But to be a true vacation spot for others, they needed overnight accommodations. So, they began renting out the site’s three “casita suites,” initially meant for friends and family. Later, in 2024, they added geodesic domes (pictured) for “glamping.”
“We try to be a destination where people can come and enjoy themselves — have good food, good drinks, explore the area and just have a nice, relaxing time,” Salvatore says.
But an active retirement suits Bill just fine, especially when it means guests get to experience those breathtaking views — one of many attractions on this working cattle ranch, located just east of the Chiricahuas and less than a mile from the New Mexico state line.
Built in the early 1960s, the property served as the headquarters of a ranching empire that included parts of both states. The previous owners were friends of the Cavalieres, and when they put it up for sale in 2009, the couple scrapped their plans of retiring in New Mexico and settled down there instead.
The setting is quintessential Southern Arizona: rolling hills and grasslands, big sky — if life imitates art, these are Ed Mell paintings — and stunning views of the rugged Mustang and Whetstone mountains. The star of this extravagant nature show is the Mustangs’ northernmost peak, Mount Bruce, locally referred to as “The Biscuit” for its softly rounded summit. There isn’t a telephone pole in sight, the air smells fresh, and the immense quiet is broken only by birdsong or the soft whisper of wind through the vines.
“Everything in the house has so many different meanings to it,” Joy says. There are the eight different seasons of table settings, assembled from Joy’s grandmother’s collection; the “Talavera restroom,” featuring a Talavera-style toilet Joy painted herself; and a new mural, by Bisbee artist Judy Perry, honoring John, a world-class cyclist who died in a hit-and-run crash on his bicycle in 2023.
The Kennedy, its name a nod to Camelot, opened at the end of 2024 after an extensive renovation of its 98 guest rooms and several common areas. The latter include an arcade, a fitness center, a playground and a picturesque outdoor pool that’s popular among summer travelers. Throughout the renovation process, care was taken to preserve and enhance the hotel’s retro elements while adding modern amenities for guests.
The couple had taken a break from their obligations in California in the midst of the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic had thrown at them. They visited Prescott and Jerome, then made an unplanned stop in Sedona for a couple of nights. And something beckoned them to put down roots after a stay at an old motel on Jordan Road.
“We stayed in Room 7, which we now call ‘lucky Room 7,’ and when we checked out, we stopped through a real estate agency in town, just to see what was going on” and if any small hotels were on the market, Feldman says.
“We were attracted to the specific building [because] it had great bones for the making of a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel,” says Mike Weiss, co-founder and co-CEO of Trailborn and Castle Peak Holdings. “We worked with Lake Flato to fully reimagine the property and bring our vision to life by restoring elements such as the monument sign, Camp Hall — our event space — and Miss Kitty’s restaurant, while also decorating the spaces with curated art, vintage finds and playful décor.”
The property dates to March 1925, when it was homesteaded. In the century since, it’s had many uses, including a short time as a bed and breakfast in the 1980s. “We understood that the property, the location and the town were special, and we needed to share that,” Janet says. “So the bed and breakfast was born.”
The Caylors bought the mansion during the COVID-19 pandemic after they noticed it was for sale; as it turned out, Rob knew the previous owner through his building company. He and Margo decided to operate it as an inn, with a heavy emphasis on historic preservation. “We had a previous innkeeper who would say, ‘You’ve just walked into a time machine; you’ve stepped back hundreds of years,’ ” Margo says.
The property, on Brewery Avenue in Brewery Gulch, features two rentable units. The Nopales Suite (pictured) is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with a kitchenette and is suitable for two guests. The larger Agave Casita is well suited for two, as well. And, along with its one bedroom and one bathroom, it features a full kitchen loaded with all the comforts of home. Both units are available through Airbnb.
