A Hidden Treasure in a "Secret Valley"

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Entire home

Reach out and touch the Catalina Mountains.

Front door entrance leading to a beautiful patio and walkway

Huge antique Teak farm table that sits 10 people

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Washer

Explore the area

Tucson, AZ

Catalina State Park
‪8 min drive‬
El Conquistador Golf Course
‪22 min drive‬
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley
‪104 min drive‬
Tucson, AZ (AVW-Marana Regional)
‪40 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Balcony

Dining area

About this property

Welcome to Ranchita Mystica. This new vacation rental is truly a hidden treasure in a " Secret Valley". Offering a private gated contemporary Spanish Mission style casa with 3600 sq ft of living space. Beautifully placed on two acres of mature mesquite trees and non stop "reach out and touch" Catalina Mountain views from each room. The house was designed by a highly respected Tucson architect as a one of a kind home and as a labor of love.The property is exquisitely secluded yet only minutes away from shopping, dining and entertainment. Hundreds of acres of biking, hiking , and equestrian trails are right out the back door.There a five quality golf courses within twenty minutes away. The area is an adventurer's dream spot . A variety of animals and birds are daily sightings. You can relax as you count your blessings and enjoy the tranquility of the clear night sky. Take a look through the telescope and be inspired as you view the clusters of stars. Shooting stars are a common occurrence .
The average temperatures are a comfortable eight degrees cooler than Tucson proper.
Enjoy the 36x18 ft salt water pool, the large hot tub that I'd set.st 102 degrees ,the outside kitchen, and the huge fire pit. The interior of the house consists of : A professional kitchen that will delight the chef in you. A huge living room/dinning room with twenty ft beams , a massive stone fireplace, and plenty of comfortable furniture. There are three bedrooms and a meditation room that can second as an additional bedroom. The master suite has a full bathroom , king mattress and private veranda. The second and third bedrooms have queen mattresses, a shared bathroom . Additional beds can be placed in any of the bedrooms. Each bedroom has a flat screen smart TV with wireless internet. The icing on the cake is that the house has a 350 sq ft finished basement that has been converted into a professional home theater. The garage can not be used . The owner has his vehicles and personal property stored in it.
You will be guaranteed your privacy but also will be assured that the owner and property manager will be readily available to make your stay at Ranchita Mystica as comfortable as possible.
Well behaved pets are welcomed.
There is no additional fee for the.usenof the 102 degree hot tubz
There isn't any adittional fee for the use of the heated salt water swimming pool from May-Sept
There is an adittional $75 day charge for the pool to be set at a water temperature of 82 degrees
degrees from Oct 1-May 1
This charge is a necessity because the pool costs me over $100 pr day to heat with propane . Thank you in advance for understanding this
extra charge

Property manager

Neil Madow

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

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Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer

House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)

Minimum age to rent: 28

Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

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 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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Tucson

Catalina, a neighbourhood in Tucson, is home to this holiday home. MountainView Golf Club and Cinemark Century Oro Valley Marketplace are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Oro Valley Marketplace and La Encantada. Catalina Neighborhood Park and Oro Valley Aquatic Center are also worth visiting. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails, cycling and mountain climbing nearby.

Tucson, AZ

What's nearby

Catalina State Park - 8 min drive - 2.8 km
El Conquistador Golf Course - 22 min drive - 20.3 km
Tucson Mall - 29 min drive - 28.9 km
Sabino Canyon - 40 min drive - 40.4 km
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley - 104 min drive - 97.6 km

Getting around

Tucson Station - 36 min drive
Tucson, AZ (AVW-Marana Regional) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

‪Saddlebrooke - ‬15 min drive
‪In-N-Out Burger - ‬15 min drive
‪Panera Bread - ‬17 min drive
‪McDonald's - ‬17 min drive
‪Sammy's Mexican Grill - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does A Hidden Treasure in a "Secret Valley" have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is A Hidden Treasure in a "Secret Valley" pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

Where is A Hidden Treasure in a "Secret Valley" located?

Located in Catalina, this holiday home is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Catalina State Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Sierra Tucson and Catalina Neighborhood Park. Upper Cañada del Oro and MountainView Golf Club are also within 9 miles (15 km).

9.6

Exceptional

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

Learn more

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

19 Apr 2024

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

We have booked for next year

I think the title of this review says it all. This was our seventh year of renting a property in Tucson and this property is our favorite by far. Everything in the description is true. As hikers we loved the close proximity to Catalina State park and that it is possible to also hike right from the house and access trails going to Catalina park through the Coronado forest. Our favorite room was the living room with its incredible fireplace, beautiful views of the mountains beyond the backyard pool and beautiful wood beams which are not merely decorative but truly structural. As the major cook I really enjoyed the kitchen. The knives are actually sharp! Unfortunately all five of us got a cold and/or Covid!(Typical of family gatherings). So we needed to isolate for a while and we all felt very comfortable here and enjoyed the privacy and seclusion of this amazing house. There are special little areas all around the house to just sit and enjoy the quiet, listening and looking for local birds. And though you have a feeling of isolation, groceries, gas, and traffic are less than 10 minutes away. We met Neil and were impressed at how much he wanted us to really enjoy his property and would do everything he could to make sure anything that needed attention was taken care of as soon as possible while always being very respectful of our privacy. To be clear, everything did work while we were there or was quickly repaired or replaced. We’re excited that we’ll be back next year! Michael

Stayed 34 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

brison r.

29 Feb 2024

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

Awesome the BEST!

The house and grounds are unbelievable ; with beautiful views of Catalina mountains from every window in the house. We stay in a lot of Vrbo’s but this one was our absolute favorite! Hiking trails to petroglyphs right out the door, bonfires at night,suppers on covered porch. We will be back!

Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Nancy M.

20 Apr 2023

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

Arizona get a way

Beautiful property, great pool and hottub. We were visited by a great horned owl and coyote. What a treat!

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chad S., Carmel, IN

22 Feb 2023

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

Beautiful house with great views

Loved the place. Very private. Views are incredible. I knew it was mountain views but WOW....they are in your face mountains that impress you every time you look up. Loved the hikes out the door and nearby 20-40 min drive to other longer hikes. Neal was great to work with as well!

Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tanya F.

31 May 2022

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

A little piece of paradise

Neil and Jenny were the nicest kindest people ever. So helpful on directions and even recommendations on places to eat that were very delicious. The home was magical and very comfortable. You have zero stress with the comfort of the home, the outside sitting and walking paths, the pool/hot tub, and the sound of nature you see from multiple different levels of various sitting areas. As long as Neil is sharing his home, we will only stay here. Coming back with our grown children soon!!!

Stayed 5 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Frank N.

28 Mar 2022

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

Hidden Gem!

Very private beautiful home. We've rented several vacation homes in AZ, this was the best experience by far! The outdoor patio and pool area is phenomenal!

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alan P.

21 Feb 2022

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

Magnificent Mountain View

Extraordinary home and property with breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Be sure to drive to the top of Mount Lemmon and also visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Loved the pool and hot tub. Neil was a great host and explained the history of the home and area and provided many ideas for places to visit. Not enough time to do them all. Plan to return soon.

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Shannon E.

22 Oct 2021

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Views!! Peaceful!! Pool!!

This is wonderful place, in the best location and Neil, the host was extremely helpful during the whole process. The property has everything you need and we couldn't have asked for a better place to stay.

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

John l.

8 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic house with pool and scenery

Absolutely would come back to this beautiful place! House has dramatic architecture and the decor is comfortable and inviting. Pool is a joy day or night with fountains and fire pits. Place is very private with large grounds and gorgeous mountain views. Neil is very accommodating and lives here part-time. Apparently we were the first guests of the season and not everything was ready when we arrived. This was slightly inconvenient but Neil added a day to our stay at no charge as compensation. Gravel road was not an issue, even after a heavy rain. Restaurants, stores and a state park are nearby.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Amanda H., Seattle, WA

9 July 2021

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

A True Gem!

This property far exceeded our expectations! Neil could not be more kind or accommodating. It is a gift that he shares this property. It was clean, comfortable, spacious, and special. Indoor and outdoor kitchen gathering areas are the best for friends to let the hours pass by. And the pool, oh my goodness, the pool! It’s spectacular! Most hours that weren’t spent golfing were spent in this amazing pool. Also, the rooftop views must be mentioned.. especially the sunsets. :) We are only hopeful that Neil will have us back!!

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Michael K., Austin USA

9 July 2021

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet get away

A little challenging to get to, but well worth it. Comfortable and well equipped.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Therese W.

30 June 2021

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

Oasis in the desert

We spent a week at this amazing house during record breaking heat. The house, pool, view and location are all spectacular! We were looking for a private retreat and this house was it. The architecture and decor are remarkable. Neil was there to welcome us and went out of his way to help make the week rememberable by allowing my daughter time with his horse. The last mile to the house is a dirt road. We were happy to have rented an SUV.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne L.

13 June 2021

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

Quiet and Serene

Beautiful location. Remote enough but not too far from town. Keep in mind you do need to take a 10 minute dirt road to get there but that’s what makes it special. . Property is clean, well equipped, beds are comfortable and. pool features are stunning. Neil takes great pride in his home. We enjoyed our stay immensely.

Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Crystal H.

2 June 2021

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

Beautiful property and so relaxing!

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Neil’s house. The home is beautifully decorated, very spacious, all the kitchen utensils you need, and a wonderful gas grill to make dinners. The pool was heated and sparkling as well as easy to open and close with just a switch of a button. The waterfall and fire features are super easy to turn on and off with the use of an app. We always travel with our two large Weimaraner’s and the property was perfect for the city dogs to act like farm dogs! The llamas next-door and the jack rabbits were a treat for our two dogs. Neil was a wonderful host and readily available to help us find restaurants, golf courses, and just to chat. Overall we had an extremely relaxing and enjoyable time and we will definitely be back.

Stayed 12 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jason W.

18 May 2021

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

Family Get Away

It was a beautiful house with a beautiful view of the mountain. Loved the pool and the owner was so gracious and welcoming. Had a wonderful time.

Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

8/10 Good

Linda C., Windsor

4 Apr 2021

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

Week in the dessert

The property was gorgeous both inside and the outside pool. There were hiking trails from the property with a variety of dessert plants, llamas, rabbits and cows! The kitchen was stocked with an abundance of cookware, dishes, spices and staples. The location was great to tour the Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson and Catalina State Park. Both couples and two dogs had a wonderful time.

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nate B., Kenmore, WA

14 Mar 2021

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

Beautiful place in the foothills

Perfectly relaxing, nestled back in the foothills of the Catalinas and surrounded by mesquite trees, we couldn't have asked for a better place to get out of the city. It's just over 5 minutes from the grocery, and there's plenty of other food options within a short drive. The place itself is incredible. Fantastic architecture, private locale, great kitchen, and a big, lighted pool. Hopefully we'll find our way back here!

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Matthew W.

24 Feb 2021

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

Wonderful home with amazing views and stars beyond belief

We had a wonderful time at Ranchita. Neil was super responsive to any question or need and the house was amazing. If you love the evening around a pool or hot tub and enjoy the stars, this is the place for you. Thanks again Neil for letting us use your Ranchita.

Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lindzay K.

18 Feb 2021

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

Beautiful Mountain Views & Sunset

The location was perfect for us - we were looking to experience Tucson without being directly in the city. We really loved the peaceful views.

Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2021

8/10 Good

jeff a.

10 Feb 2021

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our stay at Ranchita Mystica

We enjoyed our stay at Ranchita Mystica. The house is located in a nice setting, providing privacy and great views of the Catalina mountains. The large patio which contains a good size heated pool and hot tub was very enjoyable. I recommend this property Jeff

Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Chip G.

18 Jan 2021

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

Wow!

This house surpasses the description, and Neil was perhaps the kindest and most responsive host in our vrbo experience. Super responsive, detailed and informative. Star gazing from the hot tub or from the hidden upper deck with lights down was amazing. Saltwater pool is really nice. Super private but 5 minutes from Bashas market, tennis, hiking, horseback riding, and world class mountain biking in the Chutes out the back door. Great for a family stay....we will be back. Thank you Neil!!!!

Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Barnaby G.

27 Dec 2020

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

Beautiful house in beautiful location

Beautiful setting and a beautiful house which is, for once, nicer than the photos . Light everywhere and distinctive furnishings . Sizeable pool and lovely deck area. Neil the owner could not be more responsive and helpful. We had an issue with pool heating and he had someone come over the next morning. One thing to be awere of is that only the master has an ensuite bathroom and the whole layout is quite open even for the master. So this is a place for connection, not a place for privacy, though there is an entirely separate media room if you do need a break! Definitely recommend strongly and would love to stay here again

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

James K.

15 Aug 2019

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

Great getaway

Loved the property, loved the location, loved the vibe. Neil was great and everything was just as advertised. We will be back. Only complaint? The towels. They were so nice when I got home I realized mine were not as good and had to run out and buy new ones, lol.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Matt M.

29 Apr 2019

Desert Oasis

I have to start by making two points: (1) my family and I are well-traveled vacationers, and our favorite type of vacation is renting a nice home in a picturesque location; and (2) I don't write reviews...never. My thinking had always been that since we typically stay at highly-rated homes--already with many reviews--my feedback would be lost in the noise of many other favorable reviews. That said, it would be an absolute shame not to share my feedback on what was my family's favorite vacation to date. Truly, this home has everything and more that someone could want out of a vacation, from the pool (heated, well maintained, and with all of the amenities), to the mountain and desert views (second to none), to the location (the genuine feeling of being remote and off the grid, yet only a five minute drive to a very nice grocery store and a Starbucks, 15 minutes to any other kind of shopping you could want, 45 minutes to the airport, at the base of Mount Lemmon, bordering a tremendous state park, and surrounded by hiking and biking trails). However, what makes all of this even more compelling is the owner, who greeted my family and me to provide a tour of the home and an introduction to his horses. On top of that, he was incredibly helpful at all hours of the day and night with our questions and had fantastic recommendations about restaurants, activities, and the area in general. The pictures don't do the home or the location justice, as it is a home that has to be seen and experienced to be appreciated, and it is one we hope to appreciate again!

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

John S.

14 Mar 2019

Wonderful, private, serene home to relax, take in the views, and explore the surrounding countryside

I almost hate to review this hidden gem, as I'd prefer to keep it secret! But that would be unfair to this great home and wonderful owner, Neil! My wife and I just wrapped up a delightful two weeks at this home. Inside, there is so much to like: a large, open great room with fireplace, windows looking out to the breathtaking views of the nearby Catalina mountains, and french doors which invite you to step out to the lovely patio/pool area. The master suite upstairs has a comfortable bed, attached full bath, sitting area, private patio, and equally magnificent views of the Catalinas. The kitchen is large, well equipped, and easy to work in. The ground floor laundry room is handy, with new washer/dryer set that Neil has kindly stocked with detergent. In general, we so enjoyed the feel of the entire house, with its spacious, uncluttered, and tastefully decorated rooms. There are even secret places to explore, including a hidden door to the downstairs A/V room and a surprising cupola leading to a roof balcony that star gazers shouldn't miss! Outside, Neil designed and installed a pool/spa area that rivals most you can find at any resort. Complete with waterfalls, fire bowls, underwater lights, and heater, the pool is a delight to swim in and lounge next to while feeling you can reach out and touch the Catalina mountains. The spa is the perfect place to unwind, perhaps after a long walk through the countryside. One of the features we enjoyed most about this home is the fact you can walk or bike off the property and onto dozens of publicly accessible trails in this area. You can reach Catalina State Park (and adjoining) Federal Park by foot/bike or via a short drive to the park entrance. As a host, Neil went above and beyond our expectations, making our stay comfortable and enjoyable! A few examples include: setting a welcome fire in the fireplace to warm us when we arrived, cutting wood for fires for our stay, making sure pool temperature was suitable (despite outdoor temps way below normal), ensuring spa was pristine, stocking the house with lovely soaps, and providing candles for quiet evenings inside. Neil also kindly offered the use of his bike and provided tips on trails. He checked in with us several times to be sure all was going well and ask if we needed anything. We felt he was not just renting his home, but rather was interested that we enjoyed all aspects of the area. In a nutshell, Neil embodied the old adage: "Mi casa es su casa"!

Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2019

About the host

Hosted by Neil Madow

Languages:

English, Spanish

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A Hidden Treasure in a "Secret Valley"

Photo gallery for A Hidden Treasure in a "Secret Valley"

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

About this property