5565 N Vía Elena

A delightful hacienda-style desert oasis in the Tucson Foothills, with a lush central courtyard featuring a serene turquoise pool, wrap-around patio and views of the Santa Catalina Mountains from the entire retreat, abounds with ''old Pueblo'' warmth and charm mixed with stylishly renovated interiors. Views of the well-known landmark of Finger Rock in the Catalinas are seen from the courtyard and the many large windows throughout this naturally lit unique home. Enter the property through a private electronic gate and up a long drive for complete privacy on 1.24 prime acres. Dramatic wooden doors with forged hardware provide entry to the courtyard with swaying palm trees, bright bougainvillea and green turf accents and a handsomely carved front door surrounded by Mexican tiles. It's a home constantly filled with natural light, which boasts pecky-wood ceilings with vega beams, and Saltillo and porcelain "wood"- plank floors. In the expansive great room, relax by the handsome pueblo-style fireplace with a long hearth surrounded by bookshelves, and in the dining area with a handsome mid-century modern chandelier, while enjoying mountain and courtyard views on one side and lush desert views on the other side. No views of any neighbors! The newly renovated kitchen is any cook's dream, a well-lit ample space with stunning richly-shaded thick granite counters, windows opening to the courtyard for serving snacks to those poolside, high-end stainless appliances including a Thermador 4 burner gas cooktop and grill, tall GE Monogram side-by-side refrigerator and freezer and a 48 bottle wine fridge. Pullouts for lower cabinets, soft close drawers, separate pantry, and under-counter lighting, of course. A door leads to the "desert" side of the home, with a new meditative west-facing labyrinth perfect for walking at sunset, which the owners have described as "an exercise in self-healing". The guest room is cleanly contemporary, with a walk-in closet outfitted with built-in drawers. An "Arizona room" overlooking the courtyard could be considered a library/study, a terrific spot to sit on the built-in lounge/sofa to read or watch the monsoons roll in on a summer day. Another room on the way to the master suite provides space for an office or exercise room. A large laundry space with storage is nearby. The Owner's Suite provides sweeping views framed by saguaros of the Catalinas and Finger Rock to the north, and of city lights and our southern mountain ranges on the other side. The Owner's Bath is a luxe retreat with marble counters and make-up seated area, a graciously curved stand-alone tub, a huge glass-walled shower with two fabulous showerheads, and a fun little crystal chandelier. There's a door to the courtyard and more gorgeous views of mountain peaks. A walk-in closet is nearby. Two additional bedrooms are separately accessed from the courtyard, with a shared jack-&-jill bath. One bedroom has a bee-hive fireplace, fabulous built-in kitchenette/bar area for making margaritas for the gang by the pool, and "dutch" wooden door for serving those margaritas on a relaxed weekend. This magical home is in District 16 for schools, and has easy access to the the best of Tucson shopping, services, restaurants and entertainment in both the La Encantada area and in downtown Tucson. The property is fully monitored by Ring security cameras, although it is in a very safe neighborhood. The owners report that the only noise is the occasional joyous laughter of neighboring children in nearby pools, the evening distant howling of coyotes and the wind brushing through the palm trees. Fabulous hiking and biking opportunities are nearby. Life in the Southwest could not get better! Furniture package may be available- please inquire.