New Mexico French Ranch - Home on 2,000-Acre Ranch on the Pecos River
Please note: this listing is for guests 18 and older.
Welcome to C'est La Vie En Rose: 2,000 private acres along the Pecos River, 40 minutes from Santa Fe, and unlike anywhere else you've stayed in New Mexico.
This working ranch belongs to a French woman whose life defies easy description. A former professional hunter whose decades of travel filled the home with treasures from six continents: hand-painted parasols suspended from vigas, Buddhas beside kachinas, French antiques beside Navajo textiles, spices and objects gathered from a lifetime abroad. It's New Mexico's earth-toned architecture wearing the wardrobe of a much larger world: vivid, warm, and unlike the traditional adobe interiors you'd expect.
You'll have the run of the entire main house, with the exception of the owner's private wing, which is closed off during her summers in France. You'll be staying in two rooms on the other side of the house, each with their own bathroom, wood-burning kiva fireplace, and private patio or balcony. Beyond the house, the ranch is yours to roam: direct access to the Pecos River for fly fishing and tubing, sweeping views of the mesa from the deck, a colorful riverside "beach" with picnic tables and a grill, and some of the darkest skies in New Mexico for stargazing. Horses, a donkey, and a pig roam the property freely, and well-behaved dogs are not just welcome here, they're practically part of the family.
A note on the decor: the home reflects the owner's lifelong career as a professional hunter and world traveler, and you'll find curated pieces from her travels throughout, including taxidermy displayed alongside her art and antique collection. It's part of what makes this house one of a kind.
40 minutes to Santa Fe's plaza, galleries, and restaurants. A world away from everything else.
Booking now through October 2026.
Want to see more? Check us out on Instagram at @nmfrenchranch.
Highlights:
- Whole-house access aside from the owner's private wing closed off in summer - Daily housekeeping if you choose - Bedrooms have their own bathroom, fireplace and private patio/balcony - Maximum 4 guests: private, intimate, adults-only focused - Fully modern home: hot water, reliable electricity, high-speed Starlink internet; this is not an off-grid stay - Fully equipped kitchen with all the essentials - Wood deck with canyon views — primary gathering and sunset space - Private access to Pecos River - Pecos River beach with lounge chairs and shaded shelter - Miles of hiking trails through private mountain terrain - Ideal location for stargazing and astrophotography - Working ranch animals — horses, donkey, pig — roam freely - Gated private entrance - 40–45 minutes to Santa Fe Plaza and the Santa Fe Municipal Airport - 90 minutes to Albuquerque International Airport
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Hiking, mt biking, 44 acres to explore, 20 min outside of Santa Fe
Santa Fe
Hiking, mt biking, 44 acres to explore, 20 min outside of Santa Fe
Pets allowed: dogs less than 453 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property # 5323340vb
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 is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Ilfeld
Ilfeld is home to this holiday home. Pecos National Historical Park is a local landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Pecos State Monument and Monastery Lake.
Pecos National Historical Park - 22 min drive - 28.8 km
Canyon Road - 47 min drive - 75.6 km
Meow Wolf - 48 min drive - 77.9 km
Loretto Chapel - 49 min drive - 79.3 km
Santa Fe Plaza - 50 min drive - 79.7 km
Getting around
Lamy Station - 49 min drive
Santa Fe, NM (SAF-Santa Fe Municipal) - 70 min drive
Restaurants
Kika's Cafe - 22 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is
New Mexico French Ranch - Home on 2,000-Acre Ranch on the Pecos River pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 453 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at
New Mexico French Ranch - Home on 2,000-Acre Ranch on the Pecos River?
As of 6 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at
New Mexico French Ranch - Home on 2,000-Acre Ranch on the Pecos River on 26 Aug 2026 start from £481, 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
New Mexico French Ranch - Home on 2,000-Acre Ranch on the Pecos River?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at
New Mexico French Ranch - Home on 2,000-Acre Ranch on the Pecos River?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at
New Mexico French Ranch - Home on 2,000-Acre Ranch on the Pecos River?
Checkout is at noon.
Where is
New Mexico French Ranch - Home on 2,000-Acre Ranch on the Pecos River located?
Situated in Ilfeld, this holiday home is within 20 miles (32 km) of Pecos National Historical Park, Pecos State Monument and Monastery Lake. Villanueva State Park and Eldorado Community Preserve are also within 32 miles (52 km).
About the host
Hosted by Deneyse Maestas
I am a native of Nuevo México — a land my ancestors called home long before it carried that name on any American map. This ranch is personal to me. I have lived here, loved this land, and shared more than 20 years of friendship with its owner, a remarkable French-European woman whose story is woven into every corner of this property. Her world — equal parts rugged and refined, shaped by a life of professional hunting and a deep French sensibility — blends here with my own Mexican-American roots in a way that is truly one of a kind.
As a vacation rental host since 2016, with my own home in Boston and years of living and traveling across Europe, I know what guests need to feel at ease in an unfamiliar place. I love meeting people who seek something real and uncommon.
C'est La Vie En Rose Ranch is unlike anywhere you have ever stayed. Come experience both of our stories firsthand — that is the only way to truly understand this place.