"Good for the soul"
"Good for the soul"
Submitted: May 20, 2013
Stayed: May 2013
"Good for the soul." That was the way my daughter described our stay at this wonderful home about ten minutes south of Abiquiu. Every morning and evening in particular we would find ourselves sitting under a portal, sipping wine and just letting the distant Black Mesa and the even more distant mountains work their magic on us. I remember as we drove up to the house just becoming transfixed by the spellbinding scenery around me. It took me about 10 minutes before I even contemplated going in the house. This is indeed an enchanted place in a state that has branded itself as the Land of Enchantment. If you somehow manage to tire of paradise-on-the-mesa, Santa Fe is about a 45 minute drive south.
We found nothing in the description or photos of this home to be at all misleading or inaccurate. You will find nearly everything you need in the house for a comfortable stay--including a sauna that I had forgotten about but was delighted to discover. The landlords are the best ever. Although they are distant, they keep in contact via email to make sure you are finding what you need. And, if they cannot help, they have a neighbor who is a delight and a tremendous resource to area sites, etc.
There is plenty to do in the area--Ghost Ranch is a short drive north of here and Abiquiu itself is interesting. However, we just enjoyed hiking in the immediate area around the house, exploring the arroyos, the Chama River, Indian ruins, and your own small mountain just a few steps from the house.
If you are looking for a little soul repair, this is the perfect place for you. If you would like to assemble some of your family for some special bonding, this is the place for you. And even if you don't think you need any special soul or spirit enhancement, this enchanted space will still recalibrate your world view.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Families with Young Children,
Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: Peaceful, relaxing, soulful, and beautiful--thats our tiny bit of heaven on earth. We so enjoy hearing that our guests love it as much as we do--and that wonderful family memories are made there that will last a lifetime. Northern New Mexico is indeed the land of enchantment. The big open sky which is constantly changing has brought all kinds of people together in search of soothing soulful experiences.
There are the monks at Christ in the Desert not far from us --a beautiful 13 mile ride to their chapel on the Chama which is open to all. There is the incredible Mosque of Abiquiu (which was built by the man who built our own poured pumice home) with its view of the Pedanale and next to the Plaza Blanca.(both incredible natural beauties painted by Georgia O'Keefe) as well as the Greek orthodox Church in Canones, the 17 Indian Pueblos, and the quaint and lovely mission churches with all their folkloric art work and deep traditions. A visit to Chimayo is a must--a holy shrine for the sick which draws thousands of tourists and the faithful as well as a place to buy the best chili in New Mexico!
Yes it all goes hand and hand in New Mexico-- hot green or red chili that is both good for the soul and the stomach. And the big open skies that bring soulful thinking and huge appetites. A sense that a vacation on the Mesa is more than a just a vacation or a just a retreat from the world it is also a tonic for the soul.
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