The Rinconada Rio Grande Retreat in Taos

From the moment you drive down the orchard-lined driveway you know
that your Rio Grande Retreat experience will be very special. Our
house is located just 20 minutes south of Taos in the village of
Rinconada situated in the heart of northern New Mexico, between Taos
and Santa Fe, right on the banks of the Rio Grande River. Whether you
visit in the spring when thousands of flowers are in bloom, the summer
when our orchard is producing a variety of delicious fruit, the fall
when giant cottonwoods are ablaze with color, or the winter with the
opportunity to ski at five different ski areas within an hour's travel
time, all four seasons will be memorable.

With over three acres of grounds, your Rio Grande Retreat provides all
the privacy you will ever desire. The ample and well-maintained
gardens and fruit orchards enhance the natural beauty of the red
sandstone vistas to the south and the fertile tree-lined banks of the
Rio Grande River to the north.

Welcome to our 3400-square-foot, authentic, New Mexico,
territorial-style home! It is ideal for a romantic getaway for two and
comfortably accommodates eight people in our three plus one bedrooms.
Your Rinconada Retreat experience begins in the exterior courtyard
with an outdoor sofa and chairs. It is the perfect place for
sun-filled conversations or bird watching!

Great Room: The 900-square-foot great room with vaulted ceilings will
most likely be the focal point of your indoor activities. An oversized
leather sofa plus a reclining loveseat face the rosewood armoire that
holds a 36-inch TV. We have Direct TV with over 100 -channels and a
stereo system for both CDs and tapes. Another area of the great room
features a large, natural gas, kiva fireplace.

Kitchen: Our extra-large kitchen is part of the great room and is
fully equipped with Jenn-air gas stove, side-by-side
refrigerator/freezer with chilled water and dishwasher. There is a
microwave, coffee maker, and toaster oven, as well as fun extras such
as a Belgium waffle maker and a fruit juicer. A teak kitchen table and
chairs provide for informal dining or playing cards.

Dining Room: The separate dining room has the ambiance of a historic
Mexican hacienda with a fabulous nine-foot long mesquite table made
from an antique Mexican door and surrounded by six hand-crafted, wood
and leather chairs. A rustic sofa table adorned with authentic Mexican
retablos and a beautifully laid brick floor with radiant heating
complete the historic mood of this distinctive room.

Three Bedrooms: The huge master bedroom has two large closets, an en
suite bathroom, and soothing views of the Rio Grande River. Two of our
bedrooms have king-sized beds and one has twin beds. Each room has
luxurious linens and southwestern-style furniture.

Bathrooms: There are three bathrooms - two full and one powder room.
The master bathroom has two Mexican sinks, extra-tall counters, and a
walk-in shower.

Studio: You can use the studio/workshop to create the art or craft
projects that New Mexico always inspires. Or, you can use the space
for extra sleeping.

Hot Tub: Watch the Rio Grande while relaxing in a new, large, Hot
Springs hot tub that sits in the screened-in porch just off the great
room.

Extras: Hair dryers, washer/dryer, dishwasher, iron, ironing board,
and first-aid kit.

Outdoor Amenities:
* Rio Grande River - Our home has a large, private, river-front area
(it changes with each rain). Imagine fishing for trout on your own
secluded beach!
* Gazebo - Enjoy outdoor dining on the river's edge in the kiva-style
gazebo with large picnic table.
* Firepit - The firepit is down by the river and has an electric
rotisserie spit that is wonderful for barbecuing or smoking meat.
Chairs and sitting logs provide plenty of comfort for night time camp
fires with an unparalleled view of the brightest star-scape in the
United States.
* Orchard - The orchard features three kinds of apples, two types of
pears, peaches, apricots, nectarines, and two types of walnuts, and
table grapes. You are invited to pick some fruit for your use while
staying at the retreat.

Off-Site Activities:
* It is all about art (and shopping) - You are just 50 minutes from
Santa Fe's world-famous art galleries, museums, shopping, and gourmet
or casual restaurants. Santa Fe is third worldwide for art sales,
behind only New York and London. Taos, just 20 minutes away, also has
top-notch art galleries, with a more laid-back environment.
* Dining - We can recommend some restaurants for unforgettable dining
experiences.
* Hiking - Hiking opportunities abound right out the front door with
BLM lands bordering two sides of the property. Additionally, the
spectacular Rio Grande Gorge is situated several miles to the north
and has a number of well-maintained hiking trails.
* Skiing - Taos, Santa Fe, Sipapu, Angel Fire, and Pajarito.
* Fishing - Just walk out the backdoor and cast away!
* Gambling - Enjoy gambling? Several, mid-sized, well-appointed
casinos can be found within a half-hours drive.
* Golfing - There are a number of excellent golf courses within a
45-minute drive.
* Studio Tours - Northern New Mexico is famous for its studio tours at
which you can visit the studios of local artists, and, if inclined,
buy their unique pieces. Besides Rinconada which has a number of
galleries, two of the best studio tour events are in our neighboring
communities of Pilar and Dixon.
* Exploring - Albuquerque is Georgia O'Keefe country, Chamayo is home
to the world-class Ortega weaving studio, Chimayo's church was made
famous by Ansel Adams and has sacred dirt, believed to help heal
illness and injuries.
* Rafting - Rafting is available from a number of nearby
well-established outfitters.

No pets or smoking please.

So, indoors or out, we have everything you need for an unforgettable
vacation in the Land of Enchantment.

Amenities: Fireplace, Phone, Cable TV, VCR, Stereo, CD Player, Full
Kitchen, Microwave, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Ice Maker, Cooking
Utensils provided, Linens provided, Washer, Dryer, Charcoal Grill
(BBQ), No Smoking

Activities (on site or nearby): Hiking, Rock Climbing, Spelunking,
Biking, Golf, Tennis, Racquetball, Fitness Center, Gym, Shuffleboard,
Miniature Golf, Amusement Parks, Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing,
Horseback Riding, Shopping, Restaurants, Live Theater, Cinemas,
Museums, Sightseeing, Swimming, Rafting, Downhill Skiing, Cross
Country Skiing

Regular Rates: three night minimum-$640; four night-$820; five night-$980; six nights-
$1,140; one week-$1,280. Comfortably sleeps 6 people. We accept checks only and a
deposit is required to hold your reservation.

Holiday Rates (one-week minimum): Thanksgiving (Nov. 17-24), Christmas (Dec. 21-28);
New Years (Dec. 28-Jan. 4, 2008) and Spring Break (March 8-16) - $1750.