Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Master
1 Queen Bed
Tower Bedroom
1 King Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub
Bathroom 2
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area
About this property
Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show
Just 10 miles and 100 years from downtown this newer adobe home built in the classic Tucson styles offers an authentic Tucson experience. Passing through the entry of the Starlight Casa you cross a gateway between past and present.
The Starlight Casa is a reminder of yesterday and a harbinger of tomorrow incorporating modern passive solar design with ageless building practices originating in Babylon at the dawn of civilization. Though built with all the modern comforts of the present, the Starlight Casa is a portal into the past providing a sense of what life was like for Tucson's pioneers.
Who Else Wants to Feel Like a Pioneer without Sacrificing Comfort?
Then book the Starlight Casa and travel between eras enjoying the best of both incorporating creature comforts of the present while respecting and accentuating Tucson's original architectural elements.
Because you’ve read this far, you deserve a truly authentic Tucson experience, and you’ll find, as you read the entire description, even more...
Since this is your holiday, your big break from life as usual, you’ll notice this property listing isn’t a few, measly sentences, haphazard room pictures, & a list of features looking just like every other listing.
This is a description more worthy your time, and ready to transport you to another. You may notice as you’re reading that you mind wanders… …picturing what's in store for you during your stay at the Starlight Casa.
You'll be ensconced in an intimate canyon setting studded with massive boulders.
It's the perfect peaceful retreat or a catalyst for tales of adventure. Evidence of Tucson's storied past surrounds the property. The abandoned gold mines in the canyon walls are reminders of hopeful miners from a time long since past. Perhaps you’ll be the next guest to find pottery shards from an earlier civilization along the wash immediately behind the home.
From several points on the property you can… Feel the Peace from the White Dove of the Desert…
You'll enjoy panoramic views of the mission with its white towers reaching skyward from the surrounding fields. As you look upon the mission from this rare vantage point, you’ll be looking back in time… …back to the birthplace of Tucson. The White Dove of the Desert, the San Xavier Mission, is Arizona's oldest intact European building. Returning to the Starlight Casa you can experience some of these original architectural elements inspired by the mission.
You can imagine Apache scouts atop the stone towers.
The canyon provided the ideal location for the Apaches to stage multiple raids upon the mission. Visitors from both near and far find the canyon and it's rich history a magical almost mystical place blending past and present in a vortex of time.
Prior to construction the site hosted a sweat lodge conducted by a Native American medicine man possessing an M.D. and Ph.D. Recently an owner of an adjoining vacant lot brought their newborn to the canyon for a naming ceremony ritual. If the location has this much appeal to natives, how much more magnificent will it be for your vacation?
Without this invitation you wouldn't find this place. There is a secret garden quality to the entire canyon hidden from prying eyes unless you know where to look. Even the artisans involved in the Starlight Casa's construction often commented that they never knew this place existed although they'd been in the area for decades.
Others tell stories of how they used to ride their horses all over the area yet somehow missed this place never knowing it was ever here.
Be Among Those Privileged Enough to Gain Passage...
…and you too will understand why everyone who does, feels happier and better for it.
There are 139 ageless building principles used in the design of the Starlight Casa that together form a language that speaks to you about the harmonious connection between yourself and nature. The canyon wildlife continue to use the same winding paths all around the home worn into the earth by earlier generations.
Often the local desert denizens visit the patios such as the desert tortoise shown in the property photos. Think about it…
Why Go on Safari when the Safari Can Come to You?
Multiple covered, outdoor seating areas connect the home to it's surroundings. The South facing back patio utilizes strategic design to maximize the sun's location in the sky throughout the year to allow for sun soaked winter afternoons and shady summer mornings. Sheltering the patio is Beehive Peak shaped by primordial winds and now home to a variety of wildlife.
While appreciating the ancient origins of the canyon walls you may be distracted into the present by coyotes scouting their next meal, hawks tending their nest high up on a craggy cliff face, or catch a glimpse of the javelina (ha va leena) returning to their beds where they lay together in sprawling pig piles. They look like hairy wild pigs but they're not pigs at all. Instead they're peccaries from South America.
Spend a late season morning on the North porch with a cup of complimentary coffee or tea and listen as the dawn chorus of the birds greets daybreak in celebration. If you're really lucky you might witness the rare and some say sacred dance of the cottontails where bunnies spring into the air kicking their heels skyward in pure joy somersaulting their tiny bodies before once again becoming earthbound.
After a full day of sights, you’re invited to turn your gaze toward the heavens from the rooftop deck as twilight blankets the night sky and…
Enjoy a 4th Dimensional Experience…
…as you look deep into the past over the infinite reaches of space seeing billions of stars as they looked thousands of years ago whose luminosity travelled at the speed of light to greet you in just this moment.
It’s this view that generated the name Starlight Casa.
Just as the Pioneers Who First Settled the Area…
...stone was gathered from the location for the foundation and the walls forged from adobe blocks molded from the sands of time. In accordance with tradition the patio wall follows the contours of the land creating a 'wild run' that merges into a living fence made from ocotillos that grow profusely throughout the desert.
Occasionally the ocotillos of the fence appear as though their time has passed. Sporadically throughout the year they produce dark green leaves and flame orange blossoms that lick the sky encouraging rains that like a fountain of youth turn back the clock.
Authentic Tucson architectural design elements appear to slow time until inside the home where state of the art appliances allow you to prepare a warm meal in minutes. Don't be surprised if you never have to adjust the thermostat since the natural building materials combined with the high ceilings moderate temperatures providing unsurpassed comfort while reducing allergens inside the home.
You’re one step away from a truly authentic Tucson experience. There is a first come, first serve policy for reservations so you only have a small window of time to reserve your dates for this life altering and time twisting vacation before someone else.
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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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number 21522400
About the area
Tucson
Located in Drexel Heights, a neighbourhood in Tucson, this holiday home is in a rural area and near theme parks. Sewailo Golf Club and Cinemark Century Tucson Marketplace are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Saguaro National Park and Red Hills Visitor Center. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at AVA Amphitheater or Tucson Greyhound Park. Relax and indulge in the area's winery tours and health/beauty spas, or seek out an adventure with mountain biking and mountain climbing nearby.
Mission San Xavier del Bac - 10 min drive - 8.3 km
Getting around
Roy Laos Transit Center - 18 min drive
Tucson Station - 24 min drive
Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 25 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K - 8 min drive
McDonald's - 5 min drive
Circle K - 7 min drive
Circle K - 7 min drive
Circle K - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show?
As of 9 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show on 17 May, 2026 start from S$271, 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 Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show located?
Located in Drexel Heights, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Tuscon Spectrum, Casino of the Sun and AVA Amphitheater. Casino del Sol and Sewailo 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.
Such a beautiful desert location! This unique home is very clean, cared for and well appointed. The front porch is a good place to listen to the birds in the morning. We will rent this home again.
We truly enjoyed our time there, fantastic location (tucked away in a canyon yet very close to food markets etc). The home is very well equipped, we were able to have our holiday dinner there and were not missing anything! Beautifully furnished and decorated Arizona style, very spacious and comfortable! Hosts shared info regarding how to enter and were available. HIGHLY recommend!
This Property is awesome! My wife and I spent Thanksgiving week visiting my daughter who lives in Tucson. We had 6 adults over for a wonderful Thanksgiving meal, the kitchen, dining area and porches/patios allowed 8 of us to enjoy the day. The Tower bedroom is awesome as we let our daughter use it several nights while staying with us. You should book it... you won't be disappointed as it's clean, has all the amenities and comfortable to stay at.
We try to stay at this property every time we come to Tucson. It is a beautiful home in an amazing setting - clean and well-maintained.
Tony H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Oct, 2025
Thank you so much for choosing to stay with us again Tony. It means the world to have you all back for your fifth visit! We’re thrilled you continue to enjoy the home’s beautiful setting and well-kept spaces. Guests like you make hosting such a pleasure. We hope you’ll keep coming back to your Tucson home away from home!
Everything was perfect for 2 seniors looking for a relaxing week in a beautiful place. The house itself had so many unique features and we enjoyed and appreciated every one. The surrounding area was private with stunning views in every direction. We are not party people but it's close to the city if you want nightlife. I would stay here over and over if I could.
Carol J.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Oct, 2025
Thanks Carol! Sounds like you felt the magic of the canyon that we do every time we visit. The serenity of the location makes you forget downtown Tucson is only 20 minutes away. We’d be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another relaxing stay!
Loved the charming house - spacious, nicely decorated, and well equipped.The location was quiet and scenic - convenient to trails and outdoor activities. We really enjoyed our stay.
The house was very comfortable, clean and architecturally interesting. We really enjoyed it. The location is AMAZING. We were in Tucson to bird and were outside at sunrise each day to experience the
How was very clean and well kept. All of the pictures of the property were true and accurate. The host was easy to contact--we contacted them by phone. This was the first VRBO we have rented where the residence had enough clothes hangers for all of our gear! Awesome. The residence was far enough away from the city where you could hear nature in its entirety which is what we wanted. If I had to pick a con about the residence, and this is a stretch, it would be that there is another rental property located immediately beside this one. The pics are well taken and do not show the other home, but it is about 30 feet away. Fortunately the family that was staying next door was quiet. In closing, the house was beautiful, clean, and the landscape surrounding the house was awesome!.
A F.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Nov, 2025
Thank you for the thoughtful review and for choosing to stay with us. We're glad you were able to listen to the uninterrupted sounds of nature during your visit. An architect helped us place the home so natural rock formations 3 stories high and a living fence limit views of nearby properties. Our cleaning team will be glad to know their work and the small touches made a difference.
Home was neat, clean & well stocked. Finding it was easy, 1/2 mile gravel road really gets you into the mountains. Hearing the coyotes sing was wonderful, loved it!
Amazing comfort.Amazing views. Amazing home. Very clean and everything we needed for the stay. Thank you so much for making this a very memorable week.
My husband and I enjoyed our two week stay in this charming house. Outstanding location! Beautiful views from every window. So quiet and peaceful, unless the smaller Casita right next door owned by the same people is occupied!
This home is absolutely beautiful and tucked into the mountains. The front, back and rooftop views are spectacular and relaxing, and you’re only a few minutes drive to great restaurants, groceries, hiking and more!
It was amazing to look out and see the mountains, cactus, love the land scape nice patios front and back and roof top
To enjoy the sunrise and sun set
Close to town
Very nice comfortable home
Our family of 5 had plenty of space to hang out and we thoroughly enjoyed the lovely views around the property. Having multiple porches made it easy to find a shady place to hang out. Everything met our expectations and we would be happy to stay here again.
Even better than the pictures! We were in Tucson to drop our only son at U of A and I knew I would need a peaceful place to rest and recharge. The home is beautiful and the surroundings are magical. We had everything we needed, comfortable beds and plenty of towels, extra blankets etc. Every thing in the home was clean and well maintained. The location was only a short drive to anywhere we needed to go and we had no issues navigating the dirt road in our rental sedan. We also appreciated the welcome basket and chips and salsa! The only thing I would point out to potential renters is that the inside staircase for the upper bed and bath is a tight spiral and those with any mobility issues may have trouble. There are of course two bedrooms and a bath downstairs so it's not really a problem but good to know ahead of arriving. Overall, I would happily stay again and recommend to others.
Jodi M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept, 2025
Thank you so much, Jodi! We’re happy to hear the home gave you the peaceful recharge you were looking for during your trip to Tucson. We’ve had multiple professional photographers try to capture the house at its best. We carefully chose the top shots from each and they still fail to capture the magic of the place. We’re also glad to hear the improved dirt roads and the new recycled asphalt driveway made for smooth, easy access in your rental sedan. Thank you as well for pointing out the spiral staircase. We like to remind guests there’s also a traditional stairwell to the 2nd floor for added convenience. We’d be honored to host you again anytime.
About the host
Hosted by Andrew F
Why they chose this property
Even now nearly 14 years later I still remember the first time we saw the canyon like it was yesterday. It was completely by accident. One Saturday I happened to be working as a real estate agent showing a friend homes in the area. Wanting Rhonda to get to know his family better, for the 1st time in 12 years I brought her along on an appointment with me.
In an attempt to take a short cut to the next house we tried to go through the canyon. As soon as I saw the for sale sign, we stopped so I could get out. The place was completely captivating unlike any other I'd ever seen in Tucson after living here for 40 years and seeing more than a 1000 homes in my 12 year career.
After seeing so many homes it was surprising that only 5 homes or so were truly memorable. This was something that I continued to wonder about throughout my time as an agent. What made those few homes so charming?
We were fortunate to win the property from a competing buyer. Since then we've come to regard ourselves as custodians of this valuable resource including the plants and wildlife it is home to. In 2008 during an annual family retreat when we gather together to celebrate the past year and share our visions for the coming year, one of our goals was to build a home that our family could use to carry on our tradition.
For 10 years we had been collecting ideas for our dream home largely from multi million dollar homes throughout Arizona that we wanted to somehow incorporate into our more modest budget.
What makes this property unique
During project planning once again I returned to the question of the source of indefinable charm that only 5 homes in a thousand possess. A builder friend recommended the work of architect Christopher Alexander who studied some of the most loved buildings throughout time in an effort to capture that special quality that makes these structures so appealing.
Alexander ultimately came to describe this quality as wholeness. According to Alexander there are 151 patterns that form a timeless way of building. So far we've been able to incorporate 112 of them. Hints of the pattern language are included with your welcome email. During your stay see how many you can identify.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests