Bisbee captured our hearts from our first encounter with the colorful, quirky historic town, and in 1999 we purchased the 1904 miners' cabin at 3 Temby, which would become Copper Wren.

Troy and I are originally from Southern CA, but have always found the desert alluring, with the incredible vistas, and diversity of wildlife. In 1992, we moved to Sierra Vista to be closer to relatives in the area, and to escape the ruckus and chaos of big city living. We adapted quickly to the rural environment, and purchased acreage about 15 miles west of Bisbee, on which we built our southwestern-style straw bale home. You might say we are fanatical “do-it-yourselfers” who work our regular full-time jobs when we aren’t playing and making things. We are also currently raising three teenagers, along with our goats, chickens and two goofy dogs, which of course makes life a perpetual adventure!

When we began to remodel the little miner’s cabin, our plan was to enlarge it so Troy’s father could live more comfortably in the tiny space, and, as his father was an artist, we made sure the remodeled home would have lots of windows and ample natural light. After finishing the first phase, the the city informed us the cabin would need to be razed to the ground and rebuilt because, like many of the structures built around the turn of the 20th century in Bisbee, it was sitting on rubble and not anchored to the hillside.

So... over the next 18mos, we lovingly rebuilt the home and added a second floor. During the process, we discovered old receipts, handwritten notes, and newspapers hidden in the wall boards dating back to 1904. We also dug up sherds of discarded pottery and other odd items from Bisbee’s early days. It was like being on an archeological dig!

Troy’s father enjoyed living at the house and relished being a part of the local Bisbee community for several years. Copper Wren has been a gathering place for many family get-togethers, celebrations and special memory-making. It has also been featured on the Bisbee Home Tour.

Fast forward - Troy’s father ended up moving to Tucson and we spent the next year sprucing up the home in our spare time, getting it ready for new guests. It truly has been a labor of love and satisfying creative diversion.

Now we are pleased to share Copper Wren with travelers and adventurers, or those simply looking for a unique place to retreat and rejuvenate.