ARTIST'S RETREAT

Tucked away under and between the cottonwoods, aspen, pines and elms, one hardly knows of its existence. This is a magical casita, a true hideaway with a beautiful garden and views of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Space inside and outside with plenty of room for quietude and creation. One can hear the silence or get lost in reflections. In the star-studded nights there are no lights.

Take a walk through our fields, up the trail head to the mountains, or a short five minute walk to the barn to say hello to our farm animals.

This is a great space for families, honeymooners, or anyone looking for quiet solitude. The casita has a bedroom with a king size bed, and a sunporch with a full size bed a sofa bed and a rollaway twin bed. The bathroom features mosaic by a local artist and has a bath/shower. There is a refrigerator, propane stove and dishwasher in the kitchen. The table seats four. In the garden area is a grill, table, lawn chairs plus a hammock to relax on lazy days. A private cedar wood Ofuro hot tub for soaking under the starlit sky.

The Artist`s Retreat is located on a forty acre farm. Guests have access to the private and secluded garden and the outside table, chairs, a hammock (during warm weather) and a barbecue and a small fire pit (only to be used with permission of the management due to the fire risk).

The cottage faces the goji berry field to the north, a large open field to the south where we grow corn and pumpkins. There is also an old apple grove in the middle of the field and you are welcome to taste the different apple varieties.

To the east and close to the other cabins is an open barn with tables and benches. Guests are welcome to use the barn for meals and its a wonderful place to watch the sun go down over the distant mountains. We have several vegetable garden in the summer. Guests are welcome to pick some veggies for some weeding. Please speak to the property manager.

We have a small play ground with swings and a slide. There are chickens and guests can feed them with table scraps (please no chicken or eggs, we don`t want them to be cannibals) Be sure to close the chickens gate behind you, We have stray dogs in the valley that can harm our chickens. There is also 2 two sheep, mini goats, plus three alpacas, Albert and Allison and their offspring Alex. You are welcome to feed them, they love grass and also branches from the old Chinese Elm trees.

Interaction with guests depends on the privacy needs of the vacationers. We do arrange potlucks and dinners throughout the year for those who are socially inclined. Guests are also welcome to join us in the seasonal Trading Post cafe for breakfast with the wwoofers (willing workers in organic farms).

We recommend that you arrive by car. Northern NM is full of scenic drives only accessible by car.
There are two shuttle services in Taos and also a `Blue Bus` service that passes San Cristobal twice a day.
If you are a biker, this is wonderful place to explore trails to Taos or other nearby attractions or around our property.

During he summer we have fresh vegetables in season as well as chicken eggs. We also have a seasonal farm cafe in the trading post. Guests can socialize with our `wwoofers` (willing workers on organic farms and joint us for a farm breakfast for an extra fee.
HOUSE RULES

Pet Policy

We love dogs! To keep both our guests and our property safe, we ask that you please be responsible with your pet.

Dog Limit
• This cabin allows up to 2 dogs.
• Pet fee: $25 per night (flat).
• 70-lb weight limit. Please inquire if your dog is larger — we are flexible case-by-case depending on the cabin.
• Cats are not permitted.

Property Guidelines
1. Keep dogs off all furniture and bedding. Protect rugs, quilts, pillows, and cushions from muddy paws and shedding.
2. Dogs may not be left alone in the cabin unless crated. If you leave the property, please crate your dog.
3. Pick up after your dog anywhere on the property.
4. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while on the property.
5. No excessive barking inside or outside the cabin.

Livestock & Wildlife Safety

Keep dogs within your sight at all times. Do not allow dogs to wander off the property. Neighbors have livestock (cows, goats, sheep, horses), and loose dogs can be seriously harmed if they enter animal fields.

Non-Destructive Requirement

Dogs must be non-destructive. Excessive cleaning or damages may result in additional charges.

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Smoking Policy
• No smoking allowed inside any cabin.

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Guest Notice

King Bed
• 1 set of king sheets (fitted sheet, flat sheet, and comforter)
• 4 pillowcases

Full Bed
• 1 set of full-size sheets (fitted sheet, flat sheet, and comforter)
• 4 pillowcases

Towels
• 4 bath towels
• 4 hand towels
• 4 washcloths

If, upon arrival, any of these items are missing, please notify management right away so we can replace them.

Conversely, if any of these items are missing upon your departure, the replacement cost will be charged to your account.

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Fire Safety

San Cristobal is in an EXTREME FIRE RISK ZONE.
• Absolutely no open fires without explicit permission from the property caretaker.
• No unattended grilling.
• Use the wood fire stove only if you understand how — ask the property manager if unsure.
• Never use flammable lighter fluid inside.

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Quiet Hours / Noise
• Please keep noise down before 9 AM and after 10 PM.
• No events without explicit approval from management.

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Hot Tub Rules

We have two shared hot tubs on the property:

Barn Hot Tub
• Hours: until 10 PM

Family Cabin Hot Tub
• Hours: until 7 PM

General Hot Tub Rules
• No pets allowed.
• No children under 14 years permitted.
• No glass containers anywhere near the hot tubs.
• Shower before use.
• Use at your own risk — prolonged soaking may be unhealthy.

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Toilets / Septic System
• Only septic-safe toilet paper.
• Do not flush wipes or other items.
• Dispose of all non-toilet paper items in the trash.

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Gas Safety
• If you smell gas or notice a strange odor from the stove, contact the caretaker immediately.
• Propane heater may only be used with explicit permission — it is for long-term outages only.

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Emergency Information
• For emergencies dial 911 (Ambulance, Fire, Police).