Casa Ambrosia: Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley
- Minimum stay:2 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:Yes
Casa Ambrosia is nestled in total peace and privacy, surrounded by tall cottonwood, pine, and oak trees, with an expansive view of the pastoral river valley of El Rito and the majestic Sangre de Cristo mountains off in the distance.
This wonderful, comfortable, and serene hideaway accommodates 4-5 people. The uniquely designed passive solar adobe house with high wood ceilings and impressive vigas is spacious and filled with light. There is a large semi-circular sun room, built like a sunken kiva, that is designed after Casa Grande in Chaco Canyon. There is one bath with tub and shower and two large bedrooms, each with a spectacular view. The softly curved walls of most rooms create a calm and nurturing environment. A fireplace adds to the warmth and comfort of the radiant floor heat. And along with great indoor living and dining spaces, there is a covered patio for outdoor dining and relaxation. A newly added hot tub on the front patio is perfect for relaxation and stargazing year round.
Casa Ambrosia borders the mountainous Carson National Forest and you can hike for hundreds of miles right out the back door. A short drive takes you to a creekside trail leading to Potrero Falls amidst tall Ponderous pines and aspens, or to a dramatic outcropping of volcanic upthrust near a shady stream. Nearby forest roads lead you to high mountain meadows filled with wildflowers and streams and breathtaking views, or off into desert canyonlands, with red cliff walls and towering rock formations. In winter, snowshoeing and cross country skiing are great pastimes. Year round, the very clear night sky is perfect for stargazing.
The historic village of El Rito has it's own charm, including a well-supplied library, a traditionally-built adobe church, and El Farolito, a small family restaurant, world famous for its authentic northern New Mexico cuisine, recommended in the Rand McNally Road Atlas and Gourmet Magazine. Their red and green chili dishes are delicious and very reasonable.
Casa Ambrosia is 15 miles north of Abiquiu, with it's stunningly beautiful lake for swimming and boating. In the village of Abiquiu, you can tour the home and studio of world reknowned painter Georgia O'Keefe, and visit the Rising Moon Gallery, bursting with high quality art by local artists. And further north in Chama, you can ride the historic Toltec Railroad through the high mountains, catching the glory of the changing colors of Fall.
Casa Ambrosia is 14 miles west of the beautifully appointed Ojo Caliente Hot Springs Spa and Resort, with a variety of natural mineral pools to soak in, plenty of massage and spa treatments to choose from, and a delicious restaurant to top off an adventurous day.
Only one hour to Santa Fe, and about the same to Taos, you can enjoy all kinds of fine dining, live music, museums, galleries, boutique shops, antique stores, films, opera, and much more. Both Santa Fe and Taos have ski basins, and there are several golf courses in the area. There are many national monuments and historic sites in the area, including Bandelier with it's ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.
Whether you're seeking cultural activities, ancient history, or natural beauty, there's something for everyone in this compelling heartland of Northern New Mexico.
Keywords: country house, passive solar design, adobe home, custom built, rural, natural setting, forest, mountains, meadows, water, hiking, skiing, swimming, cultural activities, ancient history, nature, pueblos, opera, golf, lake, fishing
Property Type
- 2 story
- House
- 2000 sq. ft.
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Suitability
Bedrooms
- 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5, Beds for 4-5
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Sunroom
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
Kitchen & Dining
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Microwave
- Coffee Maker
- Toaster
- Dishes & Utensils
- Pantry Items
Amenities
- Clothes Dryer
- Hair Dryer
- Living Room seats 6
- Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer
- Parking Off Street
- Iron & Board
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- Satellite / Cable
- Stereo
- CD Player
- DVD Player
Communications
- Wireless Internet
Pool & Spa
Outdoor Features
- Outdoor Grill
Theme
- Spa
- Adventure
- Romantic
- Family
- Away From It All
- Historic
Location & View
Activities
- Churches
- Mountaineering
- Whitewater Rafting
- Cross Country Skiing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Rafting
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Skiing
- Tennis
- Mountain Climbing
- Basketball Court
- Mountain Biking
- Water Skiing
- Kayaking
- Rock Climbing
- Sailing
- Jet Skiing
- Golf
- Wind-Surfing
- Snowboarding
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Freshwater Fishing
- Medical Services
- Library
- Ruins
- Museums
- Cinemas
- Restaurants
- Live Theater
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Bird Watching
- Scenic Drives
- Fly Fishing
- Walking
- Horseback Riding
- Sledding
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Sight Seeing
- Antiquing
- Fitness Center
- Groceries
- Massage Therapist
- Shopping
- Snowmobiling
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Perfect retreat in a perfect location
Perfect retreat in a perfect location
- Guest Shammie
- Date of stay 05/12/13
- Review Submitted 05/21/13
We have stayed at many of the VRBO properties in the SF area and this one has just become a favorite. Perfect location with hiking from the property. Very private with wonderful views of the mountains in the distance. Very comfortable and well equipped. Great location for many short day trips as well including Ojo Caliente, Abiquiu and Santa Fe (or Taos). We will definitely stay again and would recommend Casita Ambrosia.Recommended for: Families with young children, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
We just kept staying longer!
We just kept staying longer!
- Guest Thomas J.
- Date of stay 03/29/12
- Review Submitted 03/19/13
We chose Casa Ambrosia from all the Abiquiui area properties because it looked that you could walk into the national forest right there--and you can do that and much more. Plus El Rito is special and the house away from everything. Not only is the land gorgeous, but the house is so peaceful, spacious, calming. Waking up in the upstairs bedroom is indescribably beautiful, with fields and horses and mountains (both that and the downstairs bedroom are huge and have the same great views). Complete privacy. We used the fireplace for our March and April nights to be cozy, but of course the radiant heating was wonderful too! The dogs absolutely loved it. Driving to the property and then on it, you hear the rushing water in the acequia, the centuries-old watering system throughout New Mexico. We reserved a week and then as I rushed to finish my book by the deadline, we wanted to stay longer to relax without work. So we'd stay a few days more, and then email and say can we stay longer, and...before we knew it, our week was two weeks! The restaurant in town is absolutely awesome, and driving through El Rito to and from was fun by itself to see historical buildings next to new. And of course, surrounded by one of the biggest national forest systems in the U.S.--the Carson. Hike, veg, drive. Loved it.Recommended for: Families with young children, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Perfection!
Perfection!
- Guest Nada
- Date of stay 08/05/12
- Review Submitted 08/21/12
I have been to New Mexico many times, but came to celebrate my 60th birthday this time. I was wanting to stay in the Abiquiu/El Rito area, and when I saw the listing for Casa Ambrosia, I knew this would be the perfect place for my celebration. The house has everything one could possibly need for a wonderful time. All you need to do is add food, and beverages of your choice. My friends and I enjoyed traveling during the day, and coming back for a peaceful, and beautiful, evening outside enjoying nature. I was lucky enough to have a double rainbow on my birthday, followed by great viewing of the Perseid meteor shower a few days later. Even though it was August, we were able to eat breakfast and dinner outside in the cool temps. I highly recommend Casa Ambrosia, and would stay here again.Recommended for: Pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Great Place to stay
Great Place to stay
- Guest Napa610
- Date of stay 07/05/11
- Review Submitted 07/08/11
WOW! Everything you might need or want is here. If you want to be away from the hussle and bussle this is the place. It is 1.5 miles off the main road but well woth the bumpy ride. You will enjoy the peace and quiet, and will enjoy the fully equiped kitchen. This home gave my wife and I a great break away from our nomal life.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
Owner response: Thanks John, I'm so glad you and your wife enjoyed your stay! And I just wanted to clarify for future guests, that the last bit of dirt road that leads from the main highway into the property is a well-maintained county road, which is passable in any kind of vehicle. Thanks again John, and I hope you'll get to return someday!
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
-
We Loved Casa Ambrosia! A Perfect Retreat!
We Loved Casa Ambrosia! A Perfect Retreat!
- Guest Very Happy Cabiner
- Date of stay 08/26/10
- Review Submitted 04/04/11
We had such an amazing weekend in the beautiful Casa Ambrosia abode. Every morning started with a hike, and then we cooked in the lovely and well-stocked kitchen, read outdoors on the patio with a gorgeous view, watched movies in the cozy living room, took long baths, and slept in the fabulously clean and airy bedroom with a wonderful nature view. Our car never left the driveway. The house is by far the best, most stunning, most well-stocked we've ever stayed in for a weekend getaway. The round rooms, high ceilings, tiled floors, windows everywhere, and unique layout made us want to build our own Casa Ambrosia someday. We were so grateful for the incredible hospitality and generosity in sharing this little slice of paradise with us.Recommended for: Families with young children, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
-
Relaxing Visit
Relaxing Visit
- Guest Tom
- Date of stay 04/24/10
- Review Submitted 04/03/11
Casa Ambrosia is a beautiful & secluded retreat. Convenient to get to from central New Mexico and Southern Colorado. We had a wonderful time mountain biking, visiting Ojo Caliente and Ghost Ranch, fishing and just relaxing at this beautiful home. I would recommend it it to anybody for a long weekend or extended stay. Thanks, Alicia.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Summer 2010
Summer 2010
- Guest Esther
- Date of stay 08/19/10
- Review Submitted 03/28/11
We stayed in Casa Ambrosia in August 2010. We could not have wished for a better place. We loved staying there, the tranquility, the sunsets, the stars at night... the kitchen was extremely well equipped, the barbecue was a very nice addition. There were a lot of books to read (which we enjoyed) and the wireless internet worked perfectly. We had a wonderful time, and we hope we can come back! it was an excellent base to explore New Mexico, and so wonderfully close to Ojo Caliente hot springs.... very recommended!Recommended for: Pet owners, sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
-
I am hooked.
I am hooked.
- Guest D
- Date of stay 09/13/10
- Review Submitted 03/27/11
We had originally planned to stay two nights, it was so amazing we asked to stay an additional night. You feel like you are inside a telescope at night, so much closer to the stars than back in Kansas." I have told everyone in my family how great is was, and I plan to go back. I think I could stay there for an entire week and be perfectly content. The owner was wonderful. This was the best experience we have had with VRBO properties.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, age 55+, people with disabilities, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
-
Larry
Larry
- Guest Larry
- Date of stay 09/26/10
- Review Submitted 03/23/11
"We had a peaceful, restful time. We return to our jobs well rested and look forward to returning to the area next year!"Recommended for: Age 55+, tourists without a car.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
-
Peace, quiet, beauty
Peace, quiet, beauty
- Guest David
- Date of stay 12/25/10
- Review Submitted 03/22/11
We've retreated to Casa Ambrosia each of the past two years during the Christmas holidays. I'm sure we will go many more. The house, the setting, the privacy, the views, the quiet, all make it a perfect retreat. Hiking starts right outside the door, Abiquiu is nearby. This place is nothing but magic. Watching one sunrise through the large windows of the upstairs bedroom is enough to wipe away a year's stress. The house itself is quite comfortable. We love the fireplace and sunroom. There's a television, but why turn it on? When our time is up, we never want to leave. I highly recommend it for those seeking some peaceful time.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 2 night min stay |
$160 | |||||
Additional information about rental rates
Payment of 50% of the total rate confirms the reservation, if booking is made 30 days or more before arrival.
The remaining balance is due 30 days before arrival.
If checking in within 30 days of booking date, the full amount is due at time of reservation.
Payment can be made with a credit card through Paypal, a safe and easy way to pay online.
Additional Fees and Taxes:
Nightly Rate is $160 for 1-2 guests (2 night minimum)
Weekly Discounted Rate is $960 (7th night is free)
Monthly Discounted Rate is $2800 (4th week is free)
Additional guests $25 extra per night per adult (3-5 max)
Pet-friendly Property, onetime fee of $25 per pet
Children under 18 free
No cleaning fees, no other extra charges
This owner accepts: Credit cards.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
-
A
-
B
-
C
-
D
-
E
-
F
-
G
- Nearest Airport: Albuquerque International Airport at 120 Miles
Owner info
Year Purchased: 1998
About the owner: I grew up here in Northern New Mexico, and have spent many years exploring the wilderness areas nearby. Later I lived in exciting places like Washington DC and San Francisco. But eventually I felt called back home, and I haven't regretted it since. I find great solace in the wide open lands, vast blue skies, and I appreciate the diverse cultural history of this area very much.
Why the Owner Chose El Rito:
When I moved back to New Mexico I wanted to live somewhere peaceful and remote, yet not too far from civilization. El Rito was perfect. Nestled in a tranquil river valley, with countless trails to explore in the surrounding mountains, yet only an hour's drive to a hotspot like Santa Fe or Taos, I found the perfect balance. Years later, when I moved to Santa Fe for professional opportunities, I began renting Casa Ambrosia as a vacation home. For several years now, I have enjoyed sharing this nurturing home with it's beautiful natural surroundings with many guests, and it is my wish that many others may also experience the restorative possibilities that abound here.
The Unique Benefits at this House:
Whether it's getting away from a busy job, wanting the peace and quiet of this serene place for rest and renewal, or looking for new adventures out in nature, this is a great place to visit. I love the amazing variety of terrain around here, from the high mountains with their meadows, lakes and streams, to the lower desert canyonlands with their colorful cliffs and magical rock formations. And with Santa Fe, Taos, Bandelier, and other interesting places so nearby, there's never a shortage of things to do or see. There's truly something for everyone to enjoy!
Contact us
- Primary: 505 986-0147
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
-
Custom Designed Passive Solar Adobe Home, curved walls, high ceilings, big views
-
A warm, cozy woodburning fireplace in the spacious living room, firewood provide
-
Downstairs bedroom, rounded walls, queen bed, large windows with mountain views
-
Winter view from the sunroom, where geraniums add color and cheer all year round
-
Summer view from front porch, everchanging display of light, shadow and clouds
-
Variety of Summer greens and wildflowers in the meadows in front of the house
-
Nearby Ghost Ranch, with it's stunning views, vast sky, and magnificent hikes
-
Fall turns to Winter in the mountains and fields in front of the house
-
Looking down on our property from the hill behind the house, great hiking area
-
Cottonwoods in their Fall glory accent the riverbeds in the nearby hills
-
A variety of winter visitors leaving their fascinating tracks in the snowy yard
-
Changing colors as the day progresses, view from bedrooms, portal, and sunroom
-
Fully equipped kitchen and dining area, opens into living room, big bright space
-
Upstairs bedroom, rounded walls, vigas, large windows facing mountains, king bed
-
Sunroom for dining, relaxing, and taking in the views, lots of light and warmth
-
Bird sits on a wildflower stem outside the sunroom window, one of many kinds
-
Summer rainbow from the front porch, after a short afternoon refreshing rain
-
Wild Summer irises in nearby mountain meadow, great area for hiking and picnics
-
View of Abiquiu Lake From Ghost Ranch, swimming surrounded by breathtaking views
-
It looks unreal, but that's what they always say about our amazing NM sunsets
-
Winter view from bedrooms and sunroom, great seasonal changes in light and color
-
Our wonderful restaurant in El Rito, famous for it's red and green chili dishes
-
Fall colors arrive in the meadow grasses and Oak trees in front of the house
-
Arches and rounded doorways, and curved stairwell leading to upstairs bedroom
There have been visitors to this page since
the counter was last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - Friday, May 24, 2013
505 986-0147