The Shire is all about the river with a big picture window overlooking the East Verde River and trails outside the door. Plenty of places to curl up and read. This guest house has a private entrance, full bath and minimal cooking facilities with easy access to hiking, fishing, swimming and biking. Pets welcome, with a fence patio with a grill and outdoor dining. The space The space can only be described as cozy. It has direct access to the trout-stocked (April - Sept.) East Verde River with its swimming holes, sycamores, cottonwoods, wildlife, birdwatching and other delights makes the property an adventurous get-away for nature lovers. The living room has a wood fired stove as well as central heating and air conditioning. The bedroom has a full sized bed, the large room has a sofa bed. The bathroom has a claw foot tub because the ceiling was too low to put in a stand-up shower. The kitchen (located in the same room as the bathroom, but separated by a wall) is a hotel type with a microwave, apartment sized refrigerator and a separate electric burner. Pots, pans, knives and dishware provided. The plumbing had an interesting requirement, a pump (called a grinder). All water must be pushed up to the plumbing that then goes to the septic tank. It makes a bit of noise. The unit is located near Tonto Natural Bridge State Park about 6 miles down the highway towards Pine. Nearby Payson offers lots of shopping. The main attraction of the unit is it really offers a peaceful refuge within the sound of the river that will remind you of Sedona at a fraction of the price. Lots of wildlife in the neighborhood. The back acreage includes opportunities for rock climbing and hiking. Nearby Crackerjack Road offers the perfect place for jogging, mountain biking, ATV riding and finding private swimming holes. So-do is available, but not robust. Password is: word44nature. The password is also on a page of FAQs with the key. Guest access Private access to the unit. Owners on site. The property has another guest house, which is its own separate listing on Airbnb on the far side of the driveway. When it's occupied, you may want to introduce yourself to one another. The Shire has its own tiny patio and bar-b-que. You're just off the dirt road leading through the subdivision. So there are people and other houses around -- but it’s a quiet neighborhood. Other things to note The river changes each season. There's lots of wildlife and a mass of cottonwoods and sycamores providing a wonderful backdrop for the unit. Great swimming holes downstream, which is the best part about staying here in the warm months (except for the sound of the river at night). You'll love Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, which is about five miles down the road towards Pine. Great Thai restaurant in Payson (Ayothaya Cafe next to Bashas) -- also it's fun to visit the Buffalo Bar and Grill and Fargo's Steak House in Payson. In Pine, THAT Brewery, Pine Deli and Old County Inn have delicious food and beverages. You might also want to hike the Horton Creek or See Canyon Trail (all season), in winter bring snowshoes to use on Forest Road 300 on top of the Rim or a fishing pole to Woods Canyon Lake during the spring, summer and fall. They stock the stream in front of the house during the summer, but Tonto Creek up East 260 usually provides better fishing. Just let me know if you need any specific recommendations on things to do. We have books on hiking, fishing and activities in the area in the unit. The Visitor's Guide has stories on events and activities in the area.