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Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

Photo gallery for Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

Property grounds
Exterior
Miscellaneous
Interior
Smart TV, fireplace, books

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathrooms251 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pool
  • Washer
  • Outdoor Space
  • Barbecue grill

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

Welcome to our beautiful and unique family home on three private acres on the east side of Tucson. Gorgeous views of mountains and desert abound and sunsets always provide a wonderful evening show to enjoy from the spacious patio and pool area. An updated and open living/dining/kitchen space brings all the comforts of home.
There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The primary suite has a king size bed and a large attached bathroom. The other two bedrooms in the main house have queen size beds and are just across the hallway from a full bathroom. A private, separate casita off the back patio has a king size bed, walk in closet and full bathroom. Two living areas provide lots of comfy seating for reading a book, watching a movie or playing games. The kitchen is fully stocked and ready for creating delicious meals. A screened-in patio lounge area is perfect for enjoying warm evening breezes and mountain views.
The back of the home shines with a large pool, a hot tub, covered spaces, open areas to take some sun, lots of privacy and, above all, those mountain views! It is quiet and relaxing and, simply, wonderful.
If you can bring yourself to leave the house, activities abound. Shopping, dining, hiking and other local attractions are all nearby. The home is very private and feels worlds away but it is just a few minutes from grocery stores, restaurants and a movie theater. Downtown Tucson, funky 4th Avenue and the University of Arizona are within a twenty minute drive.
Also, since the home is surrounded by lots of beautiful desert, it is important to know that you may see desert wildlife including javelinas, Gila monsters, rattlesnakes, coyotes, bobcats, lizards, tortoises, roadrunners and many other kinds of birds. These desert denizens are exciting to see but must be observed from a distance and left alone.
We invite you to enjoy this "gem in the heart of the desert"

Property manager

Michael Smedley

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool
  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Paper towels
  • Toaster
  • Electric kettle

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided
  • Soap

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Casino nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Recycling
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Unit size: 2700 sq ft (251 sq m)

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 30

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Adult supervision is necessary

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite 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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert Tucson
Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert Private vacation home

About the neighborhood

Map
Tucson, AZ

What's nearby

  • Saguaro National Park - 8 min drive
  • Park Place Mall - 12 min drive
  • Davis-Monthan Air Force Base - 16 min drive
  • Sabino Canyon - 21 min drive
  • Pima Air and Space Museum - 22 min drive

Getting around

  • Tucson Station - 23 min drive
  • Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Bread and Butter Cafe - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert?

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert located?

Located in Houghton, this vacation home is within 3 mi (5 km) of B & B Cactus Farm, Saguaro National Park, and Broadway Trail. 49er Country Club and Forty Niner Country Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 36 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 36 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 36 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cora C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Thanksgiving Holiday
My family of 5 stayed at this Tuscon Gem for the Thanksgiving holiday. The house is perfectly described in VRBO. We comfortably made the house our home away from home as we cooked for Thanksgiving and all meals in the well-appointed kitchen, played games, puzzles, and watched TV together in a room big enough for all of us, and enjoyed the amazing outdoor space as we relaxed into the night with beautiful sunsets. Excellent communication with the host. I wouldn't stay anywhere else if I come back to Tuscon.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Desert Dream
We were a three generational family on vacation for the week and the home was perfect for us. My parents stayed in the beautiful casita, which gave them a litte privacy and my kids played in the pool until sunset. We enjoyed cooking our meals in the well stocked kitchen and eating at the outdoor table. The art and furniture around the home added to the ambiance of being in the desert. The house was very clean,and Michael was easy to connect with. The sunsets from the backyard were amazing and all the different birds were so peaceful to listen to in the mornings. Looking forward to a return visit.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terry S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Dessert vibe
Awesome property in a private setting was a great spot for an extended stay with close friends.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spectacular
Everything about this place was perfect, from the spectacular desert setting to the expertly equipped kitchen. You will not be disappointed.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heidi B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nature with Mountain View’s
This is a fabulous property! My husband and I stayed for a week with our 8 & 10 year olds. My sister joined us for a few days as well and loved having her own space in the casita. The home is beautifully furnished. The property has stunning mountain views and the twinkling city lights were also so beautiful at night or early before the sunrise. Even though it was winter, the kids did cold jumps into the pool and everyone enjoyed the hot tub while watching the sunsets. The wildlife was abundant and we all loved listening to the coyotes at dusk and dawn. The house was so clean and wonderfully stocked with everything you could possibly need. Communication with Michael was fabulous. We truly enjoyed staying at this home for our family vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place!
Really enjoyed the views, and lay out of the home!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Betty Jo B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Top-notch in Tucson
What a wonderful place. The view is spectacular; the home so comfortable AND interesting--full of local art and decor. Nothing hotel-ish here. We drank in the view every morning and evening and loved "coming home" every day after doing some sight seeing. I almost hestitate (but of course I did) to give it five stars because I fear it won't be available if we try to come again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Crystal K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best VRBO we’ve ever had
We do VRBO’s at least a few times a year. With family in Tucson we come a few times a year and this was the best yet. Beautiful views and grounds. The best stocked VRBO- and not yard sale stuff but quality cooking tools, dishes, etc. Beds were very comfortable. Very clean and well maintained. We plan on making this our go to for our future Tucson stays.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patti F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family time
Perfect for a family. Location and size of bedrooms great and wonderful kitchen and eating areas
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deb H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Gem in Tucson
This was our 2nd stay at this incredible home! It is the perfect space for us and our extended family to come together for vacation and not be falling over one another. Nothing beats the sunrises and sunsets from the back patio. Michael and Brian are superb hosts and have the house stocked with everything needed for a vacation away from home.

10/10 Excellent

Dan A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxation in a desert oasis
What a special house, the backyard landscaping, the pool, the hot tub and the views of the desert and mountains were all so fantastic. The house itself is beautifully done with all the amenities and a nicely stocked kitchen. I also loved that I was a 10 minute drive from numerous hikes in Saguaro National Park. Truly a special place to gather with friends/family. Highly recommended.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ronald S., Maumee, Ohio

Liked: Cleanliness
Dessert Oasis
This property is the perfect dessert getaway. Beautiful sunsets, mountain views , a pool, hot tub and so much more. And, close to activities and restaurants. The house was very clean and ready for our arrival. Michael was a great host and was very communicative. The kitchen is well stocked as we cooked several meals during our stay finding everything we needed. Great place to unwind!

10/10 Excellent

Ellen L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing once again!
Tucson holds a special place in our hearts and Michael's home is the cherry on top! Everything is wonderful, no complaints whatsoever.

10/10 Excellent

Larry W., Lolo

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent Tucson Rental
Michael's property is by far the best VRBO rental I have experienced in over 10 years. The views from the deck are incredible, the property is very convenient and at the same time gives you a sense of isolation. The kitchen is extremely well equipped making dinner parties a joy, and all the beds were very comfortable. Our only concern is that this property has varying levels in the home and on the patio, so watch your step. I would definitely return to this property in the future. It is absolutely one of a kind.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patricia C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very comfortable, well outfitted house!
We had a great experience staying in this home. All bedrooms were very comfortable, kitchen well outfitted, hot tub wonderful! Perfect spot to watch the superbowl Bonus, we saw a bobcat, roadrunners and great horned owl in back yard.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda R., Jamaica Plain

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home inside and out.
This home inside is beautifully appointed in a sophisticated but casual style. Sofas, chairs and beds are all very comfortable. There is a variety of styles of original paintings, prints, photos and pottery throughout the house. The kitchen had everything you might need to prepare meals at home. The landscaping around the home - front and back - was diverse and lovely and the view from the back patio provided beautiful mountain views with a variety of seating options in sun and shade. We used the hot tub and it was great. The owner was immediately responsive to a couple of question we had. While a little distant from downtown Tucson, that did not stop us from visiting several times. We also found some nice restaurants nearby, a great grocery -Sprouts, and much to do in the way of hiking on Mount Lemmon which is quite nearby. We highly recommend this property.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janet A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful experience
Beautiful property and home. Great hosts.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura N., Pebble Beach, CA

Liked: Cleanliness
Another fantastic stay!
This is our second stay -- our family loves this home! Some of the things that we appreciate -- the home is really spotlessly clean, it's incredibly well-stocked with everything we need, the hot-tub is perfect after a day of hiking and mountain biking, it's quiet but still close to everything, the open floor-plan is nicely furnished (not old crappy furniture), the outdoor areas are really wonderful...I could go on and on. It really feels like a vacation home and not just somewhere to stay while we're in town, because the home is so well furnished and maintained, and everyone can just relax and enjoy. We would definitely recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Staycation
Enjoyed this "Staycation" with family from out of town for a week. The pool temperature was perfect (85 degrees) and hot tub worked great. This house had all the extras you could ask for. Kitchen was fully stocked and outdoor grill worked well. Located in a quiet area away from the city. You won't be disappointed with this Tucson Gem!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tammi Jo B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home and area!
We were at this property for 3 nights and were so pleased with everything! The home is beautifully decorated, cozy, clean and had all the comforts of home. Kitchen was well-appointed and spacious. The backyard and pool area was wonderful, and the sunsets were spectacular. Our host, Michael, was extremely gracious and responsive. Highly recommend and would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Deb H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Truly a GEM
This truly was a GEM of a property. The house is as functional as it is beautiful - an abundant of amenities!! The inside was impeccable and stocked with necessities as well as comfortable for spending time together as a family. I have never seen such exquisite sunrises and sunsets as the ones that we viewed from the pool area every day. Our son is stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB for the next several years and we will be coming from PA to stay here many more times! Michael was excellent at communicating, very responsive and helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Glenn D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
We could not be happier. The house and grounds are immaculate with everything you need. This was a perfect 5 night getaway before a family wedding. The pool is great. The birding is excellent. We felt surrounded by peace, quiet and nature. The views are spectacular. A perfect rental.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jessi S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property, private setting
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wouldn’t have changed a thing at the property. Michael was excellent at communicating and was responsive and helpful. My husband and our 10 and 13 year old boys had a great balance of hiking and relaxation. The property is close to many trail heads, Tanque Verde Falls and to Saguaro National Park. We enjoyed mornings watching the sunrise from the hot tub and watched the sunset from the same place. Beautiful views! We saw a Gila Monster and other wild life on the property so it reinforced how “in nature” we really were! Our younger son was brave enough to go in the pool but it was still pretty chilly in March. The inside was clean, set up for entertaining our family and we had fun grill dinners in the outside screened in patio. There were games that we played every night, like Apples to Apples, and the kitchen is well stocked. Lots of great family memories made on this trip! Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Kole P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Views!!
Overall this was a great property. It was just what we needed for 8 guys on a golf trip where we just needed the basics. The hot tub was great, views were spectacular and entities were as described. I would recommend for the homeowners a couple of things: there is only 1 tv on the whole property and that is in the common living room area, have a pad installed to get into the house instead of keys and get better markings for the driveway so it is easier to find the house in the dark.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Myron L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Desert beauty
My husband and I stayed here for a month, and we were very glad we chose this property. We have never stayed in a home that was so well equipped and had so many amenities. The mountain views were beautiful and the property was meticulously maintained. The only negative for us was there was no designated workspace. If you need to do computer work, there is no desk. My husband set up a makeshift space in one of the bedrooms. Even with that drawback the rest of the house more than compensated for any inconvenience and it truly deserves a 5 star rating.
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2022