Entire home

Rural appeal yet so close to town

Holiday home in Taos with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Rural appeal yet so close to town

Welcome To My  Truly Unique Home!
Truck Planter In My Front Pasture--A Local Landmark & Favorite Photo Subject
Front Entrance & Patio. I Love Plants! Shady Afternoons
Front Patio.  Sunny Mornings
Patio Fireplace.Two Room Casita Guesthouse  Across Driveway

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Taos Historic Museums
  • Place, Taos Plaza
  • Place, Kit Carson Park
  • Airport, Taos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Rural appeal yet so close to town

This property is truly one of a kind in Taos-perhaps anywhere. The main house is a wonderful old adobe on two pastoral acres down a country road surrounded by trees, lawns and gardens just across the Road from the Rio Pueblo. It has a remote and private feel and yet is less than a five minute drive to the Plaza and 30 minutes from world class skiing. You are entertained by stars and coyotes at night, roosters, the neighbors' donkey and church bells in the morning and birds all day long. The house is the true essence of southwest decor. The walls have a soft, buttermilk/beeswax sheen. Dark beamed ceilings and wood floors throughout are complimented by antique furnishings, native rugs, original art and many amazing and creative touches. It is a small home, perfect for a couple although it does have a second bedroom with its own private bath for two couples traveling together. Both bedrooms have queen size beds.
Enter from the covered portal into a kitchen fully equipped for all your cooking needs. If I don't have it, you probably don't need it! You will enjoy cooking on my 1949 O'Keefe & Merritt gas stove The living room is warm and inviting. A gas log stove in the corner provides central heat, but the wood burning kiva fireplace sets the tone. Ample firewood is located in a wood box just outside the kitchen door. There is an extensive DVD video library and numerous CDs. The Roku tv offers local channels and Netflix. All you need for a quiet evening at home. In fact most guests spend more time here relaxing than they do out adventuring. The master bedroom has an antique brass and iron queen size bed with down comforters and lots of pillows and good bedside reading lights. The large walk in closet opens to a hot tub under an 60' elm tree. There two full bathrooms in the home One has a deep tub/shower. The other is a walk in shower. The second bedroom has a new queen bed. and original art.
The outdoor patio is furnished with teak garden furniture, a fireplace and BBQ grill. The yard is enchanting even in winter. Towering cottonwood trees line one side of the property above the numerous out buildings. There is a large lawn and an orchard of mature apple, apricot, plum and pear trees. The many garden beds were lovingly planted by the owner ( a professional landscaper) and are surrounded by many tall trees and a flowing acequia.
This property was once the home of Taos writer John Nichols of 'Milagro Beanfield War' fame which was written in what is now a two room guest casita (Also available for 2-4 additional guests at additional rate.) However, this property is described in virtually all of John's books both fiction and non fiction in great detail. John is a friend and still lives nearby.
There are fun and fanciful touches to delight throughout the property from the turquoise Willy's planter truck in the front pasture to the the whimsical gardens and the outdoor art everywhere. The two story tree house is a fun day time getaway for all ages. So much to explore here!
There is also a two room casita/guesthouse across the driveway with two double beds, lights and heat for additional guests. Guests here can take advantage of the two full baths inside the main house--towels and robes provided . Additional $25 per person per night by prior arrangement. Can be left at check out
For the adventurous the tree house and an Airstream trailer are delightful summer spaces. The tree house has two twins on main floor and a queen in the loft. There is a shaded deck with pasture views. It is built around a huge heritage apple tree. ($25 per person per night)
The Airstream is 1971 vintage with lots of privacy in the back pasture. Big covered porch with mountain views. The interior has been fully remodeled and has a double bed in front room and a twin down the hallway. ($25 per person per night)
***Please note that when you rent the main house, the whole two acre property is your and I do not rent out any of the other spaces during your stay. Something guests love so much about my home is the privacy.
This property has appeared in Enchanted Homes, New Mexico Magazine and Green New Mexico. It was also featured on the Taos Home and Garden tour.
As with all of my properties, this is dog friendly for well behaved dogs and conscientious owners. Dog sheets for furniture and beds provided. Mutt mitts in box on tree for clean up. $10 charge per dog per night. May be left at departure
It must be seen to be believed. It is truly magical.

Keywords: Private, yet convenient amazingly comfortable, peaceful and eclectic, fun, whimsical

PLEASE NOTE: Even if my calendar is already reserved for your dates for this home please look at Vrbo 255317, Vrbo 482097 or Vrbo 860840 all two or three bedroom homes I own in Taos.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 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
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Taos

Located in Taos, this holiday home is in the city centre. Taos Country Club and El Valle Escondido Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Kit Carson Park and Carson National Forest. Twirl Toystore and Playspace and Kakawa Chocolate House are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Taos, NM

What's nearby

  • Taos Historic Museums - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Taos Plaza - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Kit Carson Park - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Taos Mountain Casino - 7 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Taos Pueblo - 10 min drive - 8.2 km

Getting around

  • Taos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Mantes Chow Cart - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Smith's Fuel Center - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rural appeal yet so close to town pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Rural appeal yet so close to town?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rural appeal yet so close to town?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Rural appeal yet so close to town located?

Located in the heart of Taos, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Historic Ledoux Street, Harwood Museum of Art and Blumenschein Home and Museum. La Hacienda del los Martinez and Harwood Foundation Museum are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 164 out of 195 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 195 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 195 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 195 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 195 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

William D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mid October stay. The house was very comfortable and large enough for us and our son and daughter in law. We liked the seclusion, the outdoor fireplace and indoor kiva. House was well stocked with everything needed in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colleen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredibly beautiful, artistic and very Zen. Our just could not be more lovely. I’ve stayed in Taos many times and this has been my favorite experience! Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alison V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We greatly enjoyed our stay at your precious, cozy, beautiful home. We only had two nights there and wish we had more. We felt so relaxed the whole time and loved sitting by the fires (both in and out) and in the hot tub. The gardens and grounds were gorgeous. We highly recommend this special gem!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Betsy K.

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

Amazing home

The house was so unique. The art and decorations were amazing. Loved how the kitchen was arranged. Thanks for having great book choices. The yard art was lovely. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the wind whispering through the trees and the lovely wind chimes. The tree house was so interesting. Was one of the best homes we have vacationed in.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason F.

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

Lovely wonderful Taos spot!

We loved staying at Melissa’s spot! Very homey, great vibe and wonderful southwestern style. Will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Becky R.

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

?

Very special place!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda C.

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

Beautiful property

Overall, everything was nice. The only thing that would keep me from renting this again was the beds/pillows were very uncomfortable. We did go purchase our own pillows which helped!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Susan D.

Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very unsatisfactory experience

We were not happy with the house but we were too tired from traveling to try and look for another spot. There were implements of torture hanging on the master bedroom walls and creepy paintings in the bath. A big step down into the kitchen and guest bath was a fall hazard. Mosquitoes were so bad we could not go outside and several followed us into the house and cars every time we did go out. There was dust everywhere and the furniture was old and musty and uncomfortable. Please look for another spot to vacation. You will not enjoy this one.
This is a tool to cut the horns off of cattle, a bloody chore. This is hanging in the kitchen.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Miranda J., Denver, CO

Farmhouse Escape

We had a great time exploring the property and loved the hot tub and fire places. The main house was very spacious and had more than everything we needed. Melissa was responsive if we needed anything (we got lost driving there..). We loved all of the quirky touches and are thinking about coming back someday!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2017

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne E.

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

A Quiet Getaway

This property is a very unique, rural place, and a nice, quiet getaway with all the amenities of the modern world. So, it fit everyone's likes from parents who wanted quiet to teens who didn't want to be away from wi-fi! Our dog loved the huge property where we walked him and we loved the intricacies of the out buildings as well. Such a unique area true to the architecture of Taos. It's was so fun to have the casita on the property where the author John Nichols wrote, the Airstream, and the treehouse! We enjoyed it all.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Excellent Taos Experience

We stayed at this amazing house for 3 days and spent one day at the property just to explore, reading and relaxing, soaking it all up. As listed a truly unique experience indeed. A very special experience. Melissa has created an amazing portal for transformation. We had a wonderful time there and recommend highly. Stop going to boring generic hotels people!!!

10/10 Excellent

michelle d.

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

short family stay-2 adults/2 kids

Unique indeed, lots of things to look at. Many beautiful things, very comfortable house, way cool treehouse and very nifty airstream trailer. Only consideration is that the beds in the 2 bedrooms were a little smaller than we were used to. the rest of the property made up for it. Seems quite remote but close in, have to drive into town, roads not great for walking. BEAUTIFUL GARDENS. A fun stay for us.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kim Z.

WOW!!!!!!!! Great place! Definitely going again!

Melissa, Sorry it took a while to write this...I wanted to take the time to do it right! Your home is just lovely! My wife, myself, my son, and his wife definitely enjoyed our stay. Each day we would walk around the property and discover something new. Your property is definitely a labor of love on your part. You will see us again. The ecclectic furnishings and rustic setting was just perfect. Thanks again. Sincerely, Kim Z.

6/10 Okay

Janice A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Overview

The property ground were just beautiful. Love the native plantings. Such a great place to let a dog run around a bit & feel free. The home itself needs work. The stove smells of propane. We didn't even try the oven. Leaky/loose faucets in kitchen & 2nd bath. House needs a fresh coat of paint & lightening up. Honestly didn't feel clean. I brought my own sheet for dog bed. Oh, the smaller loveseat in the living room needs cleaning or replaced. Such potential here.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

JENNIFER J., Kansas

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

Fun and Artistic

This home is appointed with beautiful primitive antiques and has all of the comforts needed for a great getaway. We especially loved the patio and all of the flowers. Melissa answered any question we had in a prompt manner and was good to point us in the direction of sites to take in. Taos Plaza is a short 10 minute drive. We did hear some dog barking at night and a rooster in the morning but this was not a negative thing for us; adds to the charm of this remote oasis. We did not use the hot tub or outdoor shower but they are nice amenities to this unique property. Both beds were comfortable and the mattress heating pad is especially nice on the chilly mountain nights. The 1949 gas stove is so cool and we prepared several meals with it. If you are wanting a house for 2 couples away from the city, this is a great spot!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Kathleen H.

Awesome property!

We rented the main house and tree house over Labor Day. The main house is so cool! It is a real Adobe with art pieces to look at everywhere (even the kitchen items)! The only flaw is that the bedrooms don't have doors. House was very clean. Great patio with fire pit we used every night. Used the hot tub one night. Twinkle lights in all the trees. 2 outhouses on the property, everything is so artsy and quirky, we loved it. Just so much to look at! Recommendation for owner is to cut 2 trees down in far back so there is a perfect mountain view, we enjoyed having our coffee on the airstream's deck, would have been even better with those 2 trees gone.

6/10 Okay

Amanda T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in
Disliked: Location

Quirky house, not worth the money

Secluded area is used very loosely in the description of this house. I could have thrown my shoe and hit the neighbors house. The house is cozy, eclectic, quirky decorations and old kitchen utensils that are fun to look at. Coolest oven/ stove I’ve seen for a while. Coffee maker hardly works and the coffee provided is years old at best. The wood provided for the fire places smells awful and burns very quickly, poor quality non-traditional fire wood was provided. The hot tub water had a brown foamy film. My husband and I own a hot tub and we’re up to test and treat the water so we could use later, but all the cleaning products provided were empty. The cleaning fee was outrageous for an overnight stay using just the main house. Next time I’d rather spend this amount of money on a ski in ski out. Fun overnight, wouldn’t stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

scott l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The most perfect spot. We enjoyed returning to this 2-acre paradise after first discovering it 7 years ago. The house and amenities couldn't be better. If in the Taos area, seriously consider this "best of both worlds" (rural yet so close to town) location.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful location close to downtown Taos, beautiful large property with comfortable, well supplied main house and hot tub. Only concern was the screens on windows and other areas around the house were covered with spider webs and dead insects. House was clean, but window screens need attention.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place especially if you like privacy.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

abq b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved it! Place was perfect for us, exactly what we wanted. Clean, easy check in/check out. No problems at all. Would definitely come back!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd J.

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

Great place

Wonderful house and property. Would recommend and stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary G.

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

Cutest property

We had a wonderful stay, it’s a beautiful property and has a lot of quirky art. We loved the hot tub and the house is super cute. We also had a cute barn kitty keep us company. Close to town, really lovely.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Matthew M.

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

Nice peaceful area to hang out not too far from Taos plaza

It's a nice quiet location away from the road and generally a very peaceful place. It seems to be an adobe house so it stays a little cool. Decor is a little eclectic from birds and wasp nests to what appears to be local native art and Spanish colonial style art. The patio furniture seems to need a little TLC but otherwise was a relaxing and peaceful stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eve L.

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

Repeat customer

This is our second time staying in this house. The house is stocked with almost everything we need, and really made us feel like home. My whole family love the fireplace! Melissa is great to work with. Highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

About the host

Hosted by Melissa /Taos mgr.

Host profile image
I was a landscaper in Marin Co. California and was ready for a change of pace and place. I found my house on my birthday - June 21. It was love at first sight. The property is so special the variety, the quiet, the trees and flowers,the other buildings and the proximity to town. It is just plain perfect.

Why they chose this property

I grew up in the Southwest and even though I loved many things about the Bay Area, I missed seasons, mountains, turquoise skies and thunderstorms.

What makes this property unique

Peace and quiet with good proximity to town, comfortable and cozy and so many fun things to see.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests