Tropical Mountain Valley Casita

Escape to a peaceful private desert casita on a 2.5-acre horse property near Tonto National Forest. With a pool, hot tub, mountain views, dark skies, and resident red-foot tortoises, this distinctive retreat makes an ideal home base for hiking, lake days, off-roading, and unforgettable stargazing.

The casita is detached from the main home and offers:

Sleeping space: Two queen beds in one open studio-style room, plus a sofa bed suitable for adults and children.
Guest capacity: Accommodates up to 6 guests.
Kitchen: A full kitchen with cooktop, coffee maker, toaster, and microwave. The kitchen is also stocked with drinkware, silverware, plates, bowls, pots and pans, and BBQ utensils.
Conveniences: A private entrance, washer and dryer, WiFi, and streaming services (Nextflix, HBO, Disney, Hulu, Paramount)
Outdoor space: A private patio with grill and dining area.

Outside, guests have access to the pool, hot tub, playground, child-sized train, and designated areas of the property. The pool is located right outside the casita and is physically located in between the Casita and main house. However, when we have guests, the pool is private for their use only. Children must be actively supervised around the water, play areas, and train.

The casita is located approximately 30 ft. from the main home, offering a comfortable sense of privacy with easy access to the hosts when needed.

Host interaction
The casita is one of two homes on the property. We live in the main home with our two children and three friendly poodles.

We are available for questions and local recommendations, but we respect guests’ privacy and are happy to let you enjoy an independent stay. Our pets have a separate fenced in area they access through our garage. Our family does not use the pool, hot tub, or patio areas during guests stays.

A memorable desert setting
The grounds feature palms, cacti, citrus trees, aloe, and native desert landscaping. Soak up mountain views by day, enjoy colorful sunsets in the evening, and take in exceptionally dark skies after nightfall.

Our red-foot tortoises are among the property’s most memorable residents. Guests are welcome to watch them and may feed them leafy greens, tomatoes, and most vegetables. Guests can go into the tortoise habitat but just remember to close and latch the gate. It is also good practice to wash your hands after touching or picking up the tortoises.

Location
Set at the end of a quiet dead-end street, the casita delivers a rural atmosphere while still being within driving distance of some of Arizona’s best outdoor recreation, restaurants, and entertainment.

Nearby destinations include:
Outdoor adventure: Tonto National Forest, Bulldog Canyon, hiking and off-roading routes, horseback riding, and fishing.
Water recreation: Saguaro Lake, Salt River tubing, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and Roosevelt Lake.
Scenic outings: Apache Trail, Tortilla Flat, the Superstition Mountains, Usery Mountain Regional Park, and wild-horse viewing along the Salt River.
Day trips and travel: Payson, Ash Creek Canyon, Sloan Park, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
A personal vehicle is recommended.

Guest access
Guests have exclusive use of the casita, patio, fenced in pool area, tortoise enclosure, citrus grove, and children's play structures/train.

The only area that is not for casita guests in the main house, garage, and storage shed.

Other things to note
This is a rural desert property, not a subdivision. Guests may hear coyotes at night and occasionally see javelina, quail, rabbits, lizards, insects, or scorpions. Please do not approach or feed wildlife, shake out shoes left outdoors, keep doors closed, and supervise children outside.

Our property is pet friendly and guests are welcome to bring their dogs. We just ask that you pick up after your dog and use a leash in any non-fenced areas.

The Casita has a 1 inch thick sidewalk to enter the front door. We have access to a wheelchair stair ramp if one is needed. Natural surfaces may be sandy with small rocks.

We do not have set quiet hours or pool/hot tub hours. Guests are welcome to utilize all guest areas at any time. All children must be actively supervised outdoors, particularly near water, animals, and play equipment.

Property License: null