Thanks for looking at our Sonoran home! Escape your busy life to our sunny, 5-acre sanctuary, nestled in the close-in Tucson Mountain District just east of Saguaro National Park and 15 minutes west of downtown. Our Santa-Fe style home, with its giant, natural beams and stucco exterior, has been a highly rated rental property for the last 17 years with many repeat visitors, and we are the new owners. We’ve added solar heating to the dramatic infinity pool which extends the season by a few weeks fall and spring, though not through the winter. It hangs out over the wild and natural scenery with an army of saguaro cacti and breathtaking views of the Catalina Mountains and wild desert landscape. You won’t want to leave the pool and bubbling hot tub / spa scene on our patio, day or night, as this is entertainment enough to keep you busy! There’s a covered brick patio with large dining table for enjoying your meals outdoors, or just sit and watch the twinkling stars, spectacular city lights and the moonrise. There’s a perfect spot for yoga, and plenty of lounges for sunning.
While Tucson offers many fabulous dining options, a serious cook will love our large, fully equipped kitchen with bar seating and a big island. A trip to the nearest grocery store (or a bit longer drive to my favorite store, AJ’s) and you’re set for wonderful nights in, plus breakfasts and dramatic sunrises. We will provide a list of convenient shops and restaurants for you when you arrive! There are drip and Keurig coffee pots and some coffee to get your motor started.
The adjacent dining room has a family-sized table plus a little coffee-drinking spot, with big picture windows to observe the desert and watch for deer & wildlife.
A spacious, vaulted living room offers a large TV on Dish network so you can pull up your favorite movies, or bring your DVDs, and a comfy leather couch for your naps! Large picture windows provide an ever-changing scenery where you can watch morning break, night fall, or weather blow through the valley.
Guests have raved about our comfortable beds! There are three bedrooms, two with king beds and attached bathrooms. The primary/master bedroom has room for a rollaway (provided) or baby’s porta crib (not provided) and all bedrooms offer plenty of closet space and hangers. The third bedroom has a queen sized bed and is next to the hall bath. You’ll find comfy robes hanging in your closet, plus laundry baskets, and we have a new washer/dryer. There is also a guest/half bath. Bedrooms are conveniently separated with the master on one wing and the other two bedrooms situated on the opposite side of the house.
Internet and wi-fi are provided, as is a comfortable desk setup for working from home. Our cell phones work great up on the hilltop!
There are plenty of bath and pool towels, but don’t forget your sunscreen!
Two-car attached garage will keep your cars in the shade, and there is a circle turnaround in the front. The half-mile private drive up to the house is an adventure as you climb to the hilltop, and it adds to the amazing experience staying at Casa Gaje.
All of this beauty exists just 10 minutes to grocery shopping, Saguaro National Monument, Costco or Starbucks! Highway 10 makes navigating to U of A, the airport, or downtown a breeze. This property feels a world apart from civilization, yet you’re within 15-20 minutes from many outstanding restaurants.
If you love hiking, we’re in the sweet spot- the Sweetwater Preserve and Camino del Cerro trailheads are a couple of minutes away, as is the Saguaro National Park with many hiking options. There are about a dozen trailheads within a 15 -20 minute drive.
Shoppers will find the Premium Outlet shopping within a few minutes drive, and the Lost Barrio shops are definitely worth checking out for authentic and unique treasures. There are cute boutiques throughout town and lots of cool areas to explore.
Stargazers will love the nearby Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, Stuart Observatory, Mt Lemmon Sky Center Observatory or the grandaddy of them all, Kitt Peak Observatory is 62 miles and well worth the visit!
In looking at airfare options, the house is about 25 minutes from Tucson Airport, just over 95 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor, although the car rental process at PHX might easily add more than hour to your travel time. We've tried it. Once.
Helpful suggestion... Even if you don't normally buy travel insurance, please understand vrbo policies for close-in changes and cancellations listed on property descriptions.
Golfers will find Silverbell Golf Course right around the corner and numerous world-class courses in the Catalina Foothills. For family fun, Top Golf is 10 minutes from home.
But the most wonderful activity of all is enjoying our million-dollar views with your family or friends, poolside at Casa Gaje.
