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)
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. 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 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 Botanical Gardens and Phoenix Zoo that are 15 minutes by car. For architecture buffs, Taliesen West is 35 minutes to the north west. 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.
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
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Gas Fireplace: Living Room and pool side
- Wood Fireplace: Outside patio
- Beds
- Queen Bed: 3 Queen Beds
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Private Pool: Through 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
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): Bring your laptop!
- Other Amenities
- Located across from Encanto Park with two public golf courses, tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming pool, Kiddie Land, baseball diamond. In walking distance to Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum,Public Library, and Veteran's Coliseum. Quick access to airport and I17, I10, 202, and 51.
- Suitability
- Kid Friendly: Call to discuss.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: 28 years or approval of owner.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Garden Center,Phoenix Botanical Gardens,Phoenix Zoo,Main Public Library, NASCAR,Phoenix Symphony,Arizona Science Center,Classic Car Auctions, Veteran's Coliseum, Golf venues.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
May-Oct ......... $850/week, $150/night Call for monthly rate
Nov-Apr ......... $995/week, $175/night Call for monthly rate
*Summer months June-Sept. Call for availability.
*Longer Term Rent: discount at 2 months. Inquire. Max 6 people enforced.
** Holiday rate of $200 uplift may be charged.
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, Paypal and credit cards add 5%!
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:




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, 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 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. 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
- Encanto-Palmcroft's historic "Holly Cottage," downtown Phoenix cultural center - Travel Home in Phoenix
- Complete French Country Kitchen with "just like home" details and conveniences - Travel Home in Phoenix
- Cozy living room with gas fireplace - Travel Home in Phoenix
- Sun warmed, private pool and outdoor gas fireplace/patio
- Rose Garden Bedroom with Queen Bed and View of the Rose Garden and Park
- Family Room view of dining room and arched entrances to living room + kitchen
- Studio Bedroom with private bath, large closet and view of back yard
- Master Bedroom
- Den with library for your reading pleasure
- Dining room view of back yard through the family room
- View of the patio and cottage from the back yard
- Family Room patio with dining table for six, wood burning fireplace, and Gas BBQ
Guest Comments (10)
First (10) of (10). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #155221
There have been 6806 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2007.
This listing was first published here in 2007.
Date last modified - November 21, 2009


Positive Rating
March 2009 What a wonderful-and cozy!-home. We love the neighborhood. So much charm. And, coming from wisconsins, the weather wasn't too shabby either. Thanks for opening up your doors to us. We look forward to returning.
Positive Rating
Feb-March 2009 Jill & John A wonderful place to be in every way. I can't imagine coming to the Valley and staying anywhere else! Thanks so much for the hospitality. The whole family had a terrific experience.
Positive Rating
sheila bauer , Columbia City, OR
Positive Rating
Jill and John- We have really enjoyed our week in your charming "Holly Cottage". It's been fun to explore another area of Phoenix - what a great neighborhood. The house and all the amenities were perfect. You are thoughtful and gracious hosts. When we decide to sell our condo and become real winter snowbirds, we'll be in touch. Meanwhile, thank you! Joe & Diane Philadelphia & Phoenix
Positive Rating
Thank you for a lovely stay here at Holly Cottage. We have been very comfortable here - everything we could have wished for - and then some! We especially enjoyed the well equipped kitchen and the BBQ! The location worked very well for us: close to family, shopping, and downtown. Au Revoir! Clarie and Mark Seattle, WA
Positive Rating
Sue , SW Iowa
Positive Rating
Dear John and Jill, Thank you for allowing us to stay in lovely Holly Cottage. We have had a peaceful and relaxing retreat. Your thoughtfulness and attention to detail has made us very comfortable. We plan on coming back the next time we are in Phoenix. All is well, Peter and Colleen Great River, New York
Positive Rating
This has been a great week. We truly enjoyed staying at Holly Cottage. It is a very comfortable house with a "home" feel to it. Thanks to John and Jill for their hospitality. We had an active week hiking and seeing the sites, so it was comforting to return here each day for some quiet relaxation. Time has passed by too quickly - a sure sign that we have enjoyed staying here. We will be back! Jim and Terri-Ann Alberta, Canada
Positive Rating
John & Jill, I have enjoyed a most delightful vacation in Phoenix and most of the credit goes to both of you. I felt totally comfortable staying in your cozy and charming cottage. You have maintained all the charm of the era gonebye and still having the updated kitchen, etc. As I mentioned, I would like to come back in November. I look forward to staying here again. Sincerely, Cindy
Positive Rating
Karen Higgins , Colorado