Take Me to the River: Stylish Cottage in Gorgeous Canyon on the Embudo River

Over a bridge and steps from the Embudo River, this stylish, well-equipped cottage is nestled under cottonwood trees in a private canyon facing a stunning rock face. Relax on the deck overlooking the water, and during late spring and early summer, listen to the river as you fall asleep. The quaint village of Dixon (an artist and vineyard, orchard, organic farm community) is just a mile away.

The property.

In this private canyon, you will enjoy its trees and shade, the river that runs through it, and the constant sound of water on the property during late spring and early summer or after a rain. You can venture out to explore the open landscape -- enjoy the sun, heat, and arid climate, and the attractions of the busy, neighboring towns-- then retreat to this canyon refuge with its cool water, light breezes, birdsong, and shade trees. The property is densely populated with cottonwood, pinon, Russian olive, and juniper trees; in the warm seasons, the fragrance of these and other native plants such as sage fills the air.

Guest access

All parts of the property are available for exploring and relaxing, including a beautiful deck overlooking the water. Because six springs are on the property, we always have running water, even during a dry spell; however, water levels vary with the seasons and with the annual rain and snowfall. During spring and early summer, you can usually fish for brown trout along the Embudo River as well as enter the water on warm summer days. There is also good fishing nearby along the Rio Grande.

Centrally located.

From Dixon, access is easy to culturally rich Santa Fe (45 miles south), Abiquiu and Georgia O'Keefe country (39 miles southwest), Taos and Taos Pueblo (22 miles north), the hot springs at Ojo Caliiente, the museums at Los Alamos, and the High Road to Taos, along which is Truchas, the location for the film, The Milagro Beanfield Wars. For those who love the outdoors, walking and hiking, fishing for trout, rafting and kayaking the Rio Grande, exploring petroglyphs and Native American sites are all just minutes away.

The cottage

Exterior.

The cottage is nestled in a canyon and faces a multi-colored rock face on one side and on the other, trees and the river, and a hill covered in native, colorful plants. Through most seasons, you can hear the sound of the river from the cottage.

Right outside the house are two spots for relaxing: a long porch with benches out front and a patio area just outside the kitchen that has a table and several chairs. Although the owners live on the property, the two houses are separated by ample space and wood screens, which provide the privacy needed in the outdoor seating areas between the two houses.

Interior

The interior space is an open plan (living/dining/kitchen) with dramatic high ceilings and exposed timber beams throughout. The kitchen and bathroom (with shower) are new and fully equipped; the bathroom has quality towels and the bedroom, quality bedding. The bedroom is spacious and includes a king-size bed and full closet. A single (very comfortable) bed is located in a corner of the living area; an additional comfortable mattress can be made to accommodate an additional person, if needed.

Interaction with guests

My husband or I (Cedric and Kris) are usually home and always available to provide recommendations or answer any questions you have about the area. Please feel free to stop by any time--our door is always open. We are also sensitive to our guests' need for privacy and are non-intrusive. In the event we are away, our property manager will be available to help you with anything you need.

The Village of Dixon

We have three wineries close by: Chirapada, Vivac, and Black Mesa. Vivac is just a walk away. A brew pub is a 5 minute drive. In the area, we have art galleries and antiques stores. Our library received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the White House in 2015. Visit the library for their schedule of lectures and events. We are only 1/2 mile from the beautiful Rio Grande River (with white-water rafting companies) and about 20 minutes from the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument with sweeping vistas of the Rio Grande gorge and many hiking opportunities.