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Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 4209 sq m

Popular amenities

Pool

Hot tub

Fireplace

Air conditioning

Kitchen

Barbecue grill

Check-in time

3:00 PM

Check-out time

9:30 AM

Explore the area

Tucson, AZ

MountainView Golf Club9 min drive
Biosphere 228 min drive
Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)52 min drive
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley107 min drive

Most relevant reviews

10/10 Excellent

Exactly as the listing stated. Beautiful and secluded home. Everything we needed. Perfect!

Kristin R.

Mar 5, 2024

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Balcony

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Mountain Getaway, Tranquility, Beauty, Ambience, Stunning View

If your quest is to find the finest mountain view laid-back Ambience Arizona has to offer then you've come to the right place (so our guests tell us.)

MiraMontes guests frequently comment how well they sleep - better than they can ever remember. Must be the peace and quiet, fresh mountain air and comfortable beds.

MiraMontes itself has approx. 2250 sq ft indoor space with at least that much again in verandas and decks, set on 12 acres with Catalina State Park and mountains as a backdrop.

MiraMontes views include 20,000 acres of mountain without a neighbor in sight. Yet MiraMontes is just 5-10 minutes from a gas station, grocery store, golf, and restaurants.

Each bedroom has its own private bathroom...the Master bedroom opens to the pool enclosure. The master bedroom bathroom with its enormous shower tiled with travertine has a mountain view.
A third bedroom with private bathroom is available upon request. Please contact the owner for details

Between the bedroom suites is an adequate well-stocked linen cupboard..

. The dining table with black leather high-backed chairs seats 8-10 comfortably.
Patio furniture can easily be configured to seat 4, 6 or 10 guests for dinner..an ambience you and your guests will never forget. All kitchen appliances are electric. A gas-burning grill is on the Patio for those who enjoy barbecues.

From Miramontes one can hike in any direction. Up the mountain, along the wash, down the hill - it is all lovely.

MiraMontes offers exceptional bird watching. Quail, falcons, hawks, owls, vultures, the occasional eagle. Cactus wrens abound. Even year-round hummingbirds. Roadrunners are frequent visitors.

MiraMontes' easterly orientation catches the warm morning sun. The verandas provide shade during the midday and afternoon glare.

Great for entertaining especially as the sun goes down - Sundowner time is always special at MiraMontes.

Sunsets transform the mountain to a pink glow. the moon rises and the stars come out...
Imagine the resident pair of great-horned owls calling gently to each other; the musical sound of a distant coyote yelping party.

An occasional nocturnal owl, kit fox or havelina sighting is enough to change the subject of almost any conversation.

The aroma of woodsmoke is especially seductive under Arizona night sky illuminated by the brightest stars.

Miramontes has an indoor beehive fireplace and an outdoor woodburning fireplace especially enjoyable by star - or moonlight..

Miramontes is listed as 'wheelchair-accessible.' All rooms are on the same floor and the flooring is travertine which facilitates indoor wheelchair manoevering. The grounds, surroundings and hikes are not at all wheelchair-accessible however.

Property manager

Elma VonMichaelis

Premier Host

Amenities

Pool

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

Reach out and touch the Catalina Mountains.

Pool

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Check out before 9:30 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

Events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Owners willing to consider special exceptions

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Categorically no smoking please

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

Parties and events are allowed on site

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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Tucson

This holiday home is located in Catalina, a neighbourhood in Tucson, and is in a rural area. MountainView Golf Club and The Preserve Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Upper Cañada del Oro and Pima Canyon Trail. Catalina Neighborhood Park and Biosphere 2 are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Tucson, AZ

What's nearby

Sierra Tucson - 6 min drive
MountainView Golf Club - 9 min drive
Biosphere 2 - 28 min drive
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley - 107 min drive
Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory - 112 min drive

Getting around

Tucson, AZ (AVW-Marana Regional) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
‪Saddlebrooke - ‬10 min drive
‪Mesquite Grill - ‬9 min drive
‪It's Greek To Me - ‬13 min drive
‪Sunny Side Up Cafe - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Mountain Getaway, Tranquility, Beauty, Ambience, Stunning View have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Mountain Getaway, Tranquility, Beauty, Ambience, Stunning View pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Mountain Getaway, Tranquility, Beauty, Ambience, Stunning View ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mountain Getaway, Tranquility, Beauty, Ambience, Stunning View ?

Checkout is at 9:30 AM.

Where is Mountain Getaway, Tranquility, Beauty, Ambience, Stunning View located?

Located in Catalina, this holiday home is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Upper Cañada del Oro and within 3 miles (5 km) of Sierra Tucson and Coronado National Forest. MountainView Golf Club and Catalina Neighborhood Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Exceptional

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

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Cassandra K.

12 Apr 2024

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

MiraMontes: A Phenomenal Property

Hans and Elma have created a haven of peace, tranquility and relaxation. The desert, in all its magnificence, is on full display. Truly - both words and photos fall short in capturing the beauty and the feeling of MiraMontes. It is a phenomenal property and a visit with my family that I will always treasure. We look forward to booking again soon!

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristin R.

5 Mar 2024

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

Great house!

Exactly as the listing stated. Beautiful and secluded home. Everything we needed. Perfect!

Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

28 Feb 2024

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

It’s off the beaten path but in a good way

This house is off the beaten path. We had a rental car and would recommend a small suv as a better option for most people but you can drive a car in there so long as it’s dry. House is gorgeous, pool is not heated but we took a swim in February because we couldn’t pass it up. Hot tub allows you to sit out under the stars. Elma was very quick to respond to questions.

Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda W., DE

1 Jan 2024

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

Almost off the grid

Privacy can’t see neighbors feels like off the grid but only couple miles from any store or fine restaurant, beautiful inside and outside, Elma the owner is very helpful and quick to respond, we highly recommend this property if you desire quiet, privacy, comfort, and expansive views

Stayed 28 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dennis F., BROOKFIELD, IL.

17 Sept 2023

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

Arizona Gem

Gorgeous home off the beaten path, just north of Tucson, in Catalina Az. If peace and quiet and wonderful mountain views are what you're looking for, this is the place. Wildlife abounds, lots of hiking options within a short drive, along with many fun places to visit. Elma is the nicest host we have had the pleasure of meeting, and our family has been renting vacation homes for 10 plus years now! Her home is perfect for 2 or 3 couples to enjoy time out in the Arizona wilds. Pool, hot tub, stargazing, wonderful sunsets, and so quiet you might wonder if the world has come to a stop...lol!

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara C., Lindale, TX

6 June 2023

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

Most relaxing house ever

The views of the Catalina Mountains were amazing. The house was immaculate. Spent most of our time on the back patio watching the birds drink out of the pool. Beds were very comfortable. This is the best vrbo house we have ever stayed in - and we have stayed at many in the past. Thank you Elma for your hospitality.

Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lenore Q.

23 Mar 2023

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

Beautiful setting!!

We stayed at MiraMontes for a month and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The mountain views from the house were spectacular as well as the colorful sunsets. The house itself was clean, comfortable and well-equipped. The kitchen was a chef's dream. We ended up cooking most of our meals and the outside grill came in very handy. Our host, Elma, was a delight and very responsive to our needs. We would highly recommend MiraMontes for those considering a relaxing, private setting with all the amenities. Wayne and Lenore

Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy S., Minneapolis, MN

19 Jan 2023

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

Wonderful Mountain Getaway

This is a hidden gem. Nestled in the Catalina foothills, the view of the mountains and the dessert is unforgettable. We enjoyed our coffee on the back patio each morning watching the sun come up over the mountains. Evenings spent BBQing, relaxing in the hot tub and, well, the sunset is spectacular from this property. Hiking or biking at Catalina State Park, Saguaro National Park, visiting the Biosphere2 or the Observatory on Mt Lemon are only a short distance away. Tucson's Botanical Garden or shopping for art in Tubac are an easy day trip. But foremost, the home is warm and inviting. The house is fully stocked. Kitchen items, laundry, pool, everything you might need. The beds (and pillows) were comfortable. There is a large TV and a wonderful stereo system. If you are able to meet Elma, the owner, you will know why this house is so special. She and her husband clearly cared for this home with love. This is one of the best properties we have stayed (and we have traveled a lot) and I can highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynn S.

27 Nov 2022

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

Excellent property must see views!

Easy check-in and check -out. Great location and beautiful views and great privacy. A must stay in Tucson.

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jim K.

30 Sept 2022

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

September 2022

The home was everything it advertised and more. The views were spectacular, the house was awesome, clean, full of supplies and very comfortable. Our host was very accommodating and friendly. Our stay could not have been better, and we looking forward to returning next year if the place is available. It's just hard to put into words how great our vacation here was, but I would highly recommend it to anyone who would ask.

Stayed 22 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Warner C.

24 June 2022

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

Great Views!

Our trip was awesome and the house, superb! Just far enough out to feel away from it all , but close enough to capture all the area has to offer. The back patio and deck views are the best , passing wildlife to enjoy, and the night sky all made it a great stay!

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tony S.

4 June 2022

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

Best place ever

We have stayed at a lot of homes in the U.S. over the last 15 years. No previous experience compares to the beauty, quiet, comfort, and secluded nature of MiraMontes.

Stayed 6 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

29 Apr 2022

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

Solitude and beautiful view

To my wife and me Mira Montes is a treasure in our eyes. It is perched on a hill with an incredible view of the Catalinas. Elma took excellent care of us and quickly addressed any of the small issues we had. Our bed, though listed as a queen is actually larger though I don't think it is a king either. It was very comfortable. Everything in the bathroom worked well. The kitchen is the best equipped of any rental in which we have stayed. Over the past few years that's about 10 different places, three in the Tucson area. I enjoy cooking and found the kitchen a pleasure to use. Sit outside in the shade of the back terrace and nature comes to you. We saw a few hawks, numerous other birds including flickers, hummingbirds and quail and turkey vultures riding the winds. Deer and coyotes wandered by. When we stayed it was a bit too cool to jump in the pool but as a foreground to the Catalina views it was excellent. We hope we can stay here again in the future.

Stayed 32 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Elizabeth K.

26 Jan 2022

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

So peaceful!

The property itself was wonderful. The only downside was it was more remote than we realized (dirt roads). Once we got to the property we were very happy.

Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Boilard C.

27 Nov 2021

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

Tout était parfait

Tout s’est déroulé à la perfection

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Susan D.

25 Nov 2021

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

Gorgeous, peaceful, immensely tasteful, comfortable, elegant, rustic, natural

The sign of the very best vacation stays is when you forget the house isn't actually yours...that you haven't always been there...tho it feels like you have. This property is as close to ideal (for me, at least) as I could get. Background: I've been companion to my Mother in her 90s the past 1+ year--with COVID it's hard for her to do shopping, run errands, and keep the household purring smoothly without help--it's an honor and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be there but leaving my separate adult life and profession and sunny West for smalltown New England has taken a toll and I was cold and exhausted. What I wanted was absolute solitude, peace, quietude, inspiring beautiful nature, sunshine and hot hot heat, unfussy elegant interior decor, a well-equipped kitchen to cook up superb meals, no responsibilities, easy access to groceries, ziplining, art museums, horeseback riding, and a POOL and hottub so I could spend most days sleeping late, being awakened by birds, having a strong coffee and breakfast on the terrace, and basically all day read and go from hottub to pool to reading to hottub to pool to dozing.... It was astonishing. At night the telescope in the livingroom came in handy for viewing the Leonids AND lunar eclipse. By day birds of all sorts (from hawks to hummingbirds) came to visit the pool and I pretended me. The bed was a dreambed or comfort. The giant shower was amazing. Every single thing I wanted or needed was there in the kitchen, including cast iron pan set--perfectly seasoned and ready to roll--for meal after meal. I just loved the place so much, and bonus is that it comes with Elma and Hans, the latter of whom happened to be at the house when I arrived to greet me and show me around--a witty, conscientious, and kind seeming man. Elma was available to lend a hand with a few little things, like re-setting the modem. She is extraordinary and much like the house itself, it seemed we had been acquainted before--and like the house itself, she's comfortable, elegant, unpretentious, intelligent, and interesting. I have been back in New England for 3 days now but the Tucson house and landscape are still etched into my brain. I miss it tremendously, the morning doves who'd come to call, floating in the pool looking at clouds listening to Hank Williams, the "free-range" cattle who lumber nearby lowing and eating palo verde trees branches. Spectacular stay. Spectacular house. Spectacular experience. Just wow...

Stayed 14 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Darrel R.

23 Oct 2021

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

Catalina Retreat

This property was absolutely beautiful. The home was well stocked with everything you might need. Honestly it was the best stocked home we have ever stayed in. The drive back to the property is a little rugged but a car should be able to handle it. The infinity edge pool over looking the mountains was majestic. Hans and Elma were the best hosts. 5 Star Property.

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

donna t., Greenfield, WI

6 Oct 2021

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

A 'must see' to enjoy the mountain/desert experience

First, the hosts, Hans and Elma were a pleasure to work with. What wonderful people. Second, the house is situated far off the main roads allowing for privacy, serenity and enjoyment of the spectacular mountains that are right there. The patio, nice pool, upper deck on the house and the new hot tub by the pool all face the mountains. Viewing the spectacular sunsets, sunrises and nighttime sky (stars and planets) were a great way to start and end the day. The house is comfy and well appointed.

Stayed 15 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gail M.

14 Aug 2021

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

Fantastic

The hosts were fantastic and the house is simply beautiful. The pool is wonderful. No need to go anywhere else

Stayed 12 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Cindy S.

1 Aug 2021

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

A Slice of Heaven

Private and beautifully decorated, perfect pool and jacuzzi. Quiet and the awesome Catalinas your backyard view. Wonderful attentive hosts.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Carol A.

26 May 2021

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

Great place to get away!

Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jon Y.

14 May 2021

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

Paradise

Just perfect, secluded, just what we wanted

Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kyle D.

28 Apr 2021

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

Magical mountain escape

Our stay at Hans and Elma’s was hands-down one of the best vacation experiences we’ve ever had, from many years of travelling the world. The house was so well equipped for anything, including the lots of cooking that we did. The pool was beautiful, the hot tub relaxing, and the views mesmerizing. The location was just enough off the beaten path for complete privacy, but with a full supermarket 10 minutes away. We saw so many birds, a Gila Monster, deer, a couple of friendly visiting dogs from the ranch next door (who didn’t come in the yard, just watched from afar), and an occasional grazing cow. The sunsets reflecting off the mountain vistas were extraordinary. Photos don’t do the place justice, and we tried to take more of our own but cameras just can’t capture its beauty. Thanks so much, Hans and Elma!

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Peggy M.

21 Feb 2021

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

Naturally Beautiful

The owners are the best! We enjoy every aspect of this property..,view, comfort, nature! Just a beautiful place to be!

10/10 Excellent

Joshua S.

30 Jan 2021

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

Relaxing!

The property was beautiful, and a great place to unwind. The property is secluded, and quiet with an amazing view. We enjoyed the hot tub, and patio. The pool looked amazing, but the weather was too cold for anything but the occasional short dip. The owners were very easy to work with, and responded to questions quickly. We would love to return!

Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2021

About the host

Hosted by Elma VonMichaelis

Hans and Elma grew up near Cape Town, South Africa.
Elma, trained as a radiographer but assisted Hans operate a successful mining conference company for many years.

Hans completed a Ph D in Space chemistry at the University of Cape Town and earned his Pilot Wings from the South African Air Force. He now flies gliders and collects minerals.

Hans' career as a mining consultant requires frequent travel to faraway places. Hans' hobby is finding and improving tranquil homes. MiraMontes is Hans' and Elma's pride and joy. During three winter months each year when Hans and Elma spend time in Africa, they are delighted to share MiraMontes with like-minded guests.

MiraMontes is in Phase 2 of a five-stage sustainability project.. Water harvesting, tree growing, topsoil development, organic vegetable cultivation; soil erosion abatement; solar hot water; solar electric generation.

Why they chose this property

In the course of his extensive travels, Hans has found several magic spots in the world. One of these is a guest farm called Etusis in central Namibia. The mountain setting, vegetation and climate at MiraMontes is almost identical to that at Etusis. Miramontes is, however, very much easier to get to and is much more luxurious. For most of the year MiraMontes is the owners' personal home and residence as the large number of shade trees planted need regular watering through the summer months.

To get to Etusis requires a 2-1/2 hr flight from Johannesburg to Windhoek then a two-hour drive west to Karibib followed by a 40-min drive south to the farm in the middle of 'nowhere'.

MiraMontes offers similar charm with superior accommodation, only 30-min N of Tucson and within 5-20 minutes of every amenity a guest could possibly wish for.

What makes this property unique

Step out of MiraMontes home and take off in any direction on a great hiking adventure. Up the mountain, into the foothills, along the wash or down the hill...its all beautiful and interesting.

Hans enjoys the rustic approach to MiraMontes through the Mesquite bosque across two mostly dry washes populated by free ranging cows and calves. He particularly enjoys coming along the long driveway up to Miramontes as the spectacular mountains suddenly come into view.

Elma appreciates MiraMonte's proximity to shopping, gas, groceries, hair salon, excellent restaurants, golf courses, movie houses etc.

Note: MiraMontes is all on one floor and therefore easily accessible to wheelchairs. There are however no additional 'wheelchair accessible' features such as support railings in the bathroom.