Entire home

Bohemian desert sanctuary with stunning sauna/cold plunge retreat!

Photo gallery for Bohemian desert sanctuary with stunning sauna/cold plunge retreat!

A wooden cylindrical structure with a door, surrounded by desert vegetation and a mountain in the background.
Exterior
A desert landscape with a dirt path leading to a blue building with a metal roof.
A wooden bench outside a house with a pink door and a large potted plant.
A statue in a desert setting with sparse vegetation and a wooden structure in the background.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Firepit available
    One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.
  • Your gateway to the great outdoors
    Guests love the location for its easy national park access.
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Electric vehicle charging point
  • Pet-friendly
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View map
Tucson, AZ
  • Place, Saguaro National Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Sus Picnic Area
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Red Hills Visitor Center
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)
    ‪55 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Master bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Second bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Guest bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Master en suite bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Bohemian desert sanctuary with stunning sauna/cold plunge retreat!

Come cozy-up in this desert bohemian sanctuary nestled amongst the stunning Tucson mountains. Feel yourself in the old Southwest by driving through Saguaro National Park, across the dirt roads and into a tranquil pocket of paradise. Feel like you have the world to yourself, yet enjoy the proximity of shopping and dining just 15 minutes away. Perfect for girl's trips, writer's retreats, cyclist's layovers, nature-lovers' home base, Gem Show retreats, romantic star-gazing and more!

Staycation/Work from home in a wide-open, peaceful retreat space! Enjoy the Sauna Escape, Blue Barn sunsets, Saguaro coffee nook, Milky way fire pit, Lazy hammock hangout, sunrise walking trails and all the serenity you can handle! You'll hear coyotes at night and birds serenading you in the mornings.

My home is filled with treasures that I have brought back from around the globe, so enjoy the international flair as well as local art by myself and by my friends. You'll also be enveloped by my array of propagated plants which adorn the house and keep it feeling cozy.

*Note: This is a home which caters to the enjoyment of the outdoors! There is internet satellite, but no regular TV channels. For your best experience, bring downloaded media to connect to the large screen TV. You can log into your favorite channels such as NetFlix. Please note that there is an adjacent RV rental to the side of the house. There may be myself or a house manager staying there, but it is very private and hidden from view from the back patio. I will let you know if there will be guests during your stay.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 453 kg per pet (limit 3 pets total)
Must be house trained. Clean up after pet outside.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
If staying longer than one week, please commit to watering my house plants, or allow caretaker to water :)
You must sign a liability waiver if using the sauna and agree to safety terms.
For pets, please use pet blanket provided on beds. Must pick up poop outside. Any mistakes on the carpet will be charged cleaning fee.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1940382vb
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
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 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

About the area

Tucson

Located in Picture Rocks, a neighbourhood in Tucson, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Quarry Pines Golf Club and Sunflower Village Center are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Aeroball Sports Courts and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Sports Park Tucson or Sporting Chance Center. Explore all the area has to offer with hiking, cycling and horse riding.
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Map
Tucson, AZ

What's nearby

  • Saguaro National Park - 5 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Sus Picnic Area - 15 min drive - 12.5 km
  • Red Hills Visitor Center - 16 min drive - 15.1 km
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - 21 min drive - 20.0 km
  • Tucson Premium Outlets - 25 min drive - 19.7 km

Getting around

  • Tucson Station - 27 min drive
  • Tucson, AZ (AVW-Marana Regional) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪In-N-Out Burger - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Texas Roadhouse - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Chili's Grill & Bar - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Bohemian desert sanctuary with stunning sauna/cold plunge retreat! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 3 total) with a maximum weight of up to 453 kg per pet.

How much is parking at Bohemian desert sanctuary with stunning sauna/cold plunge retreat!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Bohemian desert sanctuary with stunning sauna/cold plunge retreat!?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bohemian desert sanctuary with stunning sauna/cold plunge retreat!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Bohemian desert sanctuary with stunning sauna/cold plunge retreat! located?

Located in Picture Rocks, this holiday home is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Saguaro National Park and 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Panther Peak. Golden Gate Loop Trail and Sus Picnic Area are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

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. 10 out of 10 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 10 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house and property, my dad and i really enjoyed staying here. The kitchen was well-equipped and we enjoyed making dinner and sitting on the back patio each evening around sunset. Host was communicative, house was very clean. Great place overall!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 April 2026
So happy you n your dad could enjoy the desert together! Come back any time :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was awesome to be out in the desert on the edge of town, right at the edge of the park. There are lots of fun things to look at in the house. The neighborhood was very friendly
Stayed 13 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 21 March 2026
Glad you enjoyed your stay! Thanks for being a great guest, & hope to see you again :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

beautiful scenery

beautiful, surrounding area very beautiful!! The Picture Rock Rd fun to drive and beautiful!!the Saguaro's are everywhere!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 February 2025
Glad you had such a wonderful time Maryl! The saguaros await your return!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bohemian paradise is absolutely right! We loved our stay at Shelly's place. It's not only full of character, but it's incredibly comfortable too - the beds, the shower head/pressure, the sofas, the outdoor seating, the kitchen. If I were to have a funky, desert escape I hope it would be as charming!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 January 2026
Thanks Elizabeth! I’m always filled with smiles when my guests have such a good stay! Come back again!!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Stunning Retreat

This home is full of love and positivity. Beautifully decorated; more than adequately furnished. Peaceful retreat for reflection. We would stay here again!
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very peaceful setting. Loved the views and outside areas. Very comfortable for a friend group of 5. Soaps and haircare products especially nice! Owner very responsive to questions. Home nicely decorated. Loved the chimes!
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 28 January 2026
Glad you all had a beautiful stay! Come back any time 🌵
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Sonoran Desert Gem

A true Sonoran Desert experience, private, quiet, and very well appointed! The views from the backyard are incredible, and the house is very comfortable! We had everything we could possibly need. Our family loved staying here! Thank you.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 2025
Thanks so much Tracey! Your family was the perfect match for my little paradise! Good energy all around!!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Stay near Saguaro National Park

We selected this property based on the location in the area of the Saguaro National Park. The listing was accurate, and we were happy with our choice. Our trip was in early October 2020. We took several hikes in the area as recommended by the owner. One of our favorite hikes was the Hugh Norris trail which takes you along a ridge line inside the National Park. The hike is best experienced starting in the morning so you have an abundance of shade during the ascent.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 27 October 2020
Loved hosting you two! Come back for more hiking when the weather cools off! & The Guadalupe mountains are now on my list- thank you & safe travels in the year ahead!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home and property, and host, is a 10 star! The kind host, was so easy to work with, and provided more amenities than any property we have ever rented. The property is filled with healing, quiet, spaces inside and out. We identified 16 varieties of birds, more than we found at the proclaimed world-class birding destination of Madera Canyon. The beauty and quietude was just what we needed. We were thrilled to be so close to the National park, yet not too far from the city. It is definitely a sanctuary. I left there better than I arrived. I carried the peace, that this home and property exudes. We cannot wait to find a time to return again and again. I'm forever grateful for this experience. You won't be disappointed.
Stayed 11 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Just what we wanted!

This Boho place is well equipped and did not disappoint! Comfy both in/out, super cute furnishings. Shelly was a great communicator both on the house notes and emails. We will come back for sure!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

About the host

Hosted by Shelly Gerrish

Host profile image
I have worked as a flight attendant for the past 25 years, having had the unique opportunity to be exposed to travel, culture, local food, art, and the great outdoors. I grew up in California, and have lived in New York, Miami, Spain, and South Africa. I speak fluent Spanish, studied Swedish and French, and am now on my way to becoming fluent in German. 2020 was the first year hosting my home, and I have met the most wonderful souls that bring me so many smiles (from a distance!) Have any questions? Ask away!

Why they chose this property

Some of the amazing things about this property? ... The peacefulness, the songs of birds in the mornings, the sounds of owls and coyotes at night, the dark sky, the bright stars, the saguaros (all 28+ of them!), the cactus blooms (in spring), the coziness, the myriad of outdoor nooks to sit and sip, the hand-painted rocket cactus mural, the rustic roads, dipping in the cowboy tub with wine or coffee, the views for miles, the solitude, the desert breezes... and millions more reasons to love it here.

What makes this property unique

White saltillo tiles, delicately arched entryways, enormous patio with Frida Kahlo accents and plenty of plants, lush hammock, views views views, privacy, artistic touches, unique decoration, and attention to detail that makes you feel at home.

Languages:

English, German, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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