The "Kiva" fireplace - a little wood goes a long way.
Location: Guadalupe, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA (The Guadalupe/Railyard area, a 10 minute walk to the Plaza.) View Map
Accommodations: House, 1 Bedroom + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
Keywords: Historic, house, residential, adobe, fireplace
"El Primero" at La Casa Santa Fe. Make your stay in Santa Fe special by staying in the historic José D Sena House, within walking distance of the renowned Plaza and of the Sanbusco Center. "Walk Score" 92, a "Walker's Paradise." See our homepage (link at the bottom of this page, below the calendar) for clickable links to information about local food, museums, art, upcoming events, outdoor activities, and more.
Here in the historic Guadalupe district, you will be near the Plaza, the Lensic Performing Arts Center, the Sanbusco Center, the Railyard Park, and the Santa Fe River, as well as seven museums.
This is a neighborhood where families with generational Santa Fe roots mingle with newer folks who have come to love the traditional Southwestern hospitality. "El Primero" is located in the front part of an adobe house once owned by Civil War Major José D Sena. Local legend says he lost the property and the adjoining corn fields as a gambling debt. However that may be, various parts of this multi-roomed building have served as residence and as stables. You will be staying in rooms with 12 ft ceilings, in which you can still see bits of the adobe that originally served for the roof. But never fear, there are modern touches such as electricity and indoor plumbing!
The thick adobe walls which provide insulation, and the high ceilings with hand-hewn vigas and boards are some of the authentic historical features. Off-street parking near your door makes it easy to lug home your finds from shopping expeditions. A high-speed internet connection is available in case you have an urge to surf the web or, alas, have to attend to business.
You will find a king size bed with a cozy comforter and a bank of pillows, to sleep two. Check out the antique walnut petticoat dresser, with the huge oval mirror.
Two single-size thick foam mattresses can be folded out to provide floor sleeping for the kids.
Watch HDTV in the living room, or maybe you just want to enjoy a fire in the kiva fireplace, wood provided.
Your kitchen is outfitted with everything you need to prepare intimate meals, including recipe books featuring New Mexico home cooking recipes and a rack of basic spices. Complimentary reverse osmosis water lets you brew that perfect cup of morning coffee; we’ll give you some ground Starbucks to get you started, and there is a coffee grinder for your own beans. If you need some particular kitchen gadget give us a ring ... we can probably lend you one. Then let the dishwasher do the clean up while you relax.
A full bath followed by hefty cotton towels and a hair dryer will perk you up for a night on the town, but If you want to cozy up "en casa," look through the bookshelves and choose from our selection of guidebooks, novels, and historical materials with a New Mexico theme.
Sure, it's an easy walk to the famous Plaza. But look at what else there is, within a 10 minute walk of La Casa Santa Fe! Here’s a small sample of the neighborhood:
Let’s eat! Walk over and pick up fresh and prepared organic food at The Marketplace/La Montanita Co-op: 5 blocks (or drive a few more blocks to Trader Joe’s, Wild Oats, or Whole Foods.) The Farmers’ Market is open Tuesday and Saturday mornings in summer, and Saturday in winter -- we can show you how to take a walking route to shortcut through the neighborhood: also about 5 blocks.
On those days you want somebody else to do the cooking (and we all have those) at least two dozen restaurants are a stroll away, most moderately priced. For example, there's New Mexican, barbeque, Japanese, East Indian, American, Continental, Thai, pizza, mid-eastern, and . . . Swiss pastries!.
Maybe you’re up for some unique shopping opportunities? The Guadalupe District is full of arts, crafts, quirky independent shops, antiques, and even some familiar chains. Sanbusco Center (three blocks away) has an eclectic collection of shops, including a Border's bookstore to find maps and guides about New Mexico, and an inexpensive, informal restaurant. There are also some wonderful consignment shops, with clothing, jewelry, furniture, and more.
Or walk to a variety of museums . . . between the art galleries and the historical buildings, half the town looks like a museum. But seven actual museums within a ten minute walk are: The Santuario de Guadalupe, Site Santa Fe, the Georgia O’Keeffe, the Museo Cultural, the Palace of the Governors, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the just-completed New Mexico History Museum. Bus connections to four more museums on Museum Hill are two blocks away.
When you're in New Mexico, get outdoors! This might be our favorite topic. Nearby, Hyde Park and the Santa Fe National Forest are a cool twelve miles and 3,000 feet up. Petroglyph National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, and Pecos National Monument are all within an hour's drive. We are happy to share with you our knowledge from over 40 years of traipsing around New Mexico, from day hikes to car camping to multi-day backpacks, from X-C skiing to downhill dashes, with rafting and a little rock climbing thrown in, along with some bird watching and mushroom hunting. Just let us know what interests you.
Our guests have left us some kind comments, click on the "Reviews" link to read them. Give us a call or send e-mail if you have questions. We live around the corner from the property, and we're looking forward to meeting you!
Please note: La Casa Santa Fe offers a smoke-free environment, so we trust you will respect this policy and only smoke outdoors.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Linens Provided : For our guests with longer stays, we provide fresh linens on a weekly basis.
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Fireplace : Firewood provided.
- Beds
- King Bed
- Convertible Bed (2) : Foldable, single-size thick foam mattresses and bedding for floor use.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : HDTV, Dish Network DVR, DVD player
- DVD
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Gas range. A selection of spices; sugar, and flour. Reverse osmosis water for drinking and coffee/tea.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Blender, coffee grinder and electric drip coffee maker; pots, pans, baking dishes, sharp knives -- everything you need to enjoy the bounty of the local farmers' market.
- Refrigerator : Full size refrigerator/freezer.
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Lanai : Portal (covered porch) with patio table and chairs.
- Communications
- Telephone : Free local calls.
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- With 651 sq ft to enjoy, there is room to spread out and relax.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed : Sorry, no pet accommodations. Please see our El Nido vrbo #154580 if you have a doggie.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : City code requires no more than two adults (persons over 18) plus two children (under 18.)
- Smoking Not Allowed : Please smoke only outside.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Racquetball
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Rafting
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Please enjoy the library shelves, stocked with books and maps of local interest. Learn about the local history or arts, enjoy the Tony Hillerman mysteries, peruse the cookbooks to cook something with New Mexico flavor. The Santa Fe Opera is about a ten minute drive from El Primero.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$103-$135/night, 4 night minimum stay - 8.1875% tax is additional. Rates are for
up to 2 adults and 2 children. Guests staying longer than a week receive a linen
change weekly, and may request a thorough cleaning for $50 per occasion. Visit our
website www.lacasasantafe.com to see rates for stays beyond 4 nights. Personal
check or money order preferred. Refunds are not available, but dates may be
changed or deposit transferred to other persons. Rent El Primero and El Nido
(VRBO #154580) for the same dates and get a 15% discount on El Nido.
Short term rental license #11-00104057
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
We've Got a Great Ski Season Going!
Year Purchased: 2006
Why the Owner Chose Guadalupe
We have lived in this area for over 30 years, and enjoy the neighborhood mix of families descended from the early settlers and newcomers who have adopted Santa Fe for their hometown. Since our vacation rentals are next door, now we get to meet people from all over the world!
The Unique Benefits at this House
Our guests tell us they feel like they are staying in a real home. And they are right, this house has been home for local folks for over 130 years. Ask us about Grandmother Montoya ... and her canary mausoleum! If you want to be able to tell your friends you vacationed in a 130 year old house made out of dirt (adobe) this is the place.
Owner's Map of Guadalupe
We are "outdoor nuts" who find something to do outdoors no matter the season ... although things don't always turn out just as planned! Our fondness for good food can take us on excursions closer to home ... there are literally dozens of restaurants within walking distance of our home and El Primero. Or we can stretch our legs with a stroll to the Plaza and museums, or to the Lensic Performing Arts space. Our kitties like the outdoors, too, but we have them confined to our house and back yard.
Property Photos
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- The "Kiva" fireplace - a little wood goes a long way. - Santa Fe Rental
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- The antique "petticoat" dresser, in Santa Fe since the early 1900s. - Santa Fe Rental
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- Hand-hewn boards and vigas in the bedroom ceiling. - Santa Fe Rental
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- The Thanksgiving cactus enjoys the morning light.
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- The library corner in the living room
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- This antique table opens to a full round for more spacious dining.
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- Your fully equipped kitchen.
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- Plenty of room for your produce from the Farmers' Market.
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- The curved shower rod gives you so much elbow room.
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- Sanbusco shopping center - three blocks away.
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- Walk over to see sculptures at the State Capitol building - "the Roundhouse"
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- We love to watch the seasons change on the mountains.
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- An early Autumn hike in the nearby Pecos Wilderness.
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- Our neighbor across the street is a woodcarver.
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- Morning sun even in the middle of winter.
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- Part of our long, old adobe house.
Traveler Reviews (49)
New Year's Weekend 2012
Guest: Lynn and John
(Houston, Texas USA)
Date of Stay: 12/30/11
Review Submitted: 01/04/12
El Primero is a perfect base for a Santa Fe vacation for a couple. It is well located, very "Santa Fe" atmospheric, very comfortable. It is also well located in the rail yard area and within walking distance of the Saturday Farmers Market and the excellent restaurant La Ristra. Linda was a wonderful hostess, a fount of local info and stories about the historic property. Thanks, Linda!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+.
Great place to relax
Guest: BR
(Tom's Place, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/15/11
Review Submitted: 10/24/11
I have used VRBO many times in the last several years and this is probably the best rental property in which we have stayed. The location was great, walking distance to the plaza, the photos were accurate, is was very clean and well supplied. This will be our choice when we return to Santa Fe.
Recommended for:Age 55+.
Great location, comfort, and charm
Guest: Mark and Mary Ellen
(Madison, WI)
Date of Stay: 09/28/11
Review Submitted: 10/06/11
We stayed six nights at La Casa Santa Fe in El Primero. The apartment has great ambience and comfort. The kitchen is well-equipped and the bed is comfortable. The location is great. We walked to the State Capitol which has a great art collection and to the Plaza and restaurants. Linda provided lots of great suggestions. Be sure to check out her website which is a complete travel guide in itself. Linda recommended the Cumbres-Toltec narrow-gauge steam train. The scenery on the train trip is spectacular, and we had the added benefit of glorious fall color in the aspens. Be sure to go all the way from Chama to Antonito. We highly recommend La Casa Santa Fe.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+.
Wonderful Experience!
Guest: Susan Braidwood
(Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11
Review Submitted: 08/09/11
We originally planned on 4 nights, but because of flight delays, we only had 3. Definitely our loss, since the house is wonderful and we really enjoyed Santa Fe. The photos accurately represent the property. It was spotlessly clean and very comfortable. The location is excellent, an easy walk to the plaza. We loved the neighbourhood. The kitchen is very well equipped, but if you don't want to cook, there are many great restaurants nearby. Linda, the owner, provided us with lots of information on the area. Unfortunately they were scheduled to leave on their own vacation the day after we were originally scheduled to arrive, and with our late arrival, we didn't get to meet them. No problem, since they have a long term tenant who showed us around when we arrived. I highly recommend El Primero and would definitely stay there again.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+.
Charming and Comfortable
Guest: Jack & Debbie
(Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/09/11
Review Submitted: 05/18/11
We just returned from a wonderful one-week stay at this casita. The location is great--close to the plaza area and Railyard, but not IN them--much quieter! The place is large for a one-bedroom and includes a king-sized bed. The living area is quite large and contains a large sofabed, two comfortable chairs, and tables to put our stuff on (often missing elsewhere, we've found). The kitchen is unusually well equipped and the bathroom is larger than in many places--has a small bathtub/shower combination. It even includes lots of shelving for your toiletries (another feature often missing). Be sure to dine at Dinner 4 Two on Guadalupe. It's not far, and the food is spectacular and reasonably priced for a fine dining restaurant. Pronzo--in the Sanbusco Center--is even closer. Great pasta & pizza. Thanks, Linda, for a comfortable home-away-from-home!
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, age 55+.
Perfect escape for spring break
Guest: biggerbuffalo
(Granite, CO)
Date of Stay: 03/28/11
Review Submitted: 04/06/11
Everything was extremely clean and the furnishings were comfortable. The downtown location was awesome for sightseeing and shopping. Linda was especially helpful and a great hostess. We would definitely recommend this place to friends and family. Thanks!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Guest: Mike & Vanessa
(-)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11
Review Submitted: 03/18/11
Linda, We just wanted to thank you for making our trip so enjoyable! The house is wonderful, and all the tips you gave us really helped to make our trip to Santa Fe one to remember! We can't wait to come and stay here again! Thank you...
Recommended for:
Lovely and Lux for a terrific price
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/16/10
Review Submitted: 01/04/11
Easy access and parking into downtown SF. Just a few blocks from the square, yet in a very quiet neighborhood. We used all the amenties, including the wifi -- which was nice to have as we planned the day's events. The full kitchen is nicely appointed and we used it 1-2x each day. Having a kitchen also allowed us to budget for a superior dinner out. The SF Farmer's Market is just a few blocks away, too, an easy walk on a Saturday or Sunday morning. What a way to start the weekend! The proprietor's pride of ownership is easy to see, and this translates into a comfortable, tidy, and cozy experience.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+.
New Years in Santa Fe
Guest: Happy Diner
(Burlingame, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/28/10
Review Submitted: 01/03/11
We just finished a great four-night stay at the Casa and Santa Fe area. Thanks to Linda for sharing such great accommodations and especially well equipped kitchen. Our visit included low temps and lots of snow so we appreciated evening time in front of the kiva fireplace. My husband had never seen one (his first visit to SF) and adored it. Very warm! Linda took great care of us and shared snow scraper and coffee travel mug for our early AM exit to Albuquerque. We enjoyed a great New Years Eve dinner at Koi. Tomasita's and O'Keefe Cafe were also big hits. Galleries were wonderful, especially the high end, as all proprietors were very welcoming. We learned a lot about local and regional art. We also were glad we purchased $20.00 four day pass to Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Spanish Colonial Arts, New Mexico Museum of Art , Palace of the Governor's/New Mexico History Museum. We hit four out of five. Navaho rugs at Wheelwright Museum "Nizhoni Shima': Master Weavers of the Toadlena/Two Grey Hills Region" were also thrilling.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+.
At Home in Historic Adobw
Guest: Kathy
(San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 10/19/10
Review Submitted: 11/04/10
We enjoyed our week's stay in October very much. The listing & photographs were very accurate. The house is roomy and comfortable, one rainy night we had a fabulous fire that made the living room especially colorful and cozy. The heating works well and was welcome on cold mornings and chilly evenings. The property was very clean and the kitchen and bathroom nicely stocked with necessities. Linda was delightful to share a glass of wine with and visit about the house, needed services & Santa Fe. It is a couple blocks further from the Plaza than other rentals but an easy walk and no traffic or tourist bustle. We felt very at home, and will return when visiting Santa Fe again, which we would love to do. Museum Hill, Canyon Road, Bandalier Monument -- fabulously enjoyable sites.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #141822
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