Entire home

Architectural digest in the Sonoran desert

Cottage in Tucson with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Architectural digest in the Sonoran desert

'Architectural Digest' comes to the desert - unique design, at one with nature
Bedroom and seating area, facing acorn fireplace and the desert beyond
Recessed lighting throughout, sliding doors leading to one of two stone decks
Design furnishings - Ghery 'Wiggle Chair,' Poliform queen bed, Wassily chairs
Huge sliding doors lead directly onto covered quartzite stone deck

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2950 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
  • Place, Tucson Premium Outlets
  • Place, Tucson Mall
  • Place, University of Arizona
  • Airport, Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Other

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Architectural digest in the Sonoran desert

This architect-designed original home was completed in early 2013. High sloping ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, polished concrete floors, custom poured concrete feature walls, bamboo drop ceilings, beautiful recessed lighting and myriad 'Architectural Digest' touches make this the perfect spot for the discerning traveller seeking an urbane hideaway in the Sonoran desert.

The panoramic floor-to-ceiling glass walls mean you will be completely in touch with the desert landscape. Saguaros and other cacti surround you. Quail, rabbits, javelinas, coyotes may wander by. You will wake up on the bedroom to the sun rising over the Catalina Mountains to the east and can view the sunset over the Tucson Mountains from the dining area.

Covered quartzite stone decks facing both west and east. Acacia chairs and table on the east deck, bistro table and chairs on the sunset deck. Lounge chairs for sunny afternoons. Driveway parking for one car, a second car can be parked in a pull-out immediately across from the Cottage.

The Glass Cottage comprises two separate units, connected by a covered breezeway.

One half of the Glass Cottage has a Poliform queen size bed; Wassily-style chairs and a Frank Ghery cocktail table and 'Wiggle Chair' in the sitting area facing a working acorn fireplace; dressing room with ample drawers and hanging space; huge two-person glass shower with stone floor and stunning views to the west; vanity area with bamboo sink on cantilevered concrete counter; and a separate and fully enclosed toilet room. Facing east, you will wake up facing the sun rising over the Catalina Mountains.

A few feet away across the covered breezeway, the other half of the Glass Cottage contains the fully equipped kitchen with beautiful tiled countertops; a custom-designed trestle oak dining (or work) table, with 6 chairs; a writing desk; a Danish swivel reading chair and Damson reading lamp; and a flip-down sofa, ideal for an afternoon nap or watching Netflix (provided). Facing west, you'll be treated to the sun setting over the Tucson Mountains as you prepare dinner.

Tucson Glass Cottage shares 3.3 acres with only the owner's residence, some 100 yards away and oriented to ensure privacy for both homes. The Cottage is accessed by a private gravel road, shared only by the owner's home. The acreage is in the center of a group of 6 similarly large plots, far from traffic.

Both shopping and and the magnificent Saguaro National Park are less than 5 minutes away, and it's an easy drive into downtown or the university area. This is the perfect spot for an individual or couple seeking real tranquility and a touch of luxury in a magical desert setting.

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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: 21
Check out before 10:00 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

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Tucson

Located in Cortaro, a neighbourhood in Tucson, this cottage is in the mountains. Funtasticks Family Fun Park and Tucson Indoor Sports Center are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Tucson Mall and Tucson Premium Outlets. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Tucson Convention Center or Sportspark. Practise your golf swing on a nearby course, or enjoy other activities in the great outdoors, such as cycling, hiking/biking trails and horse riding in the area.
Map
Tucson, AZ

What's nearby

  • Tucson Premium Outlets - 9 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Tucson Mall - 15 min drive - 17.8 km
  • University of Arizona - 18 min drive - 23.4 km
  • Old Tucson Studios - 30 min drive - 25.7 km
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - 33 min drive - 29.9 km

Getting around

  • Tucson Station - 22 min drive
  • Tucson, AZ (AVW-Marana Regional) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪In-N-Out Burger - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Dutch Bros Coffee - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Architectural digest in the Sonoran desert pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Architectural digest in the Sonoran desert?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Architectural digest in the Sonoran desert?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Architectural digest in the Sonoran desert located?

Located in Cortaro, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of Saguaro National Park, Quarry Pines Golf Club and Sportspark. Mike Jacob Sports Park is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 192 out of 201 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 201 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 201 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 201 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 201 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location is very pretty. It was just a great stay. Excellent property excellent management.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved everything about the Glass House! Very quiet and secluded, but only 10 mins from local restaurants. The host and property manager were great to deal with from the start until the end. We will stay again on our next trip to Tucson.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gregory C.

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

Beautiful

The Views were amazing. Really cool place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

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

Always Wonderful

The Glass Cottage itself is a work of art and is situated in a beautiful area with wonderful sunrises and sunsets. Right near Saguaro national park. All the best of Tucson.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

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

Desert oasis

Great modern house immersed in the desert with distant views of Tucson and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Fantastic quiet place to relax and unwind! Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

colleen n.

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

Wonderful

Love love this unique place in desert. The sunrises and sunsets from the patios were incredible.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Deborah O., Saint Paul, Minnesota

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

Fabulous!

This will always be one of our favorites places ever! Stunning, private, and so clean and comfortable, It gave us a great feel for the desert, yet everything we wanted to do was only 20 minutes away each time. Host was great. We can’t wait to return.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tedd M.

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

Glass Cottage

This property is far and away our favorite place to stay! It’s completely original in it’s design and location! A true sanctuary!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Melissa I.

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

A stay in a glass house

We stayed here to visit Tucson. This house is far to the west of Tucson which is not a difficult city to navigate but a city with lots of long roads with lots of lights. I 10 was under construction the entire time making travel more tough. BEAUTIFUL house and grounds!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Margaret L.

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

Amazing sunsets

The glass cottage was just what we needed. Peaceful and secluded. The sunsets were amazing and we had the perfect spot.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bambi L.

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

Fantastic

This property was everything we wished it to be. We look forward to reliving this experience soon.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

nancy n.

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

Wonderful sunrises

Well cared for. Windows all around and sparkling clean
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Angie J.

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

Glass Cottage Awesomeness!

Enjoyed our stay at the glass cottage. It doesn’t get any better than this house. Thank you!
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy B., Natrona Heights, PA USA

Unique, modern, beautiful!

We loved our stay in this wonderful house! So amazing to look out into the desert, watch the sunrise from the bedroom area, and enjoy the bounty of the Southwest. The location was very convenient to the city, to the Sonoran Desert Museum, and to Saguaro National Park. We highly recommend this rental if you are looking for a totally unique experience in a gorgeous part of Arizona!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

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

Beautiful & unique

Lovely lovely space - exactly like the photos. Delightful & very helpful manager, Carella. Would love to stay again. Thank you James & Carella!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shirley S.

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

Beautiful sunrises from the glass house!

We loved our stay in this unique desert glass home! The views from all directions were beautiful in a peaceful setting! Check in with the property manager was very helpful and she explained everything about the home. We loved the location which is close to the bike path and Saguarro National Park! Would definitely recommend this home if you are planning to visit beautiful Tuscon!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

John R.

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

Glass Cottage

Phenomenal property with incredible desert views. Very well appointment with the exception of the Wi-Fi and TV. The TV is small and unable to get Netflix. This cottage would be incredibly enhanced with full-on internet service for stays of multiple days.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie A., Chicago, IL

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

Surrounded by nature

Far west side “glass cottage” situated among beautiful desert cacti. Clean, modern, well-maintained.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kelly N. V., Scottsdale

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

Beautiful Desert Escape

We could not have enjoyed our stay more. The Glass Cottage is a wonderful spot to unwind, relax and take in the desert beauty. We never left the property except to take walks. It's such a serene environment and I so appreciated the architecture and the art. I rarely stay the same place twice but this is likely to be an exception. Thanks for a wonderful getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

caren c.

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

Simply Amazing

We had an amazing time at the Glasshouse. Exactly what we were looking for; private, peaceful, beautiful sunset/rise. Just off the beaten path but yet close to everything. House had every amenity, plus more. We were able to relax and feel right at home. Thank you for sharing your home with us!!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ben J.

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

Glass house

Cool and unique property!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lauren O.

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

Mid-mod desert gem

My wife and I could not have been more pleased with our stay here. The sunsets and sunrises are especially spectacular, and the property itself immaculately maintained and furnished. It feels like living in the not-too-distant future. Highly recommended.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Niki K.

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

Peaceful, unplugged escape

The Glass House was a perfect spot to unplug. My husband and I were looking for a modern retreat close to the trails, and we found it. We enjoyed the ‘outdoor’ shower, the comfy bed, and the sunrises/sunsets immensely. The grounds and property are pristine. The steel and glass design is astonishingly cozy. Despite the openness, it offers privacy.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Michael A.

A Desert Experience not to be missed!

This is by far the best attraction in Tucson! Imagine living in Saguaro National Park, surrounded by saguaro and barrel cacti, cholla and creosote, the smell of desert rain, the howl of coyotes. Imagine experiencing all this natural splendor from the most pristine glass jewel of a house lit by a full moon or a Sonoran sunrise, a house of architectural merit that rewards analysis. I already regret leaving.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2017

10/10 Excellent

Chuck G.

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

Unique House in the Desert

A special place to stay in a desert environment. Enjoyed waking up to the sunrise in the bedroom and seeing the sunsets from the dining room. The house was well equipped - nothing lacking in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry. Local walking was beautiful. Lots of wildlife. Quality blinds would help sunshine glare. House manual was helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

About the host

Hosted by James

Host profile image
Professional who enjoys beautiful and very peaceful surroundings.

Why they chose this property

The perfect mix of the true Sonoran desert experience with easy access to the city and all urban comforts.

What makes this property unique

Peaceful and gloriously natural, yet easy access to urban amenities.

Languages:

English, French, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests