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Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show

Photo gallery for Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show

Romantic Spanish Villa in hidden canyon close to shopping + dining.
Twilight on the front porch.  Best time for wildlife viewing
Room
Choose between hypoallergenic pillows of differing firmness for your comfort
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Tucson, AZ
  • Casino del Sol
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Tucson Convention Center
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Starr Pass Golf Club
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Master

1 Queen Bed

Tower Bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show

Just 10 miles and 100 years from downtown this newer adobe home built in the classic Tucson styles offers an authentic Tucson experience. Passing through the entry of the Starlight Casa you cross a gateway between past and present.

The Starlight Casa is a reminder of yesterday and a harbinger of tomorrow incorporating modern passive solar design with ageless building practices originating in Babylon at the dawn of civilization. Though built with all the modern comforts of the present, the Starlight Casa is a portal into the past providing a sense of what life was like for Tucson's pioneers.


Who Else Wants to Feel Like a Pioneer without Sacrificing Comfort?

Then book the Starlight Casa and travel between eras enjoying the best of both incorporating creature comforts of the present while respecting and accentuating Tucson's original architectural elements.

Because you’ve read this far, you deserve a truly authentic Tucson experience, and you’ll find, as you read the entire description, even more...  

Since this is your holiday, your big break from life as usual, you’ll notice this property listing isn’t a few, measly sentences, haphazard room pictures, & a list of features looking just like every other listing.

This is a description more worthy your time, and ready to transport you to another. You may notice as you’re reading that you mind wanders… …picturing what's in store for you during your stay at the Starlight Casa.


You'll be ensconced in an intimate canyon setting studded with massive boulders.

It's the perfect peaceful retreat or a catalyst for tales of adventure. Evidence of Tucson's storied past surrounds the property. The abandoned gold mines in the canyon walls are reminders of hopeful miners from a time long since past. Perhaps you’ll be the next guest to find pottery shards from an earlier civilization along the wash immediately behind the home.


From several points on the property you can…
Feel the Peace from the White Dove of the Desert…

You'll enjoy panoramic views of the mission with its white towers reaching skyward from the surrounding fields. As you look upon the mission from this rare vantage point, you’ll be looking back in time… …back to the birthplace of Tucson.
The White Dove of the Desert, the San Xavier Mission, is Arizona's oldest intact European building. Returning to the Starlight Casa you can experience some of these original architectural elements inspired by the mission.


You can imagine Apache scouts atop the stone towers.

The canyon provided the ideal location for the Apaches to stage multiple raids upon the mission. Visitors from both near and far find the canyon and it's rich history a magical almost mystical place blending past and present in a vortex of time.

Prior to construction the site hosted a sweat lodge conducted by a Native American medicine man possessing an M.D. and Ph.D. Recently an owner of an adjoining vacant lot brought their newborn to the canyon for a naming ceremony ritual. If the location has this much appeal to natives, how much more magnificent will it be for your vacation?

Without this invitation you wouldn't find this place. There is a secret garden quality to the entire canyon hidden from prying eyes unless you know where to look. Even the artisans involved in the Starlight Casa's construction often commented that they never knew this place existed although they'd been in the area for decades.

Others tell stories of how they used to ride their horses all over the area yet somehow missed this place never knowing it was ever here.


Be Among Those Privileged Enough to Gain Passage...

…and you too will understand why everyone who does, feels happier and better for it.

There are 139 ageless building principles used in the design of the Starlight Casa that together form a language that speaks to you about the harmonious connection between yourself and nature. The canyon wildlife continue to use the same winding paths all around the home worn into the earth by earlier generations.

Often the local desert denizens visit the patios such as the desert tortoise shown in the property photos. Think about it…


Why Go on Safari when the Safari Can Come to You?

Multiple covered, outdoor seating areas connect the home to it's surroundings. The South facing back patio utilizes strategic design to maximize the sun's location in the sky throughout the year to allow for sun soaked winter afternoons and shady summer mornings. Sheltering the patio is Beehive Peak shaped by primordial winds and now home to a variety of wildlife.

While appreciating the ancient origins of the canyon walls you may be distracted into the present by coyotes scouting their next meal, hawks tending their nest high up on a craggy cliff face, or catch a glimpse of the javelina (ha va leena) returning to their beds where they lay together in sprawling pig piles. They look like hairy wild pigs but they're not pigs at all. Instead they're peccaries from South America.

Spend a late season morning on the North porch with a cup of complimentary coffee or tea and listen as the dawn chorus of the birds greets daybreak in celebration. If you're really lucky you might witness the rare and some say sacred dance of the cottontails where bunnies spring into the air kicking their heels skyward in pure joy somersaulting their tiny bodies before once again becoming earthbound.

After a full day of sights, you’re invited to turn your gaze toward the heavens from the rooftop deck as twilight blankets the night sky and…


Enjoy a 4th Dimensional Experience…

…as you look deep into the past over the infinite reaches of space seeing billions of stars as they looked thousands of years ago whose luminosity travelled at the speed of light to greet you in just this moment.

It’s this view that generated the name Starlight Casa.


Just as the Pioneers Who First Settled the Area…

...stone was gathered from the location for the foundation and the walls forged from adobe blocks molded from the sands of time. In accordance with tradition the patio wall follows the contours of the land creating a 'wild run' that merges into a living fence made from ocotillos that grow profusely throughout the desert.

Occasionally the ocotillos of the fence appear as though their time has passed. Sporadically throughout the year they produce dark green leaves and flame orange blossoms that lick the sky encouraging rains that like a fountain of youth turn back the clock.

Authentic Tucson architectural design elements appear to slow time until inside the home where state of the art appliances allow you to prepare a warm meal in minutes. Don't be surprised if you never have to adjust the thermostat since the natural building materials combined with the high ceilings moderate temperatures providing unsurpassed comfort while reducing allergens inside the home.

You’re one step away from a truly authentic Tucson experience. There is a first come, first serve policy for reservations so you only have a small window of time to reserve your dates for this life altering and time twisting vacation before someone else.

Property manager

Andrew F
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
We do NOT allow pets. Please book elsewhere.
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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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 21522400

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Tucson

Located in Drexel Heights, a neighbourhood in Tucson, this holiday home is in a rural area and near theme parks. Sewailo Golf Club and Cinemark Century Tucson Marketplace are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Saguaro National Park and Red Hills Visitor Center. Check out an event or a game at Tucson Convention Center, and consider making time for Pima Air and Space Museum, a top attraction not to be missed. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Tucson, AZ

What's nearby

  • Casino of the Sun - 10 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Casino del Sol - 11 min drive - 9.2 km
  • Tucson Convention Center - 15 min drive - 14.6 km
  • University of Arizona - 17 min drive - 16.2 km
  • Starr Pass Golf Club - 17 min drive - 14.2 km

Getting around

  • Roy Laos Transit Center - 18 min drive
  • Tucson Station - 24 min drive
  • Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪IHOP - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Tania's Flour Tortillas - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show located?

Located in Drexel Heights, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Tuscon Spectrum, Casino of the Sun and AVA Amphitheater. Casino del Sol and Sewailo Golf Club are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

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. 149 out of 158 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 158 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 158 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 158 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 158 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jason B.

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

Tucson Mountain Fun.

Home was neat, clean & well stocked. Finding it was easy, 1/2 mile gravel road really gets you into the mountains. Hearing the coyotes sing was wonderful, loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan G.

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

Damian Tuscan

Excellent
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sue G.

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

Fantastic stay!

Loved the charming house - spacious, nicely decorated, and well equipped.The location was quiet and scenic - convenient to trails and outdoor activities. We really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresa C.

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

A Fabulous Location in Tucson

We had a wonderful stay in this beautiful home! We hiked Sarasota, Rubles and Sweetwater. We enjoyed meals at Cup Cafe, Boca's and Tiny's. We visited the Saguaro Desert Museum (a desert gem), Pima Air and Space Museum (fantastic) and the historic village of Tubac (great shopping). This home provided easy access to all of these destinations. We returned each evening to star gazing on the rooftop deck. The location of the home couldn't have been more beautiful. The multiple decks and views were so memorable!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa G.

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

Partially Secluded Gem

I had high expectations for this house. And it met/exceeded all of them! If you are looking for a one of a kind home with stellar views and the most comfortable beds, look no further. I’m hesitant to leave such a good review because I’d like to leave this place a secret all for myself! I would definitely like to return. Andrew was very quick to respond to any questions or concerns. And the special touches such as chips and salsa and coffee did not go unnoticed. The kitchen was well equipped too! Location feels remote and we had a Jeep, so it made it easy to drive in and out. Highly recommend. The best VRBO house I've rented yet.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brent S.

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

Well worth the money

Really enjoyed the peaceful serenity of this place inside and out. Water pressure in the master shower could be fixed is the only nitpick we've got.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy N.

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

Peaceful

My husband and I enjoyed our two week stay in this charming house. Outstanding location! Beautiful views from every window. So quiet and peaceful, unless the smaller Casita right next door owned by the same people is occupied!
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Reuben R.

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

Perfect place to relax

Amazing comfort.Amazing views. Amazing home. Very clean and everything we needed for the stay. Thank you so much for making this a very memorable week.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Don W.

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

Immaculate serene get away

The property was wonderful. Located in a quiet countryside mountain pass. Well stocked kitchen. Comfortable beds with scent free linens. A simple check in process. We cooked many meals as a family and had a relaxing stay. Highly recommended
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy J.

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

Wonderful Tucson house!

Our first day we saw 5 Javelinas and a bobcat. Doesn't get much better than that. The house was as good or better than advertised. Super comfortable beds and comfortable throughout. Not far to amenities and once back at the house you might as well be a million miles away from the bustle of Tucson. Super quiet...loved listening to the owls and coyotes in the evening. Highly recommend!!
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris G.

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

Great house

Great home with beautiful views!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ivana L.

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

Beautiful experience

This Casa was everything we were looking for . Tucked into the mountains with breathtaking views of Sonoran desert. Remote setting with peace and solitude. Absolutely stunning. I Hope to come back .
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

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

Magical Tucson Location

If you're looking for a peaceful, quiet, and beautiful locale to recharge, look no further!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Dana P.

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

Tombstone getaway

The house and the grounds are breathtaking, sadly I couldn’t give 5 stars because we arrived to the unit and realized it had not been cleaned after the last tenants. I contacted the owner, and it was around 7pm, after a long day of flying to get there. I know it was not intentional, but I had to wash sheets, and clean toilets so that we could sleep there. He sent the cleaning crew the next morning, and after that it was magic.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

linda m.

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

Fantastic views

It was amazing to look out and see the mountains, cactus, love the land scape nice patios front and back and roof top To enjoy the sunrise and sun set Close to town Very nice comfortable home
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kailan W.

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

Beautiful Home and Location

This home is absolutely beautiful and tucked into the mountains. The front, back and rooftop views are spectacular and relaxing, and you’re only a few minutes drive to great restaurants, groceries, hiking and more!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer G.

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

Great location and fabulous get away

Our family of 5 had plenty of space to hang out and we thoroughly enjoyed the lovely views around the property. Having multiple porches made it easy to find a shady place to hang out. Everything met our expectations and we would be happy to stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert J.

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

High Expectations Exceeded

We have 4 different homes reserved for our trip. I was looking forward to this one the most. I knew this was a special property and it far exceeded my expectations!! There is magic in this home just waiting for you to discover. Thank you Andrew for your kindness and patience!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ric B.

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

Mr

2nd time to stay here this year. My overall favorite place
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Betty S.

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

Loved This Property

We traveled to Tucson primarily for clear skies to view the Perseid Meteor Showers as well as explore southern Arizona. The roof top patio was amazing for star gazing. The property itself exceeded all our expectations. Comfortable, clean, quiet....furnished with everything we could have ever needed. Front and back porches great for enjoying the scenery. Thank you to Andrew and Rhonda for the gift basket!! We have stayed at many VRBO locations....this might rank as one of the best ever!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Monica V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa T.

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

Relaxing

This place is much better than the pictures show. We had such a wonderful/relaxing time. The place has everything we needed. Definitely will recommend to family and friends.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

TraxLux i.

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

Fantastic place

Overall, this place was a dream, Pictures on here do not compare to the actual views from the property. The one thing that I will say for any individual that will read this if you have a vehicle that isn’t very good on dirt roads I would not suggest booking this place or at least find a vehicle that’s good on dirt roads It is a little bumpy, and there are rocks that you have to drive over. I would say this place was amazing. Thank you Host!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda R.

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

gorgeous oasis casita

Even more beautiful than the photos. It's a million miles from the city, but only about 20 minutes from everything you want in Tucson. Master bed and bath were PERFECT for 80 yo grandmom and family in town for AU graduation. Thank you for a wonderful trip (and the adorable BABY QUAIL!!)
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ric B.

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

R & B

My wife and I travel often. This was the most beautiful settings than ever before. It was like a beautiful picture in every direction. So peaceful and beautiful. We will stay here again and again. Oh yea; the home itself was beautiful too.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

About the host

Hosted by Andrew F

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

Even now nearly 14 years later I still remember the first time we saw the canyon like it was yesterday. It was completely by accident. One Saturday I happened to be working as a real estate agent showing a friend homes in the area. Wanting Rhonda to get to know his family better, for the 1st time in 12 years I brought her along on an appointment with me.


In an attempt to take a short cut to the next house we tried to go through the canyon. As soon as I saw the for sale sign, we stopped so I could get out. The place was completely captivating unlike any other I'd ever seen in Tucson after living here for 40 years and seeing more than a 1000 homes in my 12 year career.


After seeing so many homes it was surprising that only 5 homes or so were truly memorable. This was something that I continued to wonder about throughout my time as an agent. What made those few homes so charming?


We were fortunate to win the property from a competing buyer. Since then we've come to regard ourselves as custodians of this valuable resource including the plants and wildlife it is home to. In 2008 during an annual family retreat when we gather together to celebrate the past year and share our visions for the coming year, one of our goals was to build a home that our family could use to carry on our tradition.


For 10 years we had been collecting ideas for our dream home largely from multi million dollar homes throughout Arizona that we wanted to somehow incorporate into our more modest budget.

What makes this property unique

During project planning once again I returned to the question of the source of indefinable charm that only 5 homes in a thousand possess. A builder friend recommended the work of architect Christopher Alexander who studied some of the most loved buildings throughout time in an effort to capture that special quality that makes these structures so appealing.


Alexander ultimately came to describe this quality as wholeness. According to Alexander there are 151 patterns that form a timeless way of building. So far we've been able to incorporate 112 of them. Hints of the pattern language are included with your welcome email. During your stay see how many you can identify.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests