Vacation Rentals by Owner

Colorado State & Colorado University visit and relaxation

Guest: NorCal Kevin (DANVILLE)
Date of Stay: 02/25/12 Review Submitted: 03/01/12

Traveled to Denver to visit Colorado State and Boulder for my oldest son. Great universities and beautiful surroundings. We were lucky with the weather. Staying in Totem Vista allowed us to spread out and relax PLUS host an old friend and his family for one of the nights of our stay. We loved kicking back, jamming guitars, making a big pot of chili, hoisting some red wine and sharing stories with the kids while enjoying the great views over the deck to the valley below. The hot tub was the perfect location to watch the sunset and the distant trains as they chugged across that valley. The history of this location is very interesting, also. I hope I can visit in another season and try my hand at the local fly fishing spots. Easy access to Eldora Mountain Resort for a day of skiing. WE DID IT ALL! Oh, and were helped out by a friendly neighbor when my friend slid into a snow bank. Like being at home. In all the best ways. Thanks for a clean, well-appointed, gently heated, mountain hideaway. We would visit again in a heartbeat!

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

Guest: Patty Mortenson (Maple Grove, MN)
Date of Stay: 08/19/09 Review Submitted: 08/19/09

We stayed at Totem Vista in August 2009. There were 9 of us...6 adults and 3 children. The house accommodated all of us and felt quite spacious. We loved the large deck, hot tub and watching the hummingbirds. The kids enjoyed playing in the woods near the house and collecting quartz rocks. We enjoyed hiking and horseback riding which was nearby. We did some hiking right by the house. Our vacation was very peaceful and relaxing. David, the owner, was friendly and easy to deal with.

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Spring Break 2009

Guest: Okie Cowboy (Bartlesvill, OK)
Date of Stay: 03/15/09 Review Submitted: 03/24/09

Our family including 3 adult children, 1 spouse and 1 boyfriend = 7 total extremly enjoyed our spring break at this property. We put the free lift tickets to very good use everyday that we were there and soaked our sore muscles in the hot tub each evening. The two living areas were nice and many games were played on the upstairs table along with a few movies viewed on the TV downstairs. We used the kitchen and grill to fix almost all of our meals which saved us on food.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/17/09

We really enjoyed our stay at Totem Vista December 27-January 1, 2009. The house was very spacious and offered amazing views of the country side. The included ski passes were great and the hot tub after a long day at the slopes was icing on the cake! The owner was very helpful and easy to work with which was a huge plus as novice renters. As a family, we highly recommend an experience at Totem Vista and are looking forward to planning our next visit.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/10/09

We stayed at Totem Vista on Jan 1-5, 2009. We arrived after dark and awoke the next morning to the most beautiful views. The house was so roomy we never felt crowded, even with all our ski stuff all over the place. The house was great and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The free lift tickets were great and the main reason we stayed here. We are looking forward to staying here again. Cathy Lynn

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Guest: Daniel Markoff (Oklahoma City, OK)
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/17/08

I ended up accidentally staying at Totem Vista alone, and it was perfect. It's remote, so you feel like you're away from it all, yet you're not far from Nederland, which is a terrific small town. It's a great home to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning and watch the sun come up and the train go by in the valley. You'll feel like you're in the old west. The owner is also very easy to work with and quite helpful. I would definitely stay there again, and plan to.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/10/08

Totem Vista is everything I could have hoped for in a vacation rental home. As a former professional chef, I found the kitchen well-appointed. I had actually brought my own cookware, but found that I didn't need it. The hot tub was nice and relaxing, the view is gorgeous, and the wildlife was fun to watch. My friends and I had a great time, and will definitely be going back!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/30/08

I celebrated my 80th birthday at beautiful Totem Vista Mountain Home with my family...children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Six of us stayed for a week, others visited from Fort Collins. The views from the cabin are breath-taking. At almost 9000 ft., it literally took this Floridian's breath away! We all enjoyed watching the trains chug over the mountain, some of them with 8 engines. My son caught 3 beautiful rainbow trout in the river below the cabin. My biggest joy was feeding the swarm of hummingbirds who were attracted by the wildflowers surrounding Totem Vista. After I put up a nectar feeder I was able to hold a ruby-throat on my finger. What a thrill! Totem Vista is truly a heavenly destination.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/18/08

We stayed at Totem Vista in May and saw sunshine and snow. It was beautiful. We had 9 people and the house is so large it never felt too crowded. The house is serene and the views are awesome.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Kathy from the O.C. (Lake Forest, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/02/08

We have just returned from an extended weekend in the Totem Vista Mountain House. What a wonderful retreat! With my husband, two adult children, four friends, and myself, we had a good sized group but there was plenty of room to spare. This home is outfitted with all the modern conveniences but is away it all. We were blessed with snow on three days which added to the beauty of the location. I hope we'll be back!

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a diamond in the rough

Guest: Kathy from the O.C. (Lake Forest, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/28/08 Review Submitted: 04/08/08

Our family took a recent trip to visit our daughter who has recently relocated to Denver. I happened upon this home while looking for a place where we could stay together away from the city. What a wonderful retreat this is! Totem Vista Mountain House is a well-equipped home which is kept in pristine condition. The set-up is especially great for my husband and me and three to six young adults who joined us for a long weekend. The main floor is a great living area with a kitchen, dining areas, sofas, one bedroom and bath, and a wonderful view. The comfortable, family room, which has a complete entertainment center, was on the bottom level. With and two bedrooms and an additional bathroom, it was the perfect hangout for our kids and their friends. The master suite is on the top floor; a real retreat from the rest of the home. We enjoyed a peaceful stay and was blessed with two nights and one day of spring snow. The beauty of the setting is unsurpassed. Couple this with the pleasure of working with the owner, David; this was a perfect vacation!

Owner response:Kathy, thank-you so much! It's guests like you that make the work involved so worth it. I truly appreciate your sharing of your experience and hope you'll stay with us again, at a discounted rate of course. Sincerely, David

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Tyler_HAC124214 (Augusta, GA)
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/07/08

This cabin is great. The skiing at Eldora is great. The value on this one is unmatched- the passes are free, but worth $300/ day. The house is worth more than that. Go to this place and have a blast. We had 4 adults and 4 kids and plenty of room. We will be back.

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Guest: Darin_HAC122776 (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/27/08

This was the perfect place to stay for us. It is a very nice and spacious cabin. We had two families of 4 stay and there was more than enough room! We went skiing at Eldora and with the free ski passes provided, the cabin more than paid for itself. We are already talking about staying again for a longer period of time. I would recommend this cabin to anyone… it is even better than it sounds!!!

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Totem Vista Mountain House

Guest: Wish we were there (Lincoln Nebraska)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/22/08

We had a great weekend at this rental. The first thing we noticed was the how clean it was, and how well kept everything was. Its always nice to know the place has been taken care of. The views were fantastic (as promised) and the cabin was very spacious. We have 9 people, and never once felt cramped. The make it even better, the owners supplied 6 free season passes at Eldora Ski Resort for the weekend, making this one of the best deals Ive ever seen. The owner was always super cool to us, when booking, setting up our trip, and then after we arrived. All in all, you can not go wrong by booking this cabin. Ill definately be back.

Owner response:Thank-you so much for your kind words. I'm really glad you had such a great stay and enjoyed the free skiing. We would love to offer you a discount if you want to stay with us again. Please let us know how we can best serve you and we look forward to talking again soon, enjoy, David

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/20/08

Aug 18, 2007 - Two of us enjoyed a relaxing and contemplative week away from the city. What a wonderful and beautiful property! Thanks so much! Deanne, Arvada, CO

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Lyn Corona (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 11/01/07 Review Submitted: 11/07/07

"We needed a quiet and supportive environment for the board members of our organization to come together and set goals for the coming year. Totem Vista was exactly that! Everything we needed was at hand so that we could focus on our purpose. We left feeling unified toward clear goals and looking forward to working together. And we got to relax and get to know and enjoy one another. I would recommend this special place to anyone wanting to share peace and clarity with others."

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Guest: Jon (Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/07/07

The house is well maintianed and in a lovely location. The fantastic town of Nedeland is an easy drive away yet the house is very private and secluded with woderful views and vistas. The owner renting was highly accommodating.

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Amazing, Relaxing, Luxury Get-a-way

Guest: Helene (Baghdad)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/23/07

I rented this home in August on an R&R from Iraq for my mother, sister and I. It was the perfect choice. The deck is HUGE and has an amazing almost 180 degree view of the surrounding mountains. It was entertaining just to sit on the deck or in the hot tub and watch the weather change in the mountains! The home is tastefully furnished, well maintained, and conveniently stocked to meet all your needs. It is also so secluded that all you hear from the deck is the stream below the mountain and the birds (lots of hummingbirds!). Finally, the nearby town of Netherland has supurb food and much character. We will be back!

Owner response:Thank-you Helene! It feels so good to hear you have such a great experience at our Totem Vista Mountain House . Please know that repeat guests get a discount. We look forward to your next visit, thanks again, enjoy, David

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Sam DeLeo (Denver, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/06/07

8/6/07 We had a great weekend staying at the Totem Vista cabin. It was clean, spacious, comfortable and offered nice valley vistas. We would definitely stay there again.

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Guest: Nancy McLane (Tarpon Springs, FL)
Date of Stay: 03/01/07 Review Submitted: 03/29/07

We stayed a week at this cozy spacious retreat. Me, my husband and my two children (4 & 6), my brother and his wife, my cousin from Boulder and his gilfriend and my cousin from NY. It was a great family reunion. We skied 4 days at Eldora and the conditions were awesome! Boulder Falls is a must see as well as Boulder itself. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful home!

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Guest: Dale Vance (Enid , Oklahoma)
Date of Stay: 02/01/07 Review Submitted: 02/26/07

For anyone interested in a fantastic mountain experience the Totem Vista is it!!. We spent a week here and couldn't of ask for a better time. The house is beautiful and the view is great!!.The hot tub was pretty handy too!. We will be back.... Thanks David !

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Guest: LeBlanc Family (Colorado)
Date of Stay: 01/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/31/06

We had a wonderful time. A true Colorado Christmas. The totem vista lived up to all our expectations and more. Secluded and beautiful!!!

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Guest: Jonathan Kayser (buffalony)
Date of Stay: 12/01/06 Review Submitted: 11/30/06

I have traveled much of the U.S. and was fortunate enough to call this beautiful house my home for several months. This is what Colorado is all about.The deck is a great place to gather, you will be sure to here the sound of laughter and friends toasting to how beautiful life is.It is in a great location,You can enjoy Red Rocks, A night out in Denver or Boulder or just cozy up with your loved one a watch the stars( you can almost grab them).Enjoy breath taking sunsets as you listen to the river roll on by.Lastly just walk out the back door for an afternoon hike. Do not miss your opportunity to get your own Colorado experience, one you will never forget.I know I never will.

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Guest: J. Murphree (Nederland, CO)
Date of Stay: 10/01/06 Review Submitted: 10/21/06

My family stayed at Totem Vista during my wedding and they loved it. We had our rehersal dinner, prepared by the amazing chef Craig King, at the house...cocktails and apps at sunset on the deck, and a cozy candlelit dinner inside. It was perfect!

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Guest: Joyce Murphree (Los Altos, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/06 Review Submitted: 10/17/06

Our family rented this house when my daughter, who lived in Nederland, was getting married. It was the perfect place for family gatherings. Creg King came and prepared a spectacular vegetarian meal for the rehearsal dinner which we had at the house. It was a magical and very romantic evening. The full moon added to the enchantment. Totem Vista Mountain House far exceeded our expectaions as a perfect rental. We hope to come back again.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/06 Review Submitted: 09/29/06

Our visit lasted 7 days, September 16th. to September 23rd. but will stay with us forever. The colors of the aspens and beautiful star filled nights along with the spectacular mountain view. I would definetly recommend this property. Steve & Teresa Hillstrom

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Guest: Cathy_HAC62592 (Temperance, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 08/01/06 Review Submitted: 08/30/06

We stayed at this beautiful home while moving our daughter into the University of Colorado. We enjoyed the fantastic hiking during the day and glorious sunsets from the deck each evening. It was a perfect way to make the transition to our "empty-nest." Go Buffs!

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Guest: C. Sato (Lincoln, NE)
Date of Stay: 08/01/06 Review Submitted: 08/22/06

The perfect house for a family vacation, . . . plenty of space to spread out, relax and enjoy nature. Loved the view from the many windows and having privacy in the location.

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Guest: Holly_HAC61012 (Edina, MN)
Date of Stay: 08/01/06 Review Submitted: 08/17/06

The Totem Vista Mountain Home is a great mountain retreat. It's spacious, comfortable and has an amazing view. Perfect for a getaway in the mountains. We had a wonderful weekend and can not wait to visit again!

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Guest: Vivian Wuertz (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/30/06

We had a wonderful time at this beautiful mountain home! It is spacious, comfortable and has great picture windows allowing an unobstructed view of the mountains. The deck is HUGE and includes a hot tub! Thank you for the wonderful place to stay. I would recommend this home to anyone! Great location, great home, and fantastic views!

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Guest: Chris P (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/30/06

We had a great time over the 4th of July here. Very open, spacious floorplan, lots of light and great views of the mountains, very clean, and plenty of room. The deck was great, as was the hot tub. A great place to get away and RELAX!

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Guest: Karen Chaffin (Pleasant Hill, Calif.)
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/18/06

This was such a beautiful home! The views were breathtaking and we really enjoyed sitting in the hot tub, taking it all in. We live in the Bay Area and my husband wanted to move to Colorado after staying at the home. Karen Chaffin

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Guest: Billy Schafer (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/08/06

This cabin exudes Rocky Mountain high. It's peaceful, comfy, and surrounded by terrific woodsy smells and awe inspiring views. I stayed 3 days and savored every moment. The owners who built and maintain the cabin are top notch people with a passion for others happiness and fulfillment...and it shows. Enjoy!

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Guest: Peter Koonz (Louisville, CO)
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/05/06

I have stayed at the Totem Vista Mountain House a few times over the past few years. It is even more stunning in person. It's in a wonderful location because you feel removed yet your only 10 minutes from the sleepy town of Nederland. My favorite aspect of the home however, is when the train goes past down in the valley below. Its distant rumble accents the view perfectly from the hot tub on the deck. I highly recommend staying in this home.

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Guest: Annie Taylor (Cobb, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/03/06

Peace and quiet at its best. Stunning views.This is a great home base to explore from and retreat to. A special place.

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Guest: Steph & John (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/26/06

This house makes you feel like you are camping in the wilderness, only with all the amenities of a five-star hotel. We highly recommend this house for your vacation!!

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Guest: Kathryn Mclaughlin (Wilton, Maine)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/22/06

Comfortable and relaxing, clean, awesome (in the true sense of the word!) views, wonderful deck, easy access to Nederland, Boulder, and Estes Park, yet in the foothills and very private A delightful place to vacation!

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Guest: Gary Blake (Hampden, Maine)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/22/06

Truly luxury in the mountains. The views are unbelievable and its an exceptional value. Can't wait to return.

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Guest: Dr. Kelly Martin (Boulder, CO)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/22/06

What a beautiful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. You can go for a hike right from the house, sun on the deck and take in the fresh air and sounds of nature. Ahhh....Does life get any better than this?

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Guest: Libby Dischert (St. Louis, Missouri)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/21/06

This house in the mountains is such a nice retreat. Peaceful, quiet, beautiful. I can't wait to return!

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Guest: Steve Schafer (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/21/06

Beautuful home! What an amazing setting - has a wonderfully secluded feel and spectacular deck to enjoy the surroundings. Highly recommended.

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Guest: Cindy Berg (Ft Collins, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/21/06

Spectacular!!! Open and inviting yet peaceful and serene. Highly recommeded to anyone who loves the mountains. What a "get away" - I didn't want to leave.

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Guest: chris anderson (carolina beach, nc)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/21/06

what a place to escape the blunders of a business owner. perched off the beaten path in the colorado wilderness, I visited this house in the winter to find some relaxation. i almost didn't leave.... this house is the epitomy of what you would expect of a 5 star house in the colorado wildnerness.

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Guest: Suzi Granger (Niwot, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/21/06

...Such a beautiful, tranquil mountain home and retreat - with the most spectacular views across the mountains -I was blown away by the beauty of the place...

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Guest: Amy Starr Allen (Denver, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/21/06

This beautiful mountain home makes for a great relaxing getaway. It's so quiet,and the views are AMAZING!!! Make sure to check out the stars at night from the hot tub...

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Guest: patti virden (grand junction, co)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/21/06

This is the Colorado of your dreams. I haven't visited a more beautiful place in Colorado and I've been here eleven years. Gorgeous home and views.

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Guest: Diva Olvera (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/21/06

Staying at this house is a true getaway! I love the trails and the views, and always feel at peace when I visit.

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Guest: Lauren_HAC54368 (Buffalo, NY)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/21/06

The ultimate retreat. Breathtaking country side, walks to cleanse the soul, sunsets to write home about. I loved it and hope to go back very soon.

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Guest: Jessica Taylor (Portland, ME)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/21/06

This is a beatiful mountain getaway. The interior of the home is matched only by the breathtaking view from the deck off of the dining area. Even during the hot summer months, the jacuzzi and basement area are a welcome retreat. I would definitely recommend these accomodations to my friends!

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Guest: Tony & Carolyn (Wilton, Maine)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/21/06

My wife and I have stayed there several times; it is in a beautiful and guiet setting, and would be the perfect get-a-way for those seeking a refreshing break from the fast-paced lives we too often lead. Moreover, for those wanting an active outdoor experience, all of the activities of which Colorado boasts, are available within the area. Even Rockie Mt. National Park is a short drive to the North. We highly recommend this home.

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