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More "Custom" than Custom ... 10 Acres; A Treasure for Birders

Photo gallery for More "Custom" than Custom ... 10 Acres; A Treasure for Birders

Welcome ! Front Porch
Sunrise, front porch, January'25
Cactus water fountain (left) Bridge over arroyo (rt)
front
entry from parking

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 43510 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Tubac, AZ
  • Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Tubac Center of the Arts
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Tubac Golf Resort
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Nogales, AZ (OLS-Nogales Intl.)
    ‪36 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Master Bathroom 3

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

More "Custom" than Custom ... 10 Acres; A Treasure for Birders

Master:
550 sq' Queen Tempurpedic, walk-in cl, footed tub, slate shower w/ skylight, private porch
Downstairs Bedroom:
330 sq' Cal King tempurpedic, walk-in cl, desk,1/2bath(shower), private porch
Upstairs Bedroom:
330 sq' Double bed, 8' foot couch, simple 6' desk, private porch w/ glass mosaic table
Dining Room
8 person dining room mesquite table
Living Room
60' 2015 TV, Copenhagen leather couch and 2 swivel couch chairs, Lead Glass coffee table, art, PIANO
Kitchen
Wolf Gas Stove, KitchenAid Fridge, Bar Counter with stools, breakfast table(glass mosaic)
Front Porch
8 person round sturdy glass mosaic table with rod-iron chairs
Furniture in my house is not equipped to host anybody over 250lbs

Property manager

Nellie Bracker
Premier Host

Languages

English, Spanish
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Bring play pen infants must sign liability release
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Shed up to $100 clean fee min6mo old/house trained
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Meat, chicken, fish MUST use barbecue. $10/day fee b-que Guest accountable $65 Fee soil oven/range.
GATES CLOSED ALL TIMES ! Furniture not accommodate over 250 pounds p/p. Guest may be asked to be weighed. Fireplace use prohibited.
1. GATES CLOSED ALL TIMES 2. Replacement Fee flora damage 3. PLEASE NO dog urinate lawn. 4. Removes defication to garbage in plastic bag.

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
This property uses solar and geothermal energy
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Tubac

Located in Tubac, this holiday home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Tumacacori National Historical Park and Mount Wrightson Wilderness, while Out of the Way Galleria and Rogoway Turquoise Tortoise Gallery are cultural highlights. Jane's Attic and Santa Cruz Chili & Spice are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Tubac, AZ

What's nearby

  • La Entrada de Tubac - 6 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Tubac Presidio State Historic Park - 6 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Tubac Center of the Arts - 6 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Galleria Tubac - 6 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Tubac Golf Resort - 12 min drive - 7.1 km

Getting around

  • Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Melio's Trattoria - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Stables Ranch Grille - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Wisdom's Cafe - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Soto's Outpost Mexican Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Italian Peasant - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is More "Custom" than Custom ... 10 Acres; A Treasure for Birders pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at More "Custom" than Custom ... 10 Acres; A Treasure for Birders?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at More "Custom" than Custom ... 10 Acres; A Treasure for Birders?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is More "Custom" than Custom ... 10 Acres; A Treasure for Birders located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Karin Newby Gallery & Sculpture Garden, Galleria Tubac and Out of the Way Galleria. Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and La Entrada de Tubac are also within 3 miles (5 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. 48 out of 54 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 54 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 54 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 54 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 54 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bill C.

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

Extremely interesting, unique house

House is wonderful: beautiful mesquite woodwork, comfortable spaces, excellent kitchen, great outdoor space, lots of birds, full of art. Our favorite: sitting on the patio in the evening. Worked great for a couple and two friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judy J.

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

Birding from the patio

We chose this VRBO to be near birding sites. And as soon as we arrived we were greeted not only by a variety of birds but also by Nellie, its lovely host/owner who gave us an orientation to the property and information about places nearby of interest. We loved enjoying our morning coffee with the birds from the covered, beautiful patio. Everything we needed was there and we loved our stay.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Candace S.

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

Desert Oasis

We had a wonderful week-long stay with friends. The home is comfortable, quiet, very nicely decorated with unusual pieces. For bird lovers, there are feeders and a water source, and planters with flowers that attract hummers. It is located a couple of short miles from Tubac and an easy 40minute drive from the Tucson airport.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter and Tracy W.

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

Birding in March

The house is absolutely beautiful. Nellie is delightful. We saw wonderful birds right at the house as well as at nearby locales. Thank you Nellie!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laurie S.

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

Artist's Paradise

My girlfriends and I had a wonderful time at Nellie's beautiful property. We all appreciated the gorgeous setting for birdwatching, taking walks and talking outside on the deck. We enjoyed the proximity of the Tubac Art Festival while still feeling like we were way out there in nature.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine C.

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

Brilliant Host

We had a wonderful stay. The house is artistic and beautiful and the host is very kind and made our stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

forrest g.

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

Birding Paradise

This property worked well for our group, a couple and two singles: three bedrooms and three bathrooms. We spent a lot of time on the expansive patio area. There was a wide variety of birds visiting during our stay. The kitchen was well equiped, the living space was generous, and the beds were comfortable. Very convenient to Tubac village and the freeway. Would stay again.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brett K., Hanover

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

Great place to stay.

Very nice
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara P.

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

Wonderful Get-Away!

Fabulous, quiet location with stunning vistas and peaceful surroundings. Beds are new and very comfortable with high quality linens. Kitchen has everything you need. Nellie, the host, was very friendly and helpful. We had a wonderful time!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elaine N.

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

Perfect Spot for Birders

My husband and his two birding buddies stayed at Nellie’s for their south AZ birdapalooza. It was a perfect spot; they were wowed by the beautiful Mexican art throughout, the ideal outdoor space, and spacious layout. Nellie went above and beyond as host - leading up to and throughout their four night stay. Thanks for sharing your beautiful property, Nellie!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristine H.

Peaceful, relaxing and spacious

Loved staying at this artfully decorated home for a few days with some friends. Locations is perfect, so close to Tubac and Tumacacori for those that wanted to shop or sightsee, yet so comfortable and serene it was hard to leave the house. We’re planning for next year already!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Linda L.

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

Stunning desert stay

Nellie’s home is fabulous. We selected the home wanting to be fairly remote yet close to town. This property did not disappoint. It offers beautiful vistas of all the different mountain ranges. The sunrises were stunning. It’s also a birders paradise. There was no need to leave the property. It offers all the necessary amenities. We’ll be back. Thanks Nellie.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie B.

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

Desert Oasis

Nellie has created a beautiful, peaceful oasis in the desert. We enjoyed our quiet retreat very much The house is large and well suited for the privacy that we three adult friends wanted. Fully appointed kitchen, unique, original art, friendly welcome by our host. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christine R., Arizona

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

Lovely Tranquil Setting

Quaint, comfortable home. Beautiful and well-equipped. The home has everything we needed, my family loved our stay here. My grandson is almost 2 1/2 and he had a ball. Nellie is a wonderful hostess and we were very glad we chose her home for our little getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

8/10 Good

Russ G., Tipp City, OH

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Foothills

This is an older property with some deferred maintenance in a great location.
Stayed 44 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael F., South Africa and Thailand

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

Way exceeded expectations

This property is beautiful from the entry and the gardens to the wonderful designer interior It’s a very unique styles home in a truly peaceful environment. Total tranquility and fully equipped Beds are super comfortable and nothing has not been though of. Two thumbs way up. Great for family or couples getaway
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Al F.

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

Spacious living, relaxing patio, beautiful skies, loads of birds

This was our 2nd stay. The house is spacious and comfortable. And on 10 desert acres, it was quiet - except for the welcome birdsong: over 40 species heard or seen from the patio (or a short walk from the patio). Spectacular sunsets and sunrises. Although quiet and giving a feeling of remoteness, it is only about a 5 minute drive to the freeway, another minute to Tubac. Nellie was very conscientious and prompt in replying to questions and any (minor) issues we had.
Stayed 15 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy B.

Lovely, comfortable and well-appointed home in a beautiful and private setting.

We were two couples staying in this 3-bedroom home. All bedrooms were private and had attached outdoor areas. The living room is large but comfy and the kitchen is a cook's dream. The owner, Nellie, was very helpful and kind to us. The house gardens and outdoor areas are lovely. The property is very private and has wonderful views of the mountains and valley below. Close to Tubac if you want to eat out, but I recommend the outdoor barbecue!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Karen and James B., Live in Northern New Mexico

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

Oasis in the desert

Spacious home with beautiful outside patio/garden area, including a fountain and grill area. Lots of wildlife viewing possible, peaceful and quiet inside and out. Large hacienda styled home with beautiful artwork. Good bedroom separation and lots of tables/areas to gather at. Good Wifi and cell phone connections. Close to Tubac but a very private setting. Little to none highway noise. Nellie was a gracious and attentive host.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna C., Tucson, Arizona

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

A glorious get away

This property is exquisite. The interior kitchen is modeled with MESQUITE. The kitchen is fully stocked to make any type of meal. The layout is excellent especially if two families are coming to visit. The hostess Nellie Bracker is very gracious, and very prompt to correct anything necessary. The land around the home is gorgeous with many flowering plants that attack attract hummingbirds. We left the property feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

cynthia h.

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

Peaceful Retreat

This is just the best place to recharge. The property and house are amazing and it was so peaceful and beautiful. We had a much deserved weekend getaway and this was the best environment to relax and re-energize ourselves. We went for walks around the neighborhood and thoroughly enjoyed nature, ate dinner on the patio listening to nothing but quiet, birds, the breeze and our delightful conversation. There was a little market across the freeway, a few restaurants and a plaza with lots of art, galleries and quaint shops to stroll through in the afternoon. Overall I would highly recommend this place it has an abundance of everything required for a wonderful getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bobby B., Garland Texas

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

Hacienda Happiness

The Hacienda was our initial impression as we arrived at this walled, enclosed two story abode. The outside decorum was truly mindful of haciendas in a western desert setting like in the old cowboy movies we grew up with. The grounds are lovely and restful. There are multiple choices off each bedroom, downstairs and up, to enjoy the view, read a book, listen to some restful music or a setting for happy hour at sunset. Warm days we enjoyed the location outside the primary entry on the southern side with the bird feeders and fountain and the abundance of aviary activity. On cooler days with a steady SW wind blowing thru the surrounding mountain terrain, we scurried indoors and were equally thrilled with the views of the gorgeous mountains to the east thru the living room picture window, cozy inside with our libation of choice. These could turn a brilliant red with the late setting sun or you could awaken to snow capped peaks from a random snowfall in the higher elevations! The kitchen was well stocked, allowing us to prepare three wonderful meals onsite, not to mention grilling steaks outside on the gas grill at sunset. Restful, peaceful and isolated are the words that best describe this wonderful and unique desert hacienda! We'll be back! Thanks, Nellie, for a great experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021

8/10 Good

Victoria H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 19 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janice B.

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

Perfect setting

This is a beautiful home with all amenities. It went beyond our expectations. Not only was the home comfortable, it was interesting. Lots of decor, color, paintings, artifacts, etc… however, our most enjoyable feature was the patio. We enjoyed the water feature, the flowers, the birds , and the mountain scenery . Unfortunately, we misplaced house keys. The host was very forgiving. We will be more cautious in the future. As we get older, memories aren’t so good . It was one of the most enjoyable trips we have taken.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Neil C.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Desert getaway

The home was secluded and peaceful. We loved the desert views especially from the patio. Thank you for a great stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

About the host

Hosted by Nellie Bracker

Host profile image
I am a "Native" (a rare breed around here !). My grandparents moved here from Brooklyn in 1920. I was born here. My home has spectacular views of the mountain ranges. I love it here. I bought this 10 acre property in 1992.
My work is in the energy efficiency arena. I work with the utility company to implement their Energy Rebate Incentives. I enjoy my work.
I am bilingual/bicultural, amidst a Mexican/American Community. My home is an expression of Mexico, reflecting the richness of both cultures.

Why they chose this property

I purchased this property for 3 reasons.
Number 1: The water well. I had the water tested and it is "of the purest" water in AZ !! I never leave home without it.
Secondly, the views and the desert stillness.
Thirdly, my location. I am 1 mile from Tubac and 40 minutes, straight shot, to the Tucson airport. Concomitantly, the property looks, smells, feels like it is far away. My land is isolated from traffic noise and the like.

What makes this property unique

My house is more "Custom" than custom. Handcrafted mesquite wood furniture and cabinets fill my living room, kitchen and dining table. Every room, every piece of furniture, has a story. I love my home and have enjoyed sharing it with guests. While renting I stay with my Mom in Nogales, 20 miles South of Tubac. Mom still lives in the house I was brought home from the hospital to in 1958.
Thank you for your interest in my home. I look forward to sharing it with you, Nellie

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests