1 / 50

The Scholar's Retreat

House in Rimrock, AZ

8 guests·3 bedrooms·3 bathrooms
5.0 · 7 reviews

Why you'll love this stay

Outdoor Living

Outdoor Living

Unobstructed Verde Valley sunsets from a private hilltop patio.

Entertainment & Amenities

Entertainment & Amenities

Starlink internet supports remote work with fast, reliable connectivity.

Value & Savings

Value & Savings

Guests save an average of 21% when booking this stay vs. Airbnb and Vrbo.

Property details

Welcome to The Scholar’s Retreat, a soulful hilltop escape where nature, stillness, and connection take center stage. Tucked away on multiple private acres in Lake Montezuma, this unique retreat includes both the handbuilt main house and a detached guest casita, creating the perfect setting for families, couples traveling together, wellness retreats, remote work escapes, or friends seeking meaningful time together without sacrificing personal space. Thoughtfully built by the homeowner and his father, the property was intentionally designed as a place to unplug from distraction and reconnect with the beauty of the surrounding landscape. With breathtaking 360-degree views stretching across the Verde Valley, from Sedona’s iconic red rocks to the mountains surrounding Jerome, the scenery becomes part of the experience from every corner of the property. This is not a traditional entertainment-focused vacation rental. There are intentionally no televisions. There are no microwaves. Instead, mornings begin with coffee and sunrise views, afternoons invite hiking or quiet reflection, and evenings end beneath unforgettable Arizona sunsets and star-filled skies. Guests often describe this property as peaceful, grounding, and restorative — the kind of place where you finally exhale. The Main House The two-story main home comfortably sleeps up to six guests and serves as the heart of the retreat. Oversized sliding glass doors frame uninterrupted Verde Valley views, filling the living spaces with natural light and breathtaking scenery throughout the day. The fully equipped kitchen encourages slow mornings and shared meals, while the expansive west-facing patio creates the perfect setting for sunset dinners, stargazing, or simply sitting quietly with the view. The home’s handcrafted character adds warmth and authenticity throughout the space. A few charming quirks reflect its custom-built nature and make the property feel deeply personal rather than mass-produced. Main House Features • 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 6 • King bed in primary bedroom • Queen bed in second bedroom • Pullout sofa best suited for children or shorter stays • Fully equipped kitchen (no microwave) • Massive windows with panoramic Verde Valley views • Starlink high-speed internet • Dedicated workspace • Large sunset-facing patio • Pet friendly with fee • No television by design The Detached Casita Located immediately beside the main home, the detached casita provides a quiet and cozy private retreat perfect for an additional couple, solo traveler, grandparents, teens, or guests who prefer a separate sleeping space without stairs. Simple, peaceful, and intentionally uncluttered, the casita offers its own kitchenette, workspace, and beautiful desert surroundings while remaining connected to the larger retreat experience. Casita Features • Detached studio casita | Sleeps 2 • Full-size bed • 1 Bathroom • Kitchenette with hot plate, toaster oven, mini fridge/freezer • Drip coffee maker + Keurig • Starlink high-speed internet • Dedicated workspace • Pet friendly with fee • No television by design Outdoor Experience The outdoor spaces are the true heart of The Scholar’s Retreat. Perched atop a peaceful hill surrounded by expansive skies and panoramic valley views, the property offers privacy, tranquility, and direct access to the natural beauty of the Verde Valley. Deer frequently pass through the property, and nearby hiking and biking trails are just minutes away. Guests love: • sunset dinners overlooking the valley • stargazing under dark desert skies • morning coffee with mountain views • peaceful walks through the surrounding landscape • reconnecting without the constant noise of screens and schedules Despite the peaceful setting, some of Northern Arizona’s most loved destinations are all within easy reach. Nearby Attractions • Montezuma Well ~10 minutes • Montezuma Castle National Monument ~15 minutes • Sedona ~30 minutes • Jerome ~35 minutes • Cottonwood ~25 minutes • Camp Verde ~15 minutes • Verde Valley Wine Trail 20–35 minutes • Tuzigoot National Monument ~35 minutes • Wet Beaver Wilderness / Bell Trail ~15 minutes Numerous hiking and biking trails are located just minutes from the property, including access to nearby national forest land and scenic Verde Valley trail systems. Things to Note • The retreat is intentionally designed as an unplugged experience. There are no televisions. • There are no microwaves. • The property was hand built and includes artistic, custom features and unique character throughout. • Deer and local wildlife frequently visit the property. • Due to the hilltop setting, the driveway is unpaved. • Starlink internet provides reliable high-speed WIFI for remote work. • Due to the peaceful nature of the property and surrounding area, parties, events, loud gatherings, smoking, and vaping are strictly prohibited. • Pet friendly with fee. • To confirm your reservation, a background check is required for property safety and insurance compliance. AZ TPT# 21599401 Minimum age to book this property is : 21

Sleeping arrangements

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Common space

1 Queen Bed

What’s included

  • Self check-in

    Self check-in

  • Parking

    Parking

  • Washer

    Washer

  • Dryer

    Dryer

  • Air conditioning

    Air conditioning

  • Heating

    Heating

  • Pets allowed

    Pets allowed

  • Kitchen

    Kitchen

Guest reviews

Star icon 5.0 | 7 reviews
5
4
3
2
1
孟

孟毅

Star Icon 0 0Star Icon 0 1Star Icon 0 2Star Icon 0 3Star Icon 0 4

November 2025

Warm and cozy house

M

Monty

Star Icon 1 0Star Icon 1 1Star Icon 1 2Star Icon 1 3Star Icon 1 4

October 2025

We had a great stay at Susan’s place! The sunsets at night and watching deer from the patio each morning were definitely highlights! Beds were super comfortable and the quiet of the area provided great sleep! We’ll be back!

P

Past Guest

Star Icon 2 0Star Icon 2 1Star Icon 2 2Star Icon 2 3Star Icon 2 4

April 2026

Lovely host

P

Past Guest

Star Icon 3 0Star Icon 3 1Star Icon 3 2Star Icon 3 3Star Icon 3 4

March 2026

I found this place at the last second bc I had to move out of a previously stay due to a water leak. Susan was able to get me in quite late at night and stayed up to make sure I found it and was able to get in. She was very responsive to any questions I had. I highly recommend this place and actually appreciate the fact it was outside of Sedona and not in the middle of all the high traffic!

Know before you go

Self check-in

House rules

Check-in: 4:00pm

Checkout: 10:00am

Pets allowed

Min. age to rent: 21

No smoking

No parties

Have a question about this property?

Site Footer

Get deals directly in your inbox:

© 2026 Whimstay, Inc. All Rights Reserved. “SEIZE THE STAY” and “WHIMSTAY” are registered trademarks of Whimstay, Inc. and the W Logo is a trademark of Whimstay, Inc.