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Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

Vacation home near Saguaro National Park in Tucson

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Photo gallery for Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

Outdoor dining
Pool
Property grounds
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel crib, free WiFi
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathrooms2586 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Tucson, AZ
  • Place, B & B Cactus Farm
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Saguaro National Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, University of Arizona
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.)
    ‪37 min drive‬

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About the neighborhood

Tucson

Houghton stay.Your stay at this Houghton vacation home places you within 3 miles (5 km) of Saguaro National Park and B & B Cactus Farm. Broadway Trail and Forty Niner Country Club are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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What's nearby

  • B & B Cactus Farm - 2 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Saguaro National Park - 4 min drive - 2.6 miles
  • Davis-Monthan Air Force Base - 24 min drive - 9.4 miles
  • Pima Air and Space Museum - 28 min drive - 14.1 miles
  • University of Arizona - 32 min drive - 13.7 miles

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
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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"

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Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

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 elevator (single-level property)
  • Smoking not allowed

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

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 2,586 square feet

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

Rules

Please DO NOT flush anything down the toilet aside from toilet tissue! NO wipes, hygiene products, paper towels, etc.

Pets

  • No pets 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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert Tucson

Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert Private vacation home

Frequently asked questions

How close is Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert to the airport?

This vacation home is 18.2 mi (29-min drive) away from the Tucson International Airport (TUS) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

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

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

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

Yes, there's a private pool.

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

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert to downtown Tucson?

This vacation home is 12.5 mi away from Tucson.

Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

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

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

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

10/10 Excellent

Jocelyn V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful condo was nicely maintained. Clean and comfortable with a great view of a wooded backyard. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

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

Spectacular

Everything about this place was perfect, from the spectacular desert setting to the expertly equipped kitchen. You will not be disappointed.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Todd N.

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

Our 2020 Tucson gem show extravaganza

Our 2020 Tucson gem show extravaganza was absolutely amazing. Our stay at this property was wonderful. Fantastic kitchen, dining areas, and luxurious relaxation spaces made this one of our greatest trips ever. Beautiful sunsets every evening. What a place!
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tammi Jo B.

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

Beautiful home and area!

We were at this property for 3 nights and were so pleased with everything! The home is beautifully decorated, cozy, clean and had all the comforts of home. Kitchen was well-appointed and spacious. The backyard and pool area was wonderful, and the sunsets were spectacular. Our host, Michael, was extremely gracious and responsive. Highly recommend and would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Deb H.

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

Amazing Gem in Tucson

This was our 2nd stay at this incredible home! It is the perfect space for us and our extended family to come together for vacation and not be falling over one another. Nothing beats the sunrises and sunsets from the back patio. Michael and Brian are superb hosts and have the house stocked with everything needed for a vacation away from home.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ellen L.

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

Amazing once again!

Tucson holds a special place in our hearts and Michael's home is the cherry on top! Everything is wonderful, no complaints whatsoever.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ronald S.

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

Dessert Oasis

This property is the perfect dessert getaway. Beautiful sunsets, mountain views , a pool, hot tub and so much more. And, close to activities and restaurants. The house was very clean and ready for our arrival. Michael was a great host and was very communicative. The kitchen is well stocked as we cooked several meals during our stay finding everything we needed. Great place to unwind!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dan A.

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

Relaxation in a desert oasis

What a special house, the backyard landscaping, the pool, the hot tub and the views of the desert and mountains were all so fantastic. The house itself is beautifully done with all the amenities and a nicely stocked kitchen. I also loved that I was a 10 minute drive from numerous hikes in Saguaro National Park. Truly a special place to gather with friends/family. Highly recommended.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Glenn D.

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

Amazing

We could not be happier. The house and grounds are immaculate with everything you need. This was a perfect 5 night getaway before a family wedding. The pool is great. The birding is excellent. We felt surrounded by peace, quiet and nature. The views are spectacular. A perfect rental.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert F.

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

Staycation

Enjoyed this "Staycation" with family from out of town for a week. The pool temperature was perfect (85 degrees) and hot tub worked great. This house had all the extras you could ask for. Kitchen was fully stocked and outdoor grill worked well. Located in a quiet area away from the city. You won't be disappointed with this Tucson Gem!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022