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Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

Photo gallery for Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

Hot tub, pool and sunsets!
Heart of the desert
Sunset over the Rincon mountains looking down the road to the house
Sunset over the Santa Catalinas, looking toward the front of the house
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8250.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Tucson, AZ
  • Place, B & B Cactus Farm
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Saguaro National Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, University of Arizona
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)
    ‪27 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Casita

1 King Bed

Guest bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Guest bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Primary Bedroom

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

Casita Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Hallway Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

Welcome to our beautiful and unique family home on three private acres on the east side of Tucson. Gorgeous views of mountains and desert abound and sunsets always provide a wonderful evening show to enjoy from the spacious patio and pool area. An updated and open living/dining/kitchen space brings all the comforts of home.
There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The primary suite has a king size bed and a large attached bathroom. The other two bedrooms in the main house have queen size beds and are just across the hallway from a full bathroom. A private, separate casita off the back patio has a king size bed, walk in closet and full bathroom. Two living areas provide lots of comfy seating for reading a book, watching a movie or playing games. The kitchen is fully stocked and ready for creating delicious meals. A screened-in patio lounge area is perfect for enjoying warm evening breezes and mountain views.
The back of the home shines with a large pool, a hot tub, covered spaces, open areas to take some sun, lots of privacy and, above all, those mountain views! It is quiet and relaxing and, simply, wonderful.
If you can bring yourself to leave the house, activities abound. Shopping, dining, hiking and other local attractions are all nearby. The home is very private and feels worlds away but it is just a few minutes from grocery stores, restaurants and a movie theater. Downtown Tucson, funky 4th Avenue and the University of Arizona are within a twenty minute drive.
Also, since the home is surrounded by lots of beautiful desert, it is important to know that you may see desert wildlife including javelinas, Gila monsters, rattlesnakes, coyotes, bobcats, lizards, tortoises, roadrunners and many other kinds of birds. These desert denizens are exciting to see but must be observed from a distance and left alone.
We invite you to enjoy this "gem in the heart of the desert"

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Adult supervision is necessary
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please DO NOT flush anything down the toilet aside from toilet tissue! NO wipes, hygiene products, paper towels, etc.

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 deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Tucson

Located in Houghton, a neighbourhood in Tucson, this holiday home is in the mountains. B & B Cactus Farm and Golf N' Stuff Family Fun Center are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Trail Dust Town and Park Place Mall. The Highland Vista Labyrinth and William Clements Recreation Center are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby swimming, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and hiking/biking trails.
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Map
Tucson, AZ

What's nearby

  • B & B Cactus Farm - 2 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Saguaro National Park - 4 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Davis-Monthan Air Force Base - 17 min drive - 15.2 km
  • University of Arizona - 22 min drive - 20.8 km
  • Tucson Mall - 29 min drive - 26.9 km

Getting around

  • Tucson Station - 23 min drive
  • Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Los Nopales - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert?

As of 1 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert on 28 Apr 2026 start from AU$580, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert located?

Located in Houghton, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of B & B Cactus Farm, Saguaro National Park and Broadway Trail. Forty Niner Country Club and 49er Country Club are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We very much enjoyed staying in this lovely home. It is in a quiet neighborhood and close to grocery stores,restaurants and shopping centers. The property is beautifully landscaped and the house is very comfortable.It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the Arizona sunshine!
Stayed 42 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ang S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a phenomenal stay at this house. There was plenty of room for everyone, and the home was very well stocked with towels, utensils, dinnerware, and everything we needed. The house was extremely clean, and the backyard view was absolutely beautiful.Michael, the host, was very welcoming and incredibly responsive throughout our stay. The bedrooms are spacious, the beds are comfortable, and having two master suites was such a nice bonus.We highly recommend this property and would gladly stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gem in the Heart of the Desert is the perfect name for this property! All expectations were exceeded. Host was very responsive to questions. House and yard were gorgeous. Location was private and offered a true desert experience. Easy access to all needed amenities.
Daily sunsets were gorgeous
Pool was wonderful
House is nestled in the desert
Loved the wildlife
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brad B.

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

Great family gathering place

Awesome house. Great location for biking and hiking
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher P.

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

Great place!

Really enjoyed the views, and lay out of the home!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary Z.

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

Most amazing sunset

We were so happy with this home. We loved floating in the pool and watching sunsets. Very clean and lots of amenities.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Clare B.

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

Beautiful place in a peaceful location

The house is beautiful, comfortable and exceeded our expectations. Serene views of the mountains, secluded location. So lovely to sit on the patio and watch the sun set. Highly recommend if you love being out in nature. Would stay again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Terry S.

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

Dessert vibe

Awesome property in a private setting was a great spot for an extended stay with close friends.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patti F.

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

Family time

Perfect for a family. Location and size of bedrooms great and wonderful kitchen and eating areas
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan R.

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

Beautiful Sunset! Delightful Desert!

Stunning! Tastefully decorated! Beautiful furniture. Perfect in every way! The cleanest home I’ve ever rented. Everyone in the family enjoyed it as much as I did.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janet A.

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

Wonderful experience

Beautiful property and home. Great hosts.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patricia C.

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

Very comfortable, well outfitted house!

We had a great experience staying in this home. All bedrooms were very comfortable, kitchen well outfitted, hot tub wonderful! Perfect spot to watch the superbowl Bonus, we saw a bobcat, roadrunners and great horned owl in back yard.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dan F.

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

Really is a gem

This place had pretty much everything we could want: a delightfully furnished and comfortable place, perfect location especially for nature excursions, a kitchen full of nice things (even the knives were sharp - have you been to a VRBO where the knives were actually sharp?), hot tub and pool, super nice yard, and an incredibly responsive host. If you read the description of this place and think you might like it, then you surely will.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aviva S.

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

The perfect long weekend get together

Our book club met for a long weekend in Tucson. The house was perfect for having conversation on the patio and ample indoor seating. The kitchen is beautiful and was easy for our group to prep meals in. The owners included many helpful amenities such as sunscreen and robes in each room. The hot tub and stars at night were an exceptional part of the stay. Easy access to national wilderness trailheads kept us busy. We would highly recommend this beautiful property
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark T.

Wonderful home in the desert

Your renovated desert home was a true joy to live in for our family. From a great kitchen to very comfortable beds and furnishings, we wanted for nothing more than just to spend another day by the pool enjoying the view and quiet. Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

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

Spectacular

Everything about this place was perfect, from the spectacular desert setting to the expertly equipped kitchen. You will not be disappointed.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Todd N.

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

Our 2020 Tucson gem show extravaganza

Our 2020 Tucson gem show extravaganza was absolutely amazing. Our stay at this property was wonderful. Fantastic kitchen, dining areas, and luxurious relaxation spaces made this one of our greatest trips ever. Beautiful sunsets every evening. What a place!
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tammi Jo B.

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

Beautiful home and area!

We were at this property for 3 nights and were so pleased with everything! The home is beautifully decorated, cozy, clean and had all the comforts of home. Kitchen was well-appointed and spacious. The backyard and pool area was wonderful, and the sunsets were spectacular. Our host, Michael, was extremely gracious and responsive. Highly recommend and would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Crystal K.

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

Best VRBO we’ve ever had

We do VRBO’s at least a few times a year. With family in Tucson we come a few times a year and this was the best yet. Beautiful views and grounds. The best stocked VRBO- and not yard sale stuff but quality cooking tools, dishes, etc. Beds were very comfortable. Very clean and well maintained. We plan on making this our go to for our future Tucson stays.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deb H.

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

Amazing Gem in Tucson

This was our 2nd stay at this incredible home! It is the perfect space for us and our extended family to come together for vacation and not be falling over one another. Nothing beats the sunrises and sunsets from the back patio. Michael and Brian are superb hosts and have the house stocked with everything needed for a vacation away from home.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ron W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We found everything about this property just as described (or even better)! It is a place secluded enough to be very quiet and afford views of the mountains beyond, yet is near to the city. There is space both inside and outside for a group like us (of 6, all older) to relax, spend time together (or apart to read or snooze). The home is equipped with anything and everything we needed, and is simply beautiful. Someone with an eye for echoing the desert's beauty with the colors, art and inside furnishings created the indoor ambiance. And, best of all, we had easy and quick communication with our host, Michael. His immediate advice and answers to questions were so helpful. If all this sounds too good to be true--you simply haven't been here. Our family gathering couldn't have happened in a more lovely, secluded spot. Our hats off to Michael.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ellen L.

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

Amazing once again!

Tucson holds a special place in our hearts and Michael's home is the cherry on top! Everything is wonderful, no complaints whatsoever.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jocelyn V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family of four was looking to decompress after the school year ended. We found that and more-some with this location! The thoughtful design and decor, comfy porch for morning coffee, cozy bedding and amenities are top notch. The outdoor space is awesome with expansive views and a fantastic pool and hot tub! A note for those with kids under 8 or 9–this pool isn’t for you due to its depth. The lounge chairs are tucked away from the sun early and late in the day but are easy to move if needed. Finally…it was very private and quiet, which we so appreciated. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ronald S.

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

Dessert Oasis

This property is the perfect dessert getaway. Beautiful sunsets, mountain views , a pool, hot tub and so much more. And, close to activities and restaurants. The house was very clean and ready for our arrival. Michael was a great host and was very communicative. The kitchen is well stocked as we cooked several meals during our stay finding everything we needed. Great place to unwind!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cora C.

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

Thanksgiving Holiday

My family of 5 stayed at this Tuscon Gem for the Thanksgiving holiday. The house is perfectly described in VRBO. We comfortably made the house our home away from home as we cooked for Thanksgiving and all meals in the well-appointed kitchen, played games, puzzles, and watched TV together in a room big enough for all of us, and enjoyed the amazing outdoor space as we relaxed into the night with beautiful sunsets. Excellent communication with the host. I wouldn't stay anywhere else if I come back to Tuscon.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

About the host

Hosted by Michael Smedley

Host profile image

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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