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Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises

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Pool
Exterior
Pool
Pool
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Dryer
  • Hot tub
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Mesa, AZ
  • Usery Mountain Regional Park
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Salt River Tubing
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Superstition Springs Center
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

2 Queen Beds

Common area 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises

Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Pool, Train & Tortoises

Escape to a private desert casita on 2.5 acres with palms, aloe, and mountain views. Enjoy a pool, hot tub, playground, grill, patio, and even a child-sized train. Inside, find a newly remodeled space with two queen beds, sofa bed, full kitchen, and washer/dryer. A family of red-foot tortoises lives onsite & loves leftover veggies! With its quiet setting, private entrance, and incredible stargazing, this is a one-of-a-kind Arizona retreat. Just three houses from the vast Tonto National Forest—larger than Yellowstone—you’ll feel immersed in the Arizona wilderness while still enjoying the comforts of home.

The property is alive with nature. In spring, hummingbirds flock to the thousands of aloe vera blooms and will often zip right up to greet you—sometimes even following guests around the garden. At night, you may hear coyotes howling in the distance, while javelinas, desert quail, and other native creatures wander across the land. For those who love adventure, bring a blacklight and discover the glowing scorpions that make their home in the desert.

The grounds are lush with life: over 300 palms create a tropical oasis around the sparkling, fenced pool—ranging from towering California palms to rare and exotic varieties. Cacti, succulents, and flowering plants add to the beauty, while a living ocotillo fence frames the casita. In winter, you’re welcome to pick fresh citrus straight from our lemon, orange, and grapefruit trees.

Almost completely surrounded by mountains, the property offers sweeping views and an unmatched sense of privacy. This is not a subdivision—you’ll discover the quiet, unspoiled spirit of old Arizona here, with the desert and its wildlife as your closest neighbors.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Take out the rubbish
Please take out the garbage to the big bin outside by the patio.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
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
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

About the area

Mesa

Located in East Mesa, a neighbourhood in Mesa, this holiday home is in the mountains. Revel Surf and The Boardhub are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Superstition Springs Center and Gilbert Farmers Market. Travelling with kids? Consider AZ Ice and Arizona Museum of Natural History. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Mesa, AZ

What's nearby

  • Usery Mountain Regional Park - 7 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Salt River Tubing - 7 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Painted Mountain Golf Club - 8 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Las Sendas Golf Club - 10 min drive - 7.9 km
  • Superstition Springs Center - 10 min drive - 12.4 km

Getting around

  • Superstition Springs Transit Center - 13 min drive
  • Mesa, AZ (MSC-Falcon Field Municipal) - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Mr. Brews Taphouse Red Mountain - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Senor Taco - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises located?

Located in the mountains, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Usery Mountain Regional Park, Salt River Tubing, and Granite Reef Park. Tonto National Forest and Augusta Ranch Golf Club are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

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. 35 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 36 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Crystal H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a beautiful, peaceful stay. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

ashley t.

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

Amazing

Absolutely amazing property. Very kid friendly even all us adults had fun. The casita was clean and much bigger than I expected. Plenty of room for everyone. Host was quick to reply and check in was very simple. Highly recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane R.

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

Comfortable Casita

Great place to stay with all the hiking, biking, fishing, and outdoor activities you could ever want nearby. We found all the amenities we needed in the Casita, and enjoyed our time here.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa F.

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

Chill stay

My partner and I had a great stay with Andrew. The location was good, and we really enjoyed the pool and hot tub. It was fun seeing wildlife around the property, and the place had a lot of unique character. The only downside was that the shower was very small—my partner is large and he could not fit comfortably. He had to do some sink bathing.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joshua W.

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

Amazing

Like the title says. Will definately be back if they continue to share this place. Highly recommend if youre looking for a private quite oasis!!!! Thank you!!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexa M.

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

Weekend getaway

Very nice place to stay. The owners were very helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emily H.

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

Wonderful family getaway!

The casita, pool and property were all amazing, we all had a wonderful time. Host was easy to work with, we will definitely stay here again when we can. Thanks so much!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allie L.

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

Absolutely perfect

Very great stay! Enjoyed every once of the property and the pool was amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jayme L B.

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

Fun place!!

We have two boys (11&8) ad we had so much fun here. The house was clean and there were a few small touches that made it so welcoming. The communication was great and we will be staying here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

KIM M.

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

Family in Apache Junction

We were here to visit family in Apache Junction and the Casita was 5.5 miled away. It's in a beautiful location at the base of the hills. The Casita was perfect for our needs and clean. The beds were very comfortable! The citrus trees and cactus on the property are beautiful, as well as the brick work and play area for children. We will definitely stay again on our next visit.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennafer H.

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

Great experience

Quiet area, perfect size for our family
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia S.

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

Another great stay!

We love this property! We had a family pool party and the pool area was perfect, everyone really enjoyed themselves. The wildlife was on full display, we loved watching the cottontail bunnies, a javelina family with babies, and the quail with their tiny little ones. One of our favorite things about this property is the remoteness, it is very peaceful and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joe and Evelyn L.

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

Beautiful, quiet, and peaceful

We were looking for a place where we could have our dog roam and explore and this place delivered! The casita itself is beautiful! Very spacious and clean. The hosts were very responsive. We will definitely be back in our trip to Mesa. 10/10 all the way.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

T K.

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

Cool property; pool, tortoises and train rides

My family loved staying here. Owner is super cool and his imagination is apparent in the property he’s building up. Cool location close to salt River
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Danya

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This was so fun and perfect for my kids who really enjoyed the tortoises, pool and train. It’s usually a struggle to keep them busy and this was fantastic. Communication was quick and easy, location was perfect near shopping for essentials. My husband and I and two kids never felt cramped, and the casita was stocked with all the things we needed. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

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

Restful stay

Everything was as listed. Very convenient location as it was both close to the mountains and the 202. The owners were pleasant and accommodating. The unit was well stocked in paper products and basic needs. We loved visiting the tortoises!
Stayed 31 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nikki F.

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

Wonderful experience

Everything was clean and updated. The owner was very accommodating for my husband and l and 2 doggies. We would stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rivka L.

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

Rachel

Cute place Very clean Extremely comfy beds
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Drew M.

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

Salt River fun

The property was great. The place was super clean and well set up for guests. Loved the pool and hot tub. The turtle encloser was awesome. It's just down the street from the river. We will be staying again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia S.

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

Beautiful property!

The Casita was awesome and so very clean! We loved the property's uniqueness. It had a working kiddie train, which my grandkids loved along with a train tower overlook. So cool, fun and it has beautiful views! The property is close to freeways but has a remote feeling that we loved. We will definitely stay again. Thanks Andy!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Trinity S.

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

Beautiful and quirky!

Upon walking in we were pleasantly surprised by how much larger the casita is in person versus in the photos. The property is absolutely GORGEOUS with so many fun gems throughout. And the owners allow you to roam and check it all out! Perfect for a quiet getaway with or without children. The train was a hit with the younger members of our party. Highly recommend. 10/10!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy H.

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

Cozy

Great experience with my stay, my doggies loved it and it was nice for one person. Lots of critters around the property. Couldn't tell if the hot tub was operational but I didn't end up using it. A bit small, the shower especially, for more than one person to stay. Pool wasn't heated. But I would stay here again. I intended to use the grill but got too busy. Love this area of Arizona!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Ruth

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Communication
It was a nice and spacious for a one bedroom. I did not care for the ants and other insects that came out at night seemed to love the bed. The owner/manager was not responsive to emails in a timely manner.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashlee A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

About the host

Hosted by Andrew Colburn

Host profile image
I’m originally from the Midwest where I owned rental property. I did all the maintenance, remodeling, and special requests from my tenants. I enjoyed renting apartments, but find doing short term rental to be so interesting and exciting. You get to meet new people on their vacation and time away from their homes. I’m made so many great connections with guests.

Why they chose this property

My wife Candace and I feel in love with this property because of the location, size, public schools, and activities that are close by. Living in Northeast Mesa we have just a short drive to parks, the Salt River, saguaro lake, horse ranches, restaurants. All of that and we aren’t too far from Tempe, Pheonix to be able to see sports games, consorts and plays.

What makes this property unique

Our property is unique because of feel remote with the access of grocery stores, malls, restaurants, recreational activities all being very close. We have a mall sized real child size train you can ride on. We have 7 red foot tortoises to visit and feed. You can also enjoy the pool along side dozens of varieties of tropical plants. Also help your to picking citrus in the winter.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests