Pet-friendly Slice of Paradise in the Desert

Photo gallery for Pet-friendly Slice of Paradise in the Desert

Miss Fiona greeting a visitor
The pathway to Kassandra at sunset
Sectional couch that makes two twin XL beds plus Smart TV
Kitchen area to the right with dishwasher. Stovetop but no oven.
Private kitchen
Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 432 sq m

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer

Explore the area

Map
Benson, AZ
  • Popular LocationSan Pedro Golf Course8 min walk
  • Popular LocationSan Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Museum5 min drive
  • Popular LocationKartchner Caverns State Park14 min drive
  • AirportTucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)43 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Living Room 1

2 Single Beds

Main bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Pet-friendly Slice of Paradise in the Desert

Hello All!

I'd like you to meet Kassandra, a gorgeously and lovingly updated Royals International Emissary 40ft RV, nicknamed “the micro mansion,” a pet-friendly elegant desert getaway in a secluded ranch setting, yet just 3/4 mile north of I-10. Enjoy high speed Wifi, peaceful views, free parking, and a majestic agave garden that attracts dozens of species of birds. Come here to work remotely, create, or relax. Or why not a combination of all three?

If you choose to book, thank you for supporting a female-owned small business. Each booking helps care for our rescue animals (donkeys, potbelly piggies, goats, dogs, and a peacock). Please note: We do not accept bookings for longer than 10 days.
We are a farm stay, and out donkeys, goats, piggies, and peacock roam freely during the day, unless guests request they be contained. Keep pets on leash at all times and please don't feed the donkeys and peacock.

You will love Kassandra! She is more than an RV – she is an experience! Spacious and elegant, she can sleep 4 guests. We welcome up to two well-mannered pets. Just three minutes north of the freeway, but seemingly a world away, you will be able to enjoy our desert sanctuary with all the comforts of home, wrapped in a colorful Mexican blanket snuggled by the firepit with your favorite beverage for a relaxing night under the stars.

Breakfast items wait for you in the fridge so that you can enjoy a leisurely morning in one of three outdoor seating areas (or you are welcome to walk around the land, sit on a bench by the corrals, and watch the donkeys and goats munch on their hay while you sip your morning beverage). We provide:

 Freshly ground organic coffee (decaf also available) and a selection of
teas and honey
 Half and half, organic sugar
 Sparkling water and our delicious Artesian well water
 English muffins, butter, French jam, cheese, and fresh local free range
organic eggs.
 A pantry stocked with some food items in case you arrive late and
restaurants are closed (I do suggest stopping by Safeway to pick up a
rotisserie chicken or pizza and salad fixings – an easy meal with more
time to enjoy the space and relax).

Right away, you will notice Kassandra’s character and charm, from her artistic interior to her desert agave garden and surrounding mountain views. Kassandra is a well-appointed home:

 High Speed Wifi
 Two couches convert to two XL twin beds and the bedroom sports a
comfy queen-sized memory foam LUCID mattress (with 1200 count
freshly laundered Egyptian cotton sheets).
 Washer and dryer onsite with laundry strips and Mrs. Meyers Dryer
Sheets.
 Smart TV with complementary Hulu, Netflix, and Prime
 Fresh, plush towels, shampoo, shower gels, lotions, soaps, conditioners,
and more.
 Fully stocked kitchen with all you need to cook your own stovetop
meals:
o Organic extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic, a variety of spices
o Pots and pans and all you need to cook a meal as if you were at home.
o Electric pizza oven, toaster, drip coffee pot, dishwasher, microwave,
electric kettle, full-sized fridge and indoor dining area for five that
doubles as a workspace with stunning views over the pond and
Mesquite bosque. Mesquite BBQ available upon request - we provide
the wood.


If you are on the road looking for a brief two night stopover while heading to another destination or coming to our Ranchito for a peaceful extended stay to enjoy local attractions, you will truly enjoy the vibe. Our guests have stated repeatedly that their stay on the Ranchito is a memorable, unique experience.

If you book through instant book and plan an instant arrival, I will need a two-hour window If you contact me after regular check-in hours (4pm). Kassandra is not rustic, she is elegant, and as an eco-conscious space, the bathroom features a Swedish Separett State-of-the-Art odorless dry toilet, not a flush toilet, which is very simple to use.

Ranchito Paraiso has beautiful views and country living in a ranch setting, although the town of Benson is but two miles away. We have ample free parking for multiple vehicles with room for UHauls, trailers, and more.
The San Pedro golf course with Benson City Grille and dog-friendly patio is just around the corner. The concept for Ranchito Paraiso is to be a retreat/sanctuary for life voyagers, digital nomads, artists, writers, poets, musicians, composers, yogis, dancers, rescue animals, and kind folk.

If you are traveling with horses, cows or livestock and have your own portable panels for a temporary corral, you are welcome to set them up on the property. There are trails to ride in the immediate vicinity.

If you’d like to visit local attractions, we can arrange a car and driver to AZ wineries, Bisbee, Tombstone, TUS/PHX airports, AZ vineyards, and more. Thank you for reading and we hope to see you here!

Cheers,

Kareva and #RanchitoKids
Donkids: Fiona, Haiku, and Isla Preciosa.
Naughty goaties cutie patooties: Harley and Quinn.
House Piggies: Sir Benjamin (Ranchito Piggie Ambassador), Mr. Jonah, and Winnie Daniella (a.k.a. Miss Winnie Dee).
Pupsters: Kloud, Koru, To’a, and Leela .
Sonoron Desert Tortoise: Miss Izzabella.
Our latest addition: Sir George Azul, the Ranchito Emissary Peacock.

(Ranchito Paraiso LLC, AZ TPT 21336263)

Property manager

Kareva Allain
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English, French

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Well-behaved, tidy kids graciously welcomed

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: less than 50 lbs per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Well-behaved dogs on leashes welcome.

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
No smoking of any kind in unit
Keep dogs on leash away from main house and Ranchito animals. Clean up after pets., including mud. Dogs cannot be left alone tied up or locked in RV.
No goats in the house. Keep furniture covered to protect from pet hair. Remove shoes before entry. Do not feed donkeys and peacock.
Be respectful of the land. Follow toilet instructions as provided.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 21336263

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Benson

Located in Benson, this mobile home is in a rural area and in the mountains. San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Museum and Gallery of Dreams are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Gammons Gulch and Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate. Singing Wind Bookshop and Vega–Bray Observatory are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Benson, AZ

What's nearby

  • San Pedro Golf Course - 8 min walk
  • Benson Hospital - 5 min drive
  • San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Museum - 5 min drive
  • Kartchner Caverns State Park - 14 min drive
  • Tombstone Historic District - 40 min drive

Getting around

  • Benson Station - 4 min drive
  • Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • McDonald's - 6 min drive
  • Starbucks - 4 min drive
  • Denny's - 16 min walk
  • Wendy's - 4 min drive
  • G & F Pizza Palace - 5 min drive

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 24 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 24 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 24 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karen R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Couldn't have asked for a better place to stay!
Two friends who love dogs, animals and rescue work had the pleasure of staying here. Along with Rumble, our dog, we were warmly welcomed by animals and Kareva. We loved the unique property and home. Everything a visitor might need can be found here along with a host that is friendly and communicative. We marveled at how Kareva not only decorated the home but found the space for all the amenities. If you want a comfy place to stay with sweet 4 legged neighbors, this is your place!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bobbi Jo D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
AMAZING!!!
This place was our best choice for our whole road trip! Karissa(the RV) was done up so cute and very clean. The yard around her was super cute as well. And the animals, they were so neat. Woke up one morning to be greeted by the donkeys right by our front door. The peacock was one of the most beautiful ones ever and he knew it posing for me to take pictures! And Kareva, the host, there are no words to describe how awesome she is! So friendly and helpful. She takes the time to make her guests feel so comfortable. Excellent communication. One of the best hosts we’ve ever had!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicky R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home away from home!
Kassandra was a lovely place for us to stay especially after days of visiting the Tucson Gem show. Coming 'home' to see the welcome committee of donkeys and goats was such a treat. We love animals. Kareva was a thoughtful host and I really loved visiting with her. I would highly recommend a stay in Kassandra!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

phylis M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sweet "RV Casita"
This was such a fun stay. Our "RV Casita" was roomy and cozy in design. Kareva provided fresh local eggs, muffins, milk, fresh ground coffee, and a bottle of red wine to welcome us! The goats, donkeys, pigs, and dogs were an added treat. We loved having our morning coffee and reading our books at our little table in our garden area. If we ever get to Benson again, we will definitely be staying here.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

About the host

Hosted by Kareva Allain

Host profile image
Welcome to Ranchito Paraiso! After a long career as a professor (Cultural Studies and French), translator and Tahitian dancer/choreographer/artistic director, I now call Southern Arizona home. I was raised with Polynesian hospitality, and my idea for Ranchito Paraiso is to create a calming, reflective, welcoming space for artists, musicians, writers, poets, teachers, travelers, my sweet rescue aninals, and kind folk. I have lived in several countries and love to meet people from all walks of life. The Ranchito is my fulltime small business and your comfort is very important to me. Let me know how I can personalize your stay. Once you enter Kassandra's door, you are home for the time you are there - and we become neighbors - so let me know if you need extra eggs or sugar or a particular baking pan and I will do my best to make it happen :). Feel free to ask as many questions as you need before your arrival (from tourism to wine to hikes to desert dwelling and beyond :). Let me know your expectations and I will see what I can do to accommodate your needs (One guest was driving through with a Jersey cow, so we quickly turned our carport into a stall :). I wish you all the best in all your creative, professional, personal and traveling adventures and I thank you for checking out Ranchito Paraiso. I know you will love Kassandra as much as I do. I renovated her with love with all my future guests in mind. Enjoy your stay! Kareva.

Why they chose this property

I fell in love with this property as soon as I entered the gates, although it was a rundown foreclosure at the time. I had a vision of quitting academia to create a retreat-type space with quirky units, each with a unique personality and a name. We will be holding happy hours, live music and art events - and who knows, maybe karaoke under the stars or open mic or a spoken word poetry night? With the help of friends and volunteers from Workaway and HelpX, I have managed to DIY my way through this dream (oh, and with the help of Youtube as well :). We upcycle, recycle, repurpose as much as possible with a strong sense of aesthetic, color and décor that is greatly influenced by my multi-ethnic background and experiences. I love the 360 mountain views at the Ranchito, the fabulous sunsets and sunrises, the blankets of stars under the night sky and all the trees and succulents. The Ranchito is a work in progress, and I am excited to share this special space with travelers and artists.

What makes this property unique

The Ranchito is a welcome retreat for all who enter the gates. We are very unique, not only due to the artsy spaces and peaceful surroundings, but our donkeys, piggies, adn goats tend to be the stars of the show. Let us know if you'd like to hang out with the donkeys, piggies, and goats - they are very social, and love to hang out during morning coffee or happy hour. They are part of our family, so they roam the land freely all day. We put them to bed at night. The donkeys are in their corrals, the piggies sleep inside the ranch house on their doggie beds and the goats have a comfortable little house in the backyard. If you prefer for them to be enclosed during your stay, no worries. Just let us know if you'd like to engage with them. You will experience all types of amenities, including a washer and dryer, a fully stocked kitchen (cooking supplies, spices and some goodies in the pantry) and bathroom vanity (first aid supplies, toiletries and things you may have forgotten at home). When you open the fridge, you will see complementary breakfast items, such as English muffins or Croissants, strawberry preserves and cheese plus organic free range eggs, butter, organic coffee, creamer, organic sugar and honey, teas, and sparkling water. After a long journey, we want you to sleep in, relax and sip your coffee or beverage in the morning while enjoying the vast array of beautiful birds (including a family of cardinals), that call the Ranchito home. We have puzzles, coloring books, books, movies and art supplies for the kiddos. We are pet-friendly. We have board games, streaming services (Hulu, Netflix, Prime), musical instruments. and over 100 DVDs. We host art events and live music at the Ranchito. It is a special place, indeed. Once you enter the gates, you are home.

Languages:

English, French

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