Apartment

Serene & Secluded - Heart of the Sonoran Desert 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest

Serene & Secluded - Heart of the Sonoran Desert 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest

Photo gallery for Serene & Secluded - Heart of the Sonoran Desert 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest

Sunrise outside your window, overlooking the pool
View from the barn turnout.
rainbow poolside
yoga at the pool
Property grounds

Overview of Serene & Secluded - Heart of the Sonoran Desert 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest

9.8 out of 10 Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 456 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Scottsdale, AZ
  • Popular LocationTroon North Golf Club25 min drive
  • Popular LocationBoulders Golf Club37 min drive
  • Popular LocationMayo Clinic Hospital42 min drive
  • AirportPhoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.)62 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Serene & Secluded - Heart of the Sonoran Desert 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest

Recognized by Million Mile Magazine as one of the top 10 places to celebrate Airbnb's 10th anniversary, and awarded LUX Magazine's 2020 and 2023 winner of "Most Serene Desert Accommodations/Horse Boarding Facility Southwest USA", Casa Rio Rancho is located on site at Rio Rancho Verde, an eco-ranch that is committed to supporting a sustainable environment in the midst of the Sonoran Desert. Additionally, VRBO selected Rio Rancho Verde (one of 5 locations out of 3700 vacation rentals in Scottsdale) to film a social media promotion on YouTube, we've been featured on a Hulu series, booked for a Western film production, music videos, product launches and catalog shoots. We offer a secluded and serene getaway, far from the maddening crowds, surrounded by the most amazing scenery, yet we're only 20 minutes away from fine dining and shopping in North Scottsdale if you want to enjoy the comforts of the city. This relaxing alternative to the fast pace of city life is a welcome retreat in a rural, upscale Western setting. Please note, we do board horses and the owners are on site with them (usually just Jan - March). We also have 2 other Airbnbs here at the ranch so there can sometimes be other people out and about that you may or may not cross paths with.
We offer a private two bedroom suite, (attached to the house, but separated by an insulated wall so there is no access to the main house) with it's own bathroom and desk area. The master suite has a queen bed and the 2nd bedroom has two twin beds, if you need more space, or are traveling with family or friends. There is a separate private entrance and the suite opens to the pool and patio which includes an outdoor kitchen (please note: NO indoor kitchen or living room) and bar area with frig, microwave, counter top convection oven/airfryer/toaster, sink and outdoor BBQ, island with cooktop, fireplace, dining room table and seating on the deck for 55 people, overlooking the pool and the beautiful Sonoran desert. Rate includes both bedrooms for 2 people, we only rent to one party at a time. If you'd like to bring friends or older kids, the 2nd bedroom is $89 per night (for the room, not per person). VRBO hasn't quite mastered charging for reservations that are for 2 people or more, so please check the itemized charges to see if they included the additional $89 per night for a 3rd and/or 4th guest. Additional cleaning fee for 3rd/4th person is $75.00.
Maximum 4 people.
Continental breakfast, served poolside, is available upon request and at an additional cost. Come out and hike, bike or ride a horse (yours are welcome, rentals available at the stables down the road) or just relax and watch the spectacular sunsets on the ridge overlooking the mountains and desert vistas. You can walk right out our gate into the Tonto National Forest, or the Scottsdale McDowell Preserve where you'll find 32,000 acres and 215 miles of the most amazing trails filled with Saguaro cactus and perhaps a coyote or two! Or, just relax and enjoy a glass of wine on the deck overlooking the pool as the sun goes down, or sip your morning coffee in the barn as the horses wait for their breakfast. Suite is available with either one or two bedrooms, one bathroom total. Please note that the pool is not heated and there is no TV. This is truly a unique and very special place, we hope to share it with you!
Pricing is based on two guests - for additional guests (3 - 4 people), there is an $89 per night fee. VRBO is not able to calculate this rate so we will have to edit the quote they send, as it will be incorrect. Cleaning fee is increased by $75 for more than 2 people.
So sorry, not suitable for toddlers or young children.
Pets are allowed (sorry, no cats) with a $75 non-refundable pet fee. Dogs must be crated in the owner's absence unless arrangements are made in advance with owner Dogs must be on a leash around the barns and horses.
Please note it's very dark out here, we adhere to the Dark Skies Ordinance so lighting is minimal.
If you're looking to party hardy, the only ones out here howlin' at the moon are the coyotes....
Also, if the private suite is booked or for additional information about the ranch, please check out our other luxury listings, VRBO # 652267 or VRBO 766813.

Property manager

Carmela Lizzo
Premier Host
Premier Host
Lock

Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo

If someone asks you to book through them or pay them directly before you book on Vrbo, report it.

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 12:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
No toddlers, 6 year old age minimum

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
No dogs in pool or on the furniture please

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Outside only please
We'll be happy to light the firepit for you, please ask rather than lighting it on your own
Dogs can not run free by the horses or the barn, dogs are not allowed in the pool
No third party bookings.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Scottsdale

This apartment is located in Rio Verde Foothills, a neighbourhood in Scottsdale, and is in a rural area and in the mountains. Tom's Thumb Trail and Golf Club Scottsdale are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit George "Doc" Cavalliere Park and Arizona Powerchutes. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Troon North Golf Club - 25 min drive
  • Pinnacle Peak Park - 32 min drive
  • Boulders Golf Club - 37 min drive
  • Kierland Commons - 42 min drive
  • Mayo Clinic Hospital - 42 min drive

Getting around

  • Scottsdale, AZ (SCF) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • Raven’s View Wine Bar - 40 min drive
  • Pony Express Cafe - 23 min drive
  • Rosati’S Pizza - 23 min drive
  • Apache Clubhouse - 43 min drive
  • Cochise Geronimo Clubhouse - 47 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Serene & Secluded - Heart of the Sonoran Desert 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Serene & Secluded - Heart of the Sonoran Desert 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at Serene & Secluded - Heart of the Sonoran Desert 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Serene & Secluded - Heart of the Sonoran Desert 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Serene & Secluded - Heart of the Sonoran Desert 62 acre EcoRanch on Natl Forest located?

Located in the mountains, this family-friendly apartment building is within 9 mi (15 km) of Tom's Thumb Trail, George "Doc" Cavalliere Park and Golf Club Scottsdale. Pinnacle Peak Park and Troon North - Pinnacle Course are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 64 out of 70 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 70 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 70 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 70 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 70 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mackenzie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything I Didn't Know I Needed
Absolutely gorgeous property on the edge of the Tonto Natl Forest. Carmela was very communicative and helpful. The location is just *chefs kiss*. Nature cooperated and we were able to enjoy our long weekend outdoors soaking up the sun and heat. The perfect escape.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dana P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very relaxed and quiet stay
Property is very peaceful - we enjoyed our stay! We would definitely book again. Beautiful and serene property
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our Desert Stay
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at your beautiful ranch. Thank you for your hospitality Joe and Carmella!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

travis w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing views and property
Our stay at the Rio Verde was beyond anything we could have expected. Just steps away from hiking in the Tonto or Sonoran preserve. Great restaurants and attractions near by or quick drive to Carmela and Joe are amazing hosts
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Samantha S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spectacular Ranch
We had an amazing time at this property! I stayed with my boyfriend here for a weekend and we were blown away! Both hosts were SO inviting and nice, even took the time to teach us about the property and to rope. We did not know what to expect when we arrived, but we had a getaway and memories there that will last a lifetime! 10/10 will return!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

About the host

Hosted by Carmela Lizzo

Host profile image
My husband and I love living in the desert and enjoy sharing this incredible space with our guests. We've made some amazing friends who return year after year and who love to ride their horses with us to discover new trails and places. We're both avid horseback riders, Joe's a roper, and we also like mountain biking and hiking on the trails outside our gates. We have an organic garden on site, we compost and are big on reduce, reuse, recycle and re-purpose! We like being sustainable, we're on a well so we're always mindful of water consumption, and the veggies in our garden (seasonal) could feed an army!

Why they chose this property

Why do we own this property? We wanted to live as far out in the desert as we possibly could, but still have the conveniences of town. We specifically looked in the Rio Verde Foothills area because we wanted to live on the National Forest and have neighbors who were close enough to become friends but far enough away to give us our space. (we have awesome neighbors!!). I was born and raised in Chicago and on every vacation we ever took, I would be the little girl in the car looking out the window at the wide open spaces and the cowboy riding the range and wish that was me. My dream has come true at Rio Rancho Verde. Why should you select Rio Rancho Verde for your next trip? There's truly nothing else like it! When you see how beautiful our land is you'll know immediately that it's a very special place. We're incredibly blessed and grateful to call this home and we love to share it with guests who love the outdoors and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. It's an amazing place with 360 degree views that feature mountain vistas, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, skies full of stars and a peaceful serenity that gets right down in your soul. It's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city/corporate/daily life - we have a annual visitor who told us "I may reside in Missouri, but I LIVE here on the ranch".

What makes this property unique

Enjoy country living 20 minutes from the city of Scottsdale. You'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere (and you kind of are!) but fine dining, shopping, nightlife and Western adventures are a short drive away. Our location is primo - we're on a one mile finger of land that is bordered by the Scottsdale Sonoran Preserve on one side (32,000 acres and 215 miles of trails) and the Tonto National Forest on the other side (which our ranch borders). Rio Rancho Verde offers the best of both worlds. It's serene and peaceful, the views are incredible, we get visited by the local wildlife, the scenery is spectacular - it's amazing! We're not for everyone and if you don't like dirt roads (the last 2 miles), or are looking to party hardy, hang out at the mall or enjoy watching TV 8 hours a day, we're probably not for you. However, if being outside recharges you, if you appreciate the beauty and solitude of the natural desert and if your idea of a life well lived includes the path less traveled, you're in the right spot. It doesn't get much better than this! My daughter, when she comes to visit, says: "this is what quiet sounds like", and it's so true. Please note, we're in a very rural, very remote area. There are no streetlights and we're mindful of the Dark Sky Ordinance, so we're dimly lit. It is dark out here, which we love, but again, realize that city dwellers may be feeling a bit out of their comfort zone. Also, note this is strictly a 2 bedroom suite, (with a bathroom) you are not renting the entire house. The suite is completely separate, has it's own entrance and is separated from the house by a wall so you have complete privacy. The kitchen is all outdoors, as is the seating. The pool is not heated and there is no TV.

Premier Host

Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

More Holiday Rentals ideas

People also search for