See all properties
Entire home

Stargazers' Sabbatical

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Stargazers' Sabbatical

Property grounds
Miscellaneous
2 bedrooms, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior
Computer monitors

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Ajo, AZ
  • Place, Cabeza Preita National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Bud Walker Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Ajo Plaza
    ‪15 min walk‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Ajo

This vacation home places you next to Bud Walker Park and within a mile (2 km) of Ajo Plaza. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a patio, and a refrigerator.
View more Vacation Homes in AjoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cabeza Preita National Wildlife Refuge - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Bud Walker Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Ajo Plaza - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • New Cornelia Branch Hospital - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • Gibson Neighborhood Park - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile

Restaurants

  • ‪Oasis Coffee - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Circle K - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Sonoran Sweet & Savory - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Fat Cactus - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Agave Grill - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Stargazers' Sabbatical

Sadly necessary preface: All available dates are on the calendar. All bookings must be completed through the Vrbo website. There will never be any exceptions. Messages reflecting ignorance of this paragraph will be ignored.

Phew. Okay, now the fun stuff.

Our little house was one of hundreds built by the Phelps-Dodge mining company to house the workers at its New Cornelia copper mine between 1916 and 1985. We recently completed the first phase of a long term renovation plan and it's ready for people to enjoy.

This former mining town turned artist colony is emerging as a base camp for outdoor adventurers, astrophotographers, and everyone else who wants to revel in the remote beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

The town's burgeoning scene includes live music and dance shows, literature and art presentations, open air markets, and a growing range of artisanal culinary offerings, all with a Sonoran Desert twist that is unique to Ajo.

Phoenix and its metropolitan amenities are two hours away by car, and the laid back culturepalooza of beautiful Tucson is only a 2.5 hour drive along scenic AZ 86.

If you're feeling the need to get your beach on, bring your passport and pop down to the former fishing village and current resort town of Puerto Peñasco, a two hour jaunt across the Mexican border to the Gulf of California (don't forget to buy Mexican car insurance in Ajo before you go).

As beautiful as the desert is, Ajo's greatest natural attraction is its dark night sky. More than a hundred miles from the nearest major city, the absence of light pollution allows Ajo visitors to see the night skies of their ancestors. The backyard of the house is on the lowest fringe of Bortle 4. Bortle 3 is a five minute walk, and Bortle 2 is a five minute drive. (You'll need camping gear and a 4WD vehicle to enjoy Bortle 1.)

The property is slowly being optimized for amateur astronomy, because its owner hopes to spend his winter nights that way upon retirement. In the meantime, you can enjoy its already ample charms.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and a desk.

Similar properties

Property entrance
Marine Motel
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
7.0 out of 10, Good, 424 reviews
$70 nightly
The price is $78
Mar 6 - Mar 7
Total with taxes and fees
Marine Motel

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Firepit
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Recycling

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Note from host: Parent/guardian must be present for < 18 guests

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 25

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Stargazers' Sabbatical Ajo
Stargazers' Sabbatical Private vacation home
Stargazers' Sabbatical Private vacation home Ajo

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do near this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Ajo, just steps from Bud Walker Park. You'll also find Ajo Plaza and Ajo Museum & Historical Society within a short drive.

Is there parking available at this vacation home?

No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.

Is this vacation home next to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

Is Stargazers' Sabbatical good for couples?

Couples staying at this vacation home will value amenities like a kitchen, kitchens in some accommodations, as well as a firepit.

Does Stargazers' Sabbatical have a hot tub?

No, this vacation home doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this vacation home offer breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?

No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Stargazers' Sabbatical?

Yes, every accommodation at Stargazers' Sabbatical comes with a deck with some featuring mountain views.

Stargazers' Sabbatical Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David H.

Liked: Cleanliness
House is in good condition in a nice quiet neighborhood. House was clean with no problems or issues. Property manager provided detailed timely instructions for entry and responded quickly to questions.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Steven P.

It was great..quite and peasefull
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Nancy G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean, comfortable bed, hot shower, climate controlled in a nice quiet neighborhood near the Plaza! We will return! Well equipped kitchen, and would have loved the fire pit if we had more than three nights. Host and local contact were responsive, but had VRBO issues with scheduling. Had our own coffee, body wash and shampoo/conditioner, but suggest they add the last three for those who are used to hotel amenities. Try the Sonoran Sweet and Savory restaurant near the Plaza. Newer owners; their keto breakfast was amazing; sad we couldn’t try the crepes. They looked amazing.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Brandon B.

Liked: Cleanliness
The stay was fantastic! I've come to Ajo for work a handful of other times and the Stargazers Sabbatical truly takes the cake for one of the best places I've had the pressure to stay at. The host(s) are so kind & responsive.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

ntorres F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was great would book here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Scott and Lynn J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice residential area. Lots of birds in yard. Easy check in. Great historic Ajo house. Had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Back yard cactus and plants are beautiful! Would stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Joni B.

Liked: Cleanliness
First of all the dishwasher was not working as advertised, there is an unsafe lamp in living room only electrical tape holding it on base; if it had fallen over could been a fire danger! Also the shower has a huge leak in attachment and water runs everywhere; need a plumber! Shower bar not secure fell down as soon as we touched it! also poorly attached is thermostat. Had to get directions as to how to work it and I think you need to put temp tablet/clock in living room with instructions that it runs the thermostat.The house was very clean except window sills covered in dust and beds very comfortable! Never used cooking appliances tho. Really think those are pretty major issues need to be fixed!
Scary!!
Needs another screw
Shower gushing excess water!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly A.

Liked: Cleanliness
The house was clean and quiet. It was just what we needed to while visiting family in Ajo.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

James L.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was easy to book. The amenities were great. Clean and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher A.

Liked: Cleanliness
House was very clean and had everything needed for the stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judy M.

Liked: Cleanliness
We enjoyed the comfort of our stay in Stargazers' Sabbatical . It was clean, the beds were comfortable, there were many books, games and puzzles to enjoy, and the kitchen contained everything we needed to prepare meals. The location was nice and quiet. Everywhere we looked, we discovered interesting and unique decorations, many of them astronomy related. Contacts with the caretaker, Crystal, were also quickly responded to.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shirley

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfortable house in interesting small desert community. Large back patio, many thoughtful extras for a hassle-free stay. Enjoy the very large cactus in area yards.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ingrid

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property had all the essentials that were necessary and more. For the area it was more than we expected. We had a couple of questions and they were answered immediately. We highly recommend this Verbo. It is a comfortable drive to Organ Pipe national reserve.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

michael m.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wouldn’t recommend.

Not a nice area of town. Kind of shoddy neighborhood. Lots of junk in neighbors yards.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quiet Place to Relax

Very quiet neighborhood, close to the plaza and main highway. Would stay there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

john w.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely Stay in Ajo

Great place, very clean and great location. Loved the decor and outdoor space. Thanks for a pleasant stay
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

alma d.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice place. Comfortable and clean.

Short but good. Ajo is a nice, friendly town.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely lodging

Everything was great at this house. Good shower pressure, plenty of hot water. Comfortable queen bed. Property was clean. Quiet neighborhood. Barking dogs on the block but couldn’t hear from inside. Nice covered backyard patio. Operational windows for fresh air. Would (and have already) recommend to others.
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

jake g., mesa colorado

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jay & Lisa P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice home, great neighborhood!

Nice clean comfortable home. Great neighborhood.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Jim S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Home was fantastic; town was disappointing

The VRBO home was really nice. Clean, good neighborhood, reasonable and outstanding property manager. Challenge is that the town is closed on Sundays and many of the sights are only open certain days and not the same days as others. If you're star gazing, this is definitely the place for you but we just wanted to see an old AZ town and there was nothing to see. Their website gave you the sights available but not the days/hours open. Final challenge is that there is NO t-mobile coverage so went without phones or internet while there except for the evenings with the home wifi.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kitty L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Comfortable home

Plenty of room for my daughter and I. The beds were comfortable and the shower great. The kitchen was well supplied, except that the dishwasher wasn’t functional. The covered patio was very nice. I don’t remember a view of the mountains, but the night sky was great.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

JOHN R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Organ Pipe holiday visit

Nice bungalow in a quiet neighborhood well situated for visits to Organ Pipe and dark sky locations. Not far from historic Ajo town center, but not right in it either. This would have been a five star review if not for communications issues that may have been outside normal circumstances. The local host left a nice note in the front room giving us her phone number and inviting us to call with any questions, but then did not answer phone calls and left voicemail full so unable to leave a message. No welcome packet was provided so we were left to our own devices to figure out how to handle several issues that arose, or know exactly what was expected of us upon departure. Hopefully the owner will address these issues in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Douglas T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing property!

This home is a fantastic base camp for exploring the area! The property manager was friendly and very quick to reply. I would absolutely stay here again.
Stayed 13 nights in Dec 2024