Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show
House in Tucson, AZ
6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Includes essentialsPool, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Air conditioner and more
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
About this house rental
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.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Should you fail to find the temporal or architectural qualities of the Starlight casa satisfactory you can 'travel back in time' and change your mind. We're so confident that you'll be enchanted by the magic of the 'Starlight Casa' that we guarantee your satisfaction in writing within the hospitality agreement. So go ahead and pick your travel dates and request your agreement while you’re still on this listing.
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.
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.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Should you fail to find the temporal or architectural qualities of the Starlight casa satisfactory you can 'travel back in time' and change your mind. We're so confident that you'll be enchanted by the magic of the 'Starlight Casa' that we guarantee your satisfaction in writing within the hospitality agreement. So go ahead and pick your travel dates and request your agreement while you’re still on this listing.
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.
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Map of Tucson, AZ
££££
Reviews
5.0
2nd time to stay here this year. My overall favorite place
5.0
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!
5.0
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.
5.0
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!
5.0
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!!)
5.0
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.
5.0
PROPERTY WAS DEFINITLY OUT OF THE HUSTLE OF CITY LIFE. THE OWNERS WERE WELCOMING AND VERY HELPUL. WE WOULD LOVE TO STAY HERE AGAIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
ABSOLUTLY LOVED IT
5.0
The listing description was spot on! We enjoyed the silence of this well equipped VRBO. It was equal distance to the National Parks and the city but far enough away to afford wildlife and serenity.
5.0
Very cool spot
5.0
We loved this place. It was close to everything in Tucson, yet felt remote which is exactly what we were looking for. The house was well equipped and very comfortable. We'd definitely recommend it to anyone.
5.0
If you seek peace, solitude and breathtaking views in every direction, this is THE place for you! This beautiful home was designed to allow immersion in its surroundings.
The enchanted rooftop deck, front porch and back deck allow you to follow the sun through-out the day.
While the Wi-Fi was good, the TV was a challenge to figure out. A smart TV would be nice for streaming shows by the cozy fire in the evenings.
We all enjoyed our stay here and will likely return!
5.0
This casa is our favorite place to stay in Tucson (and we've stayed in many over the years). The surrounding desert setting is outstanding, and the spacious and comfortable house fits well in the environment with its generous patios and modern adobe construction. A very special place! We were happy to be back. Great access to the south---Madera Canyon, Tubac and Tumacacori, wine country and more. Even closer to Saguaro Park West, Desert Museum and Tucson Mountain hiking.
5.0
Absolutely wonderful! The pocket door to the downstairs bathroom needs maintenance. I got stuck in the bathroom-lol.
5.0
The Time Machine met our expectations. We loved that it was surrounded by nature and solitude. We were unable to get the TV to work, but with internet access and so much beauty around the property and in southern AZ, we didn’t miss it. If you’re looking to get away from the city and enjoying some quiet, this place is great!
5.0
Very clean and free of harsh cleaning chemicals or/and harsh laundry smells.
Beautiful home very well detail with everything needed…
5.0
Looking for a getaway with some friends, we chose Tucson and found this wonderful getaway just outside of town. A short drive to things to do, but far enough away to sit on one of the many approaches and enjoy the stars, cool breeze, and sounds of the hills that surround the property.
For sure we'd stay again and would easily recommend the property.
5.0
Beautiful, serene adobe house situated in the Arizona desert. No need to drive out to the middle of nowhere. Peaceful and relaxing just outside of town.
5.0
What a beautiful, serene house and property! You will enjoy the porch, both front and back, with the desert breeze while gazing into the natural landscape and seeing the twinkling lights of the city at night. The house is impeccable -- very clean and well decorated with the Santa Fe/Southwest theme. It is secluded, private - but still so close to grocery stores, restaurants and Tucson.
5.0
Very clean, comfortable, beautiful home! Lots of thought for the guest went into this home. We will make this our new Arizona stay!
4.0
I enjoyed my experince here for the most part with the follwoing minor problems. The road to home is a bit skectchy. The stairs to second floor not that safe. Wifi was not avaiable after the 2nd day. Contact with owner was a bit difficult and by text I beleive it took at least 24 to 36 hours to get back to me. After all that. Its a nice quiet home. The beds could be upgraded but the kicthen was fantastic. Like it a lot. Didnt care for the keyless entry but there are pros and cons to that.
Overall, I enjoy my stay. Just need to fix a few things the rest is out of your control I suspect. No place is perfect. If you need quiet time this is a good place to stay.
5.0
If you want to experience the serenity and beauty of the Arizona Sonoran desert, this property is your destination. Understand this is not “in town”, but it is only minutes away from retail and grocery stores, and just 15 minutes from downtown Tucson.
We spent five wonderful nights and we will definitely be coming back to rest and recharge as soon as we can.
5.0
The house is absolutely beautiful with great views from every room. We watched the sunrise through the living room window and sunset from the second level deck. The kitchen has everything you need to make meals with quality appliances and utensils. We didn't see any wildlife from the house but there was a road runner on the incoming drive. Lovely place to stay.
5.0
Absolutely stunning. The house was just as described; comfortable, beautifully decorated and clean! The property had stunning views of saguaros and mountains. Secluded and private but centrally located to Saguaro National Park West, Mount Lemmon and downtown Tucson. Highly recommend!!! Definitely rent an SUV to traverse the roads to the property. Fun!
5.0
The home was very nice, as advertised, and the setting was gorgeous with views and birds. Close to the city and easy access to the Madera canyon hiking area to the south.
5.0
Wow, just wow. The house and setting is simply amazing. Traveled with my husband and 85 year-old mom. She took the downstairs main bedroom with walk in shower. We took the upstairs.
The kitchen had everything you could need to make a great meal - there was even coffee, chips and salsa left for us.
TV, wifi worked great. Fireplaces added ambiance. The house was truly unique in a truly beautiful setting.
This place set the bar for future vacations. Owners were great communicating if you had questions. Will be back!
5.0
We enjoyed our time running around in Tuscon area, but kept finding excuses to start the day late or head back early so we could enjoy the house and everything it has to offer.
5.0
This is an extremely nice house with wonderful views from front and back. Take advantage of the rooftop sun deck. Perfect.
5.0
Great location for multiple hiking options
5.0
The home was absolutely beautiful and so very clean. The view from the home was stunning. Highly recommend!
5.0
Our family had a wonderful stay ion Tucson. And it would be hard to imagine to stay elsewhere after our experience at the Tucson Time Machine. It is a beautiful house that is surrounded by magical nature! It's beautiful both at night and during the day. Hosts are very responsive to all inquiries. They have recommended restaurants to try and things to do. Thumbs up!
5.0
Beautiful secluded retreat that let us experience and explore the Tuscon area.
We could not have asked for a better place to spend the holidays with our family!
4.0
This is an amazing property if you want peace and quiet during your stay. That end of the road feeling is what you are paying for. We came during a period of unseasonably cooler temperatures but were still able to enjoy the outdoor patios and the incredible views of the hillside and city lights in the distance. Love the fireplaces in rooms for added coziness on the cool nights.
House is spacious and lovely, not too far from anything while having a feeling of isolation, and we enjoyed our week there. House is clean, comfortable and relatively well stocked. Bring your own favorite seasonings if you plan to cook a lot. Plan to bring or buy more toilet paper and paper towels if you are longer than a week and have more than 4 people. :)
Managers were prompt to address a few things that come up.
5.0
It was just as described
Loved it
5.0
The house was exactly as described in the listing. The owners went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. There were welcome snacks and the 'corner cabinet' was stocked for tea/coffee and supplies if you decide to cook meals during your stay. Everything was in working condition and the welcome email outlined everything we needed to know for a comfortable stay. I steongly recommend this home and we will definitely be back in the future!
5.0
Lots of traffic(we saw a total of one, yes one, pick up truck
During our 4 night stay.) You just cannot do better in terms of
Quietness, serenity, beauty of environment.
The house itself was totally satisfactory
We would go back and probably will if we can
5.0
This is just a beautiful place. Not our first stay here. It's a perfect blend of location vs nature. A little oasis and jewel for sure. The house is amazing and offers a unique experience of the beauty and vibe of the southwest! Whether you just want to hang out and enjoy the porch or watch the sunset from the rooftop deck or take advantage of the areas many activities. Already planning our next trip!
5.0
We really wanted to experience the beautiful mountains around Tucson yet checkout what the city had to offer. This location doesn’t disappoint. You are in the mountains so wild life is abundant, along with the beautiful mountain vegetation. But you are close enough to the city that any of your wants and needs are covered.
5.0
The home and surrounding property were as pictured but even more wonderful to experience in person. Fabulous house with amazing detail at every turn. Outdoor seating in 3 different areas including rooftop. Views of desert and mountains, coyotes, Jack rabbits, quail and other desert birds made it a dream. The home was designed and set up and stocked for every comfort anticipated. Highly recommend.
5.0
Beautiful place, beautiful view everything perfect
1.0
Scorpion Infestation
Caveat Emptor! This house has a scorpion problem. If you have a current reservation or are considering renting this house please read the facts below.
When we arrived the air conditioning was off and it was stifling in the house. The downstairs cooled quickly but the upstairs did not cool at all. As we were settling in, our 15 year old daughter saw a scorpion in the downstairs bathtub. My husband killed it and we both assumed it was a one-time thing.
We sent a text and messaged the homeowner through VRBO to let him know the air conditioning was not working. When we did not receive a response, I called VRBO. They asked for photos of the thermostat and the scorpion which we provided. VRBO was able to get the homeowner, Andrew, on the phone. Andrew said that the thermostats were smart and he was able to control the temperature via an app. He acknowledged the upstairs was not cooling as it should and said he would call someone to fix it the next morning. He was unphased by the report of the scorpion.
I attempted to sleep upstairs but quickly jumped out of the bed when I felt something crawling up my leg. Thankfully it was just an ant but ugh! The heat and ant forced me downstairs. My husband slept on the couch in the living room with uncovered windows and I slept with our daughter.
The next morning my daughter found another scorpion in the bathroom. At this point we agreed it was time to leave. My husband called Andrew and asked about a refund due to the lack of AC and the scorpions. Andrew refused and said that his neighbors had a bigger scorpion issue. We are still not sure how that mitigates the fact that Andrew has a scorpion problem. My husband mentioned the 100% guarantee in the VRBO description and Andrew advised it did not apply to scorpions or AC.
I called VRBO and they agreed we should leave the property. We are working with them now to address the refund.
Since returning home I have done quite a bit of research and have confirmed the following:
The scorpions were both AZ Bark Scorpions - the most venomous scorpions in North America
In Arizona, landlords must disclose that a rental has scorpions if they are aware they are in the dwelling
It is not common or "expected" for scorpions to be in a home
I hope our experience prevents you from a similar situation. If you choose to rent this home watch your step!
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Tucson?
The average price for a rental in Tucson is £152 per night. This rental is £58 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show. Enjoy the water!
Is Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and fireplace.
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