There may be no better place to experience the lure and charm of authentic Old West Arizona than Hacienda Corona de Guevavi Bed and Breakfast.

Hacienda Corona is located just a short distance north of Nogales off I-19 at exit 12. As we passed through the Guevavi Ranch Gate, pavement gave way to a twisting dusty path through the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape. The riverbed we crossed was thankfully dry this time of year as we followed the signs heading up a hill to this wonderful inn.

Historic Guevavi (“big spring”) had been home to the Hohokam and Pima Indians for hundreds of years when Father Kino first discovered the area in 1691 and established his first mission.

Cattle were introduced into the area in the early 1700s making it the oldest cattle ranch in Arizona and, with 100,000 acres, the largest. Hacienda Corona, the crown jewel of the Guevavi Ranch was the former ranch headquarters.

The ranch is named after the famous Mexican artist and muralist Salvador Corona who, in the 1940s and ’50s, painted its courtyard walls with charming scenes of Mexican peasants. Most of the murals remain today.

Hacienda Corona became famous with the filming of the John Wayne classic, Red River, in 1948. The Duke fell in love with the peace and beauty of the ranch and Hacienda Corona became a Hollywood hideaway after he struck a close friendship with then-owner Ralph Wingfield.

Such good friends were John Wayne and Ralph Wingfield, the Duke gave his cowboy hat (a cowboy’s way of saying goodbye) to Ralph shortly before he died from lung cancer in 1979.

Shortly thereafter, the 35-acre property fell into disrepair. In the early 1980s, it was sold by the IRS to collect on back taxes. In 2002 the present owners, Phil and Wendy Stover, purchased the ranch.

Phil and Wendy have made it easy to kick back, relax and hide from the rest of the world. Each of the five guest rooms offers the refined luxuries of a rustic yet seductively comfortable experience. You may want to reserve “The Duke,” a two-room suite where John Wayne stayed when he visited his friend. “La Patrona” features a limestone fireplace and French doors that open to a lavender garden and spectacular views of Arizona sunsets.

Our room “Meanwhile Back at the Ranch” was a spacious ’50s western themed two-bedroom suite with a door that opens to the Eastern garden, a private patio and fire pit. Two other rooms, “Out of Africa” and “Corona” are equally comfortable.

Separate from the Hacienda are three casita that are ideal for larger families or longer stays.

Because of its high desert location, the night skies are spectacular and perfect for stargazing around the fire pit or ceramic tile pool. Bird watching at the Hacienda is some of the best in the world. You might see a vermillion fly catcher (we did on our private patio), Mexican gray hawk, or any number of birds unique to our part of the world.

After a wonderful breakfast of crème brule French toast, fried potatoes with red and green peppers served with roasted tomato salsa, sausage and fresh fruit, we were free to roam Santa Cruz county.

Be sure to visit the charming artist community of Tubac, or take the short drive to Patagonia to visit its unique galleries and shops. Looking for a great pair of cowboy boots? World-class boot-maker-for-the-stars Paul Bond is in close-by Nogales.

Like the Duke, we fell in love with Hacienda Corona de Guevavi. This is an amazing place and one we found hard to leave.

Photos courtesy of Hacienda Corona de Guevavi

If you go

Hacienda Corona de Guevavi
348 S. River Rd., Nogales
520-287-6503
www.haciendacorona.com

Rates and Restrictions:
$175 to $225 per night, single or double occupancy
Additional persons $25 per person per night
No televisions, telephones or smoking in guest rooms
Wireless internet available
No pets or children under age 8

Don’t Miss:
Concerts under the stars throughout the summer
at the property. Call the or visit the website for
dates and entertainment.