5190 E Golder Ranch Dr, Tucson, AZ 85739

Introducing a stunning 7.96 acres of gorgeous and magical real estate at the end of a very special, private secluded Valley. Ancient peoples lived and hunted on these lands as far back as 1200 A.D. These people carved their stories into the boulders in the adjacent mountains. Over the many generations, the valley has provided life, shelter, community, and inspiration to a small number of families. The home and outbuildings on this unique estate were initially lovingly designed and created much by hand, in 1984-1987 by the original owners. The property has extensive cactus gardens installed by the previous owner who was a commercial cactus grower. It has been equally lovingly updated and expanded in its features and gardens by the present owners, who took it over to live a balanced life in harmony with the desert and nature. The home is very grounding with natural materials that make sense in this environment. The home exudes authenticity and charm. Natural light is on display at all hours of the day, creating a magnificent indoor/outdoor flow for living. Enter this haven through a private gate leading to a stone drive and park under sculpted Mesquites. Your front entrance is through the large and gorgeously landscaped courtyard surrounded by a pueblo-style wall and featuring a kiva fireplace. A fabulous outdoor triptych by famed local artist Diana Madaras graces the courtyard and remains with the home. The home is largely constructed with adobe brick and massive wooden beams, with stone and rock accents. The remarkable flagstone slab floors throughout the home are original, as are the hand-laid bricks forming the walls of the home. The handsome entry door is oak and all the home's exterior doors are handcrafted. As the current owner says, this home hugs you the moment you walk in. The home has several "hearts". Primary is the kitchen, which is the only area extensively remodeled by the current owners. It is lovely and carefully planned to respect the character of the house. A large island is topped with a subtly handsome quartz-resin material that seems to bring nature inside; it is attractive and calming (and non-porous and easy to clean!). Set into the island is a state-of-the-art GE Café induction cooktop. All the cabinetry is Alder wood and is well-designed with deep storage drawers and a pantry with pullouts. One long counter includes a farmhouse sink with a reverse-osmosis water faucet and a little custom window above providing views of the highest peak visible from the home. The backsplash is ¼" gunmetal that has been allowed to oxidize naturally and blends marvelously with the quartz-resin counters. The microwave is a state-of-the-art GE Advantium that doubles as a convection oven, infrared warmer and browner. Another counter is a long buffet with glass-fronted wine glass storage above and a wine cooler below. Adjacent to the welcoming kitchen is a cozy guest bedroom with en-suite full bath, and a separate laundry room with a sliding barn door. The kitchen leads to the great room, a uniquely shaped large area including a much-enjoyed floor to ceiling stone hearth wood-burning fireplace. It includes space for a dinner table, high cathedral ceiling with beams below and high clerestory windows showcasing the mountain peaks, and enjoys stunning mountain views through the adjacent large, screened porch, a contender for the second "heart of the home". With its screened outdoor dining area and covered lounging area, it is an incredible spot to gather, commune with each other and nature, and just relax and enjoy it all. Room for a yoga mat or two as desired. A hand-crafted "Dutch door" opens from the kitchen to the screened porch and is left open for fresh air when the weather is cool. The "East Wing" of the home includes another lovely guest bedroom, a third bedroom and the primary bedroom, a retreat that is another "heart of the home." It's a magical space, featuring a stunning fireplace in a hand-built stone wall. The original bath has a slate shower and double sinks set in rich rough beveled edge granite. In the ample 3-car garage, find a workbench dating back to the grandfather of the original owner of this amazing home. It stays. The property includes two stall stables with a tack room and space for a corral. With a gate into private trust lands, thence to Catalina State Park Lands, and on up to the National Forest there is direct access to extensive trails for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. There are two large greenhouses, one a growing tunnel with space for growing herbs, grapes, and vegetables. A large greenhouse with removable poly panels is home to Meyer Lemon, tangerine, and lime trees. There is an attached covered extra-tall carport with access to a 220v hookup. Additionally, there is ample outdoor workspace for woodworking. Found on the property are specimen cacti, massive manicured mesquite trees, pine, oak, ash, desert sycamore, hackberry, and desert willow trees. As well there is a delightful pond created by the present owners with a rock surrounding that showcases thriving goldfish, flowering lily pads, lotuses, and blooming canna plants, all shaded by native trees. For bird enthusiasts, you will appreciate that the current owner has identified almost 100 species of birds ON THE PROPERTY, everything from migratory hummingbirds to resident raptors. The land supports both mule deer and white tail deer. A recently created orchard includes apples, nectarines, plums, pears, peaches, pomegranates, grape vines, and berries. The property utilizes well water for irrigation, and water from Lago Del Oro Water Company for the home. Two sources of water in the desert are a big advantage. There is a full-house water softener and filtration system. An undeveloped additional four acres are found across the seasonal wash. Your neighbors in this special community include old-timers who have been here for many years, artists and artisans, retired psychologists, professors, and lots of just interesting people. This extraordinary property can be seen by appointment, and the owners are available to answer all your questions. Please enjoy your visit and leave the property as you found it!