This vacation home places you within a 15-minute drive of Montezuma Castle National Monument and Montezuma Well National Monument. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
Montezuma Castle National Monument - 6 min drive - 2.6 miles
Cliff Castle Casino - 9 min drive - 9.1 miles
Kids Quest - 9 min drive - 9.1 miles
Montezuma Well National Monument - 10 min drive - 5.6 miles
Montezuma Well National Monument - 11 min drive - 11.7 miles
Getting around
Sedona, AZ (SDX) - 44 min drive
Restaurants
Johnny Rockets - 12 min drive
Sonic Drive-In - 12 min drive
Storytellers Steakhouse - 12 min drive
Peach Tree Cafe - 6 min walk
Subway - 10 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.
Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views
Welcome to The Scholar’s House — a soulful hilltop retreat unlike anywhere else in the Verde Valley.
Hand built by the owner and his father, this one-of-a-kind home was thoughtfully created as a place to disconnect from noise, reconnect with nature, and experience the quiet beauty of Arizona’s high desert landscape. Perched atop a peaceful hill in Lake Montezuma, the home offers breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the entire Verde Valley from Sedona’s iconic red rocks to Jerome’s mountainside charm and beyond.
This is not a home built around screens, schedules, or distractions. There is intentionally no television. There is no microwave. The oversized windows, endless skies, golden sunsets, and daily visits from local deer become the entertainment here. Inside, the home feels warm, artistic, and deeply personal — full of handcrafted touches, thoughtful details, and a few charming quirks that reflect its history and character. You may discover light switches that no longer connect to anything or architectural details that speak to the home’s hand built nature. Guests who appreciate authenticity, creativity, and soulful spaces tend to fall in love here.
The main living space is centered around stunning sliding glass doors that frame uninterrupted valley views, creating an ever-changing natural backdrop from sunrise to starlight. Whether you’re curled up with a book, sharing a slow morning coffee, journaling, or simply sitting in silence watching the light shift across the mountains, the home encourages rest in the truest sense. The fully equipped kitchen includes everything needed to prepare meals and gather together — just without the rush of modern convenience culture. This is a place for slow mornings, shared dinners, and intentional living.
Downstairs, two peaceful bedrooms offer comfort and privacy, connected by custom tilework and cozy spaces designed for deep rest after a day of exploring Sedona, hiking nearby national forest lands, or tasting your way through the Verde Valley Wine Trail.
Despite the home’s peaceful hilltop setting, hiking, biking, wineries, ancient ruins, and the restaurants and galleries of Sedona and Jerome are all within an easy drive
The Space • 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 6 • King bed in the primary bedroom • Queen bed in the second bedroom • Pullout sofa best suited for children or shorter stays • Expansive 360-degree views of Sedona, Jerome, and the Verde Valley • Starlink high-speed internet • Dedicated workspace • Pet friendly with fee • XL washer and dryer • No television by design — reconnect with nature instead
Outdoor Experience The outdoor spaces are truly the heart of this property. The home sits on an elevated hillside surrounded by open skies, desert beauty, and extraordinary views in nearly every direction. Mornings often begin with deer passing quietly through the property, while evenings end with unforgettable sunsets and some of the clearest stargazing in the Verde Valley.
Bring your coffee outside at sunrise. Watch monsoon clouds roll across the valley in summer. Listen to the stillness at night beneath dark desert skies. This is the kind of place where guests often extend their stay because they finally exhale.
Hiking and Outdoor Recreation The home is surrounded by nearby hiking, biking, and nature trails — many just minutes away. Guests love exploring the scenic trails throughout the Beaver Creek and Verde Valley areas, with options ranging from peaceful nature walks to more adventurous canyon hikes.
Popular nearby outdoor areas include: • Bell Trail / Wet Beaver Wilderness – approx. 15 minutes • Montezuma Well Trails– approx. 10 minutes • Sacred Mountain Trails – approx. 10 minutes • National forest hiking & biking access – just minutes from the home • Verde Valley trail systems and scenic drives nearby
The area is especially loved for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, stargazing, mountain biking, photography, and peaceful desert walks.
Nearby Attractions One of the best parts of staying at The Scholar’s House is the balance of peaceful seclusion and easy access to some of Northern Arizona’s most beautiful destinations. Hiking, biking, ancient ruins, wineries, and iconic red rock scenery are all within reach.
• Montezuma Castle National Monument ~15 minutes • Montezuma Well ~10 minutes • Sedona ~30 minutes • Jerome ~35 minutes • Cottonwood ~25 minutes • Verde Valley Wine Trail 20–35 minutes depending on winery • Camp Verde ~15 minutes • Oak Creek Canyon ~40 minutes • Tuzigoot National Monument ~35 minutes
Whether you’re hiking, wine tasting, exploring ancient ruins, or simply searching for peace and quiet, The Scholar’s House offers a beautiful home base to return to.
Things to Note • This home was intentionally designed as an unplugged retreat experience. There is no television. • There is no microwave. • The home is hand built and full of unique character and artistic quirks. • Deer and local wildlife frequently pass through the property. • Due to the hilltop location, the driveway is unpaved. • The driveway may occasionally be shared with guests staying in the nearby casita. • Casita is available to book with the house sleeping 2 more people (Scholar’s Retreat) • Starlink internet is provided and works well for remote work. • Due to the peaceful nature of the property and surrounding area, parties, events, loud gatherings, smoking, and vaping are strictly prohibited. • Pets allowed with approval and fee. • To confirm your reservation, a background check will be required for property safety and insurance compliance. AZ TPT# 21599401
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and 2 bathrooms, 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 an ironing board.
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Garden
Unit size: 1,250 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 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
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 21
Property Registration Number 21599401
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Property is also known as
2
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see near this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Rimrock, close to Montezuma Castle National Monument, Cliff Castle Casino, and Montezuma Well National Monument. M Diamond Ranch is also within a driving distance of 4.9 mi.
Is there parking available at Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer parking.
Is a spa located at this vacation home?
Spa services at the vacation home include massages.
Is this vacation home next to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views?
Couples staying at this vacation home will appreciate amenities like a chef service and a kitchen as well as massages.
Does Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views have a hot tub?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home provide breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.
Does Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views have connecting rooms available?
No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Where is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Sedona, AZ (SDX), which is 26.1 mi away (44 minutes by car). Another top airport is Cottonwood, AZ (CTW), which is located 24.3 mi away (36-minute drive).
Are there rooms with balconies at Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views?
No, you won't find house with balconies at Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views.
Hilltop Custom Home - Sunsets & Views Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
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