"There is no other place like it," guests write. The casita is four and one-half miles North of Cave Creek Center, sheltered, private, endless long views in which to submerge and let go of your busy self. Hear the sounds of wildlife whilst in the screened-in porch or resting on your private stone patio; let go to the sing/song of quail, dove, finch, woodpecker, cactus wrens, cardinals and hooting owls at night. See stars and breathe the pungent herby smells of the high Sonoran Desert. Thick hand-plastered walls, high vaulted tongue and groove ceilings let in light & air from 5 clerestory windows, two sets of sliding glass doors, French doors & 4 casements that open onto Mountain air & Milky Way views of the Tonto Forest & Spur Cross Conservation Area trails. Simply walk out your door to access walk and bike trails. It is truly Casita de la Luce. The floors are handmade Mexican Saltillo. A walk-in closet lessens clutter, bank of cupboards in the half wall in which to put your things. Even the bathroom's high ceiling is tongue & groove with opening clerestory windows. Step out into saguaro forests & trails. The casita is on a deep Canyon's edge and is filled with custom furniture, a well stocked full kitchen and can seat 5-6 for a sit-down meal. One can stretch-out and nap on the banco. It has a well equipped kitchen with a butcher block table and stools. The Starlink Satellite dish supports WiFi phone calls, streaming and zoom calls. Bring your laptop computer for music and entertainment. There is no TV. Important: The Casita has No Keys. Doors are left unlocked due to the need for firefighters to confirm that homes are empty of people when fire evacuation is necessary (they would otherwise have to break-in to confirm the Casita is empty risking their lives and waste their precious time.) This area is gated. .
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
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Pets
No pets allowed
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No poisons No keys Leave your diamonds at home. We are in a drought and firemen confirm dwelling is empty by breaking in if doors are locked.
No harsh chemicals or poisons are allowed to be used in or outside the property. Example, Clorox, bug spray or powders.
I vehicle per stay unless Ok’d by the host please which I will gladly do on occasions
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2937664vb
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Cave Creek
Located in Cave Creek, this cottage is in a rural area and in the mountains. Cave Creek Museum and Desert Foothills Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Frontier Town and Wild at Heart. Arizona Powerchutes and George "Doc" Cavalliere Park are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with parasailing and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and ecotours.
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
Happy Valley Towne Centre - 43 min drive - 45.8 km
Westworld of Scottsdale - 45 min drive - 39.7 km
Kierland Commons - 51 min drive - 40.8 km
Talking Stick Resort Casino - 55 min drive - 53.5 km
Getting around
Phoenix, AZ (DVT-Phoenix Deer Valley) - 36 min drive
Restaurants
Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse - 13 min drive
Harold's Cave Creek Corral - 13 min drive
Cave Creek Roadhouse - 13 min drive
The Horny Toad - 13 min drive
El Encanto - 12 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is "House of light" 360' views saguaro forests, canyons, mesas & mountains pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at "House of light" 360' views saguaro forests, canyons, mesas & mountains?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at "House of light" 360' views saguaro forests, canyons, mesas & mountains?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at "House of light" 360' views saguaro forests, canyons, mesas & mountains?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is "House of light" 360' views saguaro forests, canyons, mesas & mountains located?
Situated in the mountains, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Tonto National Forest and Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Frontier Town and Black Mountain Trail are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
House of Light is a charming, comfortable and clean casita to relax and call home for a month with beautiful dessert views. Our host was delightful and helped us with anything we needed. We enjoyed our time hiking, relaxing and exploring this beautiful area.
Marsha C.
Stayed 32 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Mar 2026
Thank you Marsha. I just discovered my entire 26 season for rentals was inadvertantly blocked by VRBO.
They need better Reviewers and Tec support.
Safe Travels for you and your family.
Melissa
If it's solitude perched on a desert ridge at the end of a long and winding road you're looking for—you've found it.Whatever expectations you may have, set them aside, charm and surprise awaits. Surrounded with quaint and natural beauty inside and out, the privately fenced casita is everything you need and nothing you don't: One open space laid out nicely with a bedroom alcove, walk-in closet, cozy bathroom, dining and sitting area, fireplace, complete kitchen, screened front porch, 2 sets of Pella sliders, double-French doors, and 5 clerestory windows that open for so much natural light and fresh air you can't stop saying, "ahhh." There is a mini-split for AC/heat IF needed.The quaint and homey kitchen beckons you to stay, cancel your dinner reservations, and open the large dual Pella windows and cook every meal, while you take in the 360deg views of all the pristine desert has to offer. The privacy and solitude 24hrs/day is deafening—out here civilization is a memory—and you can keep it that way, or take a 15min drive into Cave Creek.If it's desert flora and fauna, a million saguaros, canyons, mesas, sun, heat, and stillness you want to drown in—with a perfectly small casita to escape into, complete with a screened-in-porch that welcomes you to nest and let the hours slip away into twilight—this casita of light is for you . Melissa has a heart for the desert that surrounds her and it's an honor to be her guest. She is an endearing host and a genuine delight!
Todd H.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Sept 2025
I was debating whether to continue renting but you two have inspired me to carry on after I saw your post. I thank you both for taking the time to write a gracious detailed review. Best wishes in finding your special Sonoran Desert place.
About the host
Hosted by Melissa
Fifth Generation AZ native. Raised with ethics and must share to be happy and balanced. I designed and built this home more than 40 years ago with my father an incredible human and conservationist of land and animals here in AZ and around the globe. The dwelling is sensitive to surrounding environment and meant to be shared. Very private.
Why they chose this property
I have 13 years of hand written review from my guests in the casita including sketches, poetry & prose. Enjoy the landscape! The way the desert sounds and smells. The quality of the dwelling! All but one review for casita were 5 stars over 13 years. Just one 5 star recent enough to make it into recent reviews apparently. I was in NM with elderly parent for last several years.
What makes this property unique
There is no location that can compete, nothing like it. Views, landscape, furnishings custom made for spaces indoor and out, stunning.