Entire home

History, Wildlife And Privacy! Birder's Welcome!

Photo gallery for History, Wildlife And Privacy! Birder's Welcome!

Entrance to Homestead
Living room with stone fireplace
Living room -- large windows
Open dining area
Kitchen semi stocked

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6176.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Pool
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Tucson, AZ
  • Tucson Mall
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Starr Pass Golf Club
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • University of Arizona
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

History, Wildlife And Privacy! Birder's Welcome!

Experience some Tucson history by staying in one of the original homesteads in the Tucson Mountains. Homesteaded in 1929 by the Canfields when their deed signed by President Herbert Hoover was received. The home is owned by family members who have kept their love of the desert region alive. Nestled in the Tucson Mountains, this ranch style, 2 bedroom - 2 bath, 1900 square foot house maintains it’s seclusion and privacy by being located on 3.3 acres of prime desert habitat where you won’t be surprised to see javalina, coyote, bobcat and deer. The owners are recreational birders and keep feeders full to attract many species of hummingbirds, quail, finches, sparrows, woodpeckers, thrashers and many other birds native to the area and passers through.
Just 15 minutes from downtown Tucson, U of A, and Tucson Community Center and 5 minutes from I-10 you can use this home for a base to most attractions around Tucson and surrounding areas including the world famous Desert Museum.
This is an ideal home for quiet private time, relaxed reading and writing, and as a base for some of the country’s most important Birding locations including Madera Canyon, Ramsey Canyon, Chiricahua Mtn range and Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, as well as incredible hikes through the Saguaro National Parks, Sabino Canyon, Ventana Canyon, Pima Canyon, Catalina State Park, and other enticing locations.

Property manager

Becky and Daryl Hiser

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Open desert cactus and critters, please supervise
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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

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 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

About the area

Tucson

Located in Lazy Ranch Estates, a neighbourhood in Tucson, this holiday home is in the mountains. International Wildlife Museum and Berger Performing Arts Center are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Tucson Mall and Heirloom Farmers Markets - Rillito Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Tucson Convention Center or Sporting Chance Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Tucson, AZ

What's nearby

  • Tucson Mall - 13 min drive - 12.7 km
  • Starr Pass Golf Club - 13 min drive - 10.2 km
  • Tucson Convention Center - 14 min drive - 14.2 km
  • University of Arizona - 14 min drive - 14.0 km
  • Old Tucson Studios - 17 min drive - 13.3 km

Getting around

  • Tucson Station - 14 min drive
  • Tohono Transit Center - 17 min drive
  • Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Caps & Corks - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Signature Grill at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Daisy Mae's Steakhouse - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does History, Wildlife And Privacy! Birder's Welcome! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is History, Wildlife And Privacy! Birder's Welcome! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at History, Wildlife And Privacy! Birder's Welcome!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at History, Wildlife And Privacy! Birder's Welcome!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is History, Wildlife And Privacy! Birder's Welcome! located?

Located in Lazy Ranch Estates, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Sweetwater Preserve, Silverbell Golf Course and Christopher Columbus Park. International Wildlife Museum and Greasewood Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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. 53 out of 58 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 58 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 58 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 58 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Keith G.

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

Great Sonoran Desert hideaway with excellent hosts

Spent a pleasant month at the Lazy C Homestead. Well equipped & comfortable historical home set in acreage with abundant wildlife. The location has a nice balance of 'secluded hideaway' & 'easy access to Tucson'. The owners live nearby & are friendly, efficient hosts. Recommended. Keith & Maralyn G. Suffolk, England.
Stayed 29 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barb R.

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

This home was so welcoming. We loved the remoteness and wildlife.

This property is everything the description says it is. Loved it!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gerold M.

Lovely spot near Tucson and Saguaro National Park

Becky and Daryl are wonderful hosts, the home is comfortable and spacious, the views of Tucson and the surrounding hills are gorgeous, and the property abounds with desert plants, birds and wildlife. Great area for birding, both on the property and at the nearby parks. During our stay, groups of deer and javelina passed through in the early evening. We're hoping to visit again!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

David R.

Desert Serenity

We hardly ever left the immediate environs of the house because it was so peaceful and surrounded by wondrous desert beauty. A great experience.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Paul E., Evansville, IN

Wonderful accommodations

We had a fabulous time at the Lazy S Homestead. The owners are very conscientious and accommodating. They went to great efforts to make sure we were comfortable and happy in their home. We enjoyed the birds and coyotes. The house is an old Homestead so fit in well with the mountains and desert surroundings. It is close to many attractions so easy to get to many sites.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jessica R., SAINT PETERS

Beautiful property, Very charming home

We had a wonderful stay at Lazy C! The hosts were very welcoming, even leaving us a few home baked goods to enjoy and loaning our children black light flashlights for finding scorpions! The location is very convenient for accessing the Western portion of Saguaro National Park, Tucson Mountain Park, and the Sonoran Desert Museum (which we HIGHLY recommend). We all enjoyed spending time at the home, relaxing on the porch, watching birds, sunset, and other wildlife.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

lori f.

Authentic Arizona Experience

The casita is very serene and peaceful and gives you a true sense of the Arizona countryside. It is amazingly convenient to downtown, Old Tucson, Desert Sonoran Museum and a large number of hiking trails. The large number of birds that visit everyday are great fun to watch as well as other wildlife like coyotes. Becky is a gracious hostess and very friendly and helpful. I'd definitely stay here again - one of my favorite places I've rented in Tucson.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Steve J., Salt Lake City, Utah

Favorite Spring Getaway

This was our 3rd time staying at The Homestead and we have already reserved our stay for next year. It's one of the most relaxing places a person could ask for. Daryl and Becky are great hosts! Responsive to everything and Becky keeps the bird feeders filled to attract birds all day long. It's like being alone out in the desert, yet you are only minutes from just about everything in the Tucson area. Highly recommended!
Stayed 15 nights in Apr 2016

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

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

Desert wonderland

We just finished up a wonderful week at the lazy C ranch. It was such an amazing find and we all felt lucky to be there. The home is a historic homestead so if you are looking for modern, this isn’t your house. But if you want to be in a private space with an abundance of land and wildlife, both sunrise and sunset views and a well stocked and loved home, this is your place. It’s really special.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Cathy H., Medicine Hat, Alberta

Easter excursion

We had a lovely holiday at the Lazy C homestead. The privacy of the beautiful yard was wonderful- could have easily stayed on the porch to watch the world go by for the entire trip. My father-in-law has limited moblilty and the house setup was ideal. We had one small mechanical issue which Becky had fixed promptly. She is a pleasure to work with. We left with super memories - thank you!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Steve J., Salt Lake City, Utah

A great desert experience

This property was a great place to come and relax, unwind and enjoy the serenity of the desert. It was great for bird watching and viewing other wildlife. There are many comfortable seating areas all over the property. The "Homestead" has an interesting history and it was a perfect place to get the feel of 'another time' while being 'modern'. Very Clean and comfortable. Great hosts and beautiful dessert surrounding! We enjoyed a beautiful full moon and the lunar eclipse our last night there and in the morning had 10 or 12 deer meandering in the yard feeding on the Palo Verde trees.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Marian K.

Wonderful and relaxing

We typically stay with family when in Tucson but this trip we needed to find another place to stay and we could not have made a better choice. The master is huge and the 2nd bedroom is good size as well, actually larger than it looked in the pictures. The house had everything we needed to make a few meals, which we enjoyed on the patio watching the many birds. The location was perfect as it is close to our family but also very close to a few museums, Old Town and trails. Becky and Daryl left quite a few magazines and pamphlets that offer ideas of things to do in the area which was very helpful. Overall a great trip and we will try to book again on our next trip.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Melody M., Oil City PA

Wonderful isolation in easy reach of everything

We've just returned from a wonderful relaxing week at this property. It was hard to rouse ourselves from the great front porch where we watched many varieties of birds (favorites - the Gambel's quail!), coyotes, deer and even a bobcat ghosting across the drive as we went in at dusk. Twenty minutes drive (or less) took us to the Desert Museum, the Saguaro National Park, several trailheads in the park, and a number of great restaurants. It was fun to read the history of the property and see the old photo of the family in front of the very fireplace where we sat. The owners were very helpful, providing lots of info about places to eat, places to hike, and sights to see. We'll be back!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H., NY

Beautiful and Secluded

My husband, 2 kids and I stayed for a week in this lovely home in the Tucson Mts. We didn't meet Becky, but Daryl was most friendly and accommodating. We especially loved that there was a beautiful pool, lots of privacy, peace and quiet, and a lot of wildlife to see. The kids saw a coyote 2 nights in a row, we saw a Gila Monster, a Quail mom with her cute chicks in tow, and many other birds. The views all around the house are wonderful. We also appreciated the two cots provided for us for the kids! All in all it was a great place to stay. One tip for those who get eaten by mosquitos: bring bug repellant, at least in May. I got quite a few bites sitting outside!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie D., Seattle, Wash.

Peaceful holiday visit

We enjoyed a week-long stay over Christmas at the lovely, historic homestead. My husband liked sitting by the same fireplace as the one in old pictures. While it is quiet, it is not very far to attractions or shopping. We did a lot of hiking but appreciated being able to see wildlife and birds in our own backyard, too. We spent a sunny afternoon hanging out on the patio watching the bird feeders and three coyotes running around. The owners added some nice holiday touches, such as a Southwest-themed holiday quilt. It was spotless and, unlike some rentals, supplied paper goods, basic cooking supplies, coffee, and shampoo. Since we cook most of our meals in, we were impressed by the baking tools (mixer, measuring cups) and even a crock pot! My husband and daughter loved the fluffy towels. The house is spacious and matched the pictures. Our deposit was refunded promptly. We were sad to leave.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

4/10 Poor

Heather M., Golden, CO

Beautiful Location, Great views - but not good for families or larger groups

This was an amazing location. I mean, 100% perfect. It was close to the Tucson Desert Museum, our main point of interest and is on the west side of town which really makes you feel like you are in the desert. I was there with one of my dearest friends, her daughter (8) and my two kids (8 & 9). When driving up and walking into the house you feel like you have reached paradise. It isn't until you try to live there that things pop-up. There was no dishwasher - but the listing had it in the 'yes' column, but in fine, gray, print it stated "with renter muscles". One of the reasons that we stayed there was to prevent going out to dinner, and it isn't that I minded dish washing by hand; but it takes a ton of time. In addition, there were not the proper supplies for doing the dishes (towels, enough soap - I had too to add water to extend it, or scrubbies). I did tell Becky and she brought us these things. The toilet in both bathrooms didn't have the "umph" for 5 folks. One was clogged. One had to have the handle held down. There were 2 roles of TP for 5 people for 3 1/2 days - so we ran out and needed more. There wasn't enough blankets and it was a chilly at night. The dryer broke - but I know they were fixing it. Becky was around a lot which was fine for asking for things (which was daily), but didn't contribute to the vacation atmosphere. And what truly bummed me out the most, was that with the amazing views and great location, that there wasn't anything nice to sit on outside. There were two crappy pieces of falling apart old lawn furniture and a small table with two chairs. The rest of the lawn furniture was dilapidated. In the house in the evening it is very dark. There isn't enough lighting. I mean dark! The TV has about 100 steps to get it to work and that required evening phone calls; we finally gave up on it. Finally, the internet service, which I specifically asked about prior to renting, was terrible. I mean, you couldn't download a 2 page word document without it timing out. I am online professor and was hopeful that I could get some work done in the evenings. I think that if money was put into the fixtures in the bathrooms, a set of Home Depot outside furniture, working appliances, lighting added, and proper supplies (blankets, towels, TP), it could be a great place! I mean GREAT! On the pros, it was really safe for the kids to look around the desert, watch birds, and see javelina. It was very quiet and peaceful.

10/10 Excellent

John B.

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

Brief Stay for College Graduation

I found this beautiful Homestead on VRBO while looking for a place to stay outside of downtown Tucson, but convenient to the campus and restaurants. This place was perfect. It was charming, impeccably clean, comfortable, convenient, and quiet! My wife and I had coffee on the porch outside and we saw all kinds of birds, humming birds, rabbits, deer, lizards, etc. it was calm and peaceful. Becky had everything we needed ready and provided a welcome folder with everything you need to know about the home, restaurants, TV operations, wifi, and the history of the homestead. The pool is awesome. I would highly recommend this home and will stay there on my next extended stay in Tucson! Thanks for the hospitality Becky!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stef E.

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

So much wildlife!

We loved the property. We awoke to a gorgeous sunrise every morning and saw coyotes, javalina family, rabbits, deer, and so many species of birds attracted by the bird feeders on the property. The house was very clean and comfortable, kitchen was well-stocked. The home had a written history with it and pictures, which was such a special touch. We'd highly recommend this place to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Beth M.

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

Wonderful stay

Beautiful property, well maintained. We will be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Judy B.

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

A little piece of Tucson history

Such a cool place rooted in the history of Tucson. Quiet peaceful rejuvenating-just what we needed!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shannon M.

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

Beautiful Property

It's a beautiful location surrounded by nature. They do a good job of attracting a variety of birds and wildlife with easy viewing from a lovely patio. It was a good place to relax and we enjoyed it.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Bill M.

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

Heaven on Earth

Neither pictures nor words can adequately describe this place. My wife and I were there on November 2 and 3 and enjoyed sitting on the stone patio under a blue sky in a gentle breeze (temp in the high 70s) while enjoying a glass (or two) of wine. The house and surroundings are beautiful. Birds, bees and butterflies were everywhere (really, I'm not exaggerating!). We grilled steaks on the nice, clean gas grill (and had another glass of wine to "go with"). The bed was very comfortable and we slept very well - didn't really want to get up in the morning but we did and took a trip to the Desert Museum, about 25 minutes away. That's a great place to visit - we recommend it highly. It feels like you are 100 miles away from anywhere but, in reality, there is a Safeway and the like within 10 minutes by car. I could go on but suffice it to say - we will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Sasha K.

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

Beautiful home with some miscommunication issues...

Lists online that parties/events are aloud up to 50 people but then got complaints when there was only 30 people. Was also being accused of smoking when no one was smoking. Very nice house and it was very clean and beautiful. Loved the area but just had some miscommunication.

10/10 Excellent

Jacquelynn Z.

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

Great people & place

I just rented the house. My parents and brother & sister in law had a wonderful time! Said they would rent it again! Thank you for everything you did to help their stay be wonderful!!!

10/10 Excellent

CELIA P.

Private get-away but close to local attractions

This property was exactly what we hoped for - lovely outdoor spaces to watch the local wildlife, very clean, quiet, comfortable, and close to Saguaro National Park, Desert Museum, and local restaurants. Perfect place for 2 couples - with each couple having the privacy of their own bedroom and bathroom. Would absolutely rent this property again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

About the host

Hosted by Becky and Daryl Hiser

Host profile image
Daryl and Becky own the Homestead. Becky is the granddaughter of the Canfields who were the original homesteaders. She was raised in the area. Purchasing some homestead property with husband, Daryl, they built their own residence next to the Homestead. Daryl is a zoologist by education and engineer by trade. He is very helpful in identifying local flora and fauna. Becky enjoys hiking, horseback riding and quilting. Daryl enjoys hiking and U of A basketball. As a couple they take birding trips and enjoy the outdoors. They have knowledge of the area and would love to help make your stay a memorable one!

Why they chose this property

We took over ownership keeping the property in the family. We are very excited to share this small part of Tucson's history with travelers.

What makes this property unique

Staying at the Homestead will give you direct contact with relatives of the homesteaders the Canfields. Many stories of the development of the area. It has been the intention to keep the flavor of a 'homestead' home. Limited shared use of owner pool next door (walking distance).

Languages:

English