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Sun Cliff B and B

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Client: Red Rock Ranch 

Location: Sedona, AZ

Date: completion 2016

Sun Cliff, a bed and breakfast for two, is a most unique Sedona experience.

Red Rock Ranch was acquired by our client’s great aunts in the 1930’s. Their niece, Sally Wooster, settled in to the ranch with her aunts and designed and built this Indian Pueblo-style casita in 1973. Our clients, Kate and her husband Tom, recently inherited the 40 acre ranch from their Aunt Sally and decided it was best to share the experience of living on the cliff above rushing Oak Creek. The casita is the first lodging created on the ranch.

The best aspects of the casita were preserved and enhanced. However, the bedroom was enlarged, and the kitchen and bath were completely redone. Yet Aunt Sally’s handiwork, including the hand-carved motifs and her spirit were retained. The casita is only 833 SF, with the exterior courtyards about the same area.

The indoor spaces are designed to bring in the outdoors, with big sliding glass doors, huge picture windows, a shower with a glass door leading to a private courtyard, and the bed set very close to the view. The super-private outdoor spaces are refurbished to bring nature to the five senses. And at times, the big-little place feels like a camp out – although, a very luxurious camp out.

The south courtyard’s porch was enhanced with a shade trellis, a design similar to the one that decayed years ago. Now it is built with steel supports. The casita’s beautiful original native rock work was blended with a new bbq grille, a gas firepit in an existing planter and a hot or cold water Zen soaking tub. The tub is perched on the very edge of the cliff, with Oak Creek 100 feet directly below. Glass

rails here provide protection. There is also an original stone fireplace fitted with gas fire logs off in a hidden niche of the courtyard to warm an outdoor massage or a star gazing session.

The north courtyard, accessed from the bedroom and bathroom, is even more secluded and private. It is a perfect place for an outdoor shower and for the hot tub spa. There is a new, stone-finished gas log fireplace here also. Its design is similar to the old one on the south courtyard.

The casita is outfitted for a long vacation. The full kitchen is fitted with integrated appliances. There is a computer desk work station, for when the outside world demands. The TV becomes a mirror when not used, reflecting the cozy casita and the great outdoors to remind you of what is most important. The stacked washer and dryer are tucked in the entry closet. The original, interior kiva fireplace is now fitted with gas logs while at the porte cochere entrance there is a wonderful water wall cascading down the exposed bedrock. Most of the Southwestern art displayed is from Aunt Sally’s personal collection.

Sun Cliff is a very private world celebrating the earth elements. All the senses are rewarded.

www.suncliffsedona.com

www.noordinaryresort.com/sun-cliff-casita-at-red-rock-ranch-sedona-az/

Interior Design by owner Kate Joy with Eddie Williams