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Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley

Holiday home in El Rito with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Casa Ambrosia: Unique Adobe Home with Mountain Views in a Beautiful River Valley

Custom Designed Passive Solar Adobe Home, curved walls, high ceilings, big views
Fully equipped kitchen and dining area, opens into living room, big bright space
A warm, cozy woodburning fireplace in the spacious living room, firewood provide
Upstairs bedroom, rounded walls, vigas, large windows facing mountains, king bed
Downstairs bedroom, rounded walls, queen bed, large windows with mountain views

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4185.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Dryer
  • Washer

Explore the area

View map
El Rito, NM
  • Place, Carson National Forest
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Plaza Blanca
  • Place, Ghost Ranch
    ‪60 min drive‬
  • Airport, Taos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

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

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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

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

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
El Rito, NM

What's nearby

  • Carson National Forest - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Girasol Gift Shop at Bode's - 37 min drive - 34.0 km
  • Abiquiu Lake - 53 min drive - 48.8 km
  • Ghost Ranch - 60 min drive - 59.2 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.

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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 206 out of 226 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 226 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 226 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 226 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 226 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Peter Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great New Mexico vibes. Perfect base camp for El Rito climbing, Ojo, and El Farolito
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yvette O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was such a beautiful home and area we had a wonderful time. Home was fully stocked with everything we had no worries.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Belinda W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful place to stay

The property was peaceful, better than pictures, and very welcoming.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anne M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family trip 2026

Fantastic stay at casa ambrosia. Thanks Alicia!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and secluded

Great getaway very peaceful and quiet, definitely recommend to get away from big city and towns.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris B., Kerrville

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice country setting

We had a peaceful visit and enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
All in all Alicia's home was perfect for what I was wanting and needing. Alicia was great and quite prompt in answering questions I had prior to my arrival. When the listing says it's nestled in total peace and privacy, it is 100% true. I was traveling alone, so admittedly it took the city woman in me a night or two to settle into the quiet and remote location, but I ended up loving it. I'd definitely consider going back again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

John H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nicely isolated

Great wilderness access
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

23rd Anniversary

Great stay in the mountains. Comfy house that had everything w needed. Would love to return.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aubrey H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and rejuvenating

We loved the minimalist aesthetic. the house was perfectly appointed with everything we needed for a getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Refreshing Getaway

Peaceful home to relax and get away. Hot tub is nice after a long day of hiking. Road is a little rough getting there, but adds to the seclusion.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jade G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

We loved our stay! The directions were easy to follow on how to get there and everything was wonderful. We loved how it felt like we had our own space and weren’t next to a lot of neighbors. The space is so cute and comfortable. Alicia was super kind and accommodating and provided everything we needed!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fall retreat

Casa Ambrosia is a wonderful place to relax and unwind. Stunning views from a unique hand crafted home. Alicia was wonderful, checking by email to be sure we arrived and had everything we needed. Hot tub under the stars after a long day of hiking near ghost ranch was sublime
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Colin G., Birmingham UK

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent peaceful stay

The property is in a very quiet situation, which has many wild bird visitors including several types of hummingbirds. The Casa is luxurious and very well equipped. Being very close to Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch (where the important artist Geaorgia O'Keeffe lived), and equidistant between Taos and Santa Fe, the location is excellent for exploring this part of New Mexico. We highly recommend this accommodation.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

mary j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

BIrthday celebration

My daughter, her dog and I went to El Rito to celebrate her birthday. Drove from Denver. Casa Ambrosia was amazing. The view, the hot tub, the fireplace, the hikes - all perfect. Town of El Rito was a special surprise!! Can't wait to go back Mary
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay!

My daughter and I had a wonderful time at Ambrosia. It’s a perfect spot with great hiking nearby and exploring the area. A great location for day trips and coming ‘home’ to the peaceful quiet. The kitchen was has everything you need to cook.meals. Both bedrooms are spacious and the beds were super comfy. The host is quick to respond and provided lots of information on the area. Highly recommend the restaurant in town, El Farolito. It’s a hidden gem.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan S., Where do you live?

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a house!!!

Beautiful. And The surroundings…
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joseph C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Casa Ambrosia

This is a really special rental. We have stayed in many VRBOs. This is certainly our favorite. Remote, quiet but also very unassuming. Great views, good inside and outside energy. We love how the house is integrated into the landscape, and in tune with the Northern New Mexico vibe. Owner is kind and communicative. We will certainly be beck.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rachel B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

cozy getaway

My husband and I came up to the area with our gravel bikes but a snow storm prevented us from doing much riding. We enjoyed a few snow days here and the hot tub and fireplace kept us toasty. The property was quiet and beautiful! Some previous reviews mentioned bugs, but they weren't an issue for us (we like rustic and remote). The bed was very comfy. Definitely pack all your food necessities because the property is pretty far from amenities.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ben S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sigrid S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colin G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We have stayed here before so everything was as expected. We love the house and the peaceful environment. A lovely break.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gill H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is the fifth time we have stayed and it is always wonderful. We were there for 2 weeks this time. An amazing unique house with a sensational design related apparently to Chaco Canyon. There are so many exquisite details and a gorgeous high roof in the main room. Hot tub also great. And privacy and silence very restoring. The host, Alicia, could not be more charming and heloful. Its a magical place and we highly recomnend it. Can't wait to come back for our 6th visit !
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet stay in our favorite Adobe house
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Garrett S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

About the host

Hosted by Alicia

Host profile image
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

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