Aravaipa Farms Orchard and Inn

Our Story

Aravaipa Farms Orchard and Inn

Once upon a time, Aravaipa Farms wasn’t an orchard or an inn. It was an Arabian horse ranch, a history still visible today in the Garden Casita and outdoor Ramada, which highlight the original barn doors. Since then, although the horses have gone, several different entrepreneurs are responsible for the property growing into the magical place it is now. The story of Aravaipa Farms Orchard and Inn as we know it today starts with Bill Farney, who bought the ranch in 1984. Bill moved with his family from California, and knew that he wanted to plant a stone fruit orchard near the wild and beautiful landscape of Aravaipa Canyon. In 1995, Bill and his family sold the farm to Carol Steele, a chef from Scottsdale known as the “Godmother of the Phoenix culinary scene.” Carol moved into the Farmhouse and, with the help of local cowboy artisan Lazaro Cervantes, built most of the casitas and outbuildings our guests enjoy today. Her reputation among local foodies helped Aravaipa Farms attract worldwide attention. Hikers, birders, artists, yoga practitioners, and other groups of people came to Aravaipa looking for a place to disconnect from the bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. In the summer of 2016, the Madden family learned that Carol was looking to sell the farm. It was a match made in heaven. The Maddens were Arizona natives, and well aware of the power nature has to transform lives. Their most memorable moments as a family came from time spent together in beautiful natural settings, and that’s the experience they sought to share with guests. They spent five years lovingly restoring the orchard to its original glory, planting new trees and renovating the buildings on the property. The Madden family sold the farm in 2021. The new owner, who also owns two sister properties in Sedona, is passionate about the earth and giving back to it.

Our Rooms