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Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show

Holiday home in Tucson with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show

Romantic Spanish Villa in hidden canyon close to shopping + dining.
Twilight on the front porch.  Best time for wildlife viewing
Primary BR featuring high thread count 100% cotton sheets for a cozy night sleep
Choose between hypoallergenic pillows of differing firmness for your comfort
Primary BR sitting area with electric fireplace featuring remote + timer

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Tuscon Spectrum
  • Place, Casino del Sol
  • Place, Starr Pass Golf Club
  • Airport, Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Master

1 Queen Bed

Tower Bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show

Just 10 miles and 100 years from downtown this newer adobe home built in the classic Tucson styles offers an authentic Tucson experience. Passing through the entry of the Starlight Casa you cross a gateway between past and present.

The Starlight Casa is a reminder of yesterday and a harbinger of tomorrow incorporating modern passive solar design with ageless building practices originating in Babylon at the dawn of civilization. Though built with all the modern comforts of the present, the Starlight Casa is a portal into the past providing a sense of what life was like for Tucson's pioneers.


Who Else Wants to Feel Like a Pioneer without Sacrificing Comfort?

Then book the Starlight Casa and travel between eras enjoying the best of both incorporating creature comforts of the present while respecting and accentuating Tucson's original architectural elements.

Because you’ve read this far, you deserve a truly authentic Tucson experience, and you’ll find, as you read the entire description, even more...  

Since this is your holiday, your big break from life as usual, you’ll notice this property listing isn’t a few, measly sentences, haphazard room pictures, & a list of features looking just like every other listing.

This is a description more worthy your time, and ready to transport you to another. You may notice as you’re reading that you mind wanders… …picturing what's in store for you during your stay at the Starlight Casa.


You'll be ensconced in an intimate canyon setting studded with massive boulders.

It's the perfect peaceful retreat or a catalyst for tales of adventure. Evidence of Tucson's storied past surrounds the property. The abandoned gold mines in the canyon walls are reminders of hopeful miners from a time long since past. Perhaps you’ll be the next guest to find pottery shards from an earlier civilization along the wash immediately behind the home.


From several points on the property you can…
Feel the Peace from the White Dove of the Desert…

You'll enjoy panoramic views of the mission with its white towers reaching skyward from the surrounding fields. As you look upon the mission from this rare vantage point, you’ll be looking back in time… …back to the birthplace of Tucson.
The White Dove of the Desert, the San Xavier Mission, is Arizona's oldest intact European building. Returning to the Starlight Casa you can experience some of these original architectural elements inspired by the mission.


You can imagine Apache scouts atop the stone towers.

The canyon provided the ideal location for the Apaches to stage multiple raids upon the mission. Visitors from both near and far find the canyon and it's rich history a magical almost mystical place blending past and present in a vortex of time.

Prior to construction the site hosted a sweat lodge conducted by a Native American medicine man possessing an M.D. and Ph.D. Recently an owner of an adjoining vacant lot brought their newborn to the canyon for a naming ceremony ritual. If the location has this much appeal to natives, how much more magnificent will it be for your vacation?

Without this invitation you wouldn't find this place. There is a secret garden quality to the entire canyon hidden from prying eyes unless you know where to look. Even the artisans involved in the Starlight Casa's construction often commented that they never knew this place existed although they'd been in the area for decades.

Others tell stories of how they used to ride their horses all over the area yet somehow missed this place never knowing it was ever here.


Be Among Those Privileged Enough to Gain Passage...

…and you too will understand why everyone who does, feels happier and better for it.

There are 139 ageless building principles used in the design of the Starlight Casa that together form a language that speaks to you about the harmonious connection between yourself and nature. The canyon wildlife continue to use the same winding paths all around the home worn into the earth by earlier generations.

Often the local desert denizens visit the patios such as the desert tortoise shown in the property photos. Think about it…


Why Go on Safari when the Safari Can Come to You?

Multiple covered, outdoor seating areas connect the home to it's surroundings. The South facing back patio utilizes strategic design to maximize the sun's location in the sky throughout the year to allow for sun soaked winter afternoons and shady summer mornings. Sheltering the patio is Beehive Peak shaped by primordial winds and now home to a variety of wildlife.

While appreciating the ancient origins of the canyon walls you may be distracted into the present by coyotes scouting their next meal, hawks tending their nest high up on a craggy cliff face, or catch a glimpse of the javelina (ha va leena) returning to their beds where they lay together in sprawling pig piles. They look like hairy wild pigs but they're not pigs at all. Instead they're peccaries from South America.

Spend a late season morning on the North porch with a cup of complimentary coffee or tea and listen as the dawn chorus of the birds greets daybreak in celebration. If you're really lucky you might witness the rare and some say sacred dance of the cottontails where bunnies spring into the air kicking their heels skyward in pure joy somersaulting their tiny bodies before once again becoming earthbound.

After a full day of sights, you’re invited to turn your gaze toward the heavens from the rooftop deck as twilight blankets the night sky and…


Enjoy a 4th Dimensional Experience…

…as you look deep into the past over the infinite reaches of space seeing billions of stars as they looked thousands of years ago whose luminosity travelled at the speed of light to greet you in just this moment.

It’s this view that generated the name Starlight Casa.


Just as the Pioneers Who First Settled the Area…

...stone was gathered from the location for the foundation and the walls forged from adobe blocks molded from the sands of time. In accordance with tradition the patio wall follows the contours of the land creating a 'wild run' that merges into a living fence made from ocotillos that grow profusely throughout the desert.

Occasionally the ocotillos of the fence appear as though their time has passed. Sporadically throughout the year they produce dark green leaves and flame orange blossoms that lick the sky encouraging rains that like a fountain of youth turn back the clock.

Authentic Tucson architectural design elements appear to slow time until inside the home where state of the art appliances allow you to prepare a warm meal in minutes. Don't be surprised if you never have to adjust the thermostat since the natural building materials combined with the high ceilings moderate temperatures providing unsurpassed comfort while reducing allergens inside the home.

You’re one step away from a truly authentic Tucson experience. There is a first come, first serve policy for reservations so you only have a small window of time to reserve your dates for this life altering and time twisting vacation before someone else.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
We do NOT allow pets. Please book elsewhere.
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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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number 21522400

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Tucson

Located in Drexel Heights, a neighbourhood in Tucson, this holiday home is in a rural area and near theme parks. Sewailo Golf Club and Cinemark Century Tucson Marketplace are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Saguaro National Park and Red Hills Visitor Center. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Tucson Convention Center or AVA Amphitheater. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Tucson, AZ

What's nearby

  • Tuscon Spectrum - 10 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Casino del Sol - 10 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Tucson Convention Center - 15 min drive - 13.6 km
  • Starr Pass Golf Club - 17 min drive - 14.0 km
  • University of Arizona - 18 min drive - 15.5 km

Getting around

  • Roy Laos Transit Center - 18 min drive
  • Tucson Station - 24 min drive
  • Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show located?

Located in Drexel Heights, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Tuscon Spectrum, Casino of the Sun and AVA Amphitheater. Casino del Sol and Sewailo Golf Club are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 157 out of 167 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 167 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 167 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 167 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 167 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tony H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We try to stay at this property every time we come to Tucson. It is a beautiful home in an amazing setting - clean and well-maintained.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sue G.

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

Fantastic stay!

Loved the charming house - spacious, nicely decorated, and well equipped.The location was quiet and scenic - convenient to trails and outdoor activities. We really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

SAbrina P.

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

Wonderful property

House was beautiful, well equipped. Scenery was amazing, great for nature lovers Great response from hostLook forward to visiting again
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris G.

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

Great house

Great home with beautiful views!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason B.

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

Tucson Mountain Fun.

Home was neat, clean & well stocked. Finding it was easy, 1/2 mile gravel road really gets you into the mountains. Hearing the coyotes sing was wonderful, loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Reuben R.

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

Perfect place to relax

Amazing comfort.Amazing views. Amazing home. Very clean and everything we needed for the stay. Thank you so much for making this a very memorable week.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

linda m.

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

Fantastic views

It was amazing to look out and see the mountains, cactus, love the land scape nice patios front and back and roof top To enjoy the sunrise and sun set Close to town Very nice comfortable home
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer G.

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

Great location and fabulous get away

Our family of 5 had plenty of space to hang out and we thoroughly enjoyed the lovely views around the property. Having multiple porches made it easy to find a shady place to hang out. Everything met our expectations and we would be happy to stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

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

Perfect for Watching Wildlife

We enjoyed our stay and the abundant wildlife in the back yard. The house was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Melissa T.

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

Relaxing

This place is much better than the pictures show. We had such a wonderful/relaxing time. The place has everything we needed. Definitely will recommend to family and friends.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Don W.

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

Immaculate serene get away

The property was wonderful. Located in a quiet countryside mountain pass. Well stocked kitchen. Comfortable beds with scent free linens. A simple check in process. We cooked many meals as a family and had a relaxing stay. Highly recommended
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl R.

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

Beautiful Home!

The home was absolutely beautiful and so very clean. The view from the home was stunning. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mylene J.

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

Amazing

Beautiful place, beautiful view everything perfect
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ric B.

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

R & B

My wife and I travel often. This was the most beautiful settings than ever before. It was like a beautiful picture in every direction. So peaceful and beautiful. We will stay here again and again. Oh yea; the home itself was beautiful too.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

JOHN M.

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

TUCSON

PROPERTY WAS DEFINITLY OUT OF THE HUSTLE OF CITY LIFE. THE OWNERS WERE WELCOMING AND VERY HELPUL. WE WOULD LOVE TO STAY HERE AGAIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE. ABSOLUTLY LOVED IT
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

John M.

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

Tucson vac

Very clean and free of harsh cleaning chemicals or/and harsh laundry smells. Beautiful home very well detail with everything needed…
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leslie D., Glendale, AZ US

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

Beautiful and Serene

What a beautiful, serene house and property! You will enjoy the porch, both front and back, with the desert breeze while gazing into the natural landscape and seeing the twinkling lights of the city at night. The house is impeccable -- very clean and well decorated with the Santa Fe/Southwest theme. It is secluded, private - but still so close to grocery stores, restaurants and Tucson.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lori T.

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

Family Trip

Absolutely wonderful! The pocket door to the downstairs bathroom needs maintenance. I got stuck in the bathroom-lol.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary R.

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

Beautiful House with Gorgeous Mountain Views

The house is absolutely beautiful with great views from every room. We watched the sunrise through the living room window and sunset from the second level deck. The kitchen has everything you need to make meals with quality appliances and utensils. We didn't see any wildlife from the house but there was a road runner on the incoming drive. Lovely place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Judy C., Hockessin DE

The Tucson Time Machine is just that!

We just spent 9 days here. It is definitely an authentic southwestern experience. We felt like we were at the Ponderosa and loved it! And the setting is spectacular. We were surrounded by mountains in all directions where we climbed and roamed. The porches were perfect places to relax in the early morning and the evenings, and enjoy the quietness and stillness hearing only the doves. The Saguaro National Park, The Desert Museum, Old Tucson, and lots of hiking are all only a short drive away. The owner was very easy to work with. We would definitely recommend a stay here.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2018

8/10 Good

Tom B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location

Nice place with Minor Problems

I enjoyed my experince here for the most part with the follwoing minor problems. The road to home is a bit skectchy. The stairs to second floor not that safe. Wifi was not avaiable after the 2nd day. Contact with owner was a bit difficult and by text I beleive it took at least 24 to 36 hours to get back to me. After all that. Its a nice quiet home. The beds could be upgraded but the kicthen was fantastic. Like it a lot. Didnt care for the keyless entry but there are pros and cons to that. Overall, I enjoy my stay. Just need to fix a few things the rest is out of your control I suspect. No place is perfect. If you need quiet time this is a good place to stay.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

A F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
How was very clean and well kept. All of the pictures of the property were true and accurate. The host was easy to contact--we contacted them by phone. This was the first VRBO we have rented where the residence had enough clothes hangers for all of our gear! Awesome. The residence was far enough away from the city where you could hear nature in its entirety which is what we wanted. If I had to pick a con about the residence, and this is a stretch, it would be that there is another rental property located immediately beside this one. The pics are well taken and do not show the other home, but it is about 30 feet away. Fortunately the family that was staying next door was quiet. In closing, the house was beautiful, clean, and the landscape surrounding the house was awesome!.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was perfect for 2 seniors looking for a relaxing week in a beautiful place. The house itself had so many unique features and we enjoyed and appreciated every one. The surrounding area was private with stunning views in every direction. We are not party people but it's close to the city if you want nightlife. I would stay here over and over if I could.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jodi M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Even better than the pictures! We were in Tucson to drop our only son at U of A and I knew I would need a peaceful place to rest and recharge. The home is beautiful and the surroundings are magical. We had everything we needed, comfortable beds and plenty of towels, extra blankets etc. Every thing in the home was clean and well maintained. The location was only a short drive to anywhere we needed to go and we had no issues navigating the dirt road in our rental sedan. We also appreciated the welcome basket and chips and salsa! The only thing I would point out to potential renters is that the inside staircase for the upper bed and bath is a tight spiral and those with any mobility issues may have trouble. There are of course two bedrooms and a bath downstairs so it's not really a problem but good to know ahead of arriving. Overall, I would happily stay again and recommend to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donyel B.

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

Castle in the desert

This was our second stay at this beautiful home. It is located in the desert on a bumpy dirt road. But it is so peaceful and has incredible views of the desert as well as a night time view looking down over the city. The home was very well set up for family to gather in the living room, dining room and kitchen (it is all so open and beautiful.) Plenty of parking. The door lock instructions seemed daunting--but the directions were clear and worked well. You are able to set your own personalized code for extra security. We had some issues getting the hot water to come on. However, the hosts gave advice on how to correct the issue. The appliances were all in great working condition (minus the clothes dryer that seemed to need some vent cleaning for it to stay on long). But we just hung dried with no problem. Follow the directions provided by the hosts, as Google maps routes you a silly way. But once we got it figured out, it was easy to find. This home is out of town--so be sure to pick up your groceries on your way in. The nearest grocery store, Food City, didn't have the variety we needed. We were thankful that the hosts provided some snacks and much needed coffee! We hope to come back again!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

About the host

Hosted by Andrew F

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

Even now nearly 14 years later I still remember the first time we saw the canyon like it was yesterday. It was completely by accident. One Saturday I happened to be working as a real estate agent showing a friend homes in the area. Wanting Rhonda to get to know his family better, for the 1st time in 12 years I brought her along on an appointment with me.


In an attempt to take a short cut to the next house we tried to go through the canyon. As soon as I saw the for sale sign, we stopped so I could get out. The place was completely captivating unlike any other I'd ever seen in Tucson after living here for 40 years and seeing more than a 1000 homes in my 12 year career.


After seeing so many homes it was surprising that only 5 homes or so were truly memorable. This was something that I continued to wonder about throughout my time as an agent. What made those few homes so charming?


We were fortunate to win the property from a competing buyer. Since then we've come to regard ourselves as custodians of this valuable resource including the plants and wildlife it is home to. In 2008 during an annual family retreat when we gather together to celebrate the past year and share our visions for the coming year, one of our goals was to build a home that our family could use to carry on our tradition.


For 10 years we had been collecting ideas for our dream home largely from multi million dollar homes throughout Arizona that we wanted to somehow incorporate into our more modest budget.

What makes this property unique

During project planning once again I returned to the question of the source of indefinable charm that only 5 homes in a thousand possess. A builder friend recommended the work of architect Christopher Alexander who studied some of the most loved buildings throughout time in an effort to capture that special quality that makes these structures so appealing.


Alexander ultimately came to describe this quality as wholeness. According to Alexander there are 151 patterns that form a timeless way of building. So far we've been able to incorporate 112 of them. Hints of the pattern language are included with your welcome email. During your stay see how many you can identify.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

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