Entire home

Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show

Find your own haven amidst a vortex of time where nature's beauty converges with 139 ageless building principles. As twilight falls, immerse yourself in stargazing on the rooftop deck.

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

TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer

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 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.



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. 

Property manager

Andrew F

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage
  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Spices
  • Electric kettle
  • Blender

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Shampoo
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Books
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • In a rural location
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Golf nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Theme parks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 24

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed
Note from host: We do NOT allow pets. Please book elsewhere.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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 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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, 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
Property Registration Number 21522400

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Time Machine Journeyenjoy Rooftop Sunsets Wildlife Show House
Tucson Time Machine Journeyenjoy Rooftop Sunsets Wildlife Show
Time Machine Journeyenjoy Rooftop Sunsets Wildlife Show
Time Machine Journeyenjoy Rooftop Sunsets Wildlife Show House
Tucson Time Machine Journeyenjoy Rooftop Sunsets Wildlife Show
Time Machine Journeyenjoy Rooftop Sunsets Wildlife Show House
Tucson Time Machine Journeyenjoy Rooftop Sunsets Wildlife Show
Time Machine Journeyenjoy Rooftop Sunsets Wildlife Show
Tucson Time Machine Journeyenjoy Rooftop Sunsets Wildlife Show
Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets Wildlife Show

About the neighborhood

Map
Tucson, AZ

What's nearby

  • Tuscon Spectrum - 10 min drive
  • Casino del Sol - 11 min drive
  • Tucson Convention Center - 15 min drive
  • University of Arizona - 17 min drive
  • Starr Pass Golf Club - 17 min drive

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?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

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

Located in Drexel Heights, this vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Tuscon Spectrum, Casino of the Sun, and Tucson Mountain Park. AVA Amphitheater and Casino del Sol are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 142 out of 151 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 151 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 151 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 151 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 151 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

nick y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place
Very cool spot
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 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

10/10 Excellent

Brett B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house and location
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.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

JOHN M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
TUCSON
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
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Saguaro Heaven
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.
Stayed 13 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric J., United States

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our theme after our stay was “Christmas in a Castle”
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!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Arizona Desert Getaway
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.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Abraham S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful views and accommodations
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

James G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Home, Quiet Setting
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.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Valerie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family vacation
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!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sue N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Winter Hiking
Great location for multiple hiking options
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for Watching Wildlife
We enjoyed our stay and the abundant wildlife in the back yard. The house was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joel N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything Promised and More!
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.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlene B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing home!
Very clean, comfortable, beautiful home! Lots of thought for the guest went into this home. We will make this our new Arizona stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Home!
The home was absolutely beautiful and so very clean. The view from the home was stunning. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mylene J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing
Beautiful place, beautiful view everything perfect
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

John M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tucson vac
Very clean and free of harsh cleaning chemicals or/and harsh laundry smells. Beautiful home very well detail with everything needed…
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paula R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good to be back!
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.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lori T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Trip
Absolutely wonderful! The pocket door to the downstairs bathroom needs maintenance. I got stuck in the bathroom-lol.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location
This is an extremely nice house with wonderful views from front and back. Take advantage of the rooftop sun deck. Perfect.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leslie D., Glendale, AZ US

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and Serene
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.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vicki G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect
It was just as described Loved it
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Desert Dream
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!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ken K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Desert Paradise
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.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023