Tiny Home Boxcar Sanctuary

Our little oak boxcar was built in 1898, and it rode the narrow gauge rails from southern New Mexico trying to reach Denver. Purchased from the Alamosa yard and moved to Pilar, NM, near Taos, Stephen used it to design passive solar systems when not building homes in Santa Fe. It became our place for romantic rendezvous before we built our family home.

Today it is our guesthouse. During several stages of remodeling we have tried to keep an authentic narrow-gauge boxcar feel to the space. We have added a Yodel gas stove, a Pullman kitchen with dining nook and closet, and most recently a bathroom with a very boxcar-esque sliding door. Our family members vie for the space when they are in town, and you can see why. It is so welcoming, and unique even for unique Taos. It isn't hard to imagine you are traveling the world on the historic Chili Line, even though there is wifi, a flat-screen TV, state-of-the-art lounging chairs for reading or TV viewing. The boxcar is powered by solar electric.

For the weary traveler the queen bed is firm and comfortable. Bamboo rayon sheets add a touch of elegance to the boxcar charm. We use only nontoxic, 'green' household products throughout. The 40' flat screen TV can be viewed from the bed or the lounges. The couch is a 'Taos Bed', easily made up to sleep a third guest. The Pullman kitchen includes china and wine glasses, a two-burner electric stove, a small fridge, a sink and a toaster oven. Perhaps best of all, the 'slipper' tub invites leisurely baths or hand-held showers while viewing hundreds of acres of agricultural land, seasonally resplendent with coyotes, rabbits, soaring hawks, nesting magpies, and cows grazing and sometimes calving.

Our property has a hot tub shared with the owner's, adjacent to the owner's home, which sits in a secluded, outdoor space, allowing the contemplation of sunrise, bird flight, cloud shift, stars and moon. Don one of the boxcar bathrobes and your flip flops and take a dip.

Quiet, private and on a dead-end road, some call the boxcar a sanctuary. We are located in Ranchos de Taos, 3.5 miles from the Taos Plaza, and just 40 minutes from the Taos Ski Valley. Come experience a bit of old railroad lore while visiting our beloved Taos, New Mexico.