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Family Style Guest Home On the Creek in Payson, Arizona

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New kitchen appliances.
Huge wrap around couch in the living room.
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Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10232.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Gila County, AZ
  • Mazatzal Casino
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Payson Golf Course
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
    ‪36 min drive‬
  • Payson, AZ (PJB)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

+2
1 King Bed, 2 Double Beds and 3 Queen Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Family Style Guest Home On the Creek in Payson, Arizona

Enjoy a completely unique Payson Airbnb experience in a 5-bedroom creekside guest home on a 3 acre mini-ranch situated on the East Verde river. Secluded, beautifully landscaped grounds boast private creek access, massive lawns for outdoor games, exclusive mini-ranch animal experiences, and onsite, guest-exclusive, 4-seat UTV rentals. A perfect launch point for Rim Country adventure: 20 min to Tonto Natural Bridge; 15 min to Washington Park; 4 min from Water Wheel trail. Top 20 Airbnb since '15.


SPACE: 
We offer use of approximately 1.5 acres of the property surrounding the guest house adjacent to the creek. ~100 yards of creek access and private, seasonally available trout fishing immediately behind the guest home.  Nearest neighbor is the host's home, approximately 50 yards from the guest home. This guest cabin is a two story - offering four rooms with queen or king beds and one room with two double beds (all upscale mattresses), and rooms finished with 'black out' curtains and/or shades with central air and heat to upstairs and downstairs.   The house is fully furnished and outfitted as a full time bnb guest home, and as hosts we are a text away if anything is missing or out of order!


ACCESS:
Our guests have access to a little slice of heaven.  As you arrive, a shared drive-way leads you off of Houston Mesa Rd, past the manager's house, to a private guest house with plenty of parking, wrap around decks, and situated right on the creek.  
"Do you allow dogs/pets?"  We get asked over and over - and while we love dogs the answer is a firm "No", sorry, we don't.  Doesn't matter what age, what kind, or how well behaved.  No pets please, and don't try to sneak them in. It's awkward when we have to say something.


Tight restrictions apply to the numbers of people we allow, even visitor access.  Please review the house rules as we are strict with our "human" guest limit - and in spite of AirBNB saying infants are free, we charge for them, too.  We find children are the most impactful visitors we have from a cleaning and maintenance standpoint.


INFO AND OFFERS:


UTV rentals are provided onsite by a third party, first come first serve basis.  If you're interested - speak up right away so we can reserve them for your stay and ensure they're onsite and gassed up.


We offer professional photography sessions for your family during your stay - as Melisa (co-host) is a 25 year photography veteran for family portraits, headshots, etc.  The forested property and creek are perfect backdrops - let us know if interested so we can suggest what to pack/colors for photo sessions.


If you're interested in meeting the animals, just let us know!  We'll bring out min-goats, our mini-horses, tame chickens, and our pony (rides may be available, just ask).  We'll discuss options on check-in, and are happy to host the meet-n-greet and other animal experiences during your stay - free to guests.


We have plums, apples, and other fruit on the property, cherries, black berries, etc. when in season.  While here, help yourselves only to what you can eat immediately - leave fruit for us and others.  We understand there's nothing like picking an apple and just biting right in - and we love to share so long as it's not abused.


We have a 5 burner family size BBQ grill (propane supplied) ready for your use.  Check the photos for a shot of the grill.


The house is on city water.  Given we also have a well - we get asked allot.


Elk and deer are friends from the forest, and they come in often. You'll hear them at night allot and see them sometimes during the day.  Please don't feed them or pet them - it's against the law, and dangerous as hell. 


Woodpeckers sometimes see to it that you're up a little early - be prepared - we do our best to shoo them off and have installed bird deterrents, but you'll experience them first hand sometimes...  Welcome to the woods.


Some years we provide various outdoor games and toys. Please try to keep the parts together - playing with one horse-shoe guarantees you'll loose any bet, and dampens the fun.


We provide an old school porch swing facing the creek - its a 500 lbs. weight limit.  


We provide picnic tables and many chairs.  Please don't take them off site or break them - and keep outside chairs outside, and inside chairs in.


Lastly, we are an operating mini-ranch and we have a rooster named "Doc" who watches over our 25 or so hens.  Roosters crow, which is part of being here with us.  We provide ear plugs for light sleepers, but be aware.


YOU WILL NOT HAVE CELL SERVICE during your stay in our neighborhood and Internet speeds are limited -- but just down the road at the top of the hill by Second Crossing you can pick up service from most national providers. Wifi Internet is provided, and you are welcome to use cellphone over wifi options. Please note, average Internet speed is ~3-5Mbps.

Property manager

Melisa Chandler

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 and a first aid kit

About the area

Payson

Located in Payson, this holiday home is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Tonto National Forest and Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, while Rim Country Museum and Myra's Art Gallery are cultural highlights. Rancho Tonto Catch-A-Trout and Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery are also worth visiting.
Map
Gila County, AZ

What's nearby

  • Mazatzal Casino - 26 min drive - 21.5 km
  • Rancho Tonto Catch-A-Trout - 26 min drive - 19.5 km
  • Payson Golf Course - 30 min drive - 22.5 km
  • Pine-Strawberry Museum - 35 min drive - 36.5 km
  • Tonto Natural Bridge State Park - 36 min drive - 32.5 km

Getting around

  • Phoenix, AZ (DVT-Phoenix Deer Valley) - 122 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Family Style Guest Home On the Creek in Payson, Arizona pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Family Style Guest Home On the Creek in Payson, Arizona?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Family Style Guest Home On the Creek in Payson, Arizona?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Family Style Guest Home On the Creek in Payson, Arizona located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Tonto National Forest and 12.1 mi (19.5 km) from Rancho Tonto Catch-A-Trout. Banner Payson Medical Center and Mazatzal Casino are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Geoff M.

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

Great place to bring your family.

Property was well maintained, beautiful sounds of the creek during morning coffee. My girls being able to take a pony ride was the icing on the cake. Thank you so much for allowing us to stay at your beautiful place.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L., Phoenix, AZ

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

Truly Magical

This was hands down our top favorite Arizona stay and experience. Tim was so welcoming from the moment we arrived. We felt completely at home in the cozy, yet spacious home that has such and warm and positive energy. The love that has gone into every inch of the property is seen and felt. My 7 year old twins and 11 year old son spent hours exploring the beautiful property, playing in the river, running around in the beautifully manicured lawn, and visiting the animals. The horse trainer, Myndi, and Tim gave my children the most wonderful experience with the horses. We also did a 2 mile hike on the breathtaking Washington Park trail only minutes from the property. My only regret, is that I wish we had booked the trip for at least one more day. We can’t wait to go back! *If you bring your kids in warmer weather don’t forget to pack crocs or water shoes and swimsuits for river play!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Darcy K.

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

Our favorite place to visit

This was our second stay and we had a great time. The house is clean and well-stocked. The owner is helpful and friendly. The property is gorgeous! We played corn hole and pool, and went to nearby Water Wheel Falls. We will definitely be back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gerardo C., Gilbert AZ

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

Great place to stay

Everything about the home was amazing. The host was super helpful. The house was clean, organized, well equiped, and had plenty of amenities available. I plan on making this home a regular yearly visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

derek h.

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

Great Summer/Winter Haven

Large, clean, quiet property right on the small East Verde River. About 9 miles north of Payson in the shadow of the Rim. We got some good snow to play in. The hosts Tim and Melissa were great. Friendly and eager to make our stay the best. We scheduled to meet/pet their farm animals and got good advice on local things to do. We went for the snow, but plan to go again to beat the Phoenix heat this summer and play in the river some. 5 Stars all day.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter T., Queen Creek AZ

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

A Nice Hidden Gem

We just want to say a big thank you to the hosts! The whole experience was wonderful. You can tell they put a lot of thought and love into this adorable cabin and it showed! Everything was available on-site. The host greeted us upon arrival and gave us a walk through and made sure we had everything we needed and answered any questions we had. The following day the horse trainer visited the property where our children were able to ride and walk with the miniature ponies. We also got to see them show off with some tricks! The children were able to pet and feed the goats, and hold the rooster (Doc) and his hens. The drive to town was roughly around 20 minutes, which was perfect when we needed to run to the store. We lucked out with a snowfall so the children were able to play in the snow! We took a short drive up the road to Water Wheel where the kids were able to explore and play! Overall we had a wonderful experience and felt very comfortable. We thank the hosts for such a memorable experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Toby L.

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

Nice and peaceful visit away from the city

We arrived with snow to welcome us. We built a snowman that lasted through our trip, walked the property, welcomed by the owners, visited the farm animals as well as the neighborhood elk family. This place was a nice home away from home. Great recommendations around the area, hiking, exploring and visiting Payson. Enjoy a break away from the city.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Adrian C.

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

Gem of a place

I can't say enough about how much my family and I enjoyed our stay here. The pictures on the website are mesmerizing but I wasn't prepared for how blown away I'd be upon seeing it in person. You'd be hard pressed not to have an overwhelming feeling of relaxation and peacefulness as you sit on the back swing and listen to the stream. My children also left with what will surely be lifetime memories of helping take care of animals and their first ever pony ride...talk about smiles from ear to ear. The home is cozy, spacious and well stocked with supplies and condiments for preparing meals; the wood pellet stove is such a nice touch for keeping the living room warm. The beds were also more comfortable than most hotels I've stayed in. Tim and Melisa are not only exceptional hosts but such great people and we really enjoyed talking with them and learning about the ranch and the surrounding area. We appreciate everything about our stay and look forward to the next time we can return.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rikki H.

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

Exemplary stay

Tim and Melisa are a terrific host. Their house and property is superb and they went above and beyond to make our experience stellar. Will come again and again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Megan B.

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

Beyond Amazing Property & Hosts You Could Call Dear Friends by the End of the Stay!

Words cannot begin to express the impression this place and these people have left on our hearts! Tim and Melisa were such gracious and warm hosts. Their passion for what they do was tangible the moment we stepped foot on the property. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Tim, with his welcoming smile. He made us feel right at home as he gave us a tour of the place. He went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of and knew where to find everything that we would need. Hospitality was top notch! From a basket of farm fresh eggs and some stocked food items in the pantry/fridge, to the cleanliness and high quality beds, linens, furniture, pellet stove, outdoor fireplace, bench swing, etc. this place felt more like staying in a dream rather than your standard rental property. I haven't even mentioned the location yet. What a location! The calming sounds of the river can be heard the second you step foot on the porch or open a window for some fresh mountain air. We witnessed multiple elk enjoying the water, as well as many squirrels, various birds, etc. enjoying the property. We were able to meet all of the animals on site, as well, and enjoyed watching the miniature horses show off their skills. Even though the location is beyond amazing, the house is warm, relaxing, and inviting, and the wildlife/animals are a great bonus, the thing that left the greatest impression was Tim and Melisa's warm hospitality. They will give you as much space as you want, yet they will serve you and go above and beyond to meet your needs while you escape from everyday life. They are also more than happy to engage in conversation, if people are your thing. They both have a great sense of humor and are very down-to-earth people. We cannot wait to return to this peaceful, soul-filling, mountain getaway soon! Thank you so much, Tim and Melisa, for all you gave! We appreciate you more than you know!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Caitlin M.

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

Peaceful retreat with lots to do!

This property was PERFECT for our semi annual family trip. There was plenty to do and it was such a great setting for relaxing and spending quality time together. The property is right on a creek with great seating to enjoy the sounds of nature. Lawn games, and hiking trails nearby. Great hosts. Wouldn't change a thing. Highly recommend this property!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Guadalupe R.

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

Cabin stay

This property was one of the best places we’ve stayed at. The pictures don’t give it justice. I stayed with my family at this property to try to reconnect after losing our sister 3 months ago and it did wonders for our relationship. The property was big enough to give everyone their own space to breathe.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amanda H.

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

A little slice of heaven

We had a great time at this ranch. The property was better then described. Porches galore, Creek access, plenty of outdoor seating, perfect space in the family area for movie nights. The owners also shared the farm with our kids and even let them take turns riding a horse. We were able to use many property amenities like corn hole, bocce ball, pool table. The grill was used almost every night and gas fire pit for marshmallows. We hiked in the forest across the street from the property and found lots of geoedes and other treasures. We saw elk and free roaming cattle while on the property. If you are looking for a place more like staying with family and more of a bed and breakfast vibe. This is the place for you. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lisa O.

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

Best Spot in Payson

We found our place! We had the best time here! Location and property are spectacular. Amazingly comfy beds and all the amenities you could ask for. Even fresh chicken eggs! Tim and Melisa we kind enough I even let our kiddos spend some time with the animals before we left. The next time we’re in Payson we’ll be staying here again!

About the host

Hosted by Melisa Chandler

Host profile image
Melisa and Tim call Whispering Pines, Payson, AZ their full time home base. They live year round on the property in a separate, small, 'country blue' house that's about 40 yards away from where you'll stay, which they call "the big cabin". Tim works as a technology consultant from his office cabin at the top of the property, which is the historical Whispering Pines general store. Melisa is a 25 year photography veteran who now runs the bnb home full time, and shoots photos of guests and locals throughout Rim Country.

Why they chose this property

The property is 3 beautifully groomed and landscaped acres on the banks of the East Verde river in the heart of Arizona's Tonto National Forest. Off the road in the valley by the creek, the land is heavily treed with Ponderosa pine, Juniper, Poplars, Maples, and Sycamores as well as boasting 3 varieties of apple, a plum, two cherry, an almond, and walnut trees dotted all over the property. Combined with wild blackberries growing by the creek and stocked rainbow and Gila trout in the stream, it's a veritable feast just wandering the grounds on any given afternoon. At an elevation of 5400 ft, it's cooler in the summer and offers a snowy playground in the winter, with wonderful, rich yellow and red fall colors in between. Surrounded by the coniferous beauty of the Tonto National Forest and literally miles of accessible public forest lands and trails, the property is a hiking, fishing, and off-roading heaven for those who love the outdoors.

What makes this property unique

Catering to groups and families, the large, creekside home offers 100 yards of private access to the East Verde river, with two great fishing holes on the property. While water levels vary, the house is below the local springs and has water running in all but the driest of years. Arizona fish and game stock the creek with rainbow or Gila trout, and when the fishing is on it's a spectacular set up!

The home is on an operating mini-ranch with American Mini-horses in residence, a beautiful pony, mini-goats, and chickens that produce fresh eggs provided to guests on arrival and during their stay. The Chandlers (owners) enjoy hosting animal experiences for children which include everything from feeding, grooming, walking/leading, and round-pen training activities to hiking forest trails with arguably the nicest and most well behaved mini-horses in Rim Country. Combined with wild elk and other forest animals that visit the property almost daily and a massive variety of local birds from bald eagles to finches and hummingbirds - this is an animal lovers paradise with experiences that last a lifetime.

For the adventurous, the Chandlers offer 4-seater UTV rentals during the spring through fall depending on forest conditions. Ask to reserve one to two off-road vehicles for your group, and Tim is available to provide a full safety kit/emergency beacon and instruction on local trails, even guided experiences if you're looking for the best Rim Country trails and views.

Lastly - why not capture the moment and have your family or group portraits done on the property or in the forest during your stay. Finding the time to capture family pictures is difficult, and Melisa's 25 years experience combined with the convenience of your own home to shower/get ready sitting in the middle of the most beautiful outdoor studio in Payson is an opportunity you should totally take advantage of!

Languages:

English