Vacation Rentals by Owner

Magical New Mexican Retreat

Guest: Kathryn (Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/07/12 Review Submitted: 04/16/12

Marci, Thank you so much for creating a wonderful oasis in which to celebrate my 50th birthday. The adobe has stories to tell, and provides a magical retreat -- I spent half the week here as a personal time of rest, relaxation, and reflection, and the other half with my dear sweetie. I loved sitting outside listening to the happy birds twittering away in the trees above, to the wind blowing from the west, and especially to the bells of Santo Tomas de Abiquiu. All the best, Kathryn & Tricia

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful and Peaceful

Guest: joyfulintaos (Taos, NM)
Date of Stay: 03/02/12 Review Submitted: 03/15/12

We had an excellent time. The casita was absolutely wonderful from the fluffy bath towels to the charming decor to wifi access. Everything we needed was available including a washer and dryer. It was a terrific get-away; the beds were SO comfortable and the location was very peaceful. We felt rejuvenated after a weekend here!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Casita de Chocolate, Abiquiu, NM

Guest: Casita de chocolate review (Santa fe, NM)
Date of Stay: 02/18/12 Review Submitted: 02/27/12

We spent two nights at Casita-de Chocolate which sits directly across from Georgia O'Keeffe's Abiquiu home. The thick adobe walls and the setting really brought me back to early childhood memories of New Mexico as a magical, mysterious place. La Casita's decription was accurate and the owner very helpful in answering all of our questions. The house was clean and well-maintained.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

ABIQUIU AMBIANCE!

Guest: OAK (Sulphur LA)
Date of Stay: 10/17/11 Review Submitted: 11/06/11

We stayed in this wonderful casita in mid-October! Walking through the front door on the first day was like being invited to slow down and enjoy the peace and quite. As we walked from room to room, exploring our new home for 10 days, we knew that this was a special place - as the photos and descriptions online so accurately showed. The ambiance, the feel of the casita, the history, the cleanliness, the amenities, and the decor, all combined to welcome us as old friends. In addition, the casita was very comfortable to move within - we instantly felt at home. Some of the things that come to mind as I recall our time there.....the stove in the kitchen (where we cooked several breakfasts and lunches), the large window in the den facing Georgia O'Keefe's studio and house, the thick reddish adobe walls, the wonderful smell of pinon being burned in the area, and the comfortable bed. The experience of all of these things and hundreds more all contributed to a wonderful vacation. Georgia O'Keefe fans will really love this location, as it is literally across the street from her studio. The cottonwood trees in October are spectacular! They glow a golden yellow. It was a treat to watch them change over the time of our stay. We used Abiquiu as our base, and each day we would explore something new. Things we did in the area included.....a visit to Bode's (a landmark and tradition, including their food!), watching and photographing the red rocks and vistas going toward Ghost Ranch, visiting Ghost Ranch (one day when we visited, we saw movie crews working. Another day we packed a picnic lunch, hiked for awhile, and walked the labyrinth.), visited the lake, took tons of pictures of the landscape, visited Santa Fe several times (La Choza has awesome mexican food.....love the green chili sauce! If you like art, you definitely need to explore Santa Fe. We visited Santa Fe Clay and the Plaza, just to name a couple of places.), visited Taos and the Taos Pueblo (they have some really great art work and artists there.). We even drove to Durango to ride the Durango-to-Silverton narrow gauge train through the mountains - awesome scenery along the Animas River! We plan a return visit to Abiquiu next year and staying in the casita. Marci is a joy to work with. She makes you feel so welcome and wants you to truly enjoy the experience of the casita and Abiquiu. Thanks Marci for sharing your casita with us! We look forward to visiting next year.

Owner response:Thank you, Jeff. Lovely review. Please come back and stay with us again. We love having guests like you !!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

authentic adobe experience

Guest: Donna113 (Ajijijc, Mexico)
Date of Stay: 09/15/11 Review Submitted: 01/22/12

Having stayed in 6+ adobe VRBO rentals, this was the best. From the authentic restoration of the adobe, to the perfect furnishing and decorating of La Casita de chocolate, we thoroughly enjoyed it. And, thank you so much, Marci, for letting us rent for a month. A month allowed us to thoroughly explore the entire area. The location is perfect. With the library, church, post office, gallery, Bode's General Store and more only steps away, and a couple of excellent routes to walk the dogs, La Casita couldn't have suited us better. It was a perfect fall colors experience for us.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Weaves a Spell

Guest: Stanley Ruggerio (Houston, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/27/11 Review Submitted: 08/25/11

The previous reviewers have done a marvelous job of highlighting features of La Casita de Chocolate, area attractions, and activities. But if I may, I would like to offer my impressions of just the little casita itself. *An Ansel Adams moon outside my bedroom window *Fragrant aroma of chilies *Golden straw embedded in thick adobe walls *Rustic simplicity *Kitchen's screen door opening to little sage garden *Crooked birdhouse next to old coyote fence *Georgia O'Keeffe's glorious home and garden beckoning from across the tiny dirt road *Soothing sound of gurgling water flowing in the irrigation ditch, on its way to Georgia's landscape This old adobe will weave a spell if you are willing to go on the journey. I consider it a gift to have stayed in such a charming, historical place. And, in addition, you have Marcia (Marci) as your gracious host. She is truly a delight. I am an enthusiastic traveler, having enjoyed an array of accommodations over the years......from a life-enriching Palestinian refugee camp, to lovely boutique hotels in Europe, to wonderful VRBOs in Mexico, to senior hostels, and alot that falls unglamorously in between. Trust me, I will return to La Casita de Chocolate, God willing.

Owner response:My dear Stanley, What a precious review from an extraordinary lady...... Thank you for your lovely words .... We hope you return. Marci

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Maggie and Terry
Date of Stay: 09/15/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

We enjoyed your lovely home! The decorations and the colors! And little touches were all so fun. You obviously worked hard to make it a special place. Thanks! Maggie and Terry

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Guest: Kathy
Date of Stay: 09/01/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Marci , Your precious casita was my hojme away from home for an artist retreat. I'm so very glad I stayed here rather than Ghost Ranch. I think that I was "predestined" to be here rather than there..... Prebyterian pun intended. I spent my birthday at Ojo Caliente, where they let me in for free because it was my birthday. I enjoyed visiting with Napoloen Garcia. He's a treasure. and he looks just like Anthony Quinn. I also enjoyed meeting Leo Garcia, Napoleoan's son, the artist whose studio is behind the casita. My trip to Christ in the Desert was beautiful. The holy silence there is palapable. I stayed for Vespers, which was so special. I got one of their CD's and played it in your casita while I painted. I painted and journeled each morning. Read Thomas Merton in the morning while having my coffee outside and read Adous Huxley's bio of Father Joseph in the evening while listening to crickets sing outside, through the window. Explored the White Place through the back way (by the illegal dump road). How fortunate that I ran into someone who told me the back way in. The movie is still being shot until Sept 30th, so the font way is still closed. Your fellow villagers were charming and so nice. They shared fresh rasberries, peaches, pears and apples with me. I definately want to come back! This was a great working vacation! I got 12 paintings done! Thank you for sharing your lovely Abiquiu house with us all. Kathy Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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Guest: Kathy
Date of Stay: 08/28/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Marci, What a lovely time we have had in this little casita! You have a real jewel here. I so hope to return someday soon. Thank you so much and all the best! Kathy Austin, Texas

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Guest: Barbara
Date of Stay: 08/28/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Marcie, The house is wonderful! I really felt comfortable in it -- from the moment I crossed the threshold -- Best of luck -- we'll see you again. barbara and Gregg Austin, Texas

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Guest: Karen
Date of Stay: 08/08/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Thanks, Marci. It was lovely staying at the casita .... endured a thunderstorm and awoke to beautiful sunlight steaming in through the windows. Karen

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Guest: Marion and John
Date of Stay: 07/28/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Dear Marci, Thanks so nmuch for the opportunity to stay in a place so steeped in tradition and place. Like a good piece of artwork, the feel of this place has many levels and meaning. We enjoyed reading the story of this place and all the people who were a part of reconstructing it. Definately a labor of love, as well as perseverance. Here are some tips for future travelers> Bode's has a great deli -- the sandwhiches are excellent-- we were surprised how good they are for being so far out of civilization. Plaza Blanca - Georgia O'Keeffe's "White Palce" is closed to visitors through 8/30 due to filming Spielberg's movie called "Cowboys and Aliens." We were so disappointed at being turned away. Best sunset view: go past Ghost Ranch Conference Center to the turnout to the Monastery -- go a few hundred feet or so and turn your car around and park. The cliffs were vibrant with the setting sun and colors. Have a picnic next to the Chama River -- we found a great place. If you have enough time and have visited Georgia's house and study and landscapes, visit Echo Canyon Amphitheatre about a mile past the Piedre Lumbre/ Ghost Ranch Visitor Center. We were lucky enough to hear Gospel singers reverberating in this awesome space. Christ in the Desert Monastery -- sp peacful and beautiful. Gentle rafting on the Rio Chama (1 day), via Los Rios River Runners. Peace, Marion and John Albany, CA

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Guest: Marsha
Date of Stay: 07/27/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Thanks for everything, Marci. Your casita is a treasure and the PERFECT place to stay to feel a part of the fascinating story of Abiquiu and the Piedre Lumbre. We hope to return again and again. Marsha VRBO home owner, Austin Texas

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We Must Take Legal Action

Guest: NotHappy (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 09/12/10

We'd rented from VRBO twice before. My parents and I rented the casita for a July week with Marcia's knowledge of our 4 dogs, written promise of "pet friendly" management & "cool" temperatures inside the casita. She didn't ask for a pet or cleaning fee & had no written contract. We booked late & fit btw other rentals; she seemed eager to rent, but it was NOT inexpensive. When we arrived, Marcia talked for over an hour, saying that prior occupants "ruined" the washing machine, broke a bench, and let their dogs "pee" in the casita. One of our dogs sniffed some spots and Marcia said the pets of the former occupants must have left their mark. Our Yorkie was frightened of Marcia and suddenly squatted and left two peanut-sized firm stools on the carpet, which we immediately picked up with no mess left on the carpet. After Marcia left, we dog-proofed the casita, picking up all pillows and rugs and stowing them in an armoir and dresser drawers. No more pet accidents occurred. It was HOT. When I checked my REI thermometer at 8 pm it read 95 degrees. The casita was miserably hot, even with all floor and ceiling fans going. The next morning, we decided to buy a portable AC unit to survive the week, but Marcia called and asked if the dogs had "pooped and peed everwhere." I told her they hadn't and she said we could leave if necessary. I told her about the portable AC unit. Her comments made it clear she wanted us to leave, so I asked directly and she said she wanted us to leave. She even said she'd refund all our money. I tried for two solid hours to find another place in Northern New Mexico to stay, but nothing was availalble by the time Marcia called again. I told her I was having difficulty and she said, "This is unacceptable" and "you need to leave." I wrote these down right after she said them. My Father talked with her and was willing to pay for one night; she agreed to refund the rest. She told him she was coming to the casita right away to talk. We waited almost two more hours while I still tried to find something else and my parents packed, but NOTHING. By 3:30 pm, with a drive back to Texas, we left. My Father left a note showing the deposit less refund amount and his address. Our experience since has been excuses & delays in refunding the money, failures to respond to email, accusations of theft (she later withdrew), and a claim that the carpet was ruined. After 2 months, STILL no refund. We are now pursuing legal action.

Owner response:How unfortunate your recollection of events is inaccurate, misleading and untrue. There are no grounds for legal action. The carpeting has been replaced and your refund has been sent. I wish you and your dogs happiness in the future.

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Guest: Adrienne and friend
Date of Stay: 07/12/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

The first meal we shared at this lovely wooden table, in this plesant kitchen, set the stage for our incrdible stay in Abiquiu. A simple meal of pasta, tossed with olive oil, garlic, pickled peppers and onions, and requezon, with Cerveza Cuapa, Pale Ale, from Mexico. I could not have imagined how warm and comfortable the casita would be, but the kitchen is where we spent most of our time (when not enjoying the compnay of Napoleon and his wife, watching the hummingbirds feed and fight, or exploring the surrounding country,) Breakfasts were simple, but fresh and astounding: from tortillas, salsa verde and coffee. We made lunches from fresh torilla chips and salsa, of bread and apricot compote with local honey. The apricots were raining from the trees while we were here. So many, (plus the ones Napoleon gave us) that I had no choice but to cook them down to a simple jam to hold off the impending mush! Our trip to the Purple Adobe Lavendar Farm brought me back to the Casita laden with fresh lavendar bouquets, dried lavendar for cooking (imagine with a little goat cheese), lavendar caramel corn, and lavendar iced tea. The ruins by Trujillo's store made us sweat; the lake cooled us, and the Ghost Ranch Museum delighted us with their bird garden: black-chinned humming birds, Fufous hummingbirds, orioles, flycatchers, and scrub jays. With visits to Napoleon's garden and bird feeders, trips to Ojo Caliente for the evening discount ($12!), and a stunning visit to Christ in the Desert Monastery at the Chama River, we had no need to visit the O'Keeffe home and studio (soory, Georgia). I am sure we will tour it next time, but for this visit, we enjoyed the sights and spirit of Abiquiu, and hope to return soon. Not only is there so much more to see and do, but also there is plenty of relaxing and contemplation that will happen again in this place. Your casita is perfect; you've thought of everything, and your generosity impressed us. Thank you for restoring this space, and making it a tribute to the peopole. artists and all, whoi have made Abiquiu so special. We hope to return soon. Best of luck! Adrienne and friend

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Guest: Michelle and Alex
Date of Stay: 06/30/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Marci, We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the casita. We love this area and even here in this little village, there is so much history. The local folk were all warm and friendly. Your Casita is so lovely. You've done such a great job. If I have my way, we;ll be back before too long! This was a much needed escape! Sincerely, Michelle and Alex

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Guest: Dave and Kay
Date of Stay: 06/13/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Marci, We most enjoyed our week in your lovely casita along with Ed and Nancy. You have done wonders with its restoration. For us, this location was a perfect place to experience the arts of the native people and of Georgia O'Keeffe in so many directions! Thank you! Dave and Kay Bloomington, Illinois

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Guest: Jerry
Date of Stay: 06/06/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Marci, I enjoyed my stay in your lovely casita. Such a splendid refuge from every day hustle and bustle. A place for reflection and meditation. You have created a wonderful home. Jerry New Jersey

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Guest: Kristin and Dan
Date of Stay: 05/28/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Marci - Lovely casita, great retoration. We enjoyed our stay here in this lovely country. Your house is very comfortable. Great beds for sleeping and your furnishings give an authentic New Mexico feeling all around. Thanks for allowing us to stay in such a pleasant little village and feeling a part of the landscape. Kristin and Dan Dallas, Texas

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Guest: Dr. Jim and his wife
Date of Stay: 05/16/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Marci, About 35 years ago, I drove through here repeatedly through Abiquiu from Durango to Farmington area to Santa Fe and Las Vegas -- always in a hurry. When my wife and I drove through here a few years ago, we turned off at the Ghost Ranch sign to "see what was there." We stayed several days (unplanned) at Ghost Ranch, read books in the library, hiked the valley and mesa and returned on another (planned) trip to stay at Ghost Ranch. As we explored the valley from Ghost Ranch, we drove the back roads and around Abiquiu. This vacation was planned explicitly for staying in Abiquiu and it's been terrific! On your advice, we met with Napoleon Garcia and met his son, Leopoldo, bought books and art and wandered throught the village/pueblo. I got up at five am to see 'Miss O'Keeffe's sunrise and anjoyed NM's "enchanting' sunsets over the lake. I need to get back to NM and Abiquiu. Jim

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Guest: Steve and Sue
Date of Stay: 05/14/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Marci, Your casita is a special place, as is the village. We had planned to have dinner at the casita one night of our two night stay, but decided to cook in your kitchen both nights because we enjoyed being here so much. We hope we will be able to return one day. Thanks, Steve and Sue

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Guest: Arlette and Debbie
Date of Stay: 04/25/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Dear Marci, Do we really have to leave? Families call, but our stay has been absolutely wonderful for five days of magic! We are in awe of your perseverance in restoring "La Casita" and of your attention to every, loving, artful detail to authenticity and atmosphere. It was fun having dinner with you and hope to do it again when we return. My neice, Sharon, was lucky to have you as a neighbor. Thank you for sharing "La Casita." Arlette and Debbie P.S. Thanks for the organic Half and Half (ah, the little thinghs that count!) I've painted "Cerro Pedernal" yesterday - a sublime experience!

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Guest: Laura and Dave, John and Pat
Date of Stay: 04/04/10 Review Submitted: 04/28/10

We spent our first Easter as a married couple with my parents. This was a very relaxing and special vacation for us all. The church bells at the Easter Vigil reminded us of the peace of being surrounded by family. Happy Easter! Laura and Dave, John and Pat Las Cruces, NM Myrtle Beach, SC

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Guest: Laura and Steve
Date of Stay: 03/26/10 Review Submitted: 04/28/10

We arrived around sunset after soaking at Ojo to your warm and beautifully lit casita. It was like entering another world. We were longing for something different from home and you gave it to us. While drinking our morning tea we heard singing, stepped outside to see Los Penitentes marching from the morada to the church -- crucufix in the lead, powderhorn and old rifle bringing up the rear. Church bell rings, rifle is fired, worshippers come and go all morning. Thanks for retsoring this adobe and sharing it with others. Laura & Steve Berkeley, California

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Guest: Julia Mooney (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 03/14/10 Review Submitted: 03/14/10

Dear Marci, This house and the land surrounding it are magical. I have never felt so at peace as I have here the past five days. Thank you for your incredible hospitality, for the terrific recommendations and for arranging thast magnificent horseback ride through Copper Canyon - an experience I'll remember for years to come. I'll also remember your casita with fondness. The lovely, serene Madonna who gteeted us in the kitchen, the Guardian Warrior who watched over us, and the wonderful, lucious bed where I slept and dreampt like never before. Thank you for it all. Hope to return one day! Julia Mooney New York, NY 2/15/10/ - 2/20/10

Owner response:Dear Julia, It was so much fun talking to you thru email for months before you came out. February in Abiquiu is very beautiful and it really didn't feel all that cold. I will never forget racing around the pueblo on horses and giggling while we tried to hold them still for our picture outside Georgia's wall. It was truly a hoot and I hope you got pictures to prove it. Please come out again to explore more of Abiquiu and the enchanting, mystical, remote Chaco Canyon (before they start drilling for oil out there and things change). You are always welcome -- and we can go for anopther ride... Whoaoh, girl! Marci

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Guest: Tom and Carol
Date of Stay: 08/12/09 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Well, we have done O'Keeffe full circle. We were where she was born and now seen where it finished. We were out all the time -- Ghost Ranch, Echo Amphitheatre, Chimayo, High Road to Taos, El Rito and more nightly sunsets at the lake, Georgia's apricots for snacks and ended our stay with a trail ride to the top of the mesa (the world) across form Ghost Ranch. The casita and village were great. Time seems slower and quieter. Thank you so much for something that is so much more than just a place to sleep. Marci, thanks again, Tom and Carol

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Guest: Jerielle & Wendy
Date of Stay: 04/08/09 Review Submitted: 04/28/10

Dear Marci, Ahh...what a magical place this is and you have enhanced its magic tenfold with your attention to comfort, convenience and attention to beauty. Everything is simple and such a visual feast! We've had experience with remodeling and restoration and know of the time and repeated attention to detail that is required to enhance a place like this so it flows with peace and ease. This kitchen is so sweet and well stocked - it's a pleasure to prepare a simple and delicious meal here, or play a game at the table with tea and cookies. The madonna there is such a quiet and gentle presence - I made several drawings of her. The light fixtures, the dimmers, the lamps, the stove, in the corner, quietly murmuring all have their role in the ambiance here. The table by the window invites artwork or writing. The sofa - such a comfortable place to relax with a book - O'Keeffe, the Life of An American Legend, fascinated us, and inspired us to make the tours of both the Abiquiu house and her area of Ghost Ranch. We had three lovely, long hikes - 2 at Ghost Ranch (Chimney Rock and Box Canyon) and a lovely walk near the Rio Chama, on the way to the monastery. The Box Canyon was our favorite, though we loved them all. Much of it was along a small stream of melted snow as it gurgled over beautiful rocks and boulders and thru many colors of sand and crumbling rock. There we saw our fist hummingbird of the year. When we made it to the "box" canyon after a challenging adventure finding our way over large boulders, two ravens appeared, riding the wind currents and exploring high places. We watched them a long while - and shortly after they left, they returned briefly with a redtailed hawk. We are reluctant to leave - it has been such a nourishing time of spaciousness and allowing each day to unfold. We both thank you again for this perfect home - space here in Abiquiu. We hope to return! With gratitude, Jerielle and Wendy Brunswick, Maine

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Guest: Glenn and Tomoko Perry (Albuquerque, NM)
Date of Stay: 07/26/08 Review Submitted: 07/26/08

7-4-2008 Upon my nudging, we slept in the back bedroom on the real earth floor - hogan style. Going to sleep here is a medium that transports us into the arms of our ancestors. Every inch of this place is dripping with soul. We can't thank you enough.

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Guest: Sheila McClay-Nuss & Eleanor Nuss (North Cape May, N.J.)
Date of Stay: 07/26/08 Review Submitted: 07/26/08

Dear Marci, Your lovely casita is like opening an unasuming wooden chest to find a treasure inside...what an amazing spiritual journey my daughter and I have shared from St. Tomas to Christ in the Desert Monastery to a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage within the Morada with Caretaker Dexter. The Casita was always a touchstone of beauty and peace to come home to. Thank you for making it possible for my daughter and I to take this walk together in this sacred place. ...You know, we are so sad to leave we can't keep but contemplate making a vacation home here, but wait! We already do!! It truly felt like home! As I look around for the last time (this trip!), I can't help but think of the sense of wonder the next guest will experience upon their arrival. What a wonderful cycle of peace and beauty you have created here! With gratitude, Sheila and Eleanor

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Guest: Marla Akin & John McAlpin
Date of Stay: 07/24/08 Review Submitted: 07/23/08

Dear Marci - After spending a few days, we sadly must go. We both thank you for your hospitality and warm welcome. You have done amazing things to this home. We are enjoying the respite from 100 degree temps back home, in your little oasis here. Marla and John

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Guest: Sergio and David
Date of Stay: 07/12/08 Review Submitted: 07/11/08

Marci: Piggie and I thank you for our stay in "La casita de Chocolate." We enjoyed our time here, warm, charming and full of wonderful energy and spirits. Love, Sergio and David

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Guest: Ruthie Kirkpatrick (Ruidoso, New Mexico)
Date of Stay: 09/11/07 Review Submitted: 09/11/07

The 3 days we spent at La Casita de Chocolate were wonderful! It was our home away from home. Marcie did a wonderful job at restoring this casita. The time spent at La Casita was definitely magical!

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Guest: Marjorie Levinson/Richard Harris (Brookline, MA)
Date of Stay: 08/25/07 Review Submitted: 08/25/07

Dear Marci, Alhough we've traveled often and widely, I've never been tempted to leave my remarks in a guest book, for no matter how lovely the home and spectacular the setting, the arrangement seemed always too impersonal for the genre of individual commentary. There is something very different, however, here at #6. Even without your genealogy of the evolution from ruin to rustic retreat, one would feel - one DOES feel - the human investment in this gem of a cottage. As I entered, weary from a long drive,I found myself touching every surface as if to restore my strength and soothe my nerves, e.g., the stone-inset bench beside the front door, the adobe walls with embedded straw, the smoothly worn wood of the kitchen table, the rough tickle of the floors on bare feet(& the variety: slate, brick, stone..). I suspect that a professional designer might be able to achieve the authenticity of some of the fittings and furnishings, but the structure as a whole - the environment - is unmistakably the work and the love of a whole person. As I write this, a hummingbird is beating its shimmering wings a thousand times a second as it hovers around the lavender bush in the front yard. It's 7:30 am and the sun is already hot. My family is still sleeping and I have the peace and again, that word, wholeness, of the place all to myself. What more sincere compliment can I offer but to say that I dream, as I sit here, of finding or making a shelter such as this, a shelter that is also an opening for myself and Richard once the last of our children has gone off to university. In other words, in casita chocolate I have found the shape and substance of my desire for the future. Many thanks to you for this gift.

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Guest: Sallye and Ed Vela
Date of Stay: 08/20/07 Review Submitted: 08/19/07

Marci, Thank you for having the patience to restore this lovely casita, and for sharing it with us. Northern New Mexico is a magical and mystical country all its own and your casita is part of it. August 20, 2007

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Guest: Melissa Smith1 (Glastonbury, CT)
Date of Stay: 08/13/07 Review Submitted: 08/13/07

Aug 4-6, 2007 Having "La Casita de Chocolate" as our home for these three days has been delightful. The accommodations are perfect: not one thing is lacking or wanted. Marci has thought of everything! The authentic yet unique style Marci has created here is exceptional and lovely. It is obvious she has chosen each and every item with care and the eye of an artist. Thank you Marci (and John!) for being such gracious hosts, showing us more of the place we love and hope to live in the near future. Our experience at the monastery was awesome. It is wonderful knowing we have good friends, someone to share a bottle of wine with or a dinner at Walter's with! Until the next time, Melissa and Mike Smith Glastonbury CT and Lindsey Smith Flagstaff , AZ

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Guest: Michael & Janet (-)
Date of Stay: 07/26/07 Review Submitted: 07/26/07

Dear Marci- It has been a privilege to have stayed in La Casita de Chocolate. Reading of your trials and tribulations involved in it's transformation, you have done a remarkable job! We feel like honored guests! Thank you for your kindness and to your friends John and Jeff for their willingness to help. Having tasted the area, we can understand why you stuck it out! It is very special! Michael and Janet

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Guest: Debra L. Perez & Robert Monroe
Date of Stay: 07/12/07 Review Submitted: 07/11/07

Our stay at the casita is something we'll always remember and enjoy for the rest of our lives. A memory we'll always cherish. Robert Monroe & Darlene Perez with love.

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Guest: Angelica Caudillo
Date of Stay: 07/12/07 Review Submitted: 07/11/07

I loved the stay. It is such a Beautiful Casita. I love the bedrooms and everything about it. Thank you so much for allowing my family and me to stay.

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Guest: Terry Belanger (Pawleys Island, SC)
Date of Stay: 05/07/07 Review Submitted: 05/07/07

I was lucky enough to see this marvelous gem just prior to opening. It is the quintessence of the SouthWest. It is private, cozy and peaceful and lovingly furnished with antiques and warm colors. This, to me, is the perfect retreat. I have had 25 years in the travel industry and this is an exceptional accommodation. I recommend you get your reservations in quickly, this little treasure is going to be grabbed up fast!

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Guest: Mr.and Mrs. Brian Cauldillo
Date of Stay: 04/23/07 Review Submitted: 04/22/07

Dear Marci, Thank you for sharing your wonderful house of chocolate. Our stay will always be one of the most wonderful memories for the both of us. Your desription of the casita does not come close -- it isn't a casita, it's a casa. Thank you, you're great.

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