La Encantada

In Tucson, Arizona, on the edge of the desert but just 20 minutes from a world-class concert hall at the University of Arizona

This is a very private, generous, three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath vacation house set on four acres of unspoiled desert.

It has a shaded patio with a big barbeque

And a living room with a fireplace overlooking the pool

Though it seems remote, the nearest shopping, with two gourmet supermarkets and restaurants, is just four miles away. Tucson -- one million population -- lies at your feet with art and nightlife, including several casinos and a world-class airport and an Amtrak train station.

The formal living room with patio doors

And a superbly equipped kitchen with breakfast nook

But it is private: there are four acres of unspoiled desert and abundant wildlife right on the care-free wooded property with no lawn to mow.

There's a retro breakfast bar

Even the guest bath is well appointed

It's your vacation place in the southwest of the U.S. The house comes completely furnished, including linens and dishes. Other amenities include telephone, high-speed Internet and cable TV. There's good cell phone coverage. There's efficient heating and cooling.

Other features of the 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath, 1-half-bath house include three patios. The patios have views of Mt. Lemmon, the 9,500-foot crown of the Santa Catalina mountains to the north. And the Rincon Mountains to the east with neighboring Saguaro National Park virtually next door to the house.

The rent at $775 a week -- or $150 daily -- includes utilities (gas, water/sewer/trash, electric, high-speed Internet, local telephone, cable TV). Children and pets welcome.

To see La Encantada at 12080 E. 8th St., Tucson, AZ 85748:

Veronica McConnell

520-977-7302