One of the few properties offering private chef services.
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Massages in spa
Toys
Pet-friendly
Air-conditioning
Internet
Refrigerator
Explore the area
Rimrock, AZ
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Place, Montezuma Castle National Monument
6 min drive
Cliff Castle Casino
Place, Cliff Castle Casino
9 min drive
Kids Quest
Place, Kids Quest
9 min drive
Sedona, AZ (SDX)
Airport, Sedona, AZ (SDX)
65 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
2nd Bedroom
1 Queen Bed
Living Room
1 Double Sofa Bed
Primary Bedroom
1 King Bed
2 bathrooms
Bedroom Bathroom
Bathtub · Shower only
Main floor bathroom
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views
Welcome to The Scholar’s House — a soulful hilltop retreat unlike anywhere else in the Verde Valley.
Hand built by the owner and his father, this one-of-a-kind home was thoughtfully created as a place to disconnect from noise, reconnect with nature, and experience the quiet beauty of Arizona’s high desert landscape. Perched atop a peaceful hill in Lake Montezuma, the home offers breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the entire Verde Valley from Sedona’s iconic red rocks to Jerome’s mountainside charm and beyond.
This is not a home built around screens, schedules, or distractions. There is intentionally no television. There is no microwave. The oversized windows, endless skies, golden sunsets, and daily visits from local deer become the entertainment here. Inside, the home feels warm, artistic, and deeply personal — full of handcrafted touches, thoughtful details, and a few charming quirks that reflect its history and character. You may discover light switches that no longer connect to anything or architectural details that speak to the home’s hand built nature. Guests who appreciate authenticity, creativity, and soulful spaces tend to fall in love here.
The main living space is centered around stunning sliding glass doors that frame uninterrupted valley views, creating an ever-changing natural backdrop from sunrise to starlight. Whether you’re curled up with a book, sharing a slow morning coffee, journaling, or simply sitting in silence watching the light shift across the mountains, the home encourages rest in the truest sense. The fully equipped kitchen includes everything needed to prepare meals and gather together — just without the rush of modern convenience culture. This is a place for slow mornings, shared dinners, and intentional living.
Downstairs, two peaceful bedrooms offer comfort and privacy, connected by custom tilework and cozy spaces designed for deep rest after a day of exploring Sedona, hiking nearby national forest lands, or tasting your way through the Verde Valley Wine Trail.
Despite the home’s peaceful hilltop setting, hiking, biking, wineries, ancient ruins, and the restaurants and galleries of Sedona and Jerome are all within an easy drive
The Space • 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 6 • King bed in the primary bedroom • Queen bed in the second bedroom • Pullout sofa best suited for children or shorter stays • Expansive 360-degree views of Sedona, Jerome, and the Verde Valley • Starlink high-speed internet • Dedicated workspace • Pet friendly with fee • XL washer and dryer • No television by design — reconnect with nature instead
Outdoor Experience The outdoor spaces are truly the heart of this property. The home sits on an elevated hillside surrounded by open skies, desert beauty, and extraordinary views in nearly every direction. Mornings often begin with deer passing quietly through the property, while evenings end with unforgettable sunsets and some of the clearest stargazing in the Verde Valley.
Bring your coffee outside at sunrise. Watch monsoon clouds roll across the valley in summer. Listen to the stillness at night beneath dark desert skies. This is the kind of place where guests often extend their stay because they finally exhale.
Hiking and Outdoor Recreation The home is surrounded by nearby hiking, biking, and nature trails — many just minutes away. Guests love exploring the scenic trails throughout the Beaver Creek and Verde Valley areas, with options ranging from peaceful nature walks to more adventurous canyon hikes.
Popular nearby outdoor areas include: • Bell Trail / Wet Beaver Wilderness – approx. 15 minutes • Montezuma Well Trails– approx. 10 minutes • Sacred Mountain Trails – approx. 10 minutes • National forest hiking & biking access – just minutes from the home • Verde Valley trail systems and scenic drives nearby
The area is especially loved for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, stargazing, mountain biking, photography, and peaceful desert walks.
Nearby Attractions One of the best parts of staying at The Scholar’s House is the balance of peaceful seclusion and easy access to some of Northern Arizona’s most beautiful destinations. Hiking, biking, ancient ruins, wineries, and iconic red rock scenery are all within reach.
• Montezuma Castle National Monument ~15 minutes • Montezuma Well ~10 minutes • Sedona ~30 minutes • Jerome ~35 minutes • Cottonwood ~25 minutes • Verde Valley Wine Trail 20–35 minutes depending on winery • Camp Verde ~15 minutes • Oak Creek Canyon ~40 minutes • Tuzigoot National Monument ~35 minutes
Whether you’re hiking, wine tasting, exploring ancient ruins, or simply searching for peace and quiet, The Scholar’s House offers a beautiful home base to return to.
Things to Note • This home was intentionally designed as an unplugged retreat experience. There is no television. • There is no microwave. • The home is hand built and full of unique character and artistic quirks. • Deer and local wildlife frequently pass through the property. • Due to the hilltop location, the driveway is unpaved. • The driveway may occasionally be shared with guests staying in the nearby casita. • Casita is available to book with the house sleeping 2 more people (Scholar’s Retreat) • Starlink internet is provided and works well for remote work. • Due to the peaceful nature of the property and surrounding area, parties, events, loud gatherings, smoking, and vaping are strictly prohibited. • Pets allowed with approval and fee. • To confirm your reservation, a background check will be required for property safety and insurance compliance. AZ TPT# 21599401
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 21599401
Property # 4460535vb
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
Lake Montezuma
Located in Rimrock, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Montezuma Castle National Monument and Montezuma Well National Monument are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Bell Rock and Fort Verde Park State Historic Park. M Diamond Ranch and Kids Quest are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby fishing, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding, hiking/biking trails and mountain biking.
Montezuma Castle National Monument - 6 min drive - 4.1 km
Cliff Castle Casino - 9 min drive - 14.6 km
Kids Quest - 9 min drive - 14.6 km
Montezuma Well National Monument - 10 min drive - 9.0 km
Montezuma Well National Monument - 11 min drive - 18.7 km
Getting around
Sedona, AZ (SDX) - 44 min drive
Restaurants
Johnny Rockets - 12 min drive
Sonic Drive-In - 12 min drive
Storytellers Steakhouse - 12 min drive
Peach Tree Cafe - 6 min walk
Subway - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views?
As of 18 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views on 8 December 2026 start from NZ$735, 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.
How much is parking at Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views located?
Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Montezuma Castle National Monument, Montezuma Well National Monument and M Diamond Ranch. Cliff Castle Casino and Kids Quest 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.
Our family loves the Verde Valley and all there is to do. We’ve camped, hiked, shopped, toured dozens of wineries and stayed at resorts and homes here for many years. We love being able to share the magical beauty and feeling you get only here with visitors, helping them to create lifelong memories.
Why they chose this property
Rimrock & Lake Montezuma are undiscovered, even natives don’t always know where they are. It’s quiet here, big families of deer call it home and the night skies are incredibly dark - you see so many stars!
What makes this property unique
This hilltop location was selected by a man born and raised in Jerome. He built this home by hand and it was completed by his son. The views, the quiet and the undeniable beauty are unmatched.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests