Apartment
Serene & Secluded - Heart of the Sonoran Desert 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest
Photo gallery for Serene & Secluded - Heart of the Sonoran Desert 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest





Reviews
9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 455 sq m
Popular amenities
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Single Beds
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Serene & Secluded - Heart of the Sonoran Desert 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest
Recognized by Million Mile Magazine as one of the top 10 places to celebrate Airbnb's 10th anniversary, and awarded LUX Magazine's 2020 and 2023 winner of "Most Serene Desert Accommodations/Horse Boarding Facility Southwest USA", Casa Rio Rancho is located on site at Rio Rancho Verde, an eco-ranch that is committed to supporting a sustainable environment in the midst of the Sonoran Desert. Additionally, VRBO selected Rio Rancho Verde (one of 5 locations out of 3700 vacation rentals in Scottsdale) to film a social media promotion on YouTube, we've been featured on a Hulu series, booked for a Western film production, music videos, product launches and catalog shoots. We offer a secluded and serene getaway, far from the maddening crowds, surrounded by the most amazing scenery, yet we're only 20 minutes away from fine dining and shopping in North Scottsdale if you want to enjoy the comforts of the city. This relaxing alternative to the fast pace of city life is a welcome retreat in a rural, upscale Western setting. Please note, we do board horses and the owners are on site with them (usually just Jan - March). We also have 2 other Airbnbs here at the ranch so there can sometimes be other people out and about that you may or may not cross paths with.
We offer a private two bedroom suite, (attached to the house, but separated by an insulated wall so there is no access to the main house) with it's own bathroom and desk area. The master suite has a queen bed and the 2nd bedroom has two twin beds, if you need more space, or are traveling with family or friends. There is a separate private entrance and the suite opens to the pool and patio which includes an outdoor kitchen (please note: NO indoor kitchen or living room) and bar area with frig, microwave, counter top convection oven/airfryer/toaster, sink and outdoor BBQ, island with cooktop, fireplace, dining room table and seating on the deck for 55 people, overlooking the pool and the beautiful Sonoran desert. Rate includes both bedrooms for 2 people, we only rent to one party at a time. If you'd like to bring friends or older kids, the 2nd bedroom is $89 per night (for the room, not per person). VRBO hasn't quite mastered charging for reservations that are for 2 people or more, so please check the itemized charges to see if they included the additional $89 per night for a 3rd and/or 4th guest. Additional cleaning fee for 3rd/4th person is $75.00.
Maximum 4 people.
Continental breakfast, served poolside, is available upon request and at an additional cost. Come out and hike, bike or ride a horse (yours are welcome, rentals available at the stables down the road) or just relax and watch the spectacular sunsets on the ridge overlooking the mountains and desert vistas. You can walk right out our gate into the Tonto National Forest, or the Scottsdale McDowell Preserve where you'll find 32,000 acres and 215 miles of the most amazing trails filled with Saguaro cactus and perhaps a coyote or two! Or, just relax and enjoy a glass of wine on the deck overlooking the pool as the sun goes down, or sip your morning coffee in the barn as the horses wait for their breakfast. Suite is available with either one or two bedrooms, one bathroom total. Please note that the pool is not heated and there is no TV. This is truly a unique and very special place, we hope to share it with you!
Pricing is based on two guests - for additional guests (3 - 4 people), there is an $89 per night fee. VRBO is not able to calculate this rate so we will have to edit the quote they send, as it will be incorrect. Cleaning fee is increased by $75 for more than 2 people.
So sorry, not suitable for toddlers or young children.
Pets are allowed (sorry, no cats) with a $75 non-refundable pet fee. Dogs must be crated in the owner's absence unless arrangements are made in advance with owner Dogs must be on a leash around the barns and horses.
Please note it's very dark out here, we adhere to the Dark Skies Ordinance so lighting is minimal.
If you're looking to party hardy, the only ones out here howlin' at the moon are the coyotes....
Also, if the private suite is booked or for additional information about the ranch, please check out our other luxury listings, VRBO # 652267 or VRBO 766813.
We offer a private two bedroom suite, (attached to the house, but separated by an insulated wall so there is no access to the main house) with it's own bathroom and desk area. The master suite has a queen bed and the 2nd bedroom has two twin beds, if you need more space, or are traveling with family or friends. There is a separate private entrance and the suite opens to the pool and patio which includes an outdoor kitchen (please note: NO indoor kitchen or living room) and bar area with frig, microwave, counter top convection oven/airfryer/toaster, sink and outdoor BBQ, island with cooktop, fireplace, dining room table and seating on the deck for 55 people, overlooking the pool and the beautiful Sonoran desert. Rate includes both bedrooms for 2 people, we only rent to one party at a time. If you'd like to bring friends or older kids, the 2nd bedroom is $89 per night (for the room, not per person). VRBO hasn't quite mastered charging for reservations that are for 2 people or more, so please check the itemized charges to see if they included the additional $89 per night for a 3rd and/or 4th guest. Additional cleaning fee for 3rd/4th person is $75.00.
Maximum 4 people.
Continental breakfast, served poolside, is available upon request and at an additional cost. Come out and hike, bike or ride a horse (yours are welcome, rentals available at the stables down the road) or just relax and watch the spectacular sunsets on the ridge overlooking the mountains and desert vistas. You can walk right out our gate into the Tonto National Forest, or the Scottsdale McDowell Preserve where you'll find 32,000 acres and 215 miles of the most amazing trails filled with Saguaro cactus and perhaps a coyote or two! Or, just relax and enjoy a glass of wine on the deck overlooking the pool as the sun goes down, or sip your morning coffee in the barn as the horses wait for their breakfast. Suite is available with either one or two bedrooms, one bathroom total. Please note that the pool is not heated and there is no TV. This is truly a unique and very special place, we hope to share it with you!
Pricing is based on two guests - for additional guests (3 - 4 people), there is an $89 per night fee. VRBO is not able to calculate this rate so we will have to edit the quote they send, as it will be incorrect. Cleaning fee is increased by $75 for more than 2 people.
So sorry, not suitable for toddlers or young children.
Pets are allowed (sorry, no cats) with a $75 non-refundable pet fee. Dogs must be crated in the owner's absence unless arrangements are made in advance with owner Dogs must be on a leash around the barns and horses.
Please note it's very dark out here, we adhere to the Dark Skies Ordinance so lighting is minimal.
If you're looking to party hardy, the only ones out here howlin' at the moon are the coyotes....
Also, if the private suite is booked or for additional information about the ranch, please check out our other luxury listings, VRBO # 652267 or VRBO 766813.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (98 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 12:00 PM
Children
Children allowed: ages 13–17
No toddlers, 6 year old age minimum
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
No dogs in pool or on the furniture please
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Outside only please
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 and a first aid kit
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Scottsdale
Located in Rio Verde Foothills, a neighbourhood in Scottsdale, this apartment is in a rural area and in the mountains. Golf Club Scottsdale and Troon North - Pinnacle Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit George "Doc" Cavalliere Park and Arizona Powerchutes. Travelling with kids? Consider Frontier Town, or check out an event or a game at DC Ranch Tennis Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Scottsdale, AZ
What's nearby
- Tom's Thumb Trail - 15 min drive - 9.8 km
- McDowell Mountain Regional Park - 15 min drive - 9.4 km
- Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center - 17 min drive - 10.5 km
- Troon North Golf Club - 20 min drive - 15.4 km
- Pinnacle Peak Park - 22 min drive - 16.2 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Circle K - 23 min drive
- Needle Rock Kitchen And Tap - 24 min drive
- Cochise Geronimo Clubhouse - 47 min drive
- SWAN Sushi and Seafood Bar - 23 min drive
- Raven’s View Wine Bar - 40 min drive
Frequently asked questions
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 window9.8/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
9.8/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Verified
28 Feb 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Virginia Z.
15 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Virginia Z.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Susan G.
2 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Susan G.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Betsy V.
21 Feb 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Betsy V.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Zulu E.
23 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Location
Zulu E.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dilver L.
16 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful
Dilver L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Becki S.
15 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing getaway
Becki S.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Nancy H.
1 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Desert Oasis
Nancy H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dana P.
10 Apr 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very relaxed and quiet stay
Dana P.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kate P.
22 Mar 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our Desert Stay
Kate P.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Anna D.
19 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful of Arizona
Anna D.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Lynda M.
15 Mar 2017
Wonderful!
Lynda M.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2017
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lynn N.
11 Mar 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible Scenery
Lynn N.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Erica C.
12 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Arizona = Amazing
Erica C.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Vivek R.
3 Dec 2015
Best Place to Stay in All of Scottsdale. Highly Recommended!!
Vivek R.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2015
Verified
10/10 Excellent
travis w.
15 Mar 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing views and property
travis w.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jan S.
6 Dec 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing property!!! And hosts Will return
Jan S.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022
Verified
8/10 Good
Michelle K.
30 May 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxation weekend
Michelle K.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
faith s.
20 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF RIO RANCHO VERDE
faith s.
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Amanda B.
7 Apr 2019
Breathtaking and peaceful!
Amanda B.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tiffany H.
14 May 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and relaxing
Tiffany H.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lynn K.
7 Feb 2019
Best of the Best!
Lynn K.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
PATRICK J.
2 Apr 2019
Great Stay.
PATRICK J.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mackenzie M.
14 Mar 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything I Didn't Know I Needed
Mackenzie M.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
14 Oct 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Impressive property!
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
About the host
Hosted by Carmela Lizzo
My husband and I love living in the desert and enjoy sharing this incredible space with our guests. We've made some amazing friends who return year after year and who love to ride their horses with us to discover new trails and places. We're both avid horseback riders, Joe's a roper, and we also like mountain biking and hiking on the trails outside our gates. We have an organic garden on site, we compost and are big on reduce, reuse, recycle and re-purpose! We like being sustainable, we're on a well so we're always mindful of water consumption, and the veggies in our garden (seasonal) could feed an army!
Why they chose this property
Why do we own this property? We wanted to live as far out in the desert as we possibly could, but still have the conveniences of town. We specifically looked in the Rio Verde Foothills area because we wanted to live on the National Forest and have neighbors who were close enough to become friends but far enough away to give us our space. (we have awesome neighbors!!). I was born and raised in Chicago and on every vacation we ever took, I would be the little girl in the car looking out the window at the wide open spaces and the cowboy riding the range and wish that was me. My dream has come true at Rio Rancho Verde.
Why should you select Rio Rancho Verde for your next trip? There's truly nothing else like it! When you see how beautiful our land is you'll know immediately that it's a very special place. We're incredibly blessed and grateful to call this home and we love to share it with guests who love the outdoors and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. It's an amazing place with 360 degree views that feature mountain vistas, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, skies full of stars and a peaceful serenity that gets right down in your soul. It's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city/corporate/daily life - we have a annual visitor who told us "I may reside in Missouri, but I LIVE here on the ranch".
What makes this property unique
Enjoy country living 20 minutes from the city of Scottsdale. You'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere (and you kind of are!) but fine dining, shopping, nightlife and Western adventures are a short drive away. Our location is primo - we're on a one mile finger of land that is bordered by the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve on one side (32,000 acres and 215 miles of trails) and the Tonto National Forest on the other side (which our ranch borders). Rio Rancho Verde offers the best of both worlds. It's serene and peaceful, the views are incredible, we get visited by the local wildlife, the scenery is spectacular - it's amazing! We're not for everyone and if you don't like dirt roads (the last 2 miles), or are looking to party hardy, hang out at the mall or enjoy watching TV 8 hours a day, we're probably not for you. However, if being outside recharges you, if you appreciate the beauty and solitude of the natural desert and if your idea of a life well lived includes the path less traveled, you're in the right spot. It doesn't get much better than this! My daughter, when she comes to visit, says: "this is what quiet sounds like", and it's so true.
Please note, we're in a very rural, very remote area. There are no streetlights and we're mindful of the Dark Sky Ordinance, so we're dimly lit. It is dark out here, which we love, but again, realize that city dwellers may be feeling a bit out of their comfort zone. Also, note this is strictly a 2 bedroom suite, (with a bathroom) you are not renting the entire house. The suite is completely separate, has it's own entrance and is separated from the house by a wall so you have complete privacy. The kitchen is all outdoors, as is the seating. The pool is not heated and there is no TV.
Languages:
English
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