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Historic home close to UofA private pool and spa in a magical garden 4 BR/4BA

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Pool large enough to swim laps.
Breakfast in Tucson...
We've kept this lawn, for now. We love it, as do kids!
The long porch faces east and has a great view of the Catalina Montains!
Two outdoor dining areas, for 6 on the front porch, and for 10 on side porch.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 8204.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Tucson, AZ
  • Tucson Botanical Gardens
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • University of Arizona
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Tucson Mall
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Baby crib

1 Single Futon and 1 Crib

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Guest house bedroom

1 King Bed

Living Room 2

1 Double Sofa Bed

Living Room 3

1 Double Sofa Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

Master Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

4 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Guest house Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Historic home close to UofA private pool and spa in a magical garden 4 BR/4BA

Welcome to your home away from home !

Our charming home is centrally located in Tucson, 10 minutes from the University of Arizona. Yet, it is entirely walled by a 7 foot fence and remote controlled entrance gates, offering a secluded and safe heaven in town.
Within the walls, our large magical desert garden has 3 majestic ancient saguaros, a variety of olive, citrus trees, and roses.
The porches give you plenty of spaces where you can gather, sit, relax, work, dine etc while watching our many birds's hotels and enjoying the mountain views.
At any moment, you can swim in the blue saguaro pool, or enjoy the jacuzzi! The large pool, big enough for laps, is designed to safety codes with surrounding fence and closing child-proof 5 and under gate.
And all this is within minutes of supermarkets, restaurants, downtown, U of A, racquet and gym club.

In the house, you'll be able to enjoy the luxury memory foam beds designed for a perfect sleep, and a well supplied kitchen (We like to cook).

The property has a main house and a guest house.
The main house has two master bedrooms, each with a king bed and its own attached bathroom with shower. There is a smaller bedroom with a queen bed and closet without an attached bathroom. However there is a third bathroom with its own shower off the living room. Each bedroom has its own door that opens on to the front or back garden.
The guest house has a king bed, living room with its own cable tv, outside sitting area, and kitchen (refrigerator and microwave and seating area). It has its own bathroom with shower.

The house sits on a little hill and is completely surrounded by a seven foot fence, so it floats somewhat above the neighbourhood and gives unobstructed views to the north and east of the nearby Catalina mountains and foothills. It gives a truly unique experience of an 'old Tucson' gem in northeast central Tucson with a feeling of security and privacy.

Sit on the front porch and enjoy the view of the Catalina Mountains, or take a dip in the luxurious stone-decked pool.
The giant saguaros, with their many birds and hummingbirds of all colors, are the main attraction of the garden (and one of the main reasons we bought the house!) They are ancient and majestic, and 150 years old plus. The saguaros and mediterranean trees, orange and lemon trees and roses invite birds of all sorts to this quiet natural sanctuary, where all the best Tucson attractions are at your fingertips. Bird seed provided and we encourage the guests to feed the birds.
There are various sitting areas around the property, including a sitting area in front of a Mexican cheminea for outside fires. Wood is provided, mesquite, eucalyptus, and white pine.

The pool and oversized jacuzzi can be heated upon request and subject to weather conditions for an additional charge. In the wintertime we advise just heating the jacuzzi. We stop heating the pool on November 1 through March 1 as the nighttime temps are often below 40 degrees, even though the days can be above 70 degrees! That's the desert. The charge to heat the jacuzzi is $40 per day, the pool $60 per day. These are billed as supplemental invoices after a booking is completed and are charged in advance.

The side patio has a Weber propane grill and bar/seating area for dinner parties.

50 channels of Cox-provided cable television, broadband WiFi throughout the property, and a CD/tape stereo are provided, along with a decent library of CD’s. There is a large private library stocked with a variety of nonfiction and fiction titles. Not to mention a sizeable collection of Betty and Veronica and Archie comic books for the young ones.

Nest thermostat controlled heating/air conditioning in the main house via a powerful Trane HVAC .
EV charging capability inside gates. 240v nema 14-50 outlet

The house was a ranch, constructed in the early 1940's, when this part of town was still completely undeveloped with giant saguaros and became part of an artist's colony.
As Tucson evolved, the artist's colony was subdivided, but this property remained a rare 2/3’s acre lot that preserves a secluded desert feel right in central Tucson !

We have kept the Tucson spirit alive in the house with antiques, art, and a garden that still has a wild character. Native creosote bushes abound on the property, which many developers used to just tear up. They are now protected and give the garden it's unique smell during rain.

Ideally located just minutes from the University of Arizona, La Paloma and Lowes Ventana golf courses, the Tucson Tennis and Racquet Club, Refkin Tennis Center, Gem Show and Spring Training venues, it is also close to some of the city’s best restaurants and shopping places.

Tucson is becoming a bike city, there are dedicated bike paths everywhere. The house is 5-10 minutes from the Riilto Wash bike path, the longest and most known bike path that cuts for 15 miles plus through the center of Tucson and then loops all the way around Tucson for serious bikers. We find biking on the streets around the house and over to the shopping/restaurants on Campbell very easy as the streets are unusually wide and have very little traffic. Its a 15-20 minute ride to the University of Arizona campus. A cyclist's paradise! Bike to the Riilto Park Saturday farmer's market or to the Roasting Sage Coffee shop (voted best in town!).

Select grocery shopping at the Rincon Market /AJ's/Trader Joe's and the city’s best farmers’ market at St. Phillips Plaza. The new (and massive!) Whole Foods at River and Craycroft is 15 minutes from the house, and also reachable by the Riilto bike path. Upscale dining options include Vivace, Hacienda del Sol (voted #1 in Tucson) and Acacia restaurant. And local favorite El Corral. Don't miss the antiques on Country club ..., and Sammy's Sonoran hot dog stand at Country Club and Grant.

Convenient, affordable, and accessible day care options within ten minutes of the address.

Night-life at the historic Hotel Congress, Rialto Theater and Centennial Hall’s fine arts performances will keep you more than entertained. When you’re ready for adventure, take a day trip to Mt. Lemmon, Sabino Canyon or Saguaro National Park.

You will love the confort, privacy, and charm of this wonderful Tucson vacation getaway.

Perfect for snowbirds, families with children, hikers, golfers..
Tucson, vacation, rental, vacation rental, arizona, house, private pool, garden, central Tucson, u of a, ua, charm, confort, family, private, luxury, near university of arizona

Property manager

Robert

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
Unless agreed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Please discuss with us and note pet fee.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is allowed outside on the porch!
We require the VRBO "Verified Identity" badge to book and a follow up conversation with the renter within 5 days after booking.
No parties or entertaining groups over 10 people without permission from the hosts.
We do not accept local Tucson (area 520) bookings without a conversation beforehand with the host.

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
Note from host: Unless agreed
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 20757380

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Tucson

St. Francis Cabrini, a neighbourhood in Tucson, is home to this holiday home. Pima Air and Space Museum is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Sabino Canyon and Saguaro National Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Tucson Convention Center or McKale Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Tucson, AZ

What's nearby

  • Tucson Botanical Gardens - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • University of Arizona - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Tucson Mall - 10 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Rialto Theatre - 11 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Tucson Convention Center - 12 min drive - 9.8 km

Getting around

  • Tucson Station - 11 min drive
  • Tohono Transit Center - 12 min drive
  • Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Little Caesars Pizza - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Culinary Dropout - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Frank's Restaurant - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Historic home close to UofA private pool and spa in a magical garden 4 BR/4BA have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Historic home close to UofA private pool and spa in a magical garden 4 BR/4BA pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Historic home close to UofA private pool and spa in a magical garden 4 BR/4BA?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic home close to UofA private pool and spa in a magical garden 4 BR/4BA?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Historic home close to UofA private pool and spa in a magical garden 4 BR/4BA located?

Located in St. Francis Cabrini, this holiday home is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Tucson Botanical Gardens and 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from University of Arizona. The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures and San Pedro Chapel are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 97 out of 117 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 117 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 117 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 117 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 117 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tina N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Meticulously cared for
Our stay was wonderful! The property is very clean, the home is spacious and very comfortable. The service was top notch. It was very easy to check in/check out and communicate with property management. Thank you!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Dianne F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Beautiful yard!
Great yard and porch. House needs a little updating, but plenty of room for 6 people. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Isabelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A fantastic stay in a feel good home in Tucson
This has been one of my greatest vacation stays ever. The host was very communicative to begin with. Then I discovered that extraordinary place, with a real and beautiful garden, with myriads of birds nesting in the saguaro cactus, and a delightful view on the mountains, yet IN town and not in the far away foothills.The pool was big, very clean, with a nice blue tile cactus in the bottom ; the jacuzzi was also quite spacious.We loved and felt really good in this historic house with a soul and a real decoration with plenty of antiques, which is so rare in rentals that mostly look all alike. We found the house sparkling clean, the beds were hyper comfy and the sheets soft. The kitchen was very well supplied with everything to cook for foodies, and the exterior great barbecue allowed nice diners.I took care of the garden, which is my passion, with the agreement of the owner, and that made my stay even more relaxing.It was a too short stay and I will definitely come back ASAP.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Betsy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise in Tucson
My family and I loved it here and look forward to returning next year. Some of the features we especially enjoyed: The authentic “Old Tucson” feel of the place, like stepping back in time, when life was less complex and one lived closer to nature. Except for the sounds of the garbage trucks and an occasional siren in the distance, one would never know we were in the middle of a bustling city. The old hacienda style house, the garden and century old saguaros, the birds and other wildlife, the veranda, the old but comfy furniture, the art work throughout the house and casita all combined to create a private world of our own to enjoy the peace, beauty and tranquility of this magical place. One afternoon, we sat on the veranda mesmerized by a handsome Cooper hawk, who perched on the rim of the bird bath, surveying “his” territory for over an hour! We couldn't get enough of watching the little bird heads, peeking out from their Saguaro nests, including the woodpecker who occupies the penthouse of one of the cacti and, by the sounds of his rat-a-tat-tat, was in the process of remodeling the interior. Early one morning, two of us spied a bobcat in the neighbor’s tree! Amenities we particularly enjoyed include the fabulous hot tub, the well-equipped kitchen, the grill, the extensive library; the comfortable beds; and the excellent WIFI. A special thanks to our wonderful hosts Toby and Tom, who were very responsive to our questions and needs without being the least bit intrusive.
Stayed 47 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Tucson Retreat
Especially loved the peaceful veranda, which was a wonderful spot to have coffee, relax, and watch the birds.
Stayed 34 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Warren M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Oasis in the desert
Wonderful location and amazing yard. We had a great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephen A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
UofA Graduation
The stay here was excellent. We had family in town for graduation and it allowed us to each have a bedroom and bathroom. The house was very comfortable, clean and as expected. The host was available when needed and responded quickly to our questions. I would recommend this home for large families.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heidi S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Private oasis
The property is sweet you just don’t even wanna leave you can just sit there and it is your own private world.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

mike s., El Paso, tx

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tucson
The place was comfortable we had a good time, the jacuzzi was nice and the grounds were private
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Timothy M., Ann Arbor, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Classic Tucson home w/garden & pool
We loved staying in this classic Tucson home, convenient and comfortable, with a beautiful walled garden, a pool, and a hot tub. The furniture and artwork is all unique and fitting for the Tucson arts scene. We would definitely rent again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sheryl H., San Clemente, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Weekend at U of A
Great! The house and pool were perfect for our stay. but bring your bug spray for the night.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dan F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Still Great
My group has stayed here over five times, and we still love it.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristin L., Seattle, WA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Character abounds in this Desert Oasis
Beautiful desert garden, charming house & secure property....all five-star if you are looking for a home-away-from-home.
Stayed 25 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kathy F., Philipsburg

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home away from home
We love the house and the grounds. It suits us ao well. Toby and Tom are amazing to work with. Its the perfect place for us. Looking forward to our next stay.
Stayed 16 nights in Jan 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Janet K.

This is every bit as beautiful as the photo.
We loved staying in this unique house. There is something interesting to look at everywhere inside. The entire property is beautifully landscaped. Would definitely stay again. Perfect for family reunion!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2017

10/10 Excellent

Deanna P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Veranda
Really enjoyed the pool and sitting on the veranda watching the birds and butterflies. Beautiful landscaping! Even though we had some rain during our October stay, we had a great time with family. I would love to visit again!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Ranch House
Our family has stayed here twice now. The property works well for us, as there's plenty of space for people to spread out. We didn't use the pool, as it was January, but definitely made use of the spa. The long, covered porch was our favorite spot to hang out. From there, we can gaze out on the myriad cactus (including Saguaro) and birds that inhabit them.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Curtis F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Time
This property is great! Completely walled in creating a comfortable private oasis that is also pet friendly. The pool and jacuzzi were clean and comfortable, BBQ area is nice. Beautiful landscaping and art allowing for a fun relaxing weekend! Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donnetta M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place for families and pets
Loved our stay. Completely fenced property that is like a desert oasis right in town. We loved the outdoor desert flora and fauna and the pool area was wonderful- great private stay in a time when we really wanted to avoid being around others due to the virus. Tom, the property manager, was super helpful and easy to work with! We will be back
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Maria H.

Oasis in the Middle of Tucson
Great place! Lots of room. Very comfortable. Perfect for a family. Wonderful grounds with pool and hot tub. Enjoyed sitting out on the patio having coffee in the morning with view of mountains and cactus. Owners were quick in getting back to us if we had any questions. Loved it.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Shawn H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Time
We went to Tucson to visit with our son and his family and rented this house for a little mini vacation. the 5 of us had a great time and just relaxed. The owner was awesome to work with as well as the property manager. The only problem we had was that we had to leave....wished we could have stayed longer.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Tammy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet peaceful beautiful views
If you are looking for a centrally located Tucson property with great views of the Catalina’s and lots of extras this is your spot! Extras include a huge pool, great jacuzzi, wonderful fire chimnea, beautiful gardens, and free standing casita. The house was very clean and 4 full baths was a bonus.. The owner and property manager were extremely responsive and proactive to answer any questions. And if you are part of EV nation there is a charging port onsite :)!!
Stayed 30 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous Family Retreat
My husband and I, along with our two children (10 and 12) had such a great time here over spring break. My brother and sister in-law were also able to join us for a portion of our stay and occupied the guest house. In addition to the beauty of the pool, spa, and gardens the accommodations were very comfortable. We also enjoyed the proximity to much of the surrounding areas including desert and mountain hikes, stargazing, Sonora Desert Museum, and visiting local galleries. We would highly recommend this property for anyone interest in exploring the Tucson area while also enjoying some time relaxing.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2021

8/10 Good

Mike D., West Salem, Wi

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Room for the family.
Our stay was without surprises. The house even had a plug in for electric vehicles. Bring your own plug! I was a bit put off when 1st entering this french farmhouse style home. It seemed a bit neglected. But after a few hours it was quite comfortable, with plenty of room for a family gathering. Very secure property, nice garden. Would rent again if I need the space!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

david r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable--Convenient-A+Communication
We stayed a 2nd time and simply feel right at home...Beautiful yard and nice pool/spa...Sitting in town gives a chance to easily get to attractions in Tucson...Manager and owner great to work with and attentive/flexible ( we appreciate that ). Internet and tv were a nice plus...Kitchen has most anything we needed...Unique property...Thanks again Robert !
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2019

About the host

Hosted by Robert

Host profile image
Tucson is our escape from cold and rainy northern climates. We enjoy it all year round. Christmas, Spring, even the hot summer! As owners we have spent a half dozen Christmases at the house, as well as staying in the house during the hot summer month of June, and the atmospheric monsoon months of July and August. The best kept secret about Tucson? Its great any month of the year! We now have a son at the University of Arizona so even more reason to visit Tucson!

Why they chose this property

We love the convenient central location of this property and the magic of the house and grounds, filled with a peaceful spirit. The property combined easy access to central Tucson activities and life, but a sense of privacy as well with an inside/outside lifestyle that was immersed in nature. The mountain views are spectacular. We were a bit nervous to be isolated far outside of town or in the desert. We know our neighbors in the small community around us. The footprint of the property is almost half/2/3’s an acre, and to find a lot that big is rare in central Tucson. The house was part of an old artist's community built in the early 40's when literally nothing was around. The 150-200 year old saguaros which tower in the garden were there though, and the four of them on the property are rare. The saguaros sealed the deal for us. The property is completely fenced/walled, and sits up on a little hill from the street. From street level the top of the fence is almost 9 feet! So its very private and has the great, unobstructed mountain views.

With Tucson becoming more and more a bike town, the east west bike avenue will be one block from the house and enter service in 2024. Just ten minutes from the house is the Riilto Wash two way paved bike path, loaded with cyclists and joggers. The bike path links to the loop which will take you 360 degrees around Tucson. Heading west on the bike path will take you to the Phillips Outdoor Market and the Riilto Farmer's Market, heading east will take you to Whole Foods.

What makes this property unique

The very large lot with mature desert landscaping make this home a relaxing private retreat. We were able to build an oversized pool area and jacuzzi because of the large lot. The entry gates make for maximum privacy and easy exit/entry. We hope our guests will enjoy it as much as we do.

Languages:

English, French