Welcome to Javelina House
A mid-century desert oasis
Javelina House is a private and peaceful mid-century modern gem on 3.5 saguaro dotted acres near Saguaro National Park East, designed by renowned Tucson architect Robert Swaim. Private pool (heated for an additional fee), 3 bedrooms with floor to ceiling windows open out to the wild desert, while the main living area has a see-through fireplace and plenty of space to relax. This one-of-a-kind home is surrounded by beautiful vegetation, while javelinas, coyotes, and deer all roam freely.
Details
Location + Safety:
Located 25 minutes east of downtown and 5 minutes from Saguaro National Park East, Javelina House is a unique way to experience true desert living.
Heated Pool and spa (heat is $75 per day), note: there is no fence between the house and the pool/spa, please read house rules for full description. Wildlife is common in these areas and for the most part does not pose any threat, yet all guests should take caution with any small children. NO PETS ALLOWED. This home is not wheelchair accessible as it has stairs leading to the upper bedrooms.
***Pool is not fenced and not suitable for small children, swim at your own risk.***
The Space:
The living room has a record player and a rotating stack of records, a little acoustic Gretsch guitar and a decent size television. YouTube TV and Netflix are available on both household TVs. There are multiple Sonos speakers, including one to move around the house. Enjoy a growing collection of books, magazines, puzzles and games. There are a few yoga mats to use as well. The oversized see-through gas fireplace has a hearth bench and connects the living room to the dining room.
The dining room has a table with seating for 6.
A galley kitchen with plenty of original charm has everything you need to cook your own meals, prep snacks, mix drinks, and make delicious coffee. Up the brick steps past the front door is the sleeping area with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
The primary bedroom has exposed block walls, oversized windows, king bed, dresser, TV with streaming services, plenty of closet space and the original bathroom complete with sunken shower. The primary bedroom has sliders which open to a brick patio connecting the upper and lower levels of the house.
The middle bedroom has a queen sized bed, built-in shelves, plenty of space to move into and a sliding glass door out into the desert landscape.
The third bedroom also has exposed block walls, a queen sized bed, a pull-out loveseat/twin bed , and tons of closet space.
The guest bath has a walk-in shower.
Security:
There are two security ring cameras, one doorbell one for front door aimed at front entrance and one one patio roof aimed at the outdoor pond. Both record sound and video and are motion triggered.
Architect + Architecture:
Javelina House was designed in 1971 by prominent Tucson architect, Robert Swaim, and completed in 1972. After opening his own practice just a couple years earlier, our home represents one of Swaim’s earliest commissions. Swaim’s civil and private structures have been celebrated throughout Tucson for there enduring and timeless mid century design. The architect’s characteristic use of floor to ceiling glass, exposed materials, structural beams and lofted ceilings helps to blur the line between indoors and out. Our house is situated east/west on our property, shielding the inside from direct sun and heat while still allowing for plenty of light. Outside we’ve got multiple spaces to sit, a dining patio, plenty of shade, and a heated pool and spa. The outdoor sconces and pendants were custom designed and made by Tucson artist Wanda Hill at the time the house was built. The interior lights were also designed to resemble cacti.