Entire home

Tucson Time Machine Journey–Enjoy Rooftop Sunsets & Wildlife Show

Vacation home in Tucson with kitchen and balcony

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

TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Outdoor dining
Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Escape to Starlight Casa, a serene retreat nestled in an intimate canyon setting surrounded by massive boulders. This authentic Tucson home seamlessly blends past and present, offering panoramic views of the San Xavier Mission and its white towers reaching skyward from the surrounding fields.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

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

Add dates for prices

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.

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 amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

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

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

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

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

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

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours 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 (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • 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

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 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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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

  • Casino del Sol - 9 min drive - 3.6 miles
  • Tuscon Spectrum - 9 min drive - 4.5 miles
  • AVA Amphitheater - 9 min drive - 3.8 miles
  • Casino of the Sun - 10 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • Mission San Xavier del Bac - 10 min drive - 5.2 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬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.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the 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 AVA Amphitheater. Casino del Sol and Sewailo Golf Club are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Reviews

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

9.8

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 158 out of 168 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 168 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 168 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 168 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 168 reviews

Reviews

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

SAbrina P.

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

Wonderful property

House was beautiful, well equipped. Scenery was amazing, great for nature lovers Great response from hostLook forward to visiting again
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mary R.

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

Beautiful House with Gorgeous Mountain Views

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.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Judy C., Hockessin DE

The Tucson Time Machine is just that!

We just spent 9 days here. It is definitely an authentic southwestern experience. We felt like we were at the Ponderosa and loved it! And the setting is spectacular. We were surrounded by mountains in all directions where we climbed and roamed. The porches were perfect places to relax in the early morning and the evenings, and enjoy the quietness and stillness hearing only the doves. The Saguaro National Park, The Desert Museum, Old Tucson, and lots of hiking are all only a short drive away. The owner was very easy to work with. We would definitely recommend a stay here.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2018

8/10 Good

Tom B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location

Nice place with Minor Problems

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.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donyel B.

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

Castle in the desert

This was our second stay at this beautiful home. It is located in the desert on a bumpy dirt road. But it is so peaceful and has incredible views of the desert as well as a night time view looking down over the city. The home was very well set up for family to gather in the living room, dining room and kitchen (it is all so open and beautiful.) Plenty of parking. The door lock instructions seemed daunting--but the directions were clear and worked well. You are able to set your own personalized code for extra security. We had some issues getting the hot water to come on. However, the hosts gave advice on how to correct the issue. The appliances were all in great working condition (minus the clothes dryer that seemed to need some vent cleaning for it to stay on long). But we just hung dried with no problem. Follow the directions provided by the hosts, as Google maps routes you a silly way. But once we got it figured out, it was easy to find. This home is out of town--so be sure to pick up your groceries on your way in. The nearest grocery store, Food City, didn't have the variety we needed. We were thankful that the hosts provided some snacks and much needed coffee! We hope to come back again!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dawn B.

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

Fabulous Desert Get Away Spot!

The house was very comfortable, clean and architecturally interesting. We really enjoyed it. The location is AMAZING. We were in Tucson to bird and were outside at sunrise each day to experience the
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Peggy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy

Beware of staircase

The house is beautiful, and I understand all the highly rated reviews. Sadly, for us it was impossible to stay. There is a steep, narrow, enclosed spiral staircase to the second floor, which we were unable to safely use. This staircase is not pictured anywhere in the listing's 50 photos. (VRBO said they would tell the owner to include a picture). The bedrooms in the listing are also mislabeled. I told the host that we were all senior citizens, and that my tall friend would need access to the king size bed. The pictures of the bedrooms list the king size bed as a queen size, in the master bedroom. The queen size bed is pictured from two different angles as two different rooms, including the tower suite. The actual "third bedroom" is a little den with a murphy bed, which is also not pictured. It is on the first floor, but neither the queen size in the master, nor the murphy bed, would have worked for my friend. We left the house after only about 30 minutes. The owner was not understanding at all, responding to one email and saying that we should have disclosed "mobility issues: first, and THEN he would have told us about the stairs. How absurd. He then ignored my further efforts to contact him. VRBO was equally unhelpful. I was actually told that a staircase was not an amenity, and we had no right to expect a normal staircase to the second floor. If you are young and strong, this house might be for you. If you need a normal staircase, I would not recommend this house for you.
Stayed 3 nights in May 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

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