Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8
Popular amenities
Private pool
Spa pool on site
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Explore the area
Tucson, AZ
B & B Cactus Farm
Place, B & B Cactus Farm
2 min drive
Saguaro National Park
Place, Saguaro National Park
4 min drive
University of Arizona
Place, University of Arizona
32 min drive
Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)
Airport, Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)
37 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 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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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
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 hiking and horse riding.
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base - 24 min drive - 15.2 km
Sabino Canyon - 28 min drive - 18.1 km
University of Arizona - 32 min drive - 22.0 km
Getting around
Tucson Station - 23 min drive
Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 29 min drive
Restaurants
Los Nopales - 8 min drive
Circle K - 7 min drive
Dunkin' - 5 min drive
Circle K - 3 min drive
McDonald's - 7 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 8 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert on 24 May 2026 start from NZ$672, 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.
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!
We booked this Tucson VRBO specifically looking for a quiet, secluded home with plenty of privacy for a romantic getaway, and it was absolutely perfect. From the moment we arrived, we felt like we had our own little private oasis in the desert.The house is beautifully maintained and very well equipped — the kitchen had everything we needed, and the layout made it feel spacious and comfortable. My wife especially loved starting her mornings on the patio, sipping coffee and watching the wildlife (quail, rabbits, and even a few lizards made appearances). The Southwest vibe throughout the home was charming and relaxing, with thoughtful touches that made it feel warm and inviting.If you're looking for peace, privacy, and a true desert escape, this property is ideal. We’d definitely return on our next trip to Tucson!
Our family had an absolutely wonderful week. The property is gorgeous in the house is simply lovely. We were four adults and 3.5 month old, and the setting and accommodations were perfect for us. The house is very well equipped. There is everything you need for cooking, for enjoying time by the pool or in the hot tub, and looking at wildlife out in the yard. The house is also conveniently located a short drive from restaurants, stores, and Saguaro National Park. The owners have so thoughtfully prepared a book with instructions for the house, a guide to local wildlife and information on local activities. Any questions directed to the owners received very quick responses. I highly recommend this location and hope to go back again soon!
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.
Ang S.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 January 2026
Thank you for choosing our home for your stay and thank you also for the excellent review! We are so happy that you enjoyed your time at our Tucson Gem. If your travel plans bring you to Tucson in the future we would be delighted to host you again. Happy New Year and best wishes!
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.
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.
Thank you for the 5 star review! We appreciate it and we are glad you enjoyed your stay!! Let us know if your travel plans bring you back to Tucson. We’d be happy to host you again!
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.
Susan R.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 March 2025
Thank you Susan! What a wonderful review and we are very happy that you loved your stay at our home. We’d be happy to host you and your family again if you come back to Tucson sometime!
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.
Patricia C.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 February 2023
Thanks for the great review! We appreciate it and we are so glad you had a great stay. It is a great bonus to see the wildlife, especially the rare bobcat!
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.
Dan F.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 March 2025
Thank you for the great review and thanks as well for choosing our home for your vacation! We are so happy that you enjoyed the house and that it was a great fit for you. Please look us up again if your future travel plans bring you back to Tucson!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mark T.
3 April 2019
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!
Mark T.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you! It was great to meet you. We loved sharing the home with you and your family and we are so glad that it was a wonderful stay!!! We totally understand wanting one more day to enjoy the beautiful pool and views and always find it hard to leave. We hope to see you again the next time you visit Tucson. Best wishes!
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
Aviva S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 January 2025
Thanks for the great review and thanks for choosing our home for your book club weekend! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay :)
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!
Todd N.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you so much for the kind words! We are very happy that your stay at our home helped make your Tucson Gem Show vacation one of the best!! That makes us very happy :) Best wishes for a wonderful year ahead!
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!
Tammi Jo B.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 October 2022
Thank you so much for the great review! We're really glad you loved your stay and we'd be happy to host you again if your travel plans bring you to Tucson again.
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.
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.
Deb H.
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2023
We are very glad you enjoyed another stay at our home! Thanks for being a return guest and if you come back to Tucson look us up!
Tucson holds a special place in our hearts and Michael's home is the cherry on top! Everything is wonderful, no complaints whatsoever.
Ellen L.
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2023
Thank you for the 5 star review! It makes us happy to share our beautiful with our guests and we love it when people come back! Thanks again, until next year :)
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!
Ronald S.
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2023
It has taken me forever to respond to your great review. We truly appreciate you taking a moment to write and post it. We are also very glad that you had a wonderful and enjoyed your stay! Thanks!!
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.
Jocelyn V.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
About the host
Hosted by Michael Smedley
Languages:
English, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests