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A Secluded Retreat In Nature - La Casita

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Seating area with view of the National Forest, the best spot for stargazing.
La Casita
Entrance to the screened in porch and house.
The shady porch with the entrance to the house on the right.
Entryway

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 269.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Mountain view

Explore the area

Map
Oracle, AZ
  • Oracle State Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Purr Fect Quilters Cottage
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Biosphere 2
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • Tucson, AZ (AVW-Marana Regional)
    ‪60 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

A Secluded Retreat In Nature - La Casita

La Casita is nestled on 2.3 secluded acres next to the Coronado National Forest. The comfortable vintage cottage has good light and sweeping views of the foothills and woodlands around it. A beautiful garden and various outdoor sitting areas provide relaxing places to enjoy quiet nature and many species of birds who live there. The Oracle Ridge trailhead to Mt. Lemmon is just a 5-minute walk from the house. These features and more are what make your stay at La Casita so enjoyable and special.

La Casita is available for booking during certain months in 2022. Please inquire first regarding booking dates in 2022 or later.

Description of the property:
The cottage is far from the road among the oak trees and native desert vegetation. This private place is ideal for those who want a natural environment to relax and revive in. It is excellent as a retreat or place to work.

The house works well as a remote working space. It is laptop-friendly with two large tables, comfortable office chairs, and easily accessible outlets. The excellent, reliable wifi - 20 meg, is the highest speed available in the area. Streaming movies is not a problem. Many guests have used La Casita as a remote workplace in the last few years and we have rave reviews. The house has a very quiet undisturbed atmosphere that is good for focused work.

La Casita has the charm of a real home, it is vintage with an eclectic artistic flavor. The cottage is all about comfort with good seating in the sunny living room with its beautiful views of the National Forest. A compact kitchen is complete with all you need for creating simple tasty meals. For the rest, the house is LOW tech, there is a radio that receives local stations, but no TV.

There are sleeping arrangements for 2 persons. The double bed in the bedroom has a view of the sunrise shining on the mountain and the couch in the living room makes up into a comfortable full-sized bed for one person.

A special feature of the property is the beautiful large 'Butterfly Garden' with shade trees and arid plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Here you will want to relax in the swing or sit at the table under the trees. There are several sitting areas around the cottage with different views that offer shade or sun depending on the time of day or season. In the evening the garden is lit and becomes a magical inviting place to enjoy. Gorgeous sunsets can be seen from the house and the night skies are perfect for stargazing. Oracle is in a 'Dark Skies Zone' and from its hillside, the house overlooks the dark expansive National Forest.

The most important aspect of La Casita is the experience of quiet serenity and connection to nature. The ever-changing views of the foothills as the sun moves across them, the birds that fly in and out of the garden calling to each other, and the delicate occasional sound of the wind chimes connect one with nature. The peaceful privacy creates a unique energy that makes La Casita so special.

Birders will be happy with the many species around the bird feeder (bird food is supplied). Wildlife such as coyotes, javelinas, deer, rabbits, and bobcats come close to the house often to drink from the water station.

Oracle is a haven for hikers, there are many trails in the area that offer amazing adventures and scenery. The Oracle Ridge trailhead that goes to the top of Mt. Lemmon is five minutes walk from the house and definitely advised. Also, the Oracle State Park, 5 minutes by car, has wonderful trails that look out over the San Pedro Valley and Galiuro Mountains. Catalina State Park with spectacular lower desert scenery and trails is 20 minutes away, and much more is available in the area.

Guest Access
In addition to the house, guests are encouraged to explore the large private yard and enjoy the gardens and wooded areas that surround the house with the many different sitting areas. You will feel complete privacy and peace in all the areas.

Upon your arrival:
Once you have been greeted and introduced to the house by Chuck the caretaker you are left to enjoy the quiet privacy of La Casita. Chuck lives nearby and is available for help or information if needed. and of course, you can message me as well.

Property manager

Kathy Hoyer

Languages

Dutch, English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Mountain view
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 1:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 1:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
My house is not suitable for children under 5
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside only, PLEASE be mindful of fire danger!
PETS are not allowed due to allergies, so sorry
NO FIRES of any type are allowed on the property, this is a law due to extreme fire danger in our community.

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 first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Oracle

Located in Oracle, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. SaddleBrooke Ranch Golf Club and MountainView Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Purr Fect Quilters Cottage and Biosphere 2. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Oracle, AZ

What's nearby

  • Oracle State Park - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Purr Fect Quilters Cottage - 6 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Biosphere 2 - 43 min drive - 34.8 km
  • Sabino Canyon - 58 min drive - 63.3 km
  • Mt Lemmon Ski Valley - 85 min drive - 46.9 km

Getting around

  • Tucson, AZ (AVW-Marana Regional) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Orehouse Hilltop Tavern - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Nonna Maria's Pizza - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Oracle Patio Cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Demarcos Pizzeria - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Chapparal Market - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A Secluded Retreat In Nature - La Casita pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at A Secluded Retreat In Nature - La Casita?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A Secluded Retreat In Nature - La Casita?

Checkout is at 1:00 PM.

Where is A Secluded Retreat In Nature - La Casita located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from Oracle State Park and 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from Purr Fect Quilters Cottage. SaddleBrooke Ranch Golf Club is 11.3 mi (18.1 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

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. 22 out of 25 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 25 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 25 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

TheCatInTheHat A.

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

Awesome Place

Great little place to stay. Very secluded and quiet. Excellent communication with the property manager and owner. Weather permitting, plan on having awesome meals out on the patio furniture.
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah S.

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

A perfect retreatI

The casita was such a perfect retreat. The setting was spectacular and the plantings and care of the surrounding area outside of the house was so comforting. It was a pleasure to stay there. Thanks!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joanne and Will C., Bellingham WA

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful nature retreat

Birds and wildlife abound at this quiet home tucked in off the road among oak trees providing privacy and peace. Near hiking trails in the nearby state park and national forest. The house is comfortable for one or two people. Sunsets are outstanding.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

kurt t.

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

Oracle Javelinas

Would come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan W.

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

Lovely private Casita

Great setting, peaceful, quiet, restful, lots of birds and wildlife, close to hiking trails, biosphere 2, etc. variety of weather experiences including lots of sun, a little rain, and even some snow.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brenda W.

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

Quite & Simple Getaway

It is cute place and has everything you need. It's a place where you can put cozy and funky in the same sentence. Loved the view of the sunset and the enjoyed the unexpected visitors from time to time. .
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie K.

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

It felt like home!

My fiancé and I came for a week vacation. This place is perfect for a short visit. It is beautiful. We felt secluded, which is what we wanted, but there are a few restaurants and stores close by. We felt close to nature, also what we wanted. It felt like home.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Douglas L., Fairview

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

Unique and Fun

My wife and I had a wonderful week at La Casita. The property was comfortable, clean, and exactly as described and pictured. If you are looking for high-end luxury and nightlife, you might be disappointed. But if you enjoy quiet solitude, nature, wildlife, and outdoor activities, you'll be very happy here.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

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

beauty & tranquility

The casita & grounds are even lovelier than pictured and described. Very comfortable & had everything we needed. We stayed a week and hated to leave. Kathy and her property manager Chuck were warm & welcoming - it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet such kind and engaging people. Fabulous hiking trail 5 minute walk from house. Other trails close by. Birds & javelinas galore. Dark dark star filled skies. Covid continues to keep us mostly out of restaurants but we did take out from Rivera’s Mexican one night & it was great, and picked up some deli and market items from the Patio Cafe which were really good too. Thank you Kathy and Chuck!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gail G.

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

Cozy tranquility you will love

Everything about my three days here was wonderful and I enjoyed every minute. I’m very appreciative of the kind attention and care shown by Kathy and Chuck, the caretaker. I’m anxious to return soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Marty S.

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

Peaceful

Loved Kathy's place with such a quiet peaceful vibe.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

debbie l.

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

Wonderful!

Kathy and chuck were great. Loved the house! Will definitely stay again! Loved the ambience of the place......The lights outside Surrounded by the beautiful vegetation and landscape. Lots of places to sit in various points of the property. Walks in the morning we sure enjoyed on the main road. Viewed lots of beautiful homes. Wonderful books to read. Great WiFi. Had everything we needed. My husband has been in the natural gas business for years. He really admired the gas cooktop and oven in her home for it’s age. Worked like a charm. My granddaughter enjoyed watching and feeding the birds in the morning. Highly recommend.......Will not be disappointed. The LaFrenieres
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl S., Phoenix, AZ

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

If you're looking for some peace and quiet...this is the place!

Went to a painting retreat with an artist in Oracle and stayed here with a friend, and I am SO glad we did! Kathy has stocked everything you need, Chuck the caretaker is a delight and super helpful! The outside is a haven - in the morning we were greeted by Javelina, Bunnies, Blue jays, red cardinals, chipmunks, the whinny of nearby horses, and serenades by crickets. There is a bed and a really decent pull-out bed, a small efficient kitchen - but if you don't know how to operate a french press you may want to bring a portable coffee maker for longer stays. :) Just lovely. I will be back with my husband for a nice quiet getaway from Phoenix. Thank you Kathy!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

8/10 Good

Darlene C.

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

Reader's Hideaway

If you are looking for quiet seclusion to devour a book you have been waiting to read, this casita should be your first choice. Eclectically sweet and uniquely placed away from the bustle of Oracle. Oracle State Park and the hiking trails are close by gems to enjoy.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Catherine C.

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

Great stay!

We rented the Casita for a long weekend for a friend’s wedding in Oracle. The house was perfect and we had a great time in Oracle. I would definitely recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Loved it

We loved every second of our stay at La Casita! The house and surroundings are even more stunning than the photos.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jan &john H.

Peaceful, relaxing , cozy get away

We have returned to La Casita again this year. The peace and quiet, star filled nights, amazing bird watching and the beauty of this home is so inviting and relaxing. An enchanting refuge from the busyness of life.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

David E., Corvallis, OR

A Peaceful Retreat

Kathy's place is cozy and welcoming. The caretaker Chuck met us in town and showed us to the property. It's tucked away in an oak bramble that I'm sure would have taken us awhile to locate on our own. Chuck gave us the tour and told us about local eateries and trails - there's a beautiful forest service trail about a quarter mile up the road that follows a prominent ridge, offering great views. The house is small, but comfortable. We spent most of our time reading and chatting in the south-facing sunroom which provides a beautiful view of the Catalina foothills. Kathy left birdseed and hummingbird nectar for the feeders and we enjoyed listening to all of our feathered neighbors. The outdoor space is beautiful as well, with several seating areas tucked into the shade of the oak trees. This is a great getaway location for those seeking some peaceful relaxation time to enjoy nature or a good book. Kathy and Chuck were both easy to communicate with and extremely accommodating. Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

David E., Seattle (Mukilteo) WA

Cute little cabin in the woods. The cabin is very small, but cozy, with plenty of outdoor spaces!

Very comfortable get-away in the woods. We saw a group (herd?) of Javalena's (peccaries) walk through the front yard and rummage around a bit twice! Very cute, but probably don't want to mess with them too much. Kitchen is small, but well equipped. There is no laundry facility, which is not really a problem as long as you are aware of it (there is a laundromat in Catalina, but that's about 15 miles away). There is a trail head to Oracle Ridge Trail just about 500 ft up the road, so easy access for a hike.
Stayed 12 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Leonard M.

Perfectly Amazing!

Perfectly Amazing!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia N.

Loved watching all the birds in the very private yard.

We loved coming home to the tiny lights strewn around the yard. The house was just the right amount of space for the 2 of us. We especially liked the landscaping which has created various seating spots around the yard. Kathy and her helpers were especially helpful and answered all of our questions quickly. Chuck did a great job of showing us around and had many suggestions to make our stay perfect. We hope to return next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jan &john H.

Tranquil days star filled nights

La Casita is secluded; featuring lovely outdoor grottos from which to sit and admire the high desert landscape of mountains, manzanita, scrub oak and cacti as well as all the birds that inhabit it. The casita is cozy with comfortable furniture in the which to read, relax and enjoy the majestic views. The small kitchen is just right for cooking up simple meals. Great hikes abound nearby! We enjoyed tranquil days and star filled nights here! We look forward to returning!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Molly S.

Amazing place to escape the chaos of life!

Our stay at La Casita was beautiful!! We enjoyed the scenery of the mountains that offered amazing sunrises & sunsets every day! We watched the variety of birds for hours on end, & really enjoyed the seclusion & ambiance of this very cozy home! We enjoyed dinner at Rivera’s Mexican Restaurant & breakfast at The Patio Cafe, all of which were only minutes from La Casita! We took a quick drive to Oracle State Park & got some hiking in with our four legged furry child! Taking our dog with us was not optional & La Casita, Kathy specifically, allowed our four legged family member to travel with us which was a blessing! The home is quaint, quiet, comfortable, & beautiful which is just what my husband & I needed after a few very hectic months! I would highly recommend La Casita to anyone that is looking to escape the hustle & bustle of life!! Thank you, Kathy for sharing your desert retreat with us, we couldn’t have asked for a better time away!!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

Beautiful High Desert getaway

If your looking to get out of the city and have some isolated down time this is the spot. The pretty decent WIFI helps for those who can't completely cut their connections or need that access if it is a working vacation. I love to hike and the trailhead leading to a trail that merges with the American Trail was a couple 100 feet or so from the entrance to the property. Also hiked the Oracle State Park trails which are a few miles away. Saw plenty of wildlife during our hiking, and also around the house we saw plenty of birds (cardinal's and others). The Oracle Historical Society museum was not scheduled to be open while we were in town, but we were able to call and schedule a personal tour. A very nice hands on museum which we really enjoyed. House was beautiful as detailed in the description.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Emily J.

Truly lovely retreat

La Casita is a wonderful place to relax and recharge. Very quiet and peaceful, with a wonderful yard to explore. Definitely plan to return!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2017

About the host

Hosted by Kathy Hoyer

Host profile image
I am an artist and divide my time between Oracle and Amsterdam where I've lived for 40 years. Returning to the desert and La Casita every year feeds a deep place in my soul which is an important source of inspiration for my work and life.

Why they chose this property

I have owned this house for more than 20 years, it is my little piece of paradise! I have created a place to relax and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life.

What makes this property unique

The most important aspect of La Casita is the experience of serenity and connection to nature that one has when staying in the house. Peace and quiet is the name of the game, the action is around the bird feeder!

Languages:

English, Dutch