Private Hilltop Retreat w/360° Verde Valley Views | House in Rimrock
3 Bedroom House in Lake Montezuma, Rimrock
3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Sleeps 8 | House + Detached Casita
Perched atop a peaceful hill overlooking the Verde Valley, The Scholar’s Retreat is a one-of-a-kind private compound designed for slowing down, reconnecting, and experiencing the beauty of Northern Arizona. Featuring both the hand built main house and a detached casita, this serene retreat offers sweeping 360-degree views from Sedona’s red rocks to Jerome and beyond. Deer wander through the property daily, sunsets feel endless, and the stars shine brilliantly overhead.
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
Private Hilltop Retreat w/360° Verde Valley Views is located in Lake Montezuma. Private Hilltop Retreat w/360° Verde Valley Views provides accommodation, featuring Internet, Parking, Entertainment, among other amenities. This House features Internet, Parking, Entertainment, to make your stay a comfortable one.
Private Hilltop Retreat w/360° Verde Valley Views has 3 Bedrooms , 3 Bathrooms, and max occupancy of 8 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated House because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this House, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. House has a friendly neighborhood, and the Lake Montezuma has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the House in Lake Montezuma, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.
This Property is OneKey Eligible
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible vacation rentals, villas, cottages, cabins, and more when you book on Vrbo.
Amenities
Facility Overview
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Air conditioning
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Heating
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3 bathrooms
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Shower
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Hair dryer
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Towels provided
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3 bedrooms
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Bed sheets provided
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Dining table
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Living room
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Stovetop
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Spices
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Dishwasher
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Refrigerator
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Cookware/dishes/utensils
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Coffee/tea maker
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Oven
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Toaster
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Laundry facilities
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Near laundromat
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Washing machine and dryer
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Car required
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Onsite parking
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Pet friendly
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Smoke-free property
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Casino nearby
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Fishing nearby
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Hiking/biking trails nearby
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Ecotours nearby
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Mountain biking nearby
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Rafting nearby
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Winery tours nearby
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Hiking nearby
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Golfing on site
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Hunting nearby
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Books
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Games
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Unit size: 1570 sq ft (146 sq m)
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English
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Near a hospital
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Near a zoo
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In a rural location
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In the mountains
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Desk chair
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Desk
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Office
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Children's toys
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Chef
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Iron/ironing board
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Free WiFi
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Porch or lanai
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Garden
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Deadbolt lock
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Fire extinguisher
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First aid kit
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Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
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Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
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Massages
Policies
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 host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited property registration number 21599401 safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed this property is managed through our partner, vrbo. you will receive an email from vrbo with a link to a vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
FAQ's
Is this Lake Montezuma house pet-friendly for guests?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Check the guest reviews to learn what guests had to share.
Does the Lake Montezuma house have a swimming pool?
No, this Lake Montezuma house does not have a swimming pool. Check the Facility Overview section for details about the pool and other available facilities.
How much does it cost per night to stay in Lake Montezuma house?
Best-rates for the Lake Montezuma house starts from $359 per night with includes Kitchen, Balcony/Terrace, Fireplace/Heating, Pet Friendly, Laundry, Air Conditioner, Security/Safety, Sports/Activities, Bedding/Linens, Wellness Facilities, Guest Services, Child Friendly, Internet, Parking, Entertainment with all other facilities. matches every traveler with their perfect accommodation, whether you are traveling with a group, friends, family, or pets.
Is Lake Montezuma house a family-friendly place to stay?
Based on the information we have received from the owner or our partner, this is considered to be a family-friendly property. Families have rated this house Good or guests have recommended them suitable for families. As reported by the owner or manager, the house has specified that children are welcome. Please see details about suitability for your family or inquire with the property to learn more.
Is the Lake Montezuma house wheelchair accessible or offer services for disabled guests?
Based on the information received from our partner, the Lake Montezuma house has not specified they are wheelchair accessible. Likewise, there is not an elevator specified as being available at the property. Specific accessibility details may be addressed in the property details section of this page.
What is the minimum night stay policy for the Lake Montezuma house?
Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, the Lake Montezuma house indicates 1 day stay policy at this house. Guests are cautioned that the minimum stay policy may differ based on seasonality or availability and may be at the discretion of the owner or manager.
What cancellation policy is in place for Lake Montezuma house?
Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the property description. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.
