Vacation Rentals by Owner

Stunning Exotic Natural Beauty--Exquisite Cottage--Perfect Host and Hostess

Guest: Catherine & Andrew (Victoria, BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/01/12 Review Submitted: 05/21/12

We had always considered ourselves "Northern" people and had usually holidayed in the forest and lake country of Canada. What a revelation our April-early May trip to this cottage was. The property itself is several acres of desert land, no less beautiful than that of the nearby Saguaro Park East, where we hiked most mornings around sunrise. We know that many people from our area go to Arizona in the winter as "Snow Birds," to escape the Northern winter. We found that in April and May the blooming cactus and Palo Verde trees made spectacular landscapes which, from our perspective, were exotic and stunningly beautiful. When not hiking and doing other "tourist" things, we enjoyed relaxing on the numerous chairs by tables that are strategically placed on the property, for viewing the never ending parade of rabbits, qail and small lizards. What a busy and interesting place this is for the amateur photographer-naturalist as well as, apparently, the animals themselves. Although April and May are not the usual times for people to come to Arizona to escape winter at home, we highly recommend it as spring in Arizona is at least as beautiful as any spring that we have seen anywhere. We are left curious about what the summer experience would be like.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Comfort and charm

Guest: Peggy & Vic (Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 02/13/12 Review Submitted: 03/15/12

We spent a delightful month in this Private Country Cottage near Saguaro East National Park. Clean, comfortable and charming describe this lovely cottage decorated in bright southwestern colors. The photos do not do justice to the rooms that are larger than they appear. The kitchen and bathroom are both well equipped and well stocked with paper products and all the necessities for cooking our many meals. We found good shopping within a five minute drive to provide the fresh meals we enjoy. We also ate out a few times at McMahon's Steak House and Luna Bella both on Swan near the Miniature Museum and the Gallery in the Sun. In addition to that gallery and museum, we enjoyed the Centennial Quilt Show near the U of A campus, the Tucson Art Museum, and the Tucson Festival of Books on the U of A campus. Hiking was great in Saguaro East, the Kentucky Camp near Sonoita, and we enjoyed golf at Randolph and 49ers. Sara and Ralph are fantastic hosts who made sure that we enjoyed our stay in Tucson while respecting our privacy.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Best escape from Winter!

Guest: Matt and Cindy (Durango, CO USA)
Date of Stay: 01/01/12 Review Submitted: 01/16/12

The Tucson Cottage was the perfect getaway from the cold, winter weather in Colorado!. The location is quiet and peaceful and the cottage is situated amid beautiful cacti/desert gardens which have numerous birds and desert animals.We enjoyed cycling and hiking in the Saguaro National Park East . Amenities such as grocery stores, coffee shops, and nice restrauants were close by so we didn't have to drive very far. The interior was very clean and creatively decorated with cheerful and bold colors. The outside garden sitting areas were perfect for bird watching, reading, relaxing, and watching the sunset. The Cottage had all the comforts of home. Sara and Ralph were great hosts and we definately plan to return next winter!

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Quiet, relaxing, perfect location

Guest: Neil (Boston)
Date of Stay: 11/04/11 Review Submitted: 11/09/11

I greatly enjoyed my stay in this lovely cottage. Terrific location near desert trails and bike routes, colorful and stylish interior, well equipped kitchen with cooking utensils, blender and coffee maker. Ralph and Sara were great hosts--respectful of my privacy but very friendly and helpful.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful Desert Cottage

Guest: Parrot Lovers (El Paso, TX)
Date of Stay: 06/02/11 Review Submitted: 06/17/11

This cottage is beautifully decorated. The Owners haven't missed a single thing in making a comfortable, well-equiped home away from home. The desert setting is a haven for quail and their little ones. We will certainly visit here again. We were in a convention everyday, so we couldn't spend very much time at the cottage. It was hard to leave it in the morning, and it was so welcoming at night when we returned. Glen & Sharon

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful little cottage

Guest: Claudine H.
Date of Stay: 05/24/11 Review Submitted: 08/05/11

Everything was perfect for us: the inside decoration, the place in the middle of desert vegetation and wildlife, the outdoor seating, the privacy, the surroundings, the calm and being at the edge of the town and the kitchen appliances and dishes! We hope to come back and enjoy the cottage longer.

Owner response:Great having such nice people. Thanks.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Wonderful Place to Spend Quailty TIme

Guest: Catherine & Andrew (Victoria, BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/03/11 Review Submitted: 05/04/11

This was our first trip to Arizona. We enjoyed the cottage. Sunrise and sunset were special times of the day to be outside in the surrounding sitting areas. Lots of birds and bunnies to watch. The cottage is close to many parks, shopping and the sites of Tuscon. Sara and Ralph are excellent hosts. We were so impressed we signed up to come back next year.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Desert Respite

Guest: Paul (St. Paul, MN)
Date of Stay: 03/09/11 Review Submitted: 03/26/11

A great place to fall out. Beautiful location. Description of the property was accurate. Kitchen well-equipped and the house clean and well-maintained. This was a very comfortable spot to enjoy the desert. Saguaro National Park was only a 20 minute walk to a major trailhead. We enjoyed all seven of the special seating areas on the property with views in all directions. We highly recommend this property and will return next year for perhaps a longer stay.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Winter Escape

Guest: Paul (St. Paul, MN)
Date of Stay: 03/09/11 Review Submitted: 03/16/11

A wonderful week in a beautiful spot in the desert. Description was accurate. Wonderful, colorful decor. The house was equipped with everything we needed from kitchen to WiFi to the eight distinct sitting areas on the grounds. Very private setting and the owners were most helpful. The 30 minute walk to the trailhead was a bonus. We will return!!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

The Ideal Setting for a True Arizona Vacation

Guest: Ben and Lindsay (New York)
Date of Stay: 03/02/11 Review Submitted: 03/14/11

We stayed here for almost a week in early March and I can't believe how perfect this little house is. The decor is like what you'd find at a boutique hotel or in an Anthropologie (the store) catalogue! We wanted to do hiking in the nearby Arizona National and State parks, and after a day of being in the mountains, this house was a treat to come "home" to. Everything was thought of by the hosts - who give you your privacy but make themselves completely available should you need anything - from maps and restaurant menus in the living room to crisp, comfortable linens and a kitchen stocked with everything you'd need for a week of cooking (sans the food ;). We recommend this vacation rental 100% if you want to immerse yourself in luxury while surrounding yourself by the true natural beauty of Arizona. We can't believe how lucky we were to have found it - we will be back someday! Recommendations to fellow hikers: King's Canyon Hike and Wasson Peak, Sabino Canyon, Douglass Springs Trail. Must-see: the Sonora Desert Museum + Kitt Peak Observatory. Dining recommendation: 47 Scott.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Private, sunny and immaculate

Guest: Nancy (Seattle, Washingon)
Date of Stay: 02/07/11 Review Submitted: 02/17/11

We had a wonderful time at the cottage in early February, 2011. The listing description and photos of the cottage were spot on. We arrived to an immaculate cottage and reveled in the comfort and convenience of the kitchen, bathroom, easy chairs and queen sized bed. The most wonderful thing about our stay was the privacy and quiet. The cottage is located in "horse country" with larger properties and almost no traffic. Walking our two older dogs on the hard dirt roads was very easy and pleasant. The cottage sits off by itself, with its own gardens and sitting areas. The owners were quick to respond to our questions and maintained a very low profile otherwise. The cottage is convenient to Ventana Canyon Resort, Arizona National and Forty-niner golf courses. It is within 20 minutes from downtown Tucson. Without a doubt, I would recommend this property to a friend or relative.

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, sightseeing.

A beautiful place to stay!

Guest: Lee B1 (Brighton, MI USA)
Date of Stay: 11/13/10 Review Submitted: 11/22/10

What a charming, well-appointed guest house this is! Set in the desert a short ways from the Saguaro National Park and not too far from grocery stores and other amenities, my wife and I awoke each day to the calling of quails and other birds. The hosts are gracious, thoughtful and helpful. We were truly fortunate to discover this lovely casita and will stay here again should we return to Tucson.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Tanque Verde in April

Guest: Picnics (Coast of Washington state)
Date of Stay: 04/26/10 Review Submitted: 05/11/10

The cottage is far enough from Tucson to be sort of rural. There are many birds and cottontail rabbits in the yard and it is very quiet especially at night. We enjoyed sitting in back watching the quail & bunnies tootling about. The cottage is very comfortable and well appointed. Sara & Ralph stocked the tiny kitchen with very good equipment, knives and two ways to make coffee! There are many chairs around the property to sit and enjoy a beverage & the quiet. The east part of Saguaro National Park is minutes away. The volunteer staff are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about good hikes and the flora and fauna. The visitor center is worth a visit. One of the volunteers is a former herpetologist from a large zoo. Sara & Ralph are very helpful and have created a very inviting, comfortable cottage for two. I would love to visit again, maybe in the fall next time.

Owner response:We enjoyed out guests tremendously and they will always be welcomed. Thank you. Sara

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful value and place.

Guest: Bill&Linda (Oregon)
Date of Stay: 04/11/10 Review Submitted: 06/13/10

We stayed here in mid April for a little over a week. We needed the comforts and privacy of home. The owners and the cottage made that all possible. What a great find and value. We'll go back again. The Lanes

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: John & Sue Brophy (Webster, NY)
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 03/13/10

We had the pleasure of staying at the cottage for the first week of March. It is a beautiful Southwestern gem that exceeded our expectations. Our hosts, Sara and Ralph, put a lot of thought & skill into making the cottage charming, comfortable and pleasing to the eye. It has everything you need from a complete kitchen, roomy bathroom, comfortable bed, lovely bedroom and living area. We enjoyed the six outside seating areas, grill and fire pit. We loved the mountain views, outstanding green desert and wildlife. Our hosts were very gracious and insured our privacy. We felt very much at home and hope to visit again! John & Sue Brophy

Recommended for:

Guest: Jim127 (Flat Rock, IL)
Date of Stay: 02/22/10 Review Submitted: 02/22/10

We arrived on the evening of Feb. 17 and left on the morning of Feb. 23. We felt the price was fair, the accomadations were good, and we like the convenience of fixing some of our own meals and being more at home than in a motel/hotel room. We found the hosts congenial and helpful. We like that they are nearby. We had a good trip and have enjoyed the Tucson area. We would recommend the area and the housing here. Jim Bush

Recommended for:

Even Better Than Advertised

Guest: David (Anacortes, WA)
Date of Stay: 02/01/10 Review Submitted: 03/14/11

We stayed here for the entire month of February 2011. The cottage was very completely and charmingly furnished, with all of the comforts of home. The hosts were very attentive to our (few) needs and requests, but never intrusive. The location of the cottage is ideal for visiting the Saguaro National Park (East), just one mile from a trailhead at the northern edge of the Park. Bird feeders outside our windows attracted hummingbirds, quail, thrashers and woodpeckers, as well as rabbits and ground squirrels. Raptors were much in evidence as well. Altogether a very pleasant stay, we would definitely stay there again.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Guest: Anne58 (Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/24/10

I had a great time at the cottage. I came down to do some training on the bike and it was a great location. Close to the park, Mt.Lemmon and grocery store (not to mention coffee shops and everything else!) The cottage is really great! Everything you need and it's cozy with a great view! I also found a laundry mat for $4 I did all of my laundry and it was close by! I had all the kitchen utensils I needed, towels, a cozy bed, and wonderful hosts! I would definitely come back and think it would be perfect for a couple! It's really just a great place to be :). Thank you!

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/14/10 Review Submitted: 01/14/10

In the last few years my husband and I have stayed at several vacation rentals in California and Arizona and your cottage in northeast Tucson is our favorite.It is immaculate, beautifully decorated and the floor plan is open and comfortable. We particularly liked the kitchen, which was equipped with top quality appliances and all the utensils and convenience items that we are used to having at home. The bed was very comfortable with luxurious bedding. I especially loved falling asleep while gazing at the stars.Outside the cabin we enjoyed the birds and wildlife as well as the fire pit, a must for us. And we could always find a place in the sun to sit and relax, another must. Best of all was the location within walking distance to Saguaro East. All this and just a few minutes from shopping on both Speedway and Broadway Boulevards.Thanks Sara and Ralph. We had a great time and we’ll definitely plan another stay, hopefully longer.Bettie Escoubas, Seattle

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/07/10 Review Submitted: 01/07/10

I spent a wonderful, peaceful, restorative week here at Christmas. The house is private, quiet and surrounded by beauty. Everything you need to be self-sufficient is in place, and the hosts have set up at least four beautiful spots to sit outside and enjoy the surrounding park-like natural beauty. Tucson is a great small city, with lots of culture, shopping, natural wonders and good people. My favourite parts of the house: watching the birds right outside my window, watching the sunrise from the bed (and the stars at night), the firepit off the back deck, sunsets from the front deck and proximity to all sorts of shopping and the national park (east). When in Tucson, make sure you visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - it was world class, with flora and fauna displays in a natural setting on beautiful outdoor walkways. Also, visit Tubac, a beautiful, artsy town full of galleries and one-of-a-kind shops, about one hour south from the house. Thanks for a great holiday!

Recommended for:

Guest: Frank & Sue Judnich (Annandale, VA)
Date of Stay: 11/05/09 Review Submitted: 11/05/09

We spent a delightful month at this private cottage close to the Saguaro National Park. The fully equipped cottage left little to be desired. We were able to grill and cook our favorite recipes without a problem. The solitude allowed us to read a few books during our stay. We also enjoyed our morning walks in the area and Park. During which we met several friendly neighbors both on foot and horseback. Also, the night sky is spectacular! We will be back!

Recommended for: