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Serene, tree-shaded, mid-century retreat with beautiful views of the Catalinas

Photo gallery for Serene, tree-shaded, mid-century retreat with beautiful views of the Catalinas

Outdoor dining under wooden pergola and olive tree near bar and grill
Outdoor dining under wooden pergola and olive tree near bar and grill
Professional landscaped setting with bubbling fountain
Professional landscaped setting with bubbling fountain  and night lighting.
Professional landscaped setting with bubbling fountain  and night lighting.
Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer

Enjoy the area

Map
Tucson, AZ
  • Popular LocationNorthwest Medical Center4 min drive
  • Popular LocationTucson Mall8 min drive
  • Popular LocationUniversity of Arizona17 min drive
  • AirportTucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)26 min drive

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Guest Room 2

1 Queen Bed

Guest Room 3

1 Double Bed

Guest Room 4

2 Single Beds

Owners Suite (Room 1)

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

Guest Bath 1 (serving Guest Rooms 3 and 4)

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Guest Bath 2 (serving the larger Guest Room with the Queen Bed)

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

Owners Suite Bathroom

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

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Serene, tree-shaded, mid-century retreat with beautiful views of the Catalinas

House calendar is updated real-time and nightly rates are correct. Simply enter your desired dates and click "Book Now."

Traditional Adobe Hacienda style, Mid-Century home (4 Bedroom/3 Bath) near the Catalina mountains in a quiet, established neighborhood near Casa Adobes with a beautiful, serene retreat setting. The 1.5 acre property includes a newly constructed entry with stucco walls, brick-line granite-pebble driveway, new landscaping and lighting and a custom wooden front door. Beautiful, enclosed backyard with trees, planters, private heated pool, large outdoor gas fireplace and seating area, dining area under a pergola with outdoor gas grill and bar, bubbling fountain, chaise lounges with umbrellas, shade from large eucalyptus and olive trees, Catalina sunset views, stucco walls and new landscaping throughout.

This updated house includes two large living areas - both with wood burning fireplaces, comfortable seating and flat screen TVs. The living room includes comfortable seating, TV, wood burning fireplace, large wooden desk/workstation, and large sliding glass doors that open to the backyard and pool area. The newly updated family room has a Kiva-style fireplace, wooden beam and board ceiling, with large flat screen TV, and large windows that open to a private, walled courtyard with views of the Catalinas at sunrise and sunset.

The kitchen/dining area includes a large wooden dining table that extends to seat 8-10, and an adjacent kitchen with updated appliances and amenities. The dining area also has large sliding glass doors that open to the outdoor patio, with a large outdoor table (seats 6-8) topped by a pergola with string lighting at night.

Two larger, more private bedrooms are located at the rear of the house separated from the living areas. The first one is a medium sized guest bedroom with queen bed and adjoining full bathroom with updated shower and granite covered sink. The second bedroom is a large owners suite with a king bed, huge closet, flat screen TV which opens into a brand new private, spa bathroom with double shower, double soaking tub and (yes) double sink - all topped by marble with white subway tile on the walls and mosaic tile on the floor. This new spa bathroom (as of 5/30/25) will open into an outdoor spa area that is separate from, but adjoins the pool and will include an outdoor shower and seating area. There will be a hot tub in this spa area - that will be locked as it cannot be used by guests due to insurance restrictions (our apologies).

The remaining two bedrooms that are more centrally located include one bedroom with full bed and one with two twin beds - with a separate full bathroom (tub/shower combo) between the two bedrooms.

Other amenities include: laundry room with new purchased washer and dryer, high speed internet (via google mesh), Wi-Fi, basic Xfinity cable boxes and access to log into your favorite apps (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon) on all three TVs, Google Speakers to play your music, and covered off street parking (carport holds 2-3 cars). Pool heater for additional charge.

While situated on a quiet street, the home offers easy access to hiking, shopping, golfing, entertainment and excellent dining...that is....if you ever leave the back yard :-).

Things to Know:
- No pets (even though we love ours)
- No smoking on the premises (unless you are making warm fires in the fireplace)
- No large parties and events (but family and friend dinners and gathering are fine)
- No overnight commercial vehicle parking (unless you planning to do work on the property for us)
- Lots of pool towels are in the laundry room along with laundry detergent (but leave the house supplies in the back of the laundry room undisturbed).
- Hall coat closet has hiking pools and a humidifier if desired.
- Dining/Kitchen Pantry has some food supplies in it that you are welcome to (but the top shelves look like an Irish tinkers wagon)
- Games and puzzles can be found in the left side of the bureau in the family room (with the kiva fireplace). There is also a puzzle table in the shed if you want to use it.
- No glassware near the pool (use the plastic wine and drink tumblers for your bevies)
- Good neighbor policy - quiet hours are between 11pm and 8am.
- Four outdoor your rental - you can tell as the green light on the camera will be off.
- While the pool has safety equipment, the pool can be accessed directly from the back doors of the house - so kid safety should be considered before renting this property.
- Carport has motion sensor lights to allow easier access to side door in the evening.
- Coded entry via lock on side-door of house. You will find traditional metal keys for the front door, spa bath back door and shed door inside the house.
- Pool floats, extra umbrellas, a shower chair and puzzle or cart table can be found in the shed...along with a light switch that turns on and off the pool light. Please turn this off during the day.
- A family of large owls will sometimes visit you in the evening hooting from the trees - possibly considering if your steak on the grill is worth the risk (kidding)
Enjoy!

Property manager

Matt Redmond

Languages

English

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Note: No fence/gate b/w the back doors and pool.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
For your safety, avoid using glassware near the pool. Children in the pool should be supervised at all times.
Fireplaces and grills should be operated by adults only.

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

About the area

Tucson

This vacation home is located in Casas Adobes, a neighborhood in Tucson, and is in the mountains. Travelers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Saguaro National Park and Sabino Canyon. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Tucson Convention Center or Sporting Chance Center. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Tucson, AZ

What's nearby

  • Tohono Chul Park - 3 min drive
  • Northwest Medical Center - 4 min drive
  • Tucson Mall - 8 min drive
  • La Paloma Country Club - 10 min drive
  • University of Arizona - 17 min drive

Getting around

  • Tohono Transit Center - 9 min drive
  • Tucson Station - 19 min drive
  • Tucson, AZ (AVW-Marana Regional) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • Pappoules - 3 min drive
  • Craft Republic - 3 min drive
  • Starbucks - 4 min drive
  • Snooze, an A.M. Eatery - 4 min drive
  • Starbucks - 4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Serene, tree-shaded, mid-century retreat with beautiful views of the Catalinas have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Serene, tree-shaded, mid-century retreat with beautiful views of the Catalinas pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

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. 26 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dawne S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heaven on Earth
Our third year at this location. Each year we are joined by various friends and family and they all say it's fantastic. Beautiful, peaceful, spacious and yet so close to downtown. My favorite is always the pool. My very own pool.....
Stayed 13 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Memory Maker
This was our 2nd stay at the Dessert Treehouse, absolutely spectacular experience. The master suite updates are stunning and add to the overall relaxing and rejuvenating feeling we left with. The daily visits from the owl and hawks we looked forward to everyday! The pool and backyard are just gorgeous, this home is everything you didn't know you needed for a break from the day to day. We made beautiful memories with our family; we plan to return as soon as possible! Thanks to Lisa, Matt and Jack for the top rate experience!
Stayed 15 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
5 Stars!
This was our second extended stay at The Desert Treehouse. The home is so inviting and comfortable, and now offers the new addition of a beautiful, bright and spacious primary ensuite bathroom! The stunning outdoor spaces and mountain views with glorious sunsets are unbeatable. The home's private, quiet location is mere minutes to shopping and restaurants; our favorite hiking trailheads are a 20-minute drive away. Thank you to warm, welcoming property owners Matt & Lisa and responsive and deligtful property manager Jack!
Stayed 20 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I want to go back!
This place is just the best. * Wonderful layout for multiple family members of various ages * the yard is truly spectacular * the house is amazingly well stocked * the new spa bathroom was beautiful and everyone wanted to use that one to shower & bathe * we really enjoyed the wood burning fireplace in the family room and the TV was easy to use - unlike in many rentals * location is great being close to Whole Foods, Trader Joe's etc., * Nice neighborhood with good walking * house was so clean and well appointed, * pool was delightful and warm * Matt & Jack reached out several times to inquire as to how our stay was going * The house was very comfortable and inviting. We felt truly welcomed. We'd love to stay again and hope we can.
Stayed 12 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kris P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relax in Tucson
We had a great time in Tucson. The property is beautifully landscaped and the pool was perfect! The house was roomy and had everything we needed to enjoy our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

About the host

Hosted by Matt Redmond

Host profile image
Built in mid-1950s, this mid-century house was design by John Murphy for Tave Kaufman and Shelly Frank as the first house in the neighborhood.
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Tave and Shelly’s children, Mark and Lisa Kaufman, grew up in this house with many fond memories including having the first pool and only “real” grass lawn in the neighborhood (where the neighborhood kids all played sports, swam, practiced cheerleading, and planned adventures in the nearby desert wash and Catalina mountains).

Since leaving Tucson for points east, Mark and Lisa both remained closely connected to their local friends and the calmer life in the high desert of Tucson. They decided to keep and upgrade the property inside and out as a vacation home for their families to gather together, relax and enjoy the calm scenery and low-key lifestyle of Arizona's high desert.

Lisa and her husband Matt Redmond (who helps manage the property on VRBO) plan to retire to this house in several years - splitting time between Tucson and the Delaware Shore.

Mark’s wife Karen Kaufman and their three grown children Rebecca, Michelle and Matthew, all love visiting the house for hikes, great Mexican food and family gatherings. They in turn plan to keep the property in the family for both themselves and their children's enjoyment. Improvement projects include:
- 2012 - updated kitchen and two bathrooms
- 2015 - designed amazing backyard living space
- 2016 - enclosed laundry room
- 2019 - new craftsman front door
- 2021 - landscaped front yard, updated wifi, HVAC, and electrical
- 2022 - renovated family room (this used to be the carport)
- 2023 - updated owner's bedroom
- 2024 - completed new 3rd Spa Bathroom!

Jack Hemingway (our Property Manager) is a good friend and experienced manager of both owned and rented properties as well as a tree care expert. A happy transplant from the northeast, Jack thoroughly enjoys the desert life and lives locally with his lovely wife Monica - a marketing expert and horticulturalist.

Why they chose this property

Thank you for considering our lovely home located in the foothills of the Catalina mountains. We invite you to stay with us - soaking in the calm atmosphere and beauty of the southwestern high desert. When you leave, we would hope that you would feel rested and renewed - taking home fond memories of your visit. Just north of Tuscon's downtown - you can reach most areas of interest within a 20-30 minute drive. Then ....come home to relax and share stories in the backyard.

You will find the local Tuscon natives friendly and helpful. Many are true locals - who never left - seemingly trapped by the ringing mountain (Catalinas to the North, Rincons to the East, Santa Ritas to South, Tucson to the West, Tortalitas to the North West). Others like us....are being lured back from far and wide to enjoy a more relaxing, comfortable and lower stress lifestyle.

Tucson is very active and outdoor oriented - with denizens taking advantage of hiking trails (bring lots of water!), bike paths (100 mile loop), golf courses (fore!), tennis/paddle ball facilities, spa/ranches, local music/art scene, historical/Indian sites, museums, science centers (biosphere 2; pikes peak observatory), botanical gardens and deserts...and for military buffs the Pima Country airpark...near the "bone yard" and the Titan Missile silo south of the Tuscon. The rebuilt downtown area includes Rialto Theater (with major acts), U of A Basketball and Football (Go Zona), the Gem Show (early Feb), Rodeo (Feb/March?) with in-town neighborhood restaurants and shopping. We also like to visit secondhand furniture shops (Toms) and the funky shops in an out of the way place call the Old Barrio. Enjoy.

What makes this property unique

You may wonder where the house got its name. Upon moving in Lisa and Mark's mom (Shelly Frank) planted four small eucalyptus trees that now tower 50 feet over the property (thanks in part to the gallons of grey water that was piped out to the trees from the washing machines). These trees and many others, shade the backyard and act as a visual landmark used by neighbors in the community to find their way home from morning/evening walks.

Languages:

English
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