Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises
Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Pool, Train & Tortoises
Escape to a private desert casita on 2.5 acres with palms, aloe, and mountain views. Enjoy a pool, hot tub, playground, grill, patio, and even a child-sized train. Inside, find a newly remodeled space with two queen beds, sofa bed, full kitchen, and washer/dryer. A family of red-foot tortoises lives onsite & loves leftover veggies! With its quiet setting, private entrance, and incredible stargazing, this is a one-of-a-kind Arizona retreat. Just three houses from the vast Tonto National Forest—larger than Yellowstone—you’ll feel immersed in the Arizona wilderness while still enjoying the comforts of home.
The property is alive with nature. In spring, hummingbirds flock to the thousands of aloe vera blooms and will often zip right up to greet you—sometimes even following guests around the garden. At night, you may hear coyotes howling in the distance, while javelinas, desert quail, and other native creatures wander across the land. For those who love adventure, bring a blacklight and discover the glowing scorpions that make their home in the desert.
The grounds are lush with life: over 300 palms create a tropical oasis around the sparkling, fenced pool—ranging from towering California palms to rare and exotic varieties. Cacti, succulents, and flowering plants add to the beauty, while a living ocotillo fence frames the casita. In winter, you’re welcome to pick fresh citrus straight from our lemon, orange, and grapefruit trees.
Almost completely surrounded by mountains, the property offers sweeping views and an unmatched sense of privacy. This is not a subdivision—you’ll discover the quiet, unspoiled spirit of old Arizona here, with the desert and its wildlife as your closest neighbors.
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets
Pets allowed: limit 2 total
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Take out the rubbish
Please take out the garbage to the big bin outside by the patio.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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 (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Long-term renters welcome
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 deadlock
About the area
Mesa
Located in Northeast Mesa, a neighbourhood in Mesa, this holiday home is near a water park and in the mountains. The Lost Dutchman Labyrinth and Revel Surf are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Superstition Springs Center and Gilbert Farmers Market. Travelling with kids? Consider The Boardhub and Higley Center for the Performing Arts. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and horse riding nearby.
Usery Mountain Regional Park - 7 min drive - 6.4 km
Superstition Springs Center - 11 min drive - 13.6 km
Painted Mountain Golf Club - 11 min drive - 10.9 km
Longbow Golf Club - 11 min drive - 12.1 km
Salt River - 13 min drive - 18.1 km
Getting around
Superstition Springs Transit Center - 13 min drive
Mesa, AZ (MSC-Falcon Field Municipal) - 11 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K - 7 min drive
Circle K - 3 min drive
Circle K - 4 min drive
Wendy’s - 4 min drive
McDonald's - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises?
As of 8 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises on 20 July 2026 start from AU$330, 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 Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).
How much is parking at Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Private 2.5-Acre Retreat with Lush Palms, Pool, Play Train & Tortoises located?
Located in the mountains, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Usery Mountain Regional Park, Granite Reef Park, and Tonto National Forest. Augusta Ranch Golf Club and Las Sendas Golf Club are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The tortoise enclosure was a big hit with the kids... and the adults! Great location, the Casita had everything we needed for the time we were there. Easy entry and check out. We would highly recommend!
What a perfect little spot in northeast Mesa ! Very quiet, clean and peaceful, pool area looks amazing we did not get a chance to use it this time of year. this little place is a perfect location for my wife and I to stay when we visit family nearby. We will be back for sure !
We weren't able to actually stay because the host didn't provide check-in instructions and didn't respond to messages. We had to book a hotel room. VRBO was also unable to reach the host. We did drive to the place first though, and I'm just leaving a review to say the description is very misleading. If you're looking for a private retreat, I'd keep looking. This is more like a pool house off the back of someone's house.
The place we rented was advertised as "private 2.5 acres with swimming pool, waterpark and jacuzzi". What we found when we got there was a casita in the back of the host main house and the ameneties were to share with the host. In fact the host house has a double panel glass window that faces the pool. No privacy at all.
Emanuel V.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Dec 2025
This is a fake review. We have almost a perfect 5 star review average. This person stayed and after checking out demand a full refund. They are scammers. It’s unfortunate but there are people out there that are looking to take advantage of people.
The property was just as advertised. Very comfortable and clean. Our pups felt comfortable, as well. We had a hard time figuring out how to lock the keyless lock on the front door. The bathroom door got stuck/locked if we closed it all the way. Over a great experience!
The space was comfortable and clean. Nice, quiet location. We didn't use the pool but did sit outside by it a couple nights. It is really close to the main house, which I didn't realize when booking. We never really saw them though.
Great place to stay with all the hiking, biking, fishing, and outdoor activities you could ever want nearby. We found all the amenities we needed in the Casita, and enjoyed our time here.
The casita, pool and property were all amazing, we all had a wonderful time. Host was easy to work with, we will definitely stay here again when we can. Thanks so much!
Absolutely amazing property. Very kid friendly even all us adults had fun. The casita was clean and much bigger than I expected. Plenty of room for everyone. Host was quick to reply and check in was very simple. Highly recommend
We have two boys (11&8) ad we had so much fun here. The house was clean and there were a few small touches that made it so welcoming. The communication was great and we will be staying here again.
Like the title says. Will definately be back if they continue to share this place. Highly recommend if youre looking for a private quite oasis!!!! Thank you!!!!!
My partner and I had a great stay with Andrew. The location was good, and we really enjoyed the pool and hot tub. It was fun seeing wildlife around the property, and the place had a lot of unique character. The only downside was that the shower was very small—my partner is large and he could not fit comfortably. He had to do some sink bathing.
My family loved staying here. Owner is super cool and his imagination is apparent in the property he’s building up. Cool location close to salt River
T K.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
About the host
Hosted by Andrew Colburn
I’m originally from the Midwest where I owned rental property. I did all the maintenance, remodeling, and special requests from my tenants. I enjoyed renting apartments, but find doing short term rental to be so interesting and exciting. You get to meet new people on their vacation and time away from their homes. I’m made so many great connections with guests.
Why they chose this property
My wife Candace and I feel in love with this property because of the location, size, public schools, and activities that are close by. Living in Northeast Mesa we have just a short drive to parks, the Salt River, saguaro lake, horse ranches, restaurants. All of that and we aren’t too far from Tempe, Pheonix to be able to see sports games, consorts and plays.
What makes this property unique
Our property is unique because of feel remote with the access of grocery stores, malls, restaurants, recreational activities all being very close. We have a mall sized real child size train you can ride on. We have 7 red foot tortoises to visit and feed. You can also enjoy the pool along side dozens of varieties of tropical plants. Also help your to picking citrus in the winter.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests