Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley
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
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Pets allowed: less than 23 kg per pet (limit 4 pets total)
Please bring bedding for your pets.
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Porch is available for smoking outdoors.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 182867vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
El Rito
Located in El Rito, this holiday home is in the mountains. Black Mesa Winery and Vivac Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Carson National Forest and Rio Chama. Purple Adobe Lavender Farm and Girasol Gift Shop at Bode's are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and snowmobiling.
Purple Adobe Lavender Farm - 34 min drive - 32.9 km
Girasol Gift Shop at Bode's - 34 min drive - 34.3 km
Abiquiu Lake - 47 min drive - 50.3 km
Ghost Ranch - 55 min drive - 60.3 km
Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology - 62 min drive - 62.9 km
Getting around
Taos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional) - 61 min drive
Restaurants
El Farolito - 19 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 4 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley?
As of 9 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley on 17 Jul 2026 start from £125, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley located?
Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is steps from Carson National Forest and 12.4 mi (20 km) from Rio Chama. Poshuouinge Ruins and Purple Adobe Lavender Farm are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great location for exploring northern New Mexico sites, so many quiet majestic roads to drive and only a short drive to Ojo Caliente hot springs or the Abiquiú Inn for a bite to eat. Quiet area with great scenery, comfortable beds/rooms and everything you might need were provided!
Lovely, comfortable and very peaceful. we were able to enjoy all of the amenities necessary for cooking a big meal and soaking multiple times, even in the drizzling rain! We will definitely be back.
Secluded and quiet. Saw eight deer in the yard one morning! Absolutely dark sky. Best view of the Milky Way we have ever seen. Comfortable home to come back to after a day of hiking and sightseeing.
Great communication with the host! Excellent views, peaceful surroundings, nice easy access to trails and forest roads. The fireplace and hot tub were real treats!
Absolutely wonderful vacation property in a remote and private area. We especially enjoyed the views and sunsets as well as the access to some incredible scenery and hiking nearby. The kitchen and living areas are very well set up and stocked with everything we needed. We loved our stay here and would absolutely stay again!
Our stay was in the middle of June and it was wonderful. The house was awesome and very comfortable. The location was great right up against the national forest. If you are looking for a secluded getaway this is the perfect spot.
Fantastic property. Quiet yet close to so many things to explore and do. The house is exactly as described. It has the best mattresses we ever had in a vacation property. The kitchen is so well equipped. We loved to sit on the balcony off the top floor bedroom and watch the world go by. The host is extremely nice. So quick in responding to any question and very helpful.
From the incredible views, to the hot tub, to the well-stocked kitchen - everything was wonderful. We couldn't have enjoyed our time at Casa Ambrosia more. This is the perfect "I need to get away from it all" vacation spot!
Gorgeous views from an amazing place tucked away from everything! The restaurant in town is perfect to get an authentic meal and talk to friendly locals. We loved everything about the home and it's location!
Dawn A.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
About the host
Hosted by Alicia
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 they chose this property
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.
What makes this property unique
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!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests