Ranchito Paraiso: Pet-friendly Oasis in the Desert

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Sectional couch that makes two twin XL beds plus Smart TV

Kitchen area to the right with dishwasher. Stovetop but no oven.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 432 sq m

Popular amenities

Outdoor space

Washer

Parking available

Barbecue grill

Pet-friendly

Kitchen

Explore the area

Benson, AZ

San Pedro Golf Course

8 min walk

Benson Hospital

5 min drive

San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Museum

5 min drive

Sierra Vista, AZ (FHU-Sierra Vista Municipal)

43 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Living Room 1

2 Single Beds

Main bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

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

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Kitchenette

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Hello All!

I'd like you to meet Kassandra, a gorgeously and lovingly updated Royals International Emissary 40ft RV, nicknamed “the micro mansion,” a pet-friendly elegant desert getaway in a secluded ranch setting, yet just 3/4 mile north of I-10. Enjoy high speed Wifi, peaceful views, free parking, and a majestic agave garden that attracts dozens of species of birds. Come here to work remotely, create, or relax. Or why not a combination of all three?

If you choose to book, thank you for supporting a female-owned small business. Each booking helps care for our rescue animals (donkeys, potbelly piggies, goats, dogs, and a peacock). Please note: We do not accept bookings for longer than 14 days.
We are a farm stay, and out donkeys, goats, piggies, and peacock roam freely during the day, unless guests request they be contained. Keep pets on leash at all times and please don't feed the donkeys and peacock.

You will love Kassandra! She is more than an RV – she is an experience! Spacious and elegant, she can sleep 4 guests. We welcome up to two well-mannered pets. Just three minutes north of the freeway, but seemingly a world away, you will be able to enjoy our desert sanctuary with all the comforts of home, wrapped in a colorful Mexican blanket snuggled by the firepit with your favorite beverage for a relaxing night under the stars.

Breakfast items wait for you in the fridge so that you can enjoy a leisurely morning in one of three outdoor seating areas (or you are welcome to walk around the land, sit on a bench by the corrals, and watch the donkeys and goats munch on their hay while you sip your morning beverage). We provide:

 Freshly ground organic coffee (decaf also available) and a selection of
teas and honey
 Half and half, organic sugar
 Sparkling water and our delicious Artesian well water
 English muffins, butter, French jam, cheese, and fresh local free range
organic eggs.
 A pantry stocked with some food items in case you arrive late and
restaurants are closed (I do suggest stopping by Safeway to pick up a
rotisserie chicken or pizza and salad fixings – an easy meal with more
time to enjoy the space and relax).

Right away, you will notice Kassandra’s character and charm, from her artistic interior to her desert agave garden and surrounding mountain views. Kassandra is a well-appointed home:

 High Speed Wifi
 Two couches convert to two XL twin beds and the bedroom sports a
comfy queen-sized memory foam LUCID mattress (with 1200 count
freshly laundered Egyptian cotton sheets).
 Washer and dryer onsite with laundry strips and Mrs. Meyers Dryer
Sheets.
 Smart TV with complementary Hulu, Netflix, and Prime
 Fresh, plush towels, shampoo, shower gels, lotions, soaps, conditioners,
and more.
 Fully stocked kitchen with all you need to cook your own stovetop
meals:
o Organic extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic, a variety of spices
o Pots and pans and all you need to cook a meal as if you were at home.
o Electric pizza oven, toaster, drip coffee pot, dishwasher, microwave,
electric kettle, full-sized fridge and indoor dining area for five that
doubles as a workspace with stunning views over the pond and
Mesquite bosque. Mesquite BBQ available upon request - we provide
the wood.

If you are on the road looking for a brief two night stopover while heading to another destination or coming to our Ranchito for a peaceful extended stay to enjoy local attractions, you will truly enjoy the vibe. Our guests have stated repeatedly that their stay on the Ranchito is a memorable, unique experience.

If you book through instant book and plan an instant arrival, I will need a two-hour window If you contact me after regular check-in hours (4pm). Kassandra is not rustic, she is elegant, and as an eco-conscious space, the bathroom features a Swedish Separett State-of-the-Art odorless dry toilet, not a flush toilet, which is very simple to use. Longer stays will require the toilet being serviced every 5-7 days.

Ranchito Paraiso has beautiful views and country living in a ranch setting, although the town of Benson is but two miles away. We have ample free parking for multiple vehicles with room for UHauls, trailers, and more.
The San Pedro golf course with Benson City Grille and dog-friendly patio is just around the corner. The concept for Ranchito Paraiso is to be a retreat/sanctuary for life voyagers, digital nomads, artists, writers, poets, musicians, composers, yogis, dancers, rescue animals, and kind folk.

If you are traveling with horses, cows or livestock and have your own portable panels for a temporary corral, you are welcome to set them up on the property. There are trails to ride in the immediate vicinity.

Thank you for reading and we hope to see you here!

Cheers,

Kareva and #RanchitoKids
Donkids: Fiona, Haiku, and Isla Preciosa.
Naughty goaties cutie patooties: Harley and Quinn.
House Piggies: Sir Benjamin (Ranchito Piggie Ambassador), Mr. Jonah, and Winnie Daniella (a.k.a. Miss Winnie Dee).
Pupsters: Kloud, To’a, and Leela .
Sonoron Desert Tortoise: Miss Izzabella.
Our latest addition: Sir George Azul, the Ranchito Emissary Peacock.

(Ranchito Paraiso LLC, AZ TPT 21336263)

Property manager

Kareva Allain

Premier Host

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Similar properties

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Parking available

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 12:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Well-behaved, tidy kids graciously welcomed

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)

Well-behaved dogs on leashes welcome.

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

No smoking of any kind in unit

Keep dogs on leash away from main house and Ranchito animals. Clean up after pets., including mud. Dogs cannot be left alone tied up or locked in RV.

No goats in the house. Keep furniture covered to protect from pet hair. Remove shoes before entry. Do not feed donkeys and peacock.

Be respectful of the land. Follow toilet instructions as provided.

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

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

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 fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

Property Registration Number 21336263

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Benson

Located in Benson, this mobile home is in a rural area and in the mountains. San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Museum and Gallery of Dreams are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Gammons Gulch and Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate. Singing Wind Bookshop and Vega–Bray Observatory are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Benson, AZ

What's nearby

San Pedro Golf Course - 8 min walk
Benson Hospital - 5 min drive
San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Museum - 5 min drive
Singing Wind Bookshop - 7 min drive
Kartchner Caverns State Park - 14 min drive

Getting around

Benson Station - 4 min drive
Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

‪Route 86 Cafe - ‬6 min drive
‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
‪R & R Pizza Express - ‬5 min drive
‪G & F Pizza Palace - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Ranchito Paraiso: Pet-friendly Oasis in the Desert pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Ranchito Paraiso: Pet-friendly Oasis in the Desert ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ranchito Paraiso: Pet-friendly Oasis in the Desert ?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Ranchito Paraiso: Pet-friendly Oasis in the Desert located?

Situated in the mountains, this mobile home is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from San Pedro Golf Course and within 3 miles (5 km) of Benson Hospital and San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Museum. Singing Wind Bookshop is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) away.

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Teresa H.

2 Aug 2024

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

My 1st VRBO experience

I was met upon arrival by Kareva and her friend. I was happy to meet them, but didn't get a chance to talk much as my dogs had been in the car for so long and were excited to get out. Hectic, but no fault of Kareva's by any means. The property was clean and inviting. I had a short, 2 night stay and really only needed a place to shower and sleep, but everything I could've needed otherwise was provided. The property does get muddy after rain (it rained both evenings!) and my only suggestion would be that a boot/shoe scraper placed outside would help quite a bit with that. She did provide slippers, but one.of the two pairs were both meant for left feet. Ha! I used them anyway. While I think the property is great, it's probably not best with dogs as you will be trying your best to keep it clean each time they go out if it has rained. Also, as she has animals, there is a gate that you'll have to open/close each time you leave/return and when they're not in the corral, it can be a bit hindereding. Kareva was extremely communicative and it was my phone that wasn't always getting the notifications, again, no fault of her's. All in all, I'd stay again, without my dogs as it'd be so much easier. I can't thank her enough for allowing me to stay with them and accomodating me. It has been a rough couple of years and I needed a getaway, however short it may have been and I certainlu won't forget her kindness and proffesionalism! Thank you again, Kareva!

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen R.

14 Apr 2024

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

Couldn't have asked for a better place to stay!

Two friends who love dogs, animals and rescue work had the pleasure of staying here. Along with Rumble, our dog, we were warmly welcomed by animals and Kareva. We loved the unique property and home. Everything a visitor might need can be found here along with a host that is friendly and communicative. We marveled at how Kareva not only decorated the home but found the space for all the amenities. If you want a comfy place to stay with sweet 4 legged neighbors, this is your place!

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bobbi Jo D.

16 Mar 2024

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

AMAZING!!!

This place was our best choice for our whole road trip! Karissa(the RV) was done up so cute and very clean. The yard around her was super cute as well. And the animals, they were so neat. Woke up one morning to be greeted by the donkeys right by our front door. The peacock was one of the most beautiful ones ever and he knew it posing for me to take pictures! And Kareva, the host, there are no words to describe how awesome she is! So friendly and helpful. She takes the time to make her guests feel so comfortable. Excellent communication. One of the best hosts we’ve ever had!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela

11 Mar 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicky R.

6 Feb 2024

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

Home away from home!

Kassandra was a lovely place for us to stay especially after days of visiting the Tucson Gem show. Coming 'home' to see the welcome committee of donkeys and goats was such a treat. We love animals. Kareva was a thoughtful host and I really loved visiting with her. I would highly recommend a stay in Kassandra!

Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

phylis M.

25 Oct 2023

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

Sweet "RV Casita"

This was such a fun stay. Our "RV Casita" was roomy and cozy in design. Kareva provided fresh local eggs, muffins, milk, fresh ground coffee, and a bottle of red wine to welcome us! The goats, donkeys, pigs, and dogs were an added treat. We loved having our morning coffee and reading our books at our little table in our garden area. If we ever get to Benson again, we will definitely be staying here.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Loretta s.

16 Mar 2023

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

Great get away

The property location was perfect to visit old friends and explore. We were busy everyday ,there is so much to see and do in the area. The Caverns are a must, lunch in Tucson at elCharro a must, Saquaro National Park a must, I could go on but do your research and stay long enough to take it all in. Coming back to Kassandra every evening for a nice glass of wine and a rest to plan the next adventure was always a great way to end our day. Thank You Kareva

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Krista

8 Mar 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

An absolutely unexpected gem in the desert! Wonderful lovely hosts and extra stars for the animals on the property. Kassandra was well appointed and very comfortable. Outdoor space was especially relaxing. We are already planning our trip back!!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie S.

16 Mar 2022

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

Comfortable, wonderful hospitality

Kassandra had a very comfy bed and everything we needed and then some. There were farm fresh eggs and english muffins in the fridge and a lovely bottle of wine. Kareva had food out for the birds so we added 8 new birds to our life list on our first morning! Kareva's hospitality really made our week-long stay feel like home!

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christina V.

1 Dec 2021

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

Affter Holiday Getaway

We wanted to get out of the city and get a place where we could see the stars (which we did!) Kareva was great! She welcomed us warmly, even though there was a slight miscommunication with our arrival time. She made sure we were all set throughout our stay. Kassandra was more than what we couldve asked for. Clean, full of amenities, and full of character. They provided so many little extra details and goodies that really made them stand out. We also loved that we could bring our dog along. We would definitely recommend and hope to be back!

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Casey K.

8 Nov 2021

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

Perfect stay

This was the perfect size for what I needed, and stocked with breakfast, dinner and basic needs for the four day stay I was doing. The owner was kind and communicative. Would love to go back.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michelle B.

25 Oct 2021

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

Great getaway with family

Our family of 4 took a weekend trip away from our typical norm. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay which was so different from our usual. We had a great time and the property owner was so awesome. My kids enjoyed exploring all the amenities in the RV. My girls bonded in the evenings watching movies. Would recommend to anyone who loves glamping.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

David

14 Sept 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

Property owner very nice. The unit itself is very quiet and comfortable. Bathroom is rather a tight fit. Overall this is a good place to rest up and relax.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie D.

16 July 2021

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

Delightful!

If you are looking for a peaceful desert setting less than a mile from town with lots of birds, lizards and bunnies to watch then this is the place for you. Don't let the fact this is a 5th wheel deter you from booking- its a lovely space with a classy fun decor and is very comfortable and cozy. It was a treat discovering all of the amenities and surprises inside each drawer, cabinet and cupboard thoughtfully placed for our convenience and pleasure. I cannot think of a single item that wasn't available. You could literally bring a change of clothes and not need anything else. Really amazing! A hundred times better than a hotel! We enjoyed the private outdoor space every morning and well into the evening. Thank you Kareva for being a marvelous hostess and for creating the Karavan.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joleen R.

3 June 2021

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

Lovely stay

This was such a fun experience! Kareva, the host, is attentive, friendly, and responsive. She even had a little gift for our son when we arrived. The caravan is very well-stocked and comfortable, and the property is beautiful. We will definitely be back!

Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michelle S.

14 Apr 2021

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

Just what we needed

Cozy and so welcoming.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Marilee L.

14 Apr 2021

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

My getaway

My dogs and I enjoyed staying at this unique property. We rather liked staying in the 5th wheel - plenty of space to relax, and all the comforts of home! The hosts were so nice and helpful. I would definitely stay here again!

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

janet B., Tombstone

30 Mar 2021

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

Wonderful experience!

My sisters and I had a fantastic stay! I've never experienced a more stocked location. You could forget your food and have a meal with what's in the RV. Wonderful and thoughtful host!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kelly G.

8 Mar 2021

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

Adorable!

I'd forgotten how little hot water is in a camper! We adjusted our shower routine accordingly! Owner gifted books for my kids, had beer and wine, croissants and butter, coffee and creamer, etc. She went above and beyond to make the place home for the week!

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2021

8/10 Good

Annette W.

7 Feb 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Charming Desert Retreat

Perfect place to take a breath and relax. Owner attention to little details was priceless.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

signe w., Austin

8 Sept 2020

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

Artsy accommodations

This was a fun and kinda quirky desert getaway. I appreciated the owners good communication and the art details in Kassandra

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Eva F.

11 July 2020

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

Stay was fantastic

Great experience, property was super clean. Owners was very helpful and friendly. Had a great time.

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kaila W.

8 Mar 2020

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

Visiting Dear Old Friends

First time using HomeAway. If you want a welcome including hosts that provide wine, beer, chocolate, breakfast treats, and, the warmth and welcome you’d receive from dear old friends, stay here! A unique and peaceful oasis in the beautiful Arizona country.

10/10 Excellent

Rachel H.

19 Feb 2020

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

Desert Dream

Wonderful! Kareva was so kind and welcoming, and the RV was spacious, cozy, clean and stocked with everything we could ever need.

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany N.

20 Jan 2020

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

Hidden Gem

We had a wonderful stay! The accomodations were fully stocked and the hosts were so lovely...It was so nice that they went out of their way to make us feel at home. We will definitely recommend to friends and look forward to staying again!

About the host

Hosted by Kareva Allain

Welcome to Ranchito Paraiso! After a long career as a professor (Cultural Studies and French), translator and Tahitian dancer/choreographer/artistic director, I now call Southern Arizona home. I was raised with Polynesian hospitality, and my idea for Ranchito Paraiso is to create a calming, reflective, welcoming space for artists, musicians, writers, poets, teachers, travelers, my sweet rescue aninals, and kind folk. I have lived in several countries and love to meet people from all walks of life. The Ranchito is my fulltime small business and your comfort is very important to me. Let me know how I can personalize your stay. Once you enter Kassandra's door, you are home for the time you are there - and we become neighbors - so let me know if you need extra eggs or sugar or a particular baking pan and I will do my best to make it happen :). Feel free to ask as many questions as you need before your arrival (from tourism to wine to hikes to desert dwelling and beyond :). Let me know your expectations and I will see what I can do to accommodate your needs (One guest was driving through with a Jersey cow, so we quickly turned our carport into a stall :). I wish you all the best in all your creative, professional, personal and traveling adventures and I thank you for checking out Ranchito Paraiso. I know you will love Kassandra as much as I do. I renovated her with love with all my future guests in mind. Enjoy your stay! Kareva.

Why they chose this property

I fell in love with this property as soon as I entered the gates, although it was a rundown foreclosure at the time. I had a vision of quitting academia to create a retreat-type space with quirky units, each with a unique personality and a name. We will be holding happy hours, live music and art events - and who knows, maybe karaoke under the stars or open mic or a spoken word poetry night? With the help of friends and volunteers from Workaway and HelpX, I have managed to DIY my way through this dream (oh, and with the help of Youtube as well :). We upcycle, recycle, repurpose as much as possible with a strong sense of aesthetic, color and décor that is greatly influenced by my multi-ethnic background and experiences. I love the 360 mountain views at the Ranchito, the fabulous sunsets and sunrises, the blankets of stars under the night sky and all the trees and succulents. The Ranchito is a work in progress, and I am excited to share this special space with travelers and artists.

What makes this property unique

The Ranchito is a welcome retreat for all who enter the gates. We are very unique, not only due to the artsy spaces and peaceful surroundings, but our donkeys, piggies, adn goats tend to be the stars of the show. Let us know if you'd like to hang out with the donkeys, piggies, and goats - they are very social, and love to hang out during morning coffee or happy hour. They are part of our family, so they roam the land freely all day. We put them to bed at night. The donkeys are in their corrals, the piggies sleep inside the ranch house on their doggie beds and the goats have a comfortable little house in the backyard. If you prefer for them to be enclosed during your stay, no worries. Just let us know if you'd like to engage with them. You will experience all types of amenities, including a washer and dryer, a fully stocked kitchen (cooking supplies, spices and some goodies in the pantry) and bathroom vanity (first aid supplies, toiletries and things you may have forgotten at home). When you open the fridge, you will see complementary breakfast items, such as English muffins or Croissants, strawberry preserves and cheese plus organic free range eggs, butter, organic coffee, creamer, organic sugar and honey, teas, and sparkling water. After a long journey, we want you to sleep in, relax and sip your coffee or beverage in the morning while enjoying the vast array of beautiful birds (including a family of cardinals), that call the Ranchito home. We have puzzles, coloring books, books, movies and art supplies for the kiddos. We are pet-friendly. We have board games, streaming services (Hulu, Netflix, Prime), musical instruments. and over 100 DVDs. We host art events and live music at the Ranchito. It is a special place, indeed. Once you enter the gates, you are home.