
If you enjoy sports, nightlife, shopping, history, architecture, and the arts, this upscale neighborhood is a must to visit! It is in the heart of Phoenix's cultural center!
"Holly Cottage" is located on a quiet street directly across from Encanto Park, a 222 acre public park named one of twelve of America's Best City Parks by Forbes Magazine. Enjoy walking, jogging, swimming (summer), basketball, tennis, inexpensive golf (two courses; one 18 and the other 9 holes), driving range, and putting greens....all at your front door. Plus, there is a restored Kiddie Land" with a train and a carousel!
The US Airways Arena (Phoenix SUNS) and Chase Field (Diamondbacks) are 2.5 miles from the house, and on a city bus or lite-rail route. Or, take a short cab ride downtown. Phoenix International Raceway 20 minutes. University of Phoenix Stadium (Super Bowl 2008) is 20-25 minutes away, traffic permitting.
Located in Phoenix's premier Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District, Holly Cottage is surrounded by examples of architectural styles that include French Provincial Ranch, Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor, Pueblo Revival, Neo-Mediterranean and Monterey Revival. Most of our houses were built between 1925 and 1950. Holly Cottage was built in 1938 and has been tastefully renovated in period style.
Phoenix Symphony Hall is located within 8 minutes by car, 15 minutes by bus, and is next to the CONVENTION CENTER. The Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum are both less than 1.5 miles away. Be sure to visit the historic Orpheum Theater while downtown. You may consider having cocktails atop the Hyatt Hotel's revolving Compass Room.
The Valley Garden Center, where many of the flower clubs of Phoenix meet, is located one block south, and their rose garden borders Holly Cottage to the west. And don't forget the Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens and Phoenix Zoo that are 15 minutes by car. For architecture buffs, Taliesen West is 35 minutes to the north east. Arizona State University and Wright's Gammage Auditorium is 20, or less, minutes away.
The main branch of the Phoenix Public Library is 1.7 miles from the cottage. If you are interested in science, the Arizona Science Center is in the same area near the Herberger Theater.
The VETERAN'S COLISEUM is within walking distance. There are 5 hospitals within minutes, if you are staying for medical business.
Classic car auctions are held by Kruse International and Barrett-Jackson at the nearby Fairgrounds (2 blocks) and in North Scottsdale.
Shopping, theaters, and restaurants are located nearby at the Arizona Center. A quick 20 minute trip by car takes you to Scottsdale's Fashion Square and 5th Avenue shops. It is only a 10 minute drive to the famous Biltmore Hotel and boutiques.
Enjoy great hiking at Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain, as well as South Mountain Park, where mountain biking is a popular sport. Horse back riding is available at various locations throughout the valley as well.
Complete activity brochure library on premises.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Washer
- Dryer
- Off Street Parking
- Gas Fireplace : Living Room and pool side
- Wood Fireplace : Outside patio
- Beds
- Queen Bed : 3 Queen Beds
- Crib : Guests may rent all types of children's play things, pak-n-plays and cribs from a local reasonable rental service that delivers, sets up, and removes whatever is rented during your stay.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : We have about 100 dvds and video tapes for your enjoyment.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Private Pool : Through a security gate on adjacent property.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Large new eat-in country kitchen with all amenities.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : Back patio overlooks back yard with fire place. Lanai off library with table and chairs. Front courtyard patio with seating for two to view park.
- Lanai : Private to library with chimenea (small fireplace).
- Communications
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Bring your laptop!
- Other Amenities
- Located across from Encanto Park named one of America's Twelve Best Parks by Forbes Magazine with two public golf courses, tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming pool, Kiddie Land, baseball diamond. In walking distance to Phoenix Art Museum,Lite Rail Stop, Heard Museum,Public Library, and Veteran's Coliseum. Quick access to airport and I17, I10, 202, and 51.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly : Call to discuss.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : 25 years or approval of owner.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Other Activities
- Encanto Park picnic areas, playgrounds, Kiddie Land Garden Center,Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens,Phoenix Zoo,Central Public Library, NASCAR,Phoenix Symphony,Arizona Science Center, Classic Car Auctions, Veteran's Coliseum, Golf venues.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$995/week - summer utility premium may apply.
Call to discuss specific requirements.
Monthly bookings encouraged and rewarded. Maximum 6 people enforced.
Optional guesthouse available - sleeps 2
1/2 rental due at booking, balance to be paid 30 days in advance.
$250 refundable damage deposit required. One time clean/maint fee $150.
Payments: personal or cashier's check, credit cards add 3.5% domestic 5% int'l.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Exclusive Downtown Historic 3 BR/3 BA Cottage - Central Phx
Year Purchased: 2005
Why the Owner Chose Encanto-Palmcroft
We chose to purchase this property because we appreciate history and it is located in Encanto-Palmcroft, a unique historic district just north of the city center. With the rapid expansion of downtown Phoenix and the addition of Lite Rail, we knew there would be a growing demand for places to stay that provide more space and ambience than hotel rooms for less money. Both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona have established downtown campuses that are rapidly expanding and the City of Phoenix recently renovated the Convention Center which is only a short distance from Holly Cottage. The Convention Center is easily reached by public transportation as are the sports arenas. Holly Cottage is also located near the Phoenix Art and Heard Museums. The proximity of Holly Cottage makes it appealing to several different markets.
The Unique Benefits at this House
John is an experienced home restorer having completed nine projects prior to buying what would later become Holly Cottage. If you enjoy historic preservation, you will enjoy staying in the cottage immensely. He was able to purchase the property from the estate of the original owner who built the cottage in 1938. The renovation took three years to complete with weekend and after hours physical labor. Doing all of the design and a large portion of the work himself, it was truly the most difficult of all the restorations he had completed because little had been done to the home beyond basic maintenance over the years. Today, guests enjoy the unique, quaint details that John protected and added in order to make the home more cozy while maintaining the original character of the house and the neighborhood. Although the cottage square footage is under 2000 feet, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, guests can relax in a lovely front courtyard with privacy while observing the park activities across the street. Encanto Park is one of the oldest and most beautiful of all the parks in the city with two golf courses, a lake with paddle boats and fishing, basketball, tennis, baseball, KiddieLand with a restored carousel and rides, and more. The park was one of twelve city parks listed in Forbes Magazine's "America's Best City Parks" published in November 2009. He also created two additional covered patios where one can read in privacy, entertain, or dine next to fireplaces on chilly nights.
Owner's Map of Encanto-Palmcroft
We, John and Jill Parker, are experienced travelers. We enjoy getting to know the folks who are off the beaten path wherever we go; the normal, regular folks like us. We think this can best be accomplished by staying away from the big hotels and resorts; hence Holly Cottage. John, having taught high school English for nearly 15 years, is looking forward to retirement and sailing soon. Jill, a retired computer salesperson, sold systems both domestically and internationally. She is eager to join John touring the world from a sailboat. We enjoy sharing our lives and the environment we have been fortunate enough to experience here in Phoenix. Our Holly Cottage has brought us endless joy with new friendships with our guests.
Property Photos
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- Encanto-Palmcroft's historic "Holly Cottage," downtown Phoenix cultural center - Travel Home in Phoenix
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- Complete French Country Kitchen with "just like home" details and conveniences - Travel Home in Phoenix
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- Cozy living room with gas fireplace - Travel Home in Phoenix
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- Sun warmed, private pool and outdoor gas fireplace/patio
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- Rose Garden Bedroom with Queen Bed and View of the Rose Garden and Park
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- Family Room view of dining room and arched entrances to living room + kitchen
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- Studio Bedroom with private bath, large closet and view of back yard
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- Master Bedroom
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- Den with library for your reading pleasure
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- Dining room view of back yard through the family room
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- View of the patio and cottage from the back yard
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- Family Room patio with dining table for six, wood burning fireplace, and Gas BBQ
Traveler Reviews (21)
Christmas at Holly Cottage
Guest: Beth
(Michigan)
Date of Stay: 12/17/11
Review Submitted: 01/17/12
Our Christmas stay at Holly Cottage couldn't have been better. The house was decorated and festive when we arrived and outfitted with everything we could possibly need. Everything was clean and well maintained. We had one problem with a sink running slowly and it was fixed right away. This was a perfect for our purposes. There were three good sized bedrooms and lots of additional space. A patio with a barbecue gave us a place to enjoy the sunny days. I chose the location due to its proximity to my son’s house but was delighted with the neighborhood. There is a wonderful park right across the street complete with a child’s amusement park Jill was a pleasure to deal with and answered all emails promptly. It was a wonderful experience.
Owner response:We really enjoyed having this family at Holly Cottage. They all appreciated a well-kept, well-appointed home in our historic neighborhood. They reveled in each others company, soaked up the sun, and took advantage of the surrounds. Having a vacation rental is particularly enjoyable when guests communicate their needs so that we can address them promptly as we did in this case. We are looking forward to their return and to meeting more families like theirs.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, age 55+.
Great Alternative to Downtown Hotels
Guest: Dave & Dawn
(Denver)
Date of Stay: 10/29/11
Review Submitted: 11/10/11
Three of us stayed at Holly Cottage while we attended a week long conference at the Phoenix Convention Center. It was exactly what we were looking for and a great alternative to a hotel room for a week. The place was well maintained, clean and comfortable. We all had our separate bedrooms and baths, a kitchen so that we could fix a quick breakfast in the morning and usually a snack in the evenings. It was so nice to be able to return form the conference and enjoy a cold drink on the back patio or a ball game on the flat screen. The commute was an easy 10-15 minutes and parking in one of the downtown ramps was trouble-free. The owners Jill and John, were wonderful to work with, always responsive when we had a question and very helpful.
Owner response:If you are attending a conference at the Phoenix Convention Center, you will like staying in Holly Cottage for the reasons our guests stated. They were pleased to come home to a well-appointed, conveniently located home after long days at the conference. It was a pleasure having them and we look forward to their return as well as to welcoming new conference attendees.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children.
An August visitor
Guest: Darin
(Springfield, Mo)
Date of Stay: 07/28/11
Review Submitted: 08/13/11
Holly Cottage was a welcome end to the day for our family. Despite the August heat, the cottage was nice to come "home" to. My family enjoyed our stay. The cottage was extremely well prepared and has great features. It was a good location to stay for our conference, which was downtown at the convention center. The owners were gracious hosts and wonderful to work with.
Owner response:Do you ever wonder why folks offer their homes to strangers? It's because it is so rewarding for us to do so. This family treated Holly Cottage as though it were their own home. They chose Holly Cottage because of its proximity to the convention center and it gave them the break they needed each night after long days. They appreciated the attention to detail and hard work that we put into preparing our home for them. We hope they will come back soon. Folks like these make it all worthwhile.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.
Charming home in a great location
Guest: V
(Ellicott City, MD)
Date of Stay: 10/29/10
Review Submitted: 11/07/10
Our family spent several days at the Holly Cottage last month. We'll probably never stay in a hotel again when visiting the Valley. The Holly Cottage is tastefully decorated with a large sunny kitchen and family room. When you're not taking advantage of nearby activities in downtown phoenix or the great park across the street you can kick back and enjoy the excellent surround sound system or read a good book in the well-stocked library. The owners went to great lengths to make sure our stay was comfortable and memorable. The home is meticulously maintained. There are three outdoor sitting areas that make it ideal for multiple couples who need their space. Thank you Jill and John for your hospitality. We plan to rent your home again someday.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.
Great Property
Guest: Tex Visit
(Texas)
Date of Stay: 03/29/10
Review Submitted: 04/13/10
My son and his family and my wife and I just completed a week's stay at this property. We had a very nice, comfortable stay. The property is charming, in a very quiet, historic neighborhood and across the street from a very nice city park. It is very centrally located, close to I-10 and I-17, so we were able to get around very easily. Photos give a very good indication of the house interior and exterior. We had family and friends over for a Sunday barbecue and all loved the house and neighborhood. We definitely recommend this house to anyone. Having the 3 bathrooms/showers came in very handy. The owner was very helpful, helping us out in a unique situation and was very prompt with the damage deposit refund. I had it back in a week. All in all, an excellent experience.
Owner response:Guests like these are the type of folks who make having a vrbo fun and rewarding. Their appreciation for Holly Cottage's character and the neighborhood meant everything to us. We are thankful for the high level of care and attention they gave the cottage. They treated it as though it were their own home. We are looking forward to their return!
Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Kris
(-)
Date of Stay: 11/27/09
Review Submitted: 11/27/09
We had a lovely time at Holly House. the house is beautiful, comfortable, and has every convenience imaginable. We especially enjoyed sitting out on the patio having appetizers, wine and a fire in the outdoor fireplace. The neighborhood is truly wonderful. It's quiet, clean, and a wonderful walking neighborhood. It's also close to everything. I can't say enough good things about the comfort of the house, but I do know I have already recommended that my mother, brother, and sister stay here when visiting my brother who lives here. Kris
Recommended for:
Guest: Energy & Environmental Solutions
(-)
Date of Stay: 11/14/09
Review Submitted: 11/14/09
Jill and John - The house is so comfortable and convenient. We have enjoyed our time in your beautiful city. Thank you - the e2 Gang
Recommended for:
Guest: Della & Ben
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/13/09
Review Submitted: 10/13/09
The Magee Family would like to thank you for allowing us to stay in your cottage this week. It has been a great home away from home during this busy week of our daughter's wedding. You have thought of every detail to make your guests comfortable and we thoroughly enjoyed the way you have decorated the cottage. We hope we will be able to return - someday soon. Thank you again for everything! Della & Ben
Recommended for:
Guest: Adina
(-)
Date of Stay: 05/05/09
Review Submitted: 05/05/09
John & Jill, Thank you so much for opening your lovely cottage to us! We so enjoyed our stay in this historic neighborhood & appreciated your hospitality. Thanks again! Adina
Recommended for:
Guest: Gina
(-)
Date of Stay: 04/17/09
Review Submitted: 04/17/09
Hi Jill and John, Thank you for a wonderful stay! We had a fabulous week stay in Holly Cottage. Thank you so much for your gracious hospitality - we look forward to our next visit! Gina
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #155221
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