Just 83 miles North of Phoenix, and 76 miles South of Flagstaff, right in the heart of Arizona sits the mystical, magical Town of Payson. This is a cool mountain town only 1 1/2-hour from the Valley of the Sun, yet literately a world away. Rich in western history, antique shops, museums, art galleries and a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiast.

Payson sits in the middle of the largest Ponderosa Pine Forest in the world, with a pleasant climate and 4 mild seasons, it is the Festival Capitol of Arizona producing over 110 special events throughout the year and just 4.2 miles north of town, and 1.6 miles down a winding country road that follows the East Verde River is PARADISE and the Pond House Cottage.

Across the road from the East Verde River, the pond wall stands tall and majestic, with the Vinca Major, Irises', Poppies and other long-established flowers covering its banks. The 17 mature Weeping Willow trees that circle the pond are waving in the breeze, inviting guests to enter a property that is reminiscent to the Deep South, nothing like what you would expect to find in a desert. Since the property is gated, those less fortunate only wonder what is at the top, although with reservations to be a special guest you can enjoy the patios, trails and gardens around the property with comfortable accommodations in your home away from home.

This property has resort amenities in a quaint, laid-back setting. With all the outdoor use areas, It is more of a destination experience, than just accommodations. Hot tub, sauna, hiking trails, boating and fishing. The pond is privately owned and stocked, so no fishing license is necessary. The East Verde River is across the road from us, so if trout fishing, you will need a license to fish the Verde.

The setting is serene. You can walk around the pond wall and watch the fish, ducks and perhaps a family of river otters come and play in the clear fresh water. Or sit on one of the benches and fish for the "big one". In the late afternoon, you will be lulled to sleep by the waterwheel playing its lazy song as it drops the spring water from the mountain into the pond. The warmth of the sun slipping through the trees, and the slight mountain breeze will work its magic, and the last bits of stress from the city and your nano-second life will dissipate, leaving you relaxed and rejuvenated.

This cozy cottage sits on the banks of a two-acre spring fed fishing and boating pond. You have a full view of the pond, from your outdoor patio, as well as from the floor to ceiling living room windows. Sit in the outdoor living area and have dinner under the stars with your solar lit dining table. Enjoy the fireplace, or the comfortable lounge chairs. Light the firepit next to the hot tub and enjoy our exceptional display of stars while sipping on your favorite beverage. Unwind. . . RELAX.

The property has many patios and sitting areas to hike and explore with magical views and lighting. Enjoy seclusion without being too far from town, only 6 miles north of Payson, and 7 miles from the small town of Pine. There are lots of different restaurants in the area and you will always find a treasure or two in our many antique stores.

The cottage is stocked with lots of complimentary items for your enjoyment. Pastries, chips, cookies and snacks. Beverages include soft drinks, beer and wine. Breakfast items include, cereals, boiled eggs, assortment of cheese and crackers, milk, orange juice, pineapple juice and tomato juice. There are also some meat tray items and other surprises. We are more fitting to a Bed and Breakfast. You will find everything you will need for a perfect getaway in your pantry.

Don’t forget your swimsuits for the private hot tub and the infrared sauna, a real treat after hiking our private Stairway to Heaven trail to the top of our mountain where you get a view of the box canyon we live in, and on a clear day the Mogollon Rim.
Rockhounds will want to look for arrowheads, geodes or crystals on the way down.

Owners live on the property to make sure everything is maintained to perfection. Because the property is so large and sprawling there is lots of privacy for the guests.

A treehouse that also sleeps two is available for rent on the property, but they are not close together as you are on almost 7 acres. Good accommodations for family members or close friends traveling together. It is very unusual to have guest at the same time.

Because the pond is not fenced, like a pool and the size of a small lake, children are not allowed on the property. Because there are ducks, geese and other birds that live here, along with a cat and a dog, we do not allow guests to bring their pets. We have an age limit of 21 for booking and staying with us for insurance reasons.