Guesthouse in Santa Fe

Cheery, light-filled, intimate. Stand-alone Casita Feliz includes an Enclosed Grassy Courtyard and Cozy Outdoor Kiva Fireplace on Five Acres in Eldorado, a southeast suburb of Santa Fe. (1-Bed/1-Bath + Kitchenette.) Kick back and relax in this calm, stylish space, the guesthouse of the main home. The space Casita Feliz is like the breath of fresh air you didn’t realize you needed. If you’re looking for a quiet, feel-good spot to rest and recharge, this upscale casita is just what the doctor ordered. No matter which season you’re visiting, Casita Feliz is magically refreshing. At only 20 minutes to the heart of Santa Fe, Casita Feliz offers excellent year-round climate, gorgeous views, clean air, and a variety of cultural and recreational activities nearby. Perfect for one or two people, we welcome respectful travelers, artists, adventurers, writers, students taking classes, as well as those looking to enjoy the ambiance of Santa Fe. About the Property: On 5 natural grassy acres, dotted with juniper pines and surrounded by views to the mountains and horizons, sits an upscale Spanish-influenced, Santa Fe-style home. Guests will park out front and meander down a short gravel path before entering a classic stucco adobe-walled courtyard through the rustic metal gate. Inside the courtyard, you will find a small oasis from the harsh desert environment, complete with soft green grass and covered, shady portals with exposed beams (Spanish porches). At the far end of the courtyard is cozy Casita Feliz. Like many things in Santa Fe, the true beauty is hidden within the simple facade. Casita Feliz is a masterful blend classic Santa Fe architecture and contemporary bliss. When you open the glass doors, you will be amazed by how light and airy the space feels. The high, vaulted ceiling has exposed beams that discreetly draw your attention up. The many windows fill the room with famous Santa Fe light and unveil incredible views to the Ortiz Mountains and stunning sunsets. Watch the sun transform the desert while enjoying morning coffee or tea from the Keurig. Admire the magnificent Santa Fe sunsets and marvel at the miraculous transformation as thousands of stars fill the clear night sky. Tastefully decorated using light woods and contemporary design, the artistic pops of color add just the right energy to make the space feel fresh and cheery. The decor is sophisticated, yet colorful, and includes beautiful artwork by the owner and other selected pieces. With a contemporary floral curtain and jewel-tone towels, even the bathroom feels uplifting. The casita is fragrance-free (please help us keep it that way!) and cleaned with natural products. It has a queen bed with down alternative comforter, a table and chairs for dining or working, a full bath (tub with shower), and a large walk-in closet. We also provide a smart TV, access to WIFI and bookcase with a selection of novels for you to peruse while here. The kitchenette (not full kitchen) includes a Keurig coffee/tea maker, retro-styled microwave and small refrigerator/freezer. We also provide a selection of coffees and teas, along with cups, paper plates, and utensils. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the bricked-area near the casita in the courtyard. Kick-back around the outdoor Kiva fireplace (wood provided) in the two large, cushioned lounge chairs. In summer, you will enjoy the sound of the fountain. Mexican blankets are provided so you can snuggle up in the cooler weather. Sip afternoon margaritas (sorry, not provided) or enjoy tapas (also not provided) at the outdoor dining area. This courtyard is all yours (not shared). Pets and quiet creative endeavors are welcome, but if there is a risk of mess, please plan accordingly to protect the space. For example, (1) use a protective drop cloth if you will be painting, (2) use the provided scoop and waste can for pet waste, (3) keep an eye on your pet so they don’t dig up the yard or damage the furniture. For your convenience, the Agora and La Tienda shopping centers in Eldorado offer groceries, dining, shopping, mail services, cafe, yoga, and even a brewery taproom. A stand alone pizza joint, Upper Crust Pizza, is across the highway from them and popular Cafe Fina is located on the other side of I-25. Of course, Santa Fe has even more to offer. We hope you enjoy your stay and look forward to hosting you. Indoor Space (350 square feet): 1 Queen bed with down-alternative comforter, 1 Bathroom with shower/tub, 1 Dinette/ Breakfast table for two 1 Kitchenette (not full kitchen) includes Keurig and retro-styled microwave and small refrigerator/freezer. 1 walk-in closet with space for suitcases. Also houses casita extras such as steam iron and hairdryer as well as outdoor accessories like cushions and Mexican blankets (please keep indoors when not in use to protect from weather and wildlife) 1 UHD Smart TV with access to wifi, basic apps and Directv. 1 bookshelf with a variety of books for you to borrow during your time here Air conditioning & heating Winter Outdoor Highlights: Cozy up under a handmade Mexican blanket next to the outdoor Kiva fireplace to admire the magnificent Santa Fe sunsets and marvel at the miraculous transformation as thousands of stars fill the clear night sky. On sunny days, you can shelter out of the breeze against the courtyard’s adobe walls and bask in the sun that warms you to the bone. Warmer Seasons Outdoor Highlights: Enjoy unwinding in the lush courtyard, which is filled with leafy trees, green grass (a rarity in the High Desert), and a running fountain (drought permitting). Watch the birds and lizards flutter about the leaves and flowers. Applaud the aerobatics of the hummingbirds as they zoom from flower to feeder with tiny wings beating so fast that you can hear them buzzing. Cap it off with drinks to toast the sunset and welcome the spectacular night sky. Outdoor Space: Courtyard - Guests are encouraged to take full advantage of the bricked area closest to the casita. This includes a table that will seat 6. Please get prior approval for guests. There are two patio lounge chairs, and Kiva fireplace. Cushions are kept in the casita closet. Please keep them inside when not in use to protect them from weather and wildlife. Fireplace directions will be in the casita welcome book. Some firewood is supplied, as well. Full Property - Casita Feliz sits on 5 acres of wild high-dessert grassland. Please be aware that natural hazards are part of the wilderness experience, including encounters with cactus and wildlife. Guests and pets are welcome to explore at their own risk. Nearby - The local community of Eldorado has 5,000 acres of open space set aside for community use. It is crisscrossed with trails for walking, hiking, biking, and even horses/donkeys. You can walk out the gate and join them without needing to take a car, or you can drive to one of the nearby access points. (Dogs should be on lead and picked up after. Walkers and cyclists yield and step aside for horses.). Less than 1 mile from the house, the Rail Trail runs about 15 miles (11.5 unpaved, 3.5 paved) all the way to the heart of Santa Fe. A little further - With a short drive, you can explore to your heart’s content. Popular options include the Galisteo Basin Preserve, Pecos National Forest, Santa Fe city trails, and Santa Fe National Forest. Privacy: Casita Feliz is a stand-alone building and is a guesthouse of the main home. Guest access is through the courtyard which is yours and yours alone (not shared). The owners value privacy, and have provided shades on every window within the casita, as well as within their own home. The entire home sits on 5 natural acres, so is inherently private while providing fabulous big-sky views. Pets: Up to two pets welcome. (Owners may consider special circumstances for additional pets upon request.) Damage or excess cleaning fees will be charged if necessary, but we’d rather you just be respectful and responsible. We understand that each pet has a unique temperament and personality, so we ask that you plan accordingly to protect the casita and outdoor space, if needed. Since pet hair is hard to remove from the blankets and linens, we request you keep the pets off the bed. If this is impossible, please bring or request a protective sheet to cover the bed. Some pets are anxious when left in new spaces and this can result in accidental damage (like clawing and chewing furniture), so for the comfort of your pet and safety of the property, please consider taking your pets with you when you go out, or humanely crating them. Your pets can have complete access to the enclosed courtyard. A Scooper and garbage can are provided for you to pick up after them. (Thanks!). The 5 acre property is grassy wilderness. You may walk your pets out there, but be aware of potential hazards including cactus and wildlife. Beware that we share the neighborhood with a variety of raptors, bobcats, and coyotes. Take care when letting your pets outdoors, especially if your pets are small. Please note that the owners have two small, friendly dogs named Wyatt and Suki. They have their own separate courtyard. Children: Casita Feliz only has one queen-size bed so is best suited to individuals or couples, however, the owners may be willing to accommodate babies or children with prior approval. Don’t be shy, just ask. In Eldorado: The Agora and La Tienda shopping centers offer groceries, dining, shopping, mail services, cafe, yoga, and even brewery taproom. A stand alone pizza joint is across the highway from them. Heating/Cooling: Casita Feliz has a mini-split heating and air conditioning unit. The natural design of the home means the walls exposed to the sun absorb and radiate heat into the space. The windows also help by letting the afternoon sun in to heat the room. This is wonderful in winter. In summer, the best strategy is to run the air conditioning until you are comfortable, then lower the shades after 3pm (or before you go out for the day), then open them after the sun has set. The windows can be opened to allow in fresh breezes. This might even be helpful in the cooler months when the days are warm and the nights cold. Staying Cool - On hottest days use the mini-split air conditioning system. You can also use the ceiling fan to circulate the air. Open the windows in the evening when there are cool breezes. Close them during the day, unless the breeze is just right for coming in the windows/door. It’s also helpful to close the shades before you head out for the day to keep the direct sun from shining in and heating the room. The climate in Santa Fe is quite dry, so you will be surprised how well this works and how well you can enjoy the environment . Guest access Parking and approach to Casita Feliz include varying terrain, such as rocky gravel and uneven grass. There is also a 2 inch step up into the casita. The entry door into the casita measures a little over 25 inches (64cm). It is the most narrow point. There is a tub with shower in it (not walk-in shower) and shower head is not removable. Other things to note We have a ductless mini-split heating and air conditioning system. You will be comfortable no matter what the season.