La Lomita on a summer evening: secluded, yet near stores, restaurants & hospital
Location: Ojo Caliente, New Mexico, USA (40 min. to Taos & Santa Fe, 1.5 hrs from ABQ airport)
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 2-8)
Keywords: On 9 acres, our solar adobe home with covered porch facing the Jemez mountains was designed with quiet and the spiritual in mind. The terrain, including the mesa high above the house, suggests privacy.
Nestled into the Black Mesa, La Lomita is located in the center of a circle surrounded by Taos to the north, Española and Santa Fe to the south, Abiquiu to the west and Chimayo to the east. It is also 12 miles from the relaxing mineral springs and spa at Ojo Caliente. and 30 minutes from Los Alamos and Bandalier National Monument.
The spectacular Santa Fe Opera is 30 minutes away, as is a wonderful flea market with treasures from "south of the border", sold by "artesanos" from Mexico, Guatemala and other native areas.
The Chimayo Road through Truchas, the high road to Taos, is another treasure trove, with native Hispanos displaying tin work, retablos, santos, and a weaving tradition begun hundreds of years ago.
River rafting in the Rio Grande or floating over the river gorge in a hot air balloon, are adventures waiting for all ages, as are the ski trails and golf courses, all in close proximity to LaLomita.
Stay "at home" and climb the Black Mesa, part of our 9 acre "back yard" and if you reach the top (about one hour of spectacular climbing), wander across the top of the Mesa and see the Rio Grande flowing below. Or grab your easel and paints, camera or writing pad, and capture the breath-taking, mountain scenes all around you. Need to relax? Try tai-chi or yoga or gentle walking around our juniper, piñon, desert-flowered landscape. And when you're worn-out from all these adventures, let the many visiting songbirds lull you into a peace-full siesta.
La Lomita is owned by one of "Los Valdezes," whose ancestors settled in the area 300 years ago. They built La Lomita with hospitality and spirituality in mind. It is a place of healing and rest, of relaxing and dreaming; of renewal. It holds mystery in the howling coyotes, the whispering junipers, the shifting arroyos and the colorful wildlife. Bienvenidos! Nuestra casa es su casa.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : New
- Dryer : New
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking : Plentiful parking in driveway
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Gas Fireplace
- Wood Fireplace : Chiminea outside.
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2) : Master bedroom has a queen size bed.
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Convertible Bed (4) : A second bedroom/study offers a full futon; The living room has a queen-size sofa plus 2 single pull-out love seats.
- Crib : Fold-out port-a-crib in master bedroom
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : The house offers a satellite TV with the basic channels. Flat screen LED HDTV great for watching movies.
- DVD
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : La Lomita, equipped with security system, features a modern, well-equipped kitchen which flows into a great room with magnificent mountain and mesa views.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : A porch stretches across the front (west side) of the house, and comfortable deck chairs provide a front row seat for spectacular sunsets and watching nature.
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Monument View : There is no famous monument, so there are no crowds. However, there are 2 exceptional monuments of a local sandstone nature out the north and east windows.
- Communications
- Telephone : Besides the landline, most cellphones also work at La Lomita. Long-distance card necessary.
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- La Lomita is heated by a clean-burning propane stove, an electric base board heater in each bedroom and, of course, by the sun warming the floors and adobe walls via the south-facing Trombe window panels. In the summer, the adobe walls, with the help of ceiling fans, allow the house to maintain a comfortable temperature naturally. The well, which is more than 400 feet deep, provides clear, crisp water. Everything is on one floor, including the two bathrooms, one with a shower-tub combination and one with shower and laundry with a new washer, dryer and utility sink.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed : Sorry, we are concerned about those with allergies.
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Preferably over one day old. However, in an emergency, you may have to give birth on the property. Not recommended, as there is a wonderful hospital in Española 9 miles away.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Start your day on the porch of our solar adobe home by watching the sun creep slowly over the surrounding Black Mesa. Choose a different adventure and a different direction each day: Enjoy the wide variety of restaurants in Ojo Caliente, Española and vicinity, each with its own flavor of hospitality and culture. Rejuvenate in the centuries-old mineral springs resort of Ojo Caliente, 15 minutes north of La Lomita. Follow the Rio Grande 1 hour northeast to the famous ski slopes of Taos and visit its unique shops and restaurants. Don't miss the spectacular Rio Grande gorge–perhaps from your midnight hot air balloon! One day isn't enough to spend in beautiful, historic Santa Fe, the highest capitol in the United States. Visit museums, 300 year-old churches, the town square with native artisans selling their wares and, of course, Santa Fe's wonderful restaurants. All this plus skiing and golf are only 40 minutes from our home.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$140 per night (2 night minimum) .. $800/week .. $2500/month
$100 deposit
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1999
Carl and Gretchen Valdez live in Minneapolis, MN and have 6 daughters, 8 grandchildren and a great-grand daughter. Carl is a veteran of the US Air Force of the Viet Nam era. Both are retired teachers, but Carl works full-time as an ordained deacon in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Su ministerio es primeramente con los de habla hispana.
Carl is named after his paternal grandfather, Carlos Borromeo Valdez. His grandfather and grandmother, Estella Trujillo, were both from families that originally settled in the Santa Fe area and, because of a drought, moved north to southern Colorado to an area that was named "Los Valdeses". Some of his aunts, uncles and cousins eventually moved back to Española, Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and it is primarily in this area that he and Gretchen began regular visits more than 30 years ago. The church, San Francisco de Asís, which was founded in Los Valdeses, Colorado was named "La Loma" (the hill); thus the name for our home - La Lomita.
Hemos viajado en México, Guatemala, España y Costa Rica.
Why the Owner Chose Ojo Caliente
In addition to the above family reasons, we became enchanted with the beauty of northern New Mexico, hearing the language of Carl's father, the music, the restaurants with authentic northern New Mexican food, and even watching the hummingbirds.
The Unique Benefits of this House
We love the excitement of watching our grandchildren start "the climb" to the top of the mesa (okay, so only two have made it with a lot of help from grandpa) or climb on the surrounding rock structures, watch hummingbirds dive and look forward every day to a new adventure - just minutes away.
We are delighted that there is something to do year around. In some months, it's possible to ski in the morning (Taos) and golf in the afternoon (Albuquerque).
Property Photos
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- La Lomita on a summer evening: secluded, yet near stores, restaurants & hospital - Ojo Caliente, New Mexico Vacation Home
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- The relaxing front porch faces the mountains to the west. - Ojo Caliente, New Mexico Vacation Home
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- Nearing sunset time from the porch. - Ojo Caliente, New Mexico Vacation Home
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- Grandkids' reward: the top of the mesa!
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- The great room with natural light, high ceiling and a view.
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- A fully equipped kitchen with New Mexican natural slate countertops.
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- The Master Bedroom with thick adobe walls for comfort.
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- Looking out the kitchen window
Traveler Reviews (6)
Our new home away from home.
Guest: Brian and Kerry
(Rio Rancho, NM)
Date of Stay: 11/24/11
Review Submitted: 12/04/11
We've been using VRBO for many years now, and have stayed in many wonderful places, but your place far exceeded our expectations. It was wonderful beyond anywhere else we've stayed. What a magnificent retreat! Other than a short trip to the springs at Ojo Caliente, we didn't leave the comforts of the casita. The views from all sides were magnificent, quintessential New Mexico. Everything was cozy and comfortable, and the kitchen had everything foodies like us could ask for. We're tempted to write a terrible review in hopes others who may want to use it when we might will stay away.........but, alas, our conscience won't let us. It is a not-to-be missed place for anyone looking to spend some time in the center of all that northern New Mexico has to offer. Thanks so much for your hospitality, and to Jerry for the great welcome!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, age 55+.
You have to experience this!!!!!
Guest: Sports Bar & Grill Owner
(Carlsbad, NM)
Date of Stay: 11/13/10
Review Submitted: 11/21/11
My wife wanted me to take her to the hot springs in Ojo Caliente for her birthday. I checked out the resorts rates and accomodations and was not impressed. Since I have used VRBO several times in the past I looked to see what was available in the area. BOY DID I DO GOOD!!! Saved a lot of money and got to stay at one the nicest places I have experienced anywhere in the world (I have done a lot of traveling)! Beautiful home, Awsome surrondings, privacy and the most pleaseant people I have dealt with for such arrangements! My wife and I love to ride and we will be back (on the bike) when the weather is a little warmer. Close to Taos, Santa Fe and surronded by nothing but beautiful country. Perfict place to go even if you have no particular reason to be there! The private (huge cliff) in the back yard is awsome. It sort of ends at the bottom window level of the master beedroom. TOO COOL. F
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+.
Gorgeous remote retreat
Guest: Brooke M.
Date of Stay: 10/02/11
Review Submitted: 10/10/11
My mother and I had an absolutely wonderful time at La Lomita! Thank you so much for renting your house to us. We spent 4 days rockhounding in the surrounding area: behind the house on your mesa, up Route 519 in the Carson National Forest, along the road east of Dixon near the Harding Mine. We found some beautiful specimens--chalcedony roses and pegmatite on Route 519, huge crystals and pink muscovite in the mine tailings outside of Dixon. We also had a couple of lovely soaks at nearby Ojo Caliente, ate at The Artesian at the Ojo Caliente Spa, El Paragua in Espanola, and El Farolito in El Rito (the best chili rellenos--YUM!!), hiked up to the Anasazi site at Ojo, visited the spectacular Abiquu and Ghost Ranch, drove the High Road from Taos and stopped at my mother's favorite pottery studio (Ojo Sarco Pottery) near Truchas. The cottonwoods were just beginning to turn, and the weather was lovely. Everything is so conveniently located to La Lomita. It was a great home base. Best of all were the sunsets from your porch, the jackrabbits hopping by and posing for pictures, and the coyotes howling at night. Just heavenly. The kitchen is to die for. We cooked every day and laid our daily rock collections out on the huge stone island. We never availed ourselves of the satellite TV. There was just too much else to do, although we appreciated the wi-fi connection. The milky way was amazing on the cloudless nights, and the sunrise glowing on the morning clouds on our last day made it heartbreaking to leave Thanks to your brother for meeting us at the house and getting us set up. La Lomita is a special place, and we will treasure our memories of our respite there.
Owner response:Many thanks for the review, Brooke. You and your mother are reflective of the creative people we have passing our way. Thanks for your visit! Carl and Gretchen
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
Wonderful House, Great Vacation
Guest: Kim
(Huntington, WV)
Date of Stay: 07/25/11
Review Submitted: 08/08/11
This is a great cooking house, we tend to cook almost all our meals when we rent a house and this one had everything we needed, even if you tend a little bit on the gourmet side. Plenty to do every day with side trips to Santa Fe, Taos, or the springs in Ojo Caliente. We would definitely go back. Everything is well thought out, plenty of room and it's secluded but not too secluded. Thanks to Carl, Gretchen, Jerry and Carol.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
LOVED IT!
Guest: Jimmi
(Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 10/18/10
Review Submitted: 08/04/11
I was really in need of a good vacation. I wanted to get away, be in beautiful surroundings, find some good food and just hang out. I got everything I wanted. The house is simply beautiful and comfortable. I felt instantly relaxed. The terrain around the house was fun for hiking. We were short drives to Taos and Santa Fe. There were a number of good restaurants nearby. It was perfect. I got just what I needed.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Beautiful house and surroundings! Great experience!
Guest: Alex
(Minneapolis, MN USA)
Date of Stay: 09/12/10
Review Submitted: 07/05/11
The house is beautiful with a wonderful great room for socializing. We love to be able to cook while talking to our friends and watching the sunset reflecting on the mesa out the large windows. We enjoyed hiking up the mesa and exploring the area. We found it to be a great home base from which to explore the beautiful area. Be sure to check out the amazing Mexican food and unique atmosphere at nearby El Paragua and Rancho de Chimayo restaurants. Carl was a pleasure to deal with in getting us set up.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #168728
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