The Canelo House - 1 of 2 Private Houses at Open Cross Ranch
- Minimum stay:Contact owner
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
THE CANELO HOUSE: 2 Bedrooms which includes a bedroom with bunk-style beds to accommodate 4 persons. 1 bath with shower. Fully equipped kitchen. Private laundry room. For those who travel with their horse, accommodations for the 4-legged kind are also provided upon availability at special rates.
THE REAL DEAL.
The historic Open Cross Ranch, located in Elgin, Arizona is an authentic, working cattle ranch in the Canelo Hills. The spectacular 20,000 acres are a showcase of breathtaking views and pristine accommodations. The Ranch was first homesteaded in 1918, and since then the original house and two smaller dwellings have been thoughtfully updated and renovated by owners - husband and wife, Mac & Billie Donaldson. The couple reside in the main house, while the Homestead and Canelo Houses are available for travelers. With panoramic views and spacious areas, the western setting also offers a rich backdrop for various events, including weddings and receptions.
NATURE LOVERS TAKE NOTE.
This Madera oak woodland receives the majority of rainfall from July through September, bringing rolling green pastures and abundant wildlife activity. Every changing season is celebrated here. The higher elevation of 5,100 ft. makes for cooler, greener summers than many of the surrounding cities and towns, while fall and winter are comparatively mild, with a short-lived snowfall now and then. Each season brings unique sights of native fauna and colorful landscapes specific to these wooded grasslands.
HOME SWEET HOME.
Each house is tastefully furnished and decorated with details that make a house a home, such as linens, cookware, dinnerware and more. Each quality item has been personally chosen by Billie Donaldson. Other luxuries include a modern laundry room in each house, and beautifully appointed kitchens. Your comfort and privacy are important at the Ranch. Once you arrive, it becomes your private home to come and go as you please; a 100% self-serve stay. Depending upon the season, you might also find a special selection of herbs growing right on your porch, so you can pick fresh herbs to cook with. Billie’s renowned welcome basket will be waiting for you. She might include fresh eggs from her hen house, seasonal goodies, or other local offerings.
THE GREAT ESCAPE.
The Open Cross motto is, “Unplug and Unwind”. Be prepared to leave city life behind. This countryside property provides private on-site trails for nature walks, hikes, and mountain biking right outside your door. The dark nighttime skies are a stargazer’s paradise, and the magical setting is pure inspiration for artists and photographers. Riding stables are just a stone’s throw, and a mere 4 1/2 miles off of Hwy 83, you’ll find yourself in the heart of some of Arizona’s best wine country. Down the road are wine tastings and tours at Elgin’s nine wineries, many award-winning and well deserved. “Foodies” might also appreciate local organic produce, Farmers’ Markets, and plentiful homemade goods. A quick jaunt to nearby Sonoita and other towns, reveals great restaurants, shopping, historic attractions, museums and more. Throughout the year,“great escape” events are held, such as the Sonoita Rodeo, horse races, food events, county fairs and other community activities. Fishing and water sport enthusiasts enjoy nearby lakes, Parker Canyon and Patagonia.
BEHIND THE SCENES.
Open Cross Ranch is a USDA Forest permit in the Canelo Hills of Santa Cruz County. This year-round cow and calf operation has crossbred cows with Angus and Hereford bulls. Calves are born from April – July and are weaned in the fall. Because of the difficult terrain of these limestone hills, working cattle by traditional horseback is necessary. Owner Mac Donaldson oversees the day to day operations that keep this part of the Ranch's history alive and kick'n.
Keywords: Elgin, Canelo Hills, Sonoita, country house, casita, bungalo, ranch house, guest house, cattle ranch, historic ranch, western, Sonoita lodging, Elgin lodging, Arizona vacation rental, Santa Cruz County, Patagonia, Parker Canyon Lake, Patagonia Lake, Coronado National Forest, Tubac, Tumacacori, Sierra Vista, Tombstone, Bisbee, Patagonia, Fort Huachuca, Kartchner Caverns, Elgin wineries, Elgin vineyards, hiking, biking, birding, horseback riding, Parker Canyon Lake, weddings, events
Property Type
- House
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
Amenities
- Air Conditioning
Other Amenities
Communications
Activities
- Hunting
- Water Skiing
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Spelunking
- Wind-Surfing
- Golf
- Rock Climbing
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing
- Shopping
- Horseback Riding
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Sight Seeing
- Antiquing
- Boating
- Horseshoes
- Wildlife Viewing
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Easter Weekend
Easter Weekend
- Guest Judy
- Date of stay 04/07/12
- Review Submitted 05/20/12
Over the Easter weekend, we were invited to spend the holidays with our son's family and enjoy the Easter egg experience with our 2 year old granddaughter. It turns out our daughter-in-law's parents live real close to the Open Cross Ranch, and we needed to find a place to stay for the weekend. We were pleasantly surprised when we pulled up to this beautiful ranch. It's located at the very bottom of the Canelo Hills, which is National Forest Lands, and the views are breathtaking! There are 2 houses that are available to rent, and we stayed in the Canelo House, which accommodates 6 people comfortably. The home is fully furnished, and we were greeted to Easter Candy, fresh eggs from their farm, home-baked cinnamon rolls, and fresh water. The owners, Mac and Billie Donaldson, are friendly people who will do everything possible to make your stay an enjoyable and relaxing one! When we come to visit this area in the future, we are planning on bringing our other 2 grandchildren. They love the ranch-type atmosphere and would enjoy playing in the fields and watching the horses and chickens. This ranch is convienently located close to Sonoita and within an easy driving distance to Tucson and Patagonia Lake State Park if you like to hike, fish, or just enjoy the views. In fact, after I posted some of my pictures on Facebook of the ranch, the sunset, and mountains nearby, one of my friends who will be coming to Tucson early next year for a niece's wedding from Hawaii, asked for additional information on these facilities. In addition, if someone has a big group up to 14 people, they could actually rent both homes and have a wonderful experience. My husband and I don't hesitate a moment in recommending this ranch if you are wanting a relaxing and enjoyable stay in Arizona. Phil & Judy Dubiel Scottsdale, AZRecommended for: Families with young children.
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Excellent Get-Away on a Working Cattle Ranch
Excellent Get-Away on a Working Cattle Ranch
- Guest EmilyB
- Date of stay 02/11/12
- Review Submitted 02/13/12
My husband and I stayed at the Canelo House on the Open Cross Ranch this past weekend and we absolutely loved it. The owners have done an excellent job renovating an historic ranch that has been around since the 1800s. They have the right feel for mixing vintage with modern to create a perfect environment for relaxation. We particularly enjoyed hearing stories about their family experiences working and ranching on the land. Open Cross Ranch made us feel right at home with a basket of fresh fruit and chocolate, as well as a small basket of high quality loofahs and lotions. The bed was cozy and warm in spite of the nip in the air, and the views were absolutely spectacular.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, adventure seekers.
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The real deal
The real deal
- Guest Colie
- Date of stay 11/05/11
- Review Submitted 11/08/11
Recent stay was wonderful and the accomodations are excellent. Brought my mountain bike and would recommend future visitors to avail themselves of the trails as they offer a wide range of hills, flats and washes with spectactular vistas and roaming cattle. If you prefer hiking, these trails are great. Owners are both terrific and have thought of everything. I plan to return as often as possible.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, adventure seekers.
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Rates
Open Cross Ranch Private Guesthouse - "The Canelo" January 2012-January 2013 $195/nt / $1,000/wk (6 nights) Rates do not include sales tax. Rates are subject to change. Contact the Ranch for directions and/or a map. (Recommended check-in by 3pm. Check-out 3pm.)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
This owner accepts: Credit cards.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Calendar
Sorry this information is not available. Please contact the owner/manager for more information.
Owner info
About the owner: The Donaldsons have been ranching in Southern Arizona for four generations and have a strong tie to the land.
Why the Owner Chose Sonoita:
Open Cross Ranch abides to personal ethics of conservation and sustainability. The original homestead property is a prime example of western heritage and hospitality.
The Unique Benefits at this House:
The charming Canelo House has everything you need to make yourself comfortable "at home". It's the perfect home base for the many activities in the surrounding areas.
The Ranch is private but still convenient to nearby Sonoita, and is central to nine vineyards & wineries, riding stables and more. The property is vast and provides beautiful wilderness trails for exploration.
Contact us
- Primary: 520-455-4603
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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The Canelo House at Open Cross Ranch
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Picture perfect views surround the Ranch.
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Enjoy southwestern charm and comfort.
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This listing was first published here in 2011.
Date last modified - Friday, May 24, 2013
520-455-4603