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Artsy Historic Downtown 2BR w large backyard & private Salt Water Spa Pool

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Tranquil desert oasis!
Terrace/patio
Downtown Beauty
Living area
Living area

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 688.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View map
Tucson, AZ
  • Place, Rialto Theatre
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Tucson Convention Center
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Arizona
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Artsy Historic Downtown 2BR w large backyard & private Salt Water Spa Pool

There is a reason this house is loved by so many guests! This vintage home retains much of the original charm from when it was first built in 1916, but with just the right amount of modern updates to enjoy. Located in the Dunbar Spring Neighborhood, one of Tucson's first neighborhoods, adjacent to downtown and just 2 miles from University of Arizona, this 950 square foot home has one bedroom with a king-size deluxe bed for maximum comfort, a second bedroom with a queen bed and a pullout couch in the living room. It is decorated with a mix of antiques and modern pieces and contains quite a bit of art from latin and local artists. Heating, cooling and hot water tank are all new and energy efficient. Carport accommodates 2 cars and the driveway could readily house an RV. The kitchen has a full size gas range/oven and refrigerator and freezer. The kitchen is completely outfitted with everything you would need to cook/ bake at home, complete with pots, pans, bakeware, dish ware, toaster, blender, indoor grill, coffee maker, french press, expresso maker, a full array of herbs and spices. There is a full size washer and dryer. The bathroom has an oversize shower with 3 shower heads. There are 2 flatscreen TV's, one in the living room, one in the main bedroom, which also has a DVD player. The kitchen has a glass table with four chairs and outside on the covered, private patio, is another table and 4 chairs for outdoor dining.
The outdoor area is gated, private and ample filled with lovely exotic plants and the best part? The salt water spa pool with jets!
But the back yard!!!! This is one of the biggest highlights of our home! With the outdoor dining on the covered porch, the cozy outdoor fireplace with seating, they sound of the wind chimes, the bistro area, the safe and gated salt water spa/pool with outdoor seating, this is a place to recharge as a single traveler, enjoy romantically as couple, have a blast as a family, or host a party or gathering with friends (the former owners told us once there was a party out there that housed 150 people!). There is a lovely cactus garden, outdoor bar, outdoor mini 'fridge, grill and twinkling outdoor lighting to enjoy your evenings!
Location:
Take the Sun link streetcar downtown to one of the many restaurants in the area, shops and art galleries. Just minutes to super fun 4th avenue and University of Arizona. Hiking spots are as close as 15-20 minutes away!

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
Not toddler proof
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Small dogs may be allowed. Call to discuss.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
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, a first aid kit, outdoor lighting and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

Frequently asked questions

Does Artsy Historic Downtown 2BR w large backyard & private Salt Water Spa Pool have a pool?

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

How much does it cost to stay at Artsy Historic Downtown 2BR w large backyard & private Salt Water Spa Pool?

As of 1 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Artsy Historic Downtown 2BR w large backyard & private Salt Water Spa Pool on 21 April 2026 start from NZ$296, 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 Artsy Historic Downtown 2BR w large backyard & private Salt Water Spa Pool pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Artsy Historic Downtown 2BR w large backyard & private Salt Water Spa Pool?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Artsy Historic Downtown 2BR w large backyard & private Salt Water Spa Pool?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Artsy Historic Downtown 2BR w large backyard & private Salt Water Spa Pool?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Artsy Historic Downtown 2BR w large backyard & private Salt Water Spa Pool located?

Located in Midtown, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tucson Museum of Art and University of Arizona. 4th Avenue and Downtown History Museum are also within 15 minutes. Tucson Station is 19 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.6

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. 73 out of 89 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 89 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 89 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 89 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 89 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Warren E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
When staying in Tucson, access to water is essential, and this lovely home provided just what we needed: a "Spa Pool" that serves as a cool down during hot days or a warm up in the evening. And the landscaping in that yard adds to the feeling of an oasis in the dessert. Simply lovely.We also liked the art in the home and the fine location to downtown or major arteries to everything.
Stayed 20 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samuel D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a fabulous oasis! Loved the location, the yard, the pool. We had a wonderful time.
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was fantastic. Walkable to some super fun areas of town. Great heated plunge pool. The hosts were extremely accommodating. We will definitely stay here again!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was everything they said it was
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leighanne M.

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

Lovely pool & backyard

The entire place was just what we were looking for! It was quaint with a private heated pool & allowed for some enjoyable & relaxing downtime in a dessert setting.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie P.

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

Wonderful

Great little house with a truly lovely backyard garden and pool area.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This adorable 2 bed bungalow was perfect for our stay in Tucson. The bed & pillows were so comfortable, the bathroom had fluffy towels, the shower is amazing the kitchen was very well equipped. The patio and back yard face west and the spa pool was absolutely perfect for relaxing, it’s heated and only takes a little heat to take the chill off quickly. It’s covered so you can relax and not worry about being burnt to a crisp under the Tucson sun. The entire outdoors was beautifully landscaped and relaxing. We just lived our stay, and absolutely plan on returning. Unfortunately, our 9 day stay was cut short by a tragedy that occurred at our company and we had to leave immediately on our 6 th day. The mgmt was very sympathetic and helpful. They were very responsive to all our questions and concerns as well.Two things you should know:1. Trains. They are extremely close. They are very loud. Inside the very thick walls and excellent windows, they can still be heard, but not as disruptive. Outside you will definitely not be able to talk over them. This did not bother us at all. In fact,we became used to them after a few days & didn’t hear them much inside & didn’t disrupt sleep.2. The house is very dark. The living room is well lit w/ recessed lighting but the bedrooms need lights on the fans- bedroom 2 has lights but they don’t work even when we changed the lightbulbs. Really just a heads up because we loved this house so much it’s our new #1
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alan B.

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

Very nice

Excellent hot tub, really nice location, quiet neighborhood, close to many things
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Becky F.

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

Celebrating retirement

This was a wonderful stay in Tucson. Everything was close by and we loved the cactus gardens and cozy casa. Highly recommend a stay here.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joanne S.

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

Tucson

Enjoyed out stay especially the backyard
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy S.

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

Cute Property, love the yard!

Very convenient to U of A. Loved the yard and pool. Small, but worked perfectly for the four of us. Neighborhood is a little older but we felt comfortable walking to campus, even at night. We will be back to visit our son and will definitely keep this place in mind!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Connie C.

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

Quintessential Tucson Stay

Loved the home and the outdoor living space is fantastic with the salt water hot tub/pool, back patio, and lovely landscaping. Great for a pet, the fenced in back yard provided ample space for outside time. The location is excellent for spending time in the heart of downtown and the U of A campus. Everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Hosts were fantastic and very easy to work with. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

James M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
We loved the location of this old vintage home. The home has a lot of character. One of the main reasons we booked this house was the outdoor spaces. It’s too bad that the owner chooses to not keep the outdoor space looking nice! Weeds all over the backyard, the back patio and front porch did not look like they had been cleaned in months. Several things looked worn out and old (cushions and rug on the back porch and the front porch railing and trim were starting to fall apart.) Loved the pool/hot tub but it was only cleaned once while we were there and we stayed for a month. Liked the carport but the bird droppings were GROSS! Doesn’t appear to have been cleaned in quite a while. Several people say the place was well stocked but we disagree. Had to ask for containers for food and not much in the way of cups, dishes and silverware. Had to run the dishwasher constantly. We also had very little laundry detergent and coffee. You would have thought they would have checked this stuff before we got there as we were staying for a month.We got the feeling the owner is just in it to make a buck and not interested in keeping up the house. The pictures are old. However, Melissa, I believe she is the daughter in law, was GREAT! She was very responsive to all the issues that occurred while we were there.
Stayed 31 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine M.

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

Nice place in tucso

Too cold for us to use the outside much but this was a great location and a well-equipped house with a super responsive owner.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura P.

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

Charming home

The landscaping and pool/hot tub very relaxing in a quiet neighborhood! Uber drivers were always available in less than 10 min. Excellent restaurants, beautiful town and the people were very nice! Would definitely stay here again 🌵🌺
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maria M.

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

Great yard

Lovely little cottage and a fantastic yard with a pool. We spent most of our time outside.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Kelly B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tucson hideaway

Always a fun place. We'll be back. Close to 4th Avenue. And our kids live close by.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly B.

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

Close to downtown and the University

We really enjoyed our time at the property. We got used to the trains quickly, earplugs at night helped. The spa/pool was fabulous, after bike rides and hiking. We'll be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

4/10 Poor

Mary E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Location, listing accuracy

Being one block awY from railroad crossing needs to be noted.

It was clean and cute. But the noise from the train being so severe needs to be noted.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

valerie m.

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

Fantastic Time!

The owners were great to work with! When we needed to get in touch, they were available. The adobe house was perfect with a lot of character. The back yard was amazing. The Spa/pool was used daily and nightly. We could not have been happier spending 17 nights in Tucson. We will be back in Tucson many more times and hope Dunbar Springs is available. Thank you both for making this trip, great!
Stayed 17 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Art M.

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

Tucson city home

The property was clean great fenced in outdoor space with pool. Location was close to everything in city including restaurants, Tucson Museum of Art. I was in town for wedding and very happy with this property. Melissa the property owner was also excellent and responded quickly to questions I had. They allowed my dog and that was a big plus. The property is not a new build it is eclectic old Tucson charm. The kitchen is well equipped if you choose to cook. I ate out at several great Tucson restaurants I recommend this property
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah E.

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

Lovely & well equipped

We stayed for a full week- enjoying everything that the Tucson area had to offer. The home was cozy and charming. The backyard was spacious and pretty- we didn’t use too much because it was unseasonably cold. But we used the spa pool after a day of rock climbing. The spa is a great feature - so much better than a hot tub! Owner was super responsive. Some decent restaurants walking distance (la Indita) and a small live theater (rogue theater - loved it)! We unreservedly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Julie N.

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

cute, older home ..lovely yard

The house has been updated. Great cozy kitchen with all needed appliances. Large fridge with great ice maker. Cozy couch/TV area. The bedrooms are nice size. Not all the outlets work in the bedrooms so challenge with night lights for reading. The mattresses are very soft; Too soft for me. The bathroom is nice. The shower is outstanding. Lovely outdoor area for sitting. Rustic and artsy. Covered parking was great for our stay in August. Also, dipping pool a huge plus. Loved the garden and cactus!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Judi H.

Wonderfully appointed and private get away

My husband and I wanted to get away for the holidays and just chill this year. We couldn't have been more happy with cozy little house. This 100 year old adobe is beautifully renovated, yet it's history is maintained. From the minute you walk in, you feel at home. Nice linens, well appointed kitchen, laundry and comfortable beds. We had not planned on hibernating for 5 days, but ended up doing just that. We enjoyed our much needed down time and could not have picked a more perfect place. The yard is wonderful and our two little dogs thoroughly enjoyed it. Melissa could not have been more accommodating.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Thank you so much for coming it was so nice to meet you!! We are honored to be part of your relaxing get away and happy you enjoyed your stay with us.

About the host

Hosted by Judy or Melissa

Host profile image
Hi! My name is Judy and I have lived in Tucson since 1979; practically a native! I grew up in Connecticut, but initially came to Tucson to attend University of Arizona. I have seen Tucson really expand over the years, but have always loved the charm of Tucson's older neighborhoods. I have traveled around the world, but always come back home to the land of cactus and sunshine. Most likely, it will be my wonderful daughter-in-law, Melissa, who will be your contact person while in Tucson. She is smart (U of A grad in Biology), warm, friendly and welcoming and an outstanding fix it girl! I hope you really get a chance to enjoy our lovely Dunbar Spring Retreat!

Why they chose this property

Dunbar Spring neighborhood is culturally diverse and is home to some of the country's best environmentalist like Brad Lancaster, who is a water harvesting whiz and travels all over the world teaching people and governments on permaculture and water-harvesting. We have implemented a water harvesting collection system that waters the xeriscaped backyard. There is such pride in the history of this neighborhood as you can see by the artistic signposts and painted street art. I love being a part of all this!

What makes this property unique

The former owners have said they have hosted huge parties at this home and I can believe it with the many seating areas and nooks in the back yard, the lilting wind chimes, the romantic sound of the train rumbling by, the outdoor fire pit, and the salt water spa/pool, but it is also a wonderful place to feel cozy inside. I loved mixing latin elements with antiques with modern touches for a homey, but eclectic feel. I wanted to decorate with some vintage Tucson photos, but was unable to find any. Instead, I used photos I took in Peru and printed them in sepia tone. One picture of children is from my travels in Guatemala. There is a series of paintings of horses by local Tucson artist Virginia Stonebarger and a pastel and mixed media collage of the Maitreya Buddha by local artist Pat Aiken. There are various antiques in the house including the spool in the 2nd bedroom from 1895.

Languages:

English, Spanish

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