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Artist Zen Retreat in the Heart of Tucson

Photo gallery for Artist Zen Retreat in the Heart of Tucson

Breathtaking living room to take in the cactus garden and birds
Featured home in Tucson home and garden magazine!
Total property is completely hidden and private
Entryway into your retreat!
Entry into paradise!

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor barbecue
  • Fenced yard

Explore the area

View in a map
Tucson, AZ
  • Place, Tucson Botanical Gardens
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Catalina American Baptist Church
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)
    ‪19 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

Artist Zen Retreat in the Heart of Tucson

The moment you drive through the electronic gate you will be transformed by its natural beauty and leave the world behind. On almost an acre in the middle of Tucson, my home is a blend of glass, wood, stone and original art work. My home was built by a very well know archictect of Tucson and was the featured article in Tucson Home And Garden magazine. Southwest meets Asian zen retreat, central to everything. Japanese wood fired hot tub as well as a stone sauna, you will feel as though you are in one of Tucson's high end resorts, but it is your own to enjoy! Completely fenced and private gorgeous mature cactus garden in backyard to relax and unwind. Guaranteed to take your breath away, there is no other home like this in Tucson!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Tucson

Located in Tucson, this holiday home is in the city centre. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Saguaro National Park and Sweetwater Preserve, while Pima Air and Space Museum and Fort Lowell Museum are cultural highlights. Tucson Botanical Gardens and Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium are also worth visiting.
View more Holiday homes in TucsonOpens in a new window
Map
Tucson, AZ

What's nearby

  • Tucson Botanical Gardens - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Catalina American Baptist Church - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Labyrinth - 4 min drive - 3.1 km
  • The Labyrinth - 4 min drive - 3.1 km

Getting around

  • Tucson Station - 10 min drive
  • Tohono Transit Center - 13 min drive
  • Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Monsoon Chocolate Cafe + Market - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Circle K - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Circle K - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Seven Cups - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Little Caesars Pizza - ‬19 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Artist Zen Retreat in the Heart of Tucson pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Artist Zen Retreat in the Heart of Tucson?

As of 16 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Artist Zen Retreat in the Heart of Tucson on 17 Apr 2026 start from £157, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Artist Zen Retreat in the Heart of Tucson?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Artist Zen Retreat in the Heart of Tucson?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Artist Zen Retreat in the Heart of Tucson?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Artist Zen Retreat in the Heart of Tucson located?

Located in St. Francis Cabrini, this holiday home is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Tucson Botanical Gardens and 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from University of Arizona. The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures and Himmel Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 10 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 10 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 10 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 10 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

7.8/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Margaret M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Location
Very welcoming host. Home very clean and comfortable. Beautiful gardens and very artistic home.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dale T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Super place!

We loved it! Nancy's home is interesting, very private, and felt like an urban retreat. She did a great job of welcoming us and getting us comfortable with her home.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May 2022
THANK YOU SO MUCH, RICK! It was truly a pleasure hosting you and Karen! It is the stuff that restores my faith in humankind! You were appreciative, communicative, respectful and fun! Please come back any time, I would love to have you here! Til then, be well, Nancy
Verified

4/10 Poor

Diana H.

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Listing accuracy
The house was full of trip hazards, none of which were mentioned in the house description. The floor levels of the rooms varied from room to room and there were no railings or colored tapes to indicate this, so I fell several times and finally hurt my back so badly that we decided to move out after one week. Otherwise,,the house was as interesting as described, and the plumbing was good once it was fixed while we were there and with our supervision. I wish I could be more positive about our experience. We tried hard to live with the obstacles, wanting it to work, but finally had to give up and move to a hotel. The owner refused to refund us any rent.
Stayed 43 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Celeste R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Artist retreat

This rental is a private, unique and art filled home. There are views of a private cactus garden from every room. The hosts were very easy to contact and responded quicly to questions. I highly recommend this home.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Feb 2024
Thank you so much, Celeste! It was a sheer pleasure to share my home with you. I really appreciate how easy and lovely you were to work with! You were equally as responsive and communicative. You and your family are always welcome! All my best, Nancy
Verified

8/10 Good

Tate P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

This property is stunning with beautiful gardens, a wonderful serenity, and inspiring artistic surprises all around. The house is absolutely beautiful. It was a delight to be here.
Stayed 43 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2023
Tate and Mary, Thank you so much for your stay at the Sweetbird Sanctuary. Erica told me many times how lovely both of you are. I regret not having met you! We are on it to make several changes that you have recommended. Again, thank you and safe travels. If you would like to book next year, please be in touch with me personally for savings! Best, Nancy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
This a beautiful home! A hidden gem! Designed by the architect, Ron Fridlind, every aspect of the house and grounds reflect his unique aesthetic- floor to ceiling windows, stone floors, wooden walls & ceilings, ambient and natural light all seamless brought into relationship through sculptural metal work. Each room is also decorated with a mix of old west artifacts, Japanese and indigenous art. The mix is playful, mystical and just plain fun! The gardens reflect the same aesthetics. Wherever you look there is a surprising element awaiting your eye. The house was spotless and communication was not only easy but personal and kind. One thing to note is that each room is at a slightly different level and the garden path and entryway are uneven so this would not be the choice for those with balance or perceptual issues. This home is unique in the neighborhood, unless there are others hidden away like this is. So be prepared to be in awe when the gates open and you arrive in this little dreamland! Your nerves will automatically reset & you’ll be both charmed and soothed from the moment you step into the entryway.
Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fariba M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A unique home

An amazing home and an architectural marvel. Every morning, I loved waking up to the full view of the garden all around me. We enjoyed the house during our one month stay, and planning to come back again if we can. Nancy and Erica were very nice and communicative.
Stayed 29 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Jul 2023
Thank you so very much for your workability and especially not mentioning the A/C fiasco! You are both so lovely and would love to have you any time!! Your patience was so appreciated, beyond words. My Very Best, Nancy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful desert garden retreat

A beautiful, light- and art-filled retreat with a gorgeous desert garden…in the heart of Tucson. What a treat to stay here; minutes from downtown and easy access to fantastic hiking spots in all directions. The house is a true retreat, with an amazing garden, and lots of beautiful spaces to curl up and read or sketch. The architecture is stunning, and the owner’s warmth and thoughtfulness is reflected in every detail. A true gem.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maryalice B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous Gem

The home and gardens are architectural and design marvels and every inch of the home is filled with artful moments. Nancy and Erica were fantastic to work with and we enjoyed many of their suggestions for dining and entertainment when we weren’t exploring the gem show. They quickly resolved a water main issue and kept us informed. Loved the beauty and the tranquility of the home and setting. Fabulous host and home!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sanctuary In The City

This is a fantastic gem of a property and a host! The property is a large, zen, garden oasis in the midst of the city but with the privacy one typically only finds on the outskirts of town. Half of the plants on the north half of Tucson must be in this garden alone! A woodfired hot-tub overlooks the garden's comfortable living nooks including a banquet table large enough for a gathering, relaxing lounge chairs, serenity placed benches beside saguaros, and all-weather sofas and loveseats. It is a hummingbird paradise! On the other side of the house is an all season screen porch that leads into a like-wise private herb garden and barbeque. Our host Nancy went out of her way to take care of us and teach us about the property! Fantastico!!!
Stayed 17 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2022
Christopher and Shannon, the pleasure was all mine. From the moment I met you I realized you are the gems that were here at the Tucson gem show! You left my home impeccable, did way too much cleaning and I felt so loved when I walked in the house to find your little gift and the way you left my property. Please come back soon, you are always welcome!!!

About the host

Hosted by Nancy Anderson

Host profile image
I am a modern day hunter gatherer of creative pursuits and off the norm experiences.. My craft is jewelry making and folk art and have been lucky enough to make a living as a full time artist for over 30 years. Come explore and relax in Tucson's most creative digs!

Why they chose this property

Breathtaking the moment you walk in! Completely private with huge yard to relax in from a day in the city.

What makes this property unique

Japenese wood fired hot tub and sauna as well as wood fireplaces in dining room and master suite.

Languages:

German
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