A River Rock Cabin in Cascabel
- Cabin16 sq. ft.
- Sleeps: 4
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Min Stay: 2 nights
Built 100 yrs ago. Sleeps 2 + a double bed in nearby 'penthouse' that's extra $
Bedrooms
Owner
Sue
- Languages:
- english
About Sue
I left the east coast in '94 after a disastrous downsizing of the company I was working for and of course it was a gift in disguise..... once I got my feet firmly planted again. I opened a boarding stable in Tucson and ran that until the city grew too big and close. So I moved out to the wilderness and started over again. It has been such a gift and I don't know that, if I was ever given the chance, I would have thought I would be allowed to choose such a life. The experience has been enhanced by living among a thriving, tiny community of people seeking the balance of what's best for the land and for themselves, making the land and its wild animals an equal partner in the equation. We are doing conservation ranching, preserving an entire canyon while bringing it back from overgrazing, running cattle on range and on irrigated pasture, selling grass fed beef. None of this takes place on this property, but on the thousands of acres of range land and pasture some miles from here. I say this because I've had people ask if there was butchering or branding or whatever going on here. No there isn't. Formerly I was married, living in Conn and eventually divorced and raising a daughter by myself. I worked as a professional photographer for 30 years while also working in printing and publications. My MA degree was from Syracuse School of Journalism. Horses were always a large part of my life, even tho' I never owned one as a youngster but the time came when I had to let it all go. It was only in retirement that I was able to bring these fabulous animals back into my life.
Sue purchased this Cabin in 2005
Why Sue chose Cascabel
When I was looking for property and came upon this place, I was really struck by the old cabin built into the side of the mesa. I could feel its potential and also its history. Once I settled in with the animals, I turned my attention to the cabin and saw, once I got windows in and opened it up, how welcoming it was. As was the land. The land is in one of the last remaining old mesquite bosques, very near the river, surrounded by desert leading up to mountains on both sides of the river. This is like a national park or refuge and is actually being considered for that status.
What makes this Cabin unique
The energy of the surrounding land is palpable. Native ancient populations lived here in great numbers and on the mesa above me is one of the largest documented villages. It is now under conservation easement. Baicatcan. The hiking or riding in the valley takes you into unspoiled deep wilderness. Before I moved out here, each time I visited the valley, I could feel my whole body expand and relax and let in this clean air and wide open space, the amazing quiet and peacefulness. It is possible to do a Spirit walk with some Native American neighbors, if you ask me to arrange it.
Amenities
Featured
- Internet
- Pets Welcome
- Fireplace
- Children Welcome
- Parking
Bathrooms
- Bathrooms: 1
Safety features
- Deadbolt lock
- First-aid kit
- Smoke detector
- Fire extinguisher
- Exterior lighting
Location Type
- Mountain ViewIn the San Pedro river valley with the Rincons and Catalinas to the west and the Galiuros to the east
General
- Telephonecell service is very spotty
- Linens Providedyes, bed made
- Washing MachinePlease plan on using the Benson laundromat
- Fireplaceoutdoor fireplace indoor woodstove
- Parkingnext to cabin
- InternetInternet is available. There is a booster inside the cabin.
- Towels Providedyes
- Wireless InternetThe booster in the cabin/porch will receive the wifi signal
- Wood Stoveyes
- Toilet Paper
Kitchen
- Refrigeratorsmall refrig in cabin larger refrig for long term stays
- StoveNo stove but 2 hotplates which may be taken outside on the porch and plugged in there, as can the electric fry pan. Or a propane 2 burner camping stove is available.
- Oventoaster oven only
- Microwave
- Grill
- Coffee Makerdrip or french press
- Toastertoaster and toaster oven
- Dishes & UtensilsDishes, glasses, silverware and cooking utensils all available. Outdoor fireplace cooking utensils also provided.
- Kitchensmall sink, counters for prep, cutting board
- Kettle
Dining
- Dining Area
- DiningIn colder weather you can eat at the counter in the cabin. Table on the porch ideal for meals and a large table out there can serve as a prep area or craft table.
Entertainment
- BooksThere are books in the cabin and a great library at the Community Center
Outside
- Deck / Patioscreened porch
Suitability
- wheelchair inaccessible
- Long-term Renters Welcome
Notes
- If keeping your vehicle pristine is a priority, you won't like the road dust you gather as you make your way here. I need to emphasize for long term renters... those wishing to stay longer than 3 weeks... that an overnight here is advised. When you stay this long, you will provide your own maintenance whether it be with maintaining the composting toilet or helping to keep up the wood supply for the cabin. I try to stay ahead of need but it is always more fun to do it together.
Policies
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date. 50% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date.
Damage and incidentals
You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.
House Rules
Children allowed
Pets allowed
Smoking allowed - prefer smoking only on porch/outsideprefer smoking only on porch/outside
Max guests: 4
28 Reviews
Great for "off the grid" vacationing
We enjoyed our short stay in this nice secluded little area.
Kathy was here such a short time that I barely had a chance to get to know them. They left the cabin in fine order.
Great little retreat house!
It’s small. But such a great little place with lots of hiking and exploring all around. Sue is super friendly. And Wednesday mornings there’s coffee and breakfast at the community center. Some truly lovely people! I think I may have found one of my favorite retreat spots. Keep in mind, it is a ranch. So your car and clothes will get dirty. But I think that’s part of the experience also.
Eric...sounds like you went up for coffee! Terrific.
Delighted that you were able to really experience the valley besides getting your work done. Do come back! SUe
March 2019
Had a nice time, cabin is central to all the places we explored over the weekend. Would stay again.
Chance to connect with the natural world around you!
I loved my stay at Cascabel. I already had an interest in nature conservation, so I was eager to learn about ways to live in harmony with nature, rather than against it. Sue graciously took time to explain some of the things they do there, and gave me suggestions for how to get around and see the area. It is beautiful countryside, many options for hiking straight from the property. I also loved being around the animals, making my own fire in the stove to heat the cabin, and even managing the compost in the bath house. When you have to take care of all your business, you realize how little you need to survive. If you want to unplug and experience the beautiful world around you, this is the place to go!
May the birds be with you
We are birders. The weather was a bit cold for the birds, but we really enjoyed the solitude of this cabin. Be sure to check out the sunset view from the mesa behind the cabin. Susan provided useful information re trails. We would like to come back in a few months and try the birds again.
Map
The San Pedro River is the only remaining SW river not dammed - as a result, it is the largest migratory flyway in the country. The cabin is located on a dirt road, deep along the river valley, across from the river. The birding is fabulous, as is the hiking or horseback riding, if you haul your horses in. Stabling available on the ranch. The area is under major conservation which has preserved wildlife corridors from the mountains to the river. Bear, ring-tailed cats, coati, mountain lions, desert tortoise, deer... they are all here. A wildlife guide is available for hire for back country exploration.
If you were to hike up Hot Springs Canyon, it brings you through a year-round running stream and to Hooker Hot Springs on the Muleshoe Ranch. This is wild back country and is generally considered to be a very long day hike or an overnight hike. It is possible to have someone meet you and drive you back to the cabin.
Other trips, with back country permits, can take you into the Aravaipa Wilderness.
Of course there's the alternative - sitting on the porch or out in the sun and being quiet and still, separating yourself from the frantic rush of the outside world. Being here is like living in an earlier century.