Living Room with Queen Sofabed. Mmm, that wood fire smells good.
Location: Taos, New Mexico, USA (In Historical Plaza District, Near Skiing, Rafting, Hiking)
Accommodations: House, 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 2-4)
You will love it here! Casa Montoya is a very romantic, charming adobe vacation rental house 3 blocks from historic Taos Plaza. The tall cottonwood trees in the backyard keep the house cool in summer and provide a graceful backdrop for the private hot tub. You won't need to wear a swimsuit when you watch the stars in the hot tub - there's a tall fence surrounding it.
The new high-end furniture is a suave mixing of old country charm and sophisticated comfortable furnishings designed by an award-winning designer from Paris. Cook a great meal in the big kitchen which is fully equipped, and let the dishwasher do the dishes - or walk to the wonderful restaurants nearby. The bathroom (tub and shower) has Mexican tile and hand-painted sink. The floors in the house are wood and Saltillo tile and the ceilings are wood. You'll sleep well in the King bed in the bedroom with four big pillows and three small ones. For more than two guests, there's a Queen sofa bed in the living room. The brick patio is for outdoor eating or relaxing in summertime. The gas BBQ grill is easy to use.
You can enjoy a romantic weekend or longer vacation and delight in all the amenities of home in this 'magical, enchanting abode' (words of a guest.) There's a small casita in the back of the property which I sometimes rent out, but so far only fabulous people have been drawn to this property on Montoya Street.
And Ahhhh. A massage feels good anytime, but it’s especially good after a day on the slopes. My friend Christina is a licensed massage therapist, one of the best in Taos County. It's $70 for a one-hour massage and Christina will bring her massage table so you don’t even have to leave Casa Montoya. Just enjoy the massage, then take a snooze in your bed. Stay 7 nights or longer and a one-hour massage is free.
Bring your laptop: we have DSL and wireless internet connection. If your favorite TV show is on while you'll be gone, just record it. We have DirecTV with TiVo, HBO & Starz. VCR & DVD player, CD & stereo, dishwasher, gas grill, humidifier, yoga mat, 8 & 10 lb. weights. Cooking utensils, linens, towels (thick L.L. Bean ones) and firewood provided. There's a water filter on the kitchen faucet for pure drinking water (Taos water tastes unpleasant.) The laundry room has a washer and dryer and laundry detergent is supplied.
This is a non-smoking rental. And sorry, Casa Montoya is not suitable for small children, and no pets so our guests with allergies can breathe easy.
Considered 'sacred' by many of the residents, Taos Mountain is a world-class ski resort. Taos has a rich history and cultural heritage, with numerous galleries, museums and festivals you can walk to from Casa Montoya. You'll love this place - only fabulous people have stayed here!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer: There is a separate room just for the washer, dryer and furnace.
- Dryer
- Linens Provided: We provide thick L.L. Bean towels for our guests.
- Off Street Parking: Park your car in the gravel driveway. If you have guests, they can park in the empty lot on the corner of the street.
- Wood Fireplace: There's a charming Kiva fireplace in the living room and all the firewood is supplied.
- Beds
- King Bed: This is a REALLY comfy bed, and guests often ask where we got the covers.
- Convertible Bed: The red suede sofa in the living room turns into a queen bed. Sheets and blankets are in the trunk coffee table.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: We have DirecTV with TiVo. Enjoy all the regular channels plus HBO and Starz.
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Private Hot Tub: It's surrounded by a tall fence (with a lock on the gate) in the backyard, so it's just you and the two plum trees.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: Lots of cupboard space in this large kitchen, with a full-size refrigerator/freezer, stove with oven, table and 2 chairs, microwave, toaster-oven, blender, pots & pans & utensils, spices, teas, sugar, salt, pepper etc. There's also a water filter on the faucet. The water is perfectly safe but tastes yucky.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- All New Upscale Furniture, Kiva Fireplace with Firewood provided, DirecTV with TiVo, HBO and Starz, Laundry room with Washer & Dryer, Private Hot Tub in back yard with tall cottonwood trees, Brick Outdoor Patio with Gas Grill (BBQ), Humidifier, Yoga Mat, 8 & 10 lbs, weights, Water filter on faucet in kitchen for good, clean, pure drinking water, (Taos water tastes unpleasant, ) In the winter you can enjoy world-class skiing at Taos Mountain, then relax your muscles in the private hot tub while looking at the stars, enjoy a cozy fire, and then sleep well in the King bed.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Not Suitable for Children
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Racquetball
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Other Activities
- Ski nearby at Taos Mountain, visit the museums, galleries, shops and casinos, and stroll around historic Taos Plaza. Enjoy good, healthy organic foods from Cid's, a large health good supermarket. Visit one of the world's highest bridges, which spans the Rio Grande. Also must see: Wild Rivers Recreation Area, a deep canyon where the Rio Grande meets Red River and is great for hikers with lots of energy. Great Sand Dunes National Park is just over the border in Colorado.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Low season: Nov. 1 to Dec. 22 - $97/night (excl. Thanksgiving) - 2 night minimum
Holiday season: Dec. 23 to Jan. 5 - $225/night - 5 night minimum
Ski season: Jan. 6 to March 31 - $145/night - 2 night minimum
Mid season: April 1 to May 31 - $125/night - 2 night minimum
High season: Jne 1 to Oct. 31 - $135/night - 2 night minimum
Above rates include all taxes - important when comparing rates.
Plus one-time cleaning fee of $75
Ask about weekly or longer-term rates, please. Thanks.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2004
Since I began writing and giving inspirational talks (about growing younger!), I turned over management of Casa Montoya and Casita Montoya to my wonderful, beautiful daughter Winton. Guests love her, especially because she's an artist and pays attention to detail and makes sure the place is super clean. And if she knows it's your birthday or anniversary, she'll have flowers waiting for you..
I'm not totally out of the picture - Winton still gives me chores to do, like buy butter or extra virgin olive oil or cereal for guests. All our guests remark that it's a well-stocked house and they LOVE Winton. I am so blessed.
Why the Owner Chose Taos
There's no place more magical or inspiring than Taos! I live 35 miles north of Taos in the boonies but I get to Taos at least once a week - usually to babysit Winton's two precious little girls and go to the supermarket.
The Unique Benefits of this House
In the summer it's always cool and toasty warm in winter! It's a hefty walk to the historic Plaza with lots of charming stores and galleries along the way.
Property Photos
- Living Room with Queen Sofabed. Mmm, that wood fire smells good. - Taos, New Mexico Rental
- You'll sleep well in this massive King bed - Taos, New Mexico Rental
- New colorful ceramic dishes make the food taste better. : ) - Taos, New Mexico Rental
- A joyful place to eat. Solid wood dining table seats 4.
- After a day of skiing, relax in this private hot tub. Ahhhhh.
- Hand-painted Mexican sink in the bathroom makes it pleasant to brush your teeth.
- Enjoy breakfast in the kitchen
- Eat on the patio in the summertime (granddaughter not included)
- After skiing and the hot tub, enjoy a cozy fire - firewood supplied
- All new furniture including 2 red leather chairs
- Iron moose lamp enjoys his corner of the large kitchen. : )
- Microwave, toaster-oven, blender, elec. kettle, faucet filter, etc. in kitchen
- This large bedroom chest of drawers has lots of room.
- view from the other side of the bed
- We spruced up the hot tub area. And there are chairs to lounge in, too.
- Hallway between living room and bedroom, bath & laundry room has videos, too.
Guest Comments (38)
First (10) of (38). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #67696
There have been 22227 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2005.
This listing was first published here in 2005.
Date last modified - October 28, 2009
Positive Rating
Louise , Ireland
Positive Rating
(from an e-mail sent 5/3/06) Ellen, Dee and I forgot to write anything in your little red book but we had a wonderful time and staying in Casa Montoya was extremly very pleasurable. Staying at Casa Montoya versus "suite" hotel is a no brainer.. Casa Montoya is far more relaxing.. We did recommend you to a couple that we met at the Apple Tree at dinner on Saturday..They had never heard of the idea of staying in a house but liked it and we gave them the web site and Casa Montoya name.. Hope they stay as they were nice people. Best of luck and we will be back..
Positive Rating
We've enjoyed all the comfots you thoughtfully put together for all who stay at Casa Montoya. Thank you for cheerful colores, a well-equipped kitchen (juices, apple slicer & teas), soft cozy furniture, joke books and more. The location has been perfect. We loved walking to town. Other things we enjoyed were: listening to music at the Adobe Bar, dinner at Doc Martin's, breakfast at Michael's Kitchen, shopping at Cid's Foods, and afternoon in Arroyo Seco and a guided tour of the Taos Pueblo.
Positive Rating
Your home is as enchanted as the circle. My family has been blessed by meeting you and Winton. We really enjoyed Casa Montoya because we felt at home, relaxed and inspired to change a few things in our lives. I personally have made a wish here and someday I will let you know if it comes true. Good luck with your dog and new grandchild. Thank you for allowing Nick to stay too. He liked the wireless. Let us know when you come to MN or WI.
Positive Rating
I think you are my kindred spirit, Ellen! Your cozy and welcoming home was such a retreat from my stressful job! You have exquisite taste. Everything in it spoke of your zest for life and your love of people. I have had the great pleasure of traveling worldwide but I have never had every detail provided like you did for us at Casa Montoya! Hopefully, we will meet you on our next trip to your heart-warming home. Thank you for above and beyond hospitality!
Positive Rating
Just when all the dogs on Montoya St. got used to us walking by, just when the magpie couple had made real progress on their nest in the tree across the street, just when we'd figured out how to find our favorite TV channels, just when we were really getting used to your super comfy bed - it's time to leave your cozy casita. We took the liberty of buying you a tub mat for safer showers, but otherwise your place was well-equiped and beautifully decorated. We had a great lunch at Sheva Cafe, a great day on the Enchanted Circle tour, and too much fun in shops and galleries. All the people we met were friendly and informative, and of course the scenery is magnificent. Thank you for your hospitality!
Positive Rating
Not only was Casa Montoya lovely, but it far exceeded our expectations! The decor was cozy, warm and inviting and we really don't want to leave. We had two amazing days of skiing in Taos and enjoyed shopping. We capped off our final evening listening to Ruben Romero playing the Spanish guitar at the Adobe Bar - what a wonderful evening! This was an amazing birthday weekend and we are fortunate to have spent it here.
Positive Rating
I wanted a "retreat" to come to. I thought Taos sounded like the right kind of thing. Lucky for me, I found your "Casita"! I spent days outside sightseeing and nights relaxing at home. And I slept a lot! Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure and I hope to come again. P.S. Wonderful bed!
Positive Rating
Not only is there a Yahtzee game, you’ve even supplied red cedar wood (the best smelling wood in the world!) From the moment we arrived I’ve been raving to my husband about how much I love your charming home. I’ve got LOTS of decorating ideas and even convinced him we should stay in and order pizza (which we can’t do where we live) and watch one of your videos. YIPPEE – it’s my birthday celebration, after all! Ellen, we’ve stayed in vrbo homes in Hawaii, New York, Florida and Rome and yours is by far the nicest!! Thank you.
Positive Rating
Ellen, thank you so much for sharing your home with us. It is lovely. We hope to make it back here again during another season, as Taos has so many wonderful activities to offer. Thanks again.