Owner Katy Bee sets the stage for guests and retreaters with her passion for
painting, decorating, design, antiques and collectibles in each newly renovated
and fully furnished guesthouse at Rio Tierra.
Finding this River Land in the Sonoran Desert
was the perfect canvas for me to realize its potential,
and share the experience with others.
We've honored the history of former owner
LaVesta Gardner's artist's colony.
She lived here and gave painting and pottery
classes to residents of Wickenburg.
She's no longer with us, but we hope
you'll feel her creative spirit which we've
nurtured with artistic designs and colorful
flairs throughout our rancheria.
Once a B&B owner in New Mexico, Katy--an antique addict and writer--carries on with her talents in Arizona. She spent a long career in radio & tv and has lived all over the Great American West, along with a seven year stint working in the Nashville music biz.
The ex-ski bum also worked in the hospitality business as innkeeper and waitress in Sun Valley and Aspen.
Her family history actually goes back to innkeeping during the 1800-1900s when they ran a famous roadside inn and tavern along the Old National Trail near Zanesville, Ohio.
John Markley--Katy's "Prime Mate"--lent his life-long building talents to Rio Tierra Retreat and transformed it from the bottom up. His sweat and dedication can still be seen throughout the properties. Nurturing the grounds and trails out to the river, this naturalist, hiking fanatic, motorcycle enthusiast, gourmet cook and ex-hillbilly can be one charming chap. He loves the people that come down the trail to stay at Rio Tierra Casitas.
John and I are serious conservationists
and nature lovers. Sun-dried sheets are a
staple of our accommodations. No dryer
carbon energy used here! The sun provides for us.
A healthy world is our passion and green
is the theme--always thinking with an eye
and heart towards planetary preservation.
Giving back to the Earth is a constant concern
for us and honoring the creations of nature
is an ethos we hope you'll share and pass on.
Remember, a good planet is hard to find!
Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce