NATURE RETREAT**GREAT NIGHT SKIES***

I knew that by booking a house on VRBO that I would be getting a clean, nice property, but what Darlene did for us was above and beyond the call of duty!! A month before we were to go on vacation, my wife fell and broke her upper arm, had to have surgery, screw put in, and the whole 9 yards. Bottom line, she could not sleep in bed, had to sleep in a recliner! I called Darlene and asked if the house had a recliner, and she said no. I told her the sad story about my wife having to sleep in a recliner and she said "give me a couple of days; I've been thinking about getting another piece of furniture for that house". I called her 2 days later and she said that she had JUST PURCHASED A ROCKER RECLINER!!! How's THAT for service?!? We were able to take the trip, and of all the trips we've taken and used VRBO for accomodations, this was by far the nicest house we've ever stayed in! I would heartily recommend it to anyone who will be in the ABQ/Placitas area. Darlene and Dean are perfect hosts and the property was indeed perfect for our vacation needs.

Homemade chocolate chip cookies upon arrival, we felt like we were home! Darlene was a wonderful hostess, whatever we needed, she filled our requests. Their home really is a Nature Retreat providing unbelievably amazing, mountain, sunrise, sunset and stargazing views. You can't stop looking at the views, really!! The kids enjoyed their adventures on their beautiful property, Darlene even found some shovels for the kids to play with. Their home has the perfect floor plan for family gatherings indoors or out.

My sister is from Phoenix and I am from Dallas, we were hoping to meet in the middle. We found Placitas, NM to be a hidden jewel near Albuquerque and we are so excited. The location was perfect, for our families to visit Albuquerque, a great zoo, and aquarium, and skiing in Sandia (great service at the Sandia Ski Resort too). We had a great dinner at Blades Bistro, a charming restaurant nearby. Although we didn't make it to Santa Fe, it would have been an easy trip as the train depot is very close. We thank you Darlene and Dave for your wonderful hospitality. We hope to make this a tradition!!

As a single female, I decided to splurge and rented this home just for myself for a week. I was NOT disappointed. No pictures could do it justice. Many huge picture windows, high ceilings, and numerous skylights give it a very open feel. Almost every exterior wall has pictures windows, each with a stunningly view. Even the bathroom has a picture window looking out from the large jacuzzi. It is hard to see in the pictures, but there are thermal shades that can be pulled down on every window. However, because of the private setting of the home, I rarely used them. The master bath, bedroom, sitting area, and closet are huge! The master bedroom looks out on the lovely, secret garden, as does the living room. With flowers and herbs, it has been lovingly laid out and tended by the gracious owners, Darlene and Dave. The spacious kitchen looks out into the living room and dining area - and is very well stocked. Darlene has even included hand lotion by the sink! The covered back patio's sitting area is large enough for families and has a wonderful view of the valley and far away mountains. From birds to wildlife, sunsets and the wonderful night sky there is much to enjoy. The owners are just up the road. They are attentive but not intrusive. I spent a day just staying at the home and enjoying it and the views from all those wonderful windows! Thank you, Darlene and Dave, for a most memorable week!