The Verde Valley/Cottonwood area is an ideal location for experiencing the wonders of Arizona's north central region, including Sedona and the Grand Canyon. And Dora's "High Desert Oasis" is a wonderful home to come back to after a scenic drive or hike or side-trip. But if all you want to do on any given day is to take it easy and relax, the large deck or patio provide comfortable chairs and loungers, mountain views and sightings of hummingbirds, cardinals and other feathered friends attracted to the hanging feeders. Choosing where to plop down with a Kindle reader was often the most difficult decision of the day.
The home itself is warm and cozy with an open floor plan creating a feeling of space, along with much natural light shining through the large windows; windows that bring forth a lovely view of the sunrise and of the Mingus mountains for a treat to begin your mornings. The night sky photos on the walls - taken by the owner and depicting Alaskan northern lights and Sedona red rock formations - are stunning and a reminder of what exists within half an hours drive. (Sedona, not Alaska!) In addition, because the house is perched up high on a large parcel of land, you feel like you are nicely secluded but in fact are only a few minutes from the business district and also old, historic Cottonwood's colorful shops and restaurants.
Everything one needs for a long-term stay is here, including a fully equipped kitchen, laundry room and cleaning supplies, two bathrooms - one with a large, jetted soaking tub - and two bedrooms with plush beds/bedding. One of our favorite amenities is the Weber gas grill on the deck, which we used several times a week.
In sum, Dora has indeed created an "Oasis" in a stunning part of Arizona and we will be back next year to experience it's charms and pleasures. it truly feels like a home away from home.