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Cactus Wren Cottage is a cozy home very close to Saguaro National Park in Tucson, AZ, an area of outstanding natural beauty, featuring the unique, giant cactus known as the Saguaro, and other amazing desert plants found only in the Arizona-Sonoran Desert of Arizona and Mexico. The location is a haven for hikers, naturalists, bird watchers and nature lovers. Its proximity to Tucson's shopping areas and larger stores (about 20 minute drive; shopping mall 30 min) makes it a convenient place to stay for anyone who enjoys staying in a natural setting, but also wants to be close enough to town. The best of both worlds.
One major attraction situated just a few miles from Cactus Wren Cottage, is the famous Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, featuring the incredible plants and animals native to this desert, including mountain lion, javelina, coyote, rattlesnake, bobcat, scorpion, jaguarundi, tarantula and a wealth of birds and plant species specifically adapted to a very challenging climate.
There's camping, and the headquarters/museum within Saguaro National Park. The park includes part of a mountain range with opportunities for climbers and trails for hikers. Other attractions include: planetarium, Air and Space museum, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Kartchner Caverns, Fort Huachuca, DM Air Force Base, Biosphere, etc.
Cactus Wren Cottage sits on an acre of natural, Sonoran desert for the most part, although we do have a few non-native plant species such as a small grapefruit tree. The acre is surrounded by a six foot, chain link fence and has a large wooden gate in the front for privacy. This is a community of acre-sized lots minimum, so there are neighbors but there is plenty of space and privacy between houses. The back of the property is completely private with large trees and a nice cactus rock garden area (see photos). There are mountain views to the left and right of the front of the house and there is a large, raised porch in the front with steps, or a ramp leading up to it for convenience. The back porch goes all the way along the house and is a ground-level, concrete slab with a trellis and honeysuckle vine for shade. There are outdoor chairs and tables on both the front and back porches, there is also a movable fire pit for those fun evenings sitting outside.
At the front of the property there is a dirt road, about a 1/4 mile long, that leads to a dead end to the south, and the main road to the north, Picture Rocks Road, which winds to the east through the park, over a mountain pass, and down into Tucson. Taken west for about a mile, Picture Rocks road leads to 2 gas stations/convenience stores, rock shop, restaurant, beauty salon, fire station, a few small businesses, and residential areas.
Cactus Wren Cottage is a cozy and comfortable manufactured home, with two bedrooms, one of which has the master bathroom, with large bath tub. The second, smaller bedroom has a sofa which opens out to a full sized bed. In the living room there is a futon couch which can also open out to serve as a third full size bed, capable of sleeping two. There are baseboard heaters in each room and bath, an electric stove and oven, microwave, full size fridge, toaster-oven and coffee maker for your comfort and convenience. There is a full-size TV and DVD player, with a choice of DVD's, some books, and Christmas tree + decorations for those visiting during the holidays. This is not a luxury dwelling, but it is comfortable and designed for those who just want to relax surrounded by natural beauty in a quiet, rural area of Tucson, and yet still be within easy reach of regular city life.
The Tucson Gem and Mineral show comes to Tucson every year, usually in February, bringing people to Tucson from every part of the world. Most of the hotels where the show sellers are featured are located within a 25 to 40 minute drive from Cactus Wren Cottage.
Tombstone, the famous, original, Old West town, featuring some original, historic buildings and tourist attractions, is about 1 1/2 to 2 hours drive as is the Old West mining town of Bisbee - both well worth a visit for fans of the Old West. Mount Lemon is a 7,000 foot elevation mountain area of Tucson, with a completely different habitat. Called a "sky island," as you drive up the road to higher elevations, the Saguaros disappear and are replaced by pine tree forest. Often winter snow covers the ground and temperatures plummet - such is the wonder of nature. Breathtaking views of Tucson can be enjoyed along the way - quite lovely at night.
Cactus Wren Cottage is not luxurious, but is a comfortable retreat suited to those who love to relax in a quiet, natural environment, or who have an interest in wildlife and natural habitats.
We hope you enjoy your stay here as much as we have - the sunny, warm/cool winters, the abundance of birds and wildlife coming to the bird feeders, the giant Saguaro cactus close to the front and back porches, and the many attractions of S. E. AZ. |
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