The Scholar's Retreat

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

Reviews

Anaiza M.
Stayed May, 2025

Airbnb Review

Susan was an exceptional host. Upon booking she was communicative and truly cared about our stay in her home. Cleanliness was like feeling staying in a top notch resort! Easy check in process and Susan even updated us on weather. Maybe I overlooked location but Rimrock definitely is a 30 minute drive into Camp Verde. Would definitely recommend Susan's Airbnb over and over again:)

Host's response:

Thank you Anaiza! We do our best to keep everything clean and welcoming- we are so glad you and your family enjoyed the scholars retreat on the top of a hill.

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