10/10 Excellent
Joanie s.
17 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Casita
Joanie s.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025
Entire home
Authentic Tucson Experience: Mud Adobe Casita Nestled in Canyon Among Wildlife
Photo gallery for Authentic Tucson Experience: Mud Adobe Casita Nestled in Canyon Among Wildlife
Reviews
9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Tucson, AZ
- Casino del Sol11 min drive
- Tucson Convention Center15 min drive
- Starr Pass Golf Club17 min drive
- Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)27 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Front Bedroom
1 King Bed
Rear Bedroom
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Spaces
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
Authentic Tucson Experience: Mud Adobe Casita Nestled in Canyon Among Wildlife
Nestled inside a boulder studded canyon this adobe casita is the perfect peaceful retreat possessing a commanding view of Tucson. With just under 4 acres to roam, the romance of the location will enchant couples. Possessing the rustic qualities of the classic Tucson adobe style, the massive 16' thick walls of the adobe casita were forged from the earth with adobe blocks made on site. The casita appears as though it's always been there having grown out of the ground merging seamlessly with the surrounding desert. Adobe construction including passive solar design moderate temperatures in ways unmatched by other building materials providing an unsurpassed level of comfort.
If you've never slept in an adobe home it may be your best night's sleep yet. The natural materials of the casita were chosen to effect a calming harmony that will help relax you into a deep slumber at night as the coyotes serenade you to sleep. Imagine waking fully restored with an energy reminiscent of your childhood.
The casita features the conveniences of modern living:
•Update Facebook, connect with your family at home via Skype, or just catch up on a TV show you missed on HULU from any room with WIFI.
•Catch the big game, your favorite soap, or the most popular prime-time shows on a large, flat screen, LED HDTV.
•Cuddle with loved ones as the wood burning fireplace warms and transforms your nights into a cherished memory.
•Whip up a quick snack using the new microwave then stash the dishes in the new dishwasher.
•Even though you'll start to miss the casita before you leave, take advantage of the new washer and dryer to pack fresh, clean clothes.
•Start your morning with a complimentary coffee starter pack.
•The 300+ thread count, organic cotton sheets are a joy to sleep on. Additional linens provided to enhance your comfort.
•With more than 350 days of sunshine, Tucson is the sunniest city in the US. Attached covered parking protects your vehicle.
•For your convenience a hair dryer is stored in the bath vanity.
•A naturalist library containing numerous field guides to look up your discoveries made during your foray into the surrounding desert.
•A full kitchen is available for foodies wanting to cook for themselves.
Keywords: house, casita, adobe
If you've never slept in an adobe home it may be your best night's sleep yet. The natural materials of the casita were chosen to effect a calming harmony that will help relax you into a deep slumber at night as the coyotes serenade you to sleep. Imagine waking fully restored with an energy reminiscent of your childhood.
The casita features the conveniences of modern living:
•Update Facebook, connect with your family at home via Skype, or just catch up on a TV show you missed on HULU from any room with WIFI.
•Catch the big game, your favorite soap, or the most popular prime-time shows on a large, flat screen, LED HDTV.
•Cuddle with loved ones as the wood burning fireplace warms and transforms your nights into a cherished memory.
•Whip up a quick snack using the new microwave then stash the dishes in the new dishwasher.
•Even though you'll start to miss the casita before you leave, take advantage of the new washer and dryer to pack fresh, clean clothes.
•Start your morning with a complimentary coffee starter pack.
•The 300+ thread count, organic cotton sheets are a joy to sleep on. Additional linens provided to enhance your comfort.
•With more than 350 days of sunshine, Tucson is the sunniest city in the US. Attached covered parking protects your vehicle.
•For your convenience a hair dryer is stored in the bath vanity.
•A naturalist library containing numerous field guides to look up your discoveries made during your foray into the surrounding desert.
•A full kitchen is available for foodies wanting to cook for themselves.
Keywords: house, casita, adobe
Property manager
Andrew Ford
Premier Host
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Parking available
Mountain view
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House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
We do NOT allow pets. Please book elsewhere.
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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 21522400
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Tucson
Located in Drexel Heights, a neighbourhood in Tucson, this holiday home is in a rural area and near theme parks. Mission San Xavier del Bac and El Tiradito Wishing Shrine are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Saguaro National Park and Red Hills Visitor Center. Check out an event or a game at Tucson Convention Center, and consider making time for Pima Air and Space Museum, a top attraction not to be missed. Take in the nearby slopes with skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging.
Tucson, AZ
What's nearby
- Tuscon Spectrum - 10 min drive - 7.7 km
- Casino del Sol - 11 min drive - 9.3 km
- Tucson Convention Center - 15 min drive - 14.7 km
- University of Arizona - 17 min drive - 16.3 km
- Starr Pass Golf Club - 17 min drive - 14.3 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- IHOP - 7 min drive
- McDonald's - 6 min drive
- Tania's Flour Tortillas - 4 min drive
- McDonald's - 10 min drive
- Starbucks - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
9.8/10
Check-in
9.8/10
Communication
9.6/10
Location
9.8/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Peggy M.
3 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent, private, classy place to stay
Peggy M.
Stayed 12 nights in Feb 2025
8/10 Good
Todd B.
14 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Great place to get away from the city
Todd B.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Eileen M.
26 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely casita in the Sonoran desert
Eileen M.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dawn D.
8 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and Serene!
Dawn D.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dave B.
16 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Idyllic Desert Casita
Dave B.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
patricia h.
14 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolute desert perfection
patricia h.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Paul M.
10 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful! Casita in the desert outside Tucson
Paul M.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Andrew
31 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Andrew
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Robert J.
7 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Saguaro Sentinels guard this Charming Casita
Robert J.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth H.
20 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend in Tucson
Elizabeth H.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl T.
18 Mar 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sweet stay in this lovely casita
Cheryl T.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ashli R.
11 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Stay!
Ashli R.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kevin A.
17 Apr 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful desert lication
Kevin A.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Carolyn W., Blairsville
13 Mar 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beauty Abounds!!
Carolyn W.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lori T.
31 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tucson Casita
Lori T.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Alex M.
11 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place
Alex M.
Stayed 11 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jill J.
12 Dec 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay, great property
Jill J.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022
10/10 Excellent
Karen
3 Mar 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Karen
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ulrike L.
12 Apr 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great experience!
Ulrike L.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Heather F.
8 Jan 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enchanted
Heather F.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
PANSY P.
27 June 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Adorable Southwest Casita
PANSY P.
Stayed 16 nights in May 2022
10/10 Excellent
Tracy R.
7 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful views!
Tracy R.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tom S.
1 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love the seclusion!!
Tom S.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Pandora N.
20 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful desert setting
Pandora N.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
About the host
Hosted by Andrew Ford
Why they chose this property
Even now nearly 14 years later I still remember the first time we saw the canyon like it was yesterday. It was completely by accident. One Saturday I happened to be working as a real estate agent showing a friend homes in the area. Wanting Rhonda to get to know his family better, for the 1st time in 12 years I brought her along on an appointment with me.
In an attempt to take a short cut to the next house we tried to go through the canyon. As soon as I saw the for sale sign, we stopped so I could get out. The place was completely captivating unlike any other I'd ever seen in Tucson after living here for 40 years and seeing more than a 1000 homes in my 12 year career.
After seeing so many homes it was surprising that only 5 homes or so were truly memorable. This was something that I continued to wonder about throughout my time as an agent. What made those few homes so charming?
We were fortunate to win the property from a competing buyer. Since then we've come to regard ourselves as custodians of this valuable resource including the plants and wildlife it is home to.
In 2008 during an annual family retreat when we gather together to celebrate the past year and share our visions for the coming year, one of our goals was to build a home that our family could use to carry on our tradition.
For 10 years we had been collecting ideas for our dream home largely from multi million dollar homes throughout Arizona that we wanted to somehow incorporate into our more modest budget.
During project planning once again I returned to the question of the source of indefinable charm that only 5 homes in a thousand possess. A builder friend recommended the work of architect Christopher Alexander who studied some of the most loved buildings throughout time in an effort to capture that special quality that makes these structures so appealing.
In an attempt to take a short cut to the next house we tried to go through the canyon. As soon as I saw the for sale sign, we stopped so I could get out. The place was completely captivating unlike any other I'd ever seen in Tucson after living here for 40 years and seeing more than a 1000 homes in my 12 year career.
After seeing so many homes it was surprising that only 5 homes or so were truly memorable. This was something that I continued to wonder about throughout my time as an agent. What made those few homes so charming?
We were fortunate to win the property from a competing buyer. Since then we've come to regard ourselves as custodians of this valuable resource including the plants and wildlife it is home to.
In 2008 during an annual family retreat when we gather together to celebrate the past year and share our visions for the coming year, one of our goals was to build a home that our family could use to carry on our tradition.
For 10 years we had been collecting ideas for our dream home largely from multi million dollar homes throughout Arizona that we wanted to somehow incorporate into our more modest budget.
During project planning once again I returned to the question of the source of indefinable charm that only 5 homes in a thousand possess. A builder friend recommended the work of architect Christopher Alexander who studied some of the most loved buildings throughout time in an effort to capture that special quality that makes these structures so appealing.
What makes this property unique
Alexander ultimately came to describe this quality as wholeness. Wholeness guided the design of the Firelight Casita with the intent of establishing a strong connection between people, places, and nature. Ageless design elements that span the history of humanity create a sense of belonging of the home to it's surroundings.
According to Alexander there are 151 patterns that form a timeless way of building. So far we've been able to incorporate 112 of them. Hints of the pattern language are included with your welcome email. During your stay see how many you can identify.
According to Alexander there are 151 patterns that form a timeless way of building. So far we've been able to incorporate 112 of them. Hints of the pattern language are included with your welcome email. During your stay see how many you can identify.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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