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Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

Photo gallery for Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

A palm tree in a landscaped area with a paved path and a table. - Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert (Tucson)
A poolside area with lounge chairs and a palm tree. - Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert (Tucson)
A brick house with a covered porch, a satellite dish, and a chimney. - Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert (Tucson)
A bedroom with a brick wall, a bed, a dresser, and a ceiling fan. - Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert (Tucson)
A desert landscape with cacti and a house with a red roof, surrounded by mountains and a sunset sky. - Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert (Tucson)
Welcome to this beautiful Tucson family home, where mountain and desert views abound. Enjoy sunsets from the spacious patio and pool area, then retreat to one of four bedrooms or two living areas for relaxation. The fully stocked kitchen is perfect for meal prep, while a screened-in patio dining area offers warm evening breezes.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathrooms2586 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi

Add dates for prices

About this property

Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

  • Welcome to our beautiful and unique family home on three private acres on the east side of Tucson. Gorgeous views of mountains and desert abound and sunsets always provide a wonderful evening show to enjoy from the spacious patio and pool area. An updated and open living/dining/kitchen space brings all the comforts of home.
    There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The primary suite has a king size bed and a large attached bathroom. The other two bedrooms in the main house have queen size beds and are just across the hallway from a full bathroom. A private, separate casita off the back patio has a king size bed, walk in closet and full bathroom. Two living areas provide lots of comfy seating for reading a book, watching a movie or playing games. The kitchen is fully stocked and ready for creating delicious meals. A screened-in patio lounge area is perfect for enjoying warm evening breezes and mountain views.
    The back of the home shines with a large pool, a hot tub, covered spaces, open areas to take some sun, lots of privacy and, above all, those mountain views! It is quiet and relaxing and, simply, wonderful.
    If you can bring yourself to leave the house, activities abound. Shopping, dining, hiking and other local attractions are all nearby. The home is very private and feels worlds away but it is just a few minutes from grocery stores, restaurants and a movie theater. Downtown Tucson, funky 4th Avenue and the University of Arizona are within a twenty minute drive.
    Also, since the home is surrounded by lots of beautiful desert, it is important to know that you may see desert wildlife including javelinas, Gila monsters, rattlesnakes, coyotes, bobcats, lizards, tortoises, roadrunners and many kinds of birds. These desert denizens are exciting to see but must be observed from a distance and left alone.
    We invite you to enjoy this "gem in the heart of the desert"

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Double-glazed windows
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Recycling
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Unit size: 2,586 square feet

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  • Hot tub
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 30

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Adult supervision is necessary

Events

No events allowed

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
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 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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Located in Houghton, a neighbourhood in Tucson, this holiday home is in the mountains. Pima Air and Space Museum is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Saguaro National Park and Sabino Canyon. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Udall Park Tennis Center or Fort Lowell Tennis Center. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and hiking nearby. Visit our Tucson travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Tucson
Map
Tucson, AZ

What's nearby

  • A desert landscape with numerous cacti and mountains in the background.
    Saguaro National Park
    4 min drive - 4.2 km
  • B & B Cactus Farm
    2 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Broadway Trail
    4 min drive - 4.2 km
  • 49er Country Club
    6 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Forty Niner Country Club
    7 min drive - 5.7 km

Getting around

  • Tucson Station
    23 min drive
  • Tucson International Airport (TUS)
    29 min drive

Restaurants

  • Los Nopales
    8 min drive
  • Circle K
    7 min drive
  • Circle K
    3 min drive
  • Dunkin'
    5 min drive
  • McDonald's
    7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert located?

Located in Houghton, this holiday home is 1.3 mi (2.2 km) from B & B Cactus Farm and 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from Saguaro National Park. Broadway Trail and Forty Niner Country Club are also within 3 miles (5 km).

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Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 50 out of 52 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 52 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 52 reviews

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We very much enjoyed staying in this lovely home. It is in a quiet neighborhood and close to grocery stores,restaurants and shopping centers. The property is beautifully landscaped and the house is very comfortable.It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the Arizona sunshine!
Stayed 42 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jeff M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House is perfectly put together with many entertaining areas though it was hard to move off the terrace with its expansive views and plethora of birds. Fully equipped kitchen. Host is very responsive. Looking forward to a return visit.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christopher P.

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

Great place!

Really enjoyed the views, and lay out of the home!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brad B.

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

Great family gathering place

Awesome house. Great location for biking and hiking
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ron M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We booked this Tucson VRBO specifically looking for a quiet, secluded home with plenty of privacy for a romantic getaway, and it was absolutely perfect. From the moment we arrived, we felt like we had our own little private oasis in the desert.The house is beautifully maintained and very well equipped — the kitchen had everything we needed, and the layout made it feel spacious and comfortable. My wife especially loved starting her mornings on the patio, sipping coffee and watching the wildlife (quail, rabbits, and even a few lizards made appearances). The Southwest vibe throughout the home was charming and relaxing, with thoughtful touches that made it feel warm and inviting.If you're looking for peace, privacy, and a true desert escape, this property is ideal. We’d definitely return on our next trip to Tucson!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family had an absolutely wonderful week. The property is gorgeous in the house is simply lovely. We were four adults and 3.5 month old, and the setting and accommodations were perfect for us. The house is very well equipped. There is everything you need for cooking, for enjoying time by the pool or in the hot tub, and looking at wildlife out in the yard. The house is also conveniently located a short drive from restaurants, stores, and Saguaro National Park. The owners have so thoughtfully prepared a book with instructions for the house, a guide to local wildlife and information on local activities. Any questions directed to the owners received very quick responses. I highly recommend this location and hope to go back again soon!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mary Z.

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

Most amazing sunset

We were so happy with this home. We loved floating in the pool and watching sunsets. Very clean and lots of amenities.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gem in the Heart of the Desert is the perfect name for this property! All expectations were exceeded. Host was very responsive to questions. House and yard were gorgeous. Location was private and offered a true desert experience. Easy access to all needed amenities.
Daily sunsets were gorgeous
Pool was wonderful
House is nestled in the desert
Loved the wildlife
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Patti F.

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

Family time

Perfect for a family. Location and size of bedrooms great and wonderful kitchen and eating areas
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Terry S.

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

Dessert vibe

Awesome property in a private setting was a great spot for an extended stay with close friends.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Susan R.

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

Beautiful Sunset! Delightful Desert!

Stunning! Tastefully decorated! Beautiful furniture. Perfect in every way! The cleanest home I’ve ever rented. Everyone in the family enjoyed it as much as I did.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dan F.

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

Really is a gem

This place had pretty much everything we could want: a delightfully furnished and comfortable place, perfect location especially for nature excursions, a kitchen full of nice things (even the knives were sharp - have you been to a VRBO where the knives were actually sharp?), hot tub and pool, super nice yard, and an incredibly responsive host. If you read the description of this place and think you might like it, then you surely will.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Crystal K.

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

Best VRBO we’ve ever had

We do VRBO’s at least a few times a year. With family in Tucson we come a few times a year and this was the best yet. Beautiful views and grounds. The best stocked VRBO- and not yard sale stuff but quality cooking tools, dishes, etc. Beds were very comfortable. Very clean and well maintained. We plan on making this our go to for our future Tucson stays.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Aviva S.

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

The perfect long weekend get together

Our book club met for a long weekend in Tucson. The house was perfect for having conversation on the patio and ample indoor seating. The kitchen is beautiful and was easy for our group to prep meals in. The owners included many helpful amenities such as sunscreen and robes in each room. The hot tub and stars at night were an exceptional part of the stay. Easy access to national wilderness trailheads kept us busy. We would highly recommend this beautiful property
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Betty Jo B.

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

Top-notch in Tucson

What a wonderful place. The view is spectacular; the home so comfortable AND interesting--full of local art and decor. Nothing hotel-ish here. We drank in the view every morning and evening and loved "coming home" every day after doing some sight seeing. I almost hestitate (but of course I did) to give it five stars because I fear it won't be available if we try to come again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cora C.

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

Thanksgiving Holiday

My family of 5 stayed at this Tuscon Gem for the Thanksgiving holiday. The house is perfectly described in VRBO. We comfortably made the house our home away from home as we cooked for Thanksgiving and all meals in the well-appointed kitchen, played games, puzzles, and watched TV together in a room big enough for all of us, and enjoyed the amazing outdoor space as we relaxed into the night with beautiful sunsets. Excellent communication with the host. I wouldn't stay anywhere else if I come back to Tuscon.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jenny V.

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

Desert Dream

We were a three generational family on vacation for the week and the home was perfect for us. My parents stayed in the beautiful casita, which gave them a litte privacy and my kids played in the pool until sunset. We enjoyed cooking our meals in the well stocked kitchen and eating at the outdoor table. The art and furniture around the home added to the ambiance of being in the desert. The house was very clean,and Michael was easy to connect with. The sunsets from the backyard were amazing and all the different birds were so peaceful to listen to in the mornings. Looking forward to a return visit.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ron W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We found everything about this property just as described (or even better)! It is a place secluded enough to be very quiet and afford views of the mountains beyond, yet is near to the city. There is space both inside and outside for a group like us (of 6, all older) to relax, spend time together (or apart to read or snooze). The home is equipped with anything and everything we needed, and is simply beautiful. Someone with an eye for echoing the desert's beauty with the colors, art and inside furnishings created the indoor ambiance. And, best of all, we had easy and quick communication with our host, Michael. His immediate advice and answers to questions were so helpful. If all this sounds too good to be true--you simply haven't been here. Our family gathering couldn't have happened in a more lovely, secluded spot. Our hats off to Michael.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Heidi B.

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

Nature with Mountain View’s

This is a fabulous property! My husband and I stayed for a week with our 8 & 10 year olds. My sister joined us for a few days as well and loved having her own space in the casita. The home is beautifully furnished. The property has stunning mountain views and the twinkling city lights were also so beautiful at night or early before the sunrise. Even though it was winter, the kids did cold jumps into the pool and everyone enjoyed the hot tub while watching the sunsets. The wildlife was abundant and we all loved listening to the coyotes at dusk and dawn. The house was so clean and wonderfully stocked with everything you could possibly need. Communication with Michael was fabulous. We truly enjoyed staying at this home for our family vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jenny V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed here two years ago and knew we would have to come back. We returned last week and it was as beautiful and peaceful as we remembered. The backyard is a perfect place to enjoy meals, watch the sunrise/sunset, swim, and observe the wildlife. The kitchen has anything you need for cooking and the casita is an amazing extra space. We arrived late at night and Michael was kind enough to leave lights on for us. The house is so clean and the art is such a pleasure to look at in each room. We had the best week!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ang S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a phenomenal stay at this house. There was plenty of room for everyone, and the home was very well stocked with towels, utensils, dinnerware, and everything we needed. The house was extremely clean, and the backyard view was absolutely beautiful.Michael, the host, was very welcoming and incredibly responsive throughout our stay. The bedrooms are spacious, the beds are comfortable, and having two master suites was such a nice bonus.We highly recommend this property and would gladly stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Clare B.

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

Beautiful place in a peaceful location

The house is beautiful, comfortable and exceeded our expectations. Serene views of the mountains, secluded location. So lovely to sit on the patio and watch the sun set. Highly recommend if you love being out in nature. Would stay again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Janet A.

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

Wonderful experience

Beautiful property and home. Great hosts.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Patricia C.

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

Very comfortable, well outfitted house!

We had a great experience staying in this home. All bedrooms were very comfortable, kitchen well outfitted, hot tub wonderful! Perfect spot to watch the superbowl Bonus, we saw a bobcat, roadrunners and great horned owl in back yard.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mark T.

Wonderful home in the desert

Your renovated desert home was a true joy to live in for our family. From a great kitchen to very comfortable beds and furnishings, we wanted for nothing more than just to spend another day by the pool enjoying the view and quiet. Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019