Entire home

Stargazers' Sabbatical

Photo gallery for Stargazers' Sabbatical

A desert-style building with a large cactus in the foreground, palm trees, and a paved entrance area. - Stargazers' Sabbatical (Ajo)
A starry night sky with a visible constellation and a red barn structure. - Stargazers' Sabbatical (Ajo)
A bedroom with a bed, a desk, and a television. - Stargazers' Sabbatical (Ajo)
A living room with a brown leather sofa, a coffee table, and a bookshelf. There is a dining area with a table and chairs. - Stargazers' Sabbatical (Ajo)
A single-story house with a stucco exterior, a butterfly decoration on the wall, and a number '110' on the front door. - Stargazers' Sabbatical (Ajo)
Stargazers' Sabbatical provides amenities, such as a firepit and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Add dates for prices

About this property

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.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

  • Smoke-free property

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

  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Recycling
  • Some LED lighting used

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
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
On-site 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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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

About the area

Ajo is home to this holiday home. Ajo Plaza and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Cabeza Preita National Wildlife Refuge and Bud Walker Park. Visit our Ajo travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Ajo
Map
Ajo, AZ

What's nearby

  • A hiker on a rocky trail with mountains in the background.
    Cabeza Preita National Wildlife Refuge
    1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • A historic building with arched walkways and a tiled roof, under a clear sky.
    Ajo Plaza
    17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • A desert landscape with multiple cacti silhouetted against a vibrant sunset sky.
    Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
    25 min drive - 33.1 km
  • Bud Walker Park
    1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Gibson Neighborhood Park
    2 min drive - 1.6 km

Restaurants

  • Oasis Coffee
    16 min walk
  • Ranger Cafe & Bistro
    19 min walk
  • Circle K
    20 min walk
  • Agave Grill
    4 min drive
  • Curley Coffee
    17 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Stargazers' Sabbatical pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Stargazers' Sabbatical?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Stargazers' Sabbatical?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Stargazers' Sabbatical?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Stargazers' Sabbatical located?

Situated in Ajo, this holiday home is steps away from Cabeza Preita National Wildlife Refuge and Bud Walker Park. Ajo Plaza and New Cornelia Branch Hospital are also within 1 mile (2 km).

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Stargazers' Sabbatical Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

9.6

Cleanliness

9.4

Location

7.4

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Clean home and quiet place to pass the time.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy check in and the house is in a nice neighborhood. We really appreciated the cabinet with spices, non-perishable food, and other helpful items. We only used the coffee filters, but it was such a thoughtful touch.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was very clean and had everything needed for the stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was easy to book. The amenities were great. Clean and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice home, great neighborhood!

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place for exploring Organ Pipe National Monument

The location was perfect for exploring Organ Pipe National Monument. The house was nice and was exactly what was described. We would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place. Comfortable and clean.

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

quiet neighborhood

close to many hiking ares
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean and quiet

My family and I had a nice stay while exploring Organ Pipe National Monument. The house is in a safe and quiet neighborhood. The home is clean. We enjoyed the fire pit in back.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home

Very nice home, clean, comfortable and accommodating. Had everything you need. Much better than a hotel room. On a very quiet street. Would definitely recommend and hope to stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great communication and support.

There was a minor mixup with our reservation but the owner and manager handled it perfectly. Great location in a part of Ajo we had not been before. Close to everything and good birding right from the house. Dark skies!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeded expectations.

Its hard finding a good place to stay in Ajo when visiting Organ Pipe National Park but this house solved that problem for us. This is a older house that has been kept in great shape and is well equipped. Anything you can think of or want is supplied. The house was very clean and well kept. Looking forward to staying here again in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was great would book here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was wonderful and the host is very helpful. The dishwasher wasn't working at the moment, but that was not a big deal at all. Everything else was great as listed and it is a great spot to stay for reptile enthusiasts.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026