If your impression of Arizona is the hot, dry Sonoran desert between Phoenix and Tucson, you need to experience the Sonoita basin. Surrounded by three mountain rangesthe Huachuca, Santa Rita, and Whetstone Mountainsthe basin is at a higher elevation (4,500-5,000 feet) and gets an annual rainfall of up to 22 inches. On most days, the temperature in the Sonoita-Patagonia area is at least 10 degrees cooler than Tucson.

CROWN C RANCH PROPERTYACCESS TO MILES OF TRAILS

This 103-acre ranch property is part of one of Arizonas largest cattle ranches, whereby you give a little and you take a lot. In exchange for allowing the ranch to graze their cattle across your grasslandwhich keeps it in an agricultural tax statusyou are allowed access to ride the miles and miles of trails all across the vast ranch, which eventually gives way to National Forest.

PREPOSTEROUSLY BEAUTIFULSONOITA IS ONE OF THE LOVELIEST PLACES YOULL EVER SEE

Noted American novelist Jim Harrison (remember Legends of the Fall?he wrote it) has a winter home close to this lovely horse property. In describing the Patagonia/Sonoita area, he called it preposterously beautiful, and indeed it is. The mountains that rise to the west of the property provide cool summer breezes, and youll be stunned by the thigh-deep waves of lush grass that carpet the landscape. You wont believe it when you see the vineyards dotting the hillsides in the Sonoita valley, but the area is known for its Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and other varieties of grapes. The local wines are robust and flavorful, the result of good water, hot summer days, and cool nights.

LARGE HEATED SHOP BUILDING & GARAGE FOR LARGE PROJECTS

The shop building on this property is a beauty, with high ceilings, insulated doors, and plenty of space for large projects. Adjacent to the shop is a spacious 2-car garage. The shop totals over 5,000 square feet.

HORSE PROPERTY WITH COVERED ARENA, MANAGERS HOME

This luxury ranch property is set up as a horse property, with an 80x120 covered arena that the current owner uses as a horse shelter. If youre wondering why there is no barn, you simply have to understand the local climate. Because the climate is so mild, its more important to keep the horses shaded and cool than it is to keep them warm in the winter. The open sides of the horse shelter ensure that a steady flow of air keeps the horses ventilated. Situated next to the horse facilities is a charming little 1,200-square-foot managers home or guest house, depending on how you want to use the property. The home has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath and is very cozy.

SWIMMING POOL AND TENNIS COURT

A special feature of this property is the solar-heated salt-water swimming pool. The pool looks out over the grassy hills and reflects in the windows of the great room of the home. The tennis court is situated on a small knoll above the shop building and needs some maintenance. 05071-16106