Ridgway villa rental - The adobe sits atop a hill. The Cimarron Range provides a dramatic east backdrop
The adobe sits atop a hill. The Cimarron Range provides a dramatic east backdrop
 
Ridgway villa rental - The adobe sits atop a hill. The Cimarron Range provides a dramatic east backdrop

The adobe sits atop a hill. The Cimarron Range provides a dramatic east backdrop

The two-story sun room highlights the south face of the home.

The two-story sun room highlights the south face of the home.

N entrance, garage/laundry right. Guest suite left, Master balcony above door.

N entrance, garage/laundry right. Guest suite left, Master balcony above door.

West side story. Sun(set) lovers rejoice, either upstairs or down (or rooftop!)

West side story. Sun(set) lovers rejoice, either upstairs or down (or rooftop!)

From front door, Den, kitchen 2 L. Dining room, sunroom back R, behind living rm

From front door, Den, kitchen 2 L. Dining room, sunroom back R, behind living rm

View from the kitchen, dining room at left, living room right.

View from the kitchen, dining room at left, living room right.

Architecture details amaze. Here, intersection of kitchen, living & dining r

Architecture details amaze. Here, intersection of kitchen, living & dining r

Master suite, from door looking SE. Sunroom landing L, door to deck more L.

Master suite, from door looking SE. Sunroom landing L, door to deck more L.

Master suite. Swing doors lead to walk-in closet and door to mini-balcony

Master suite. Swing doors lead to walk-in closet and door to mini-balcony

Master suite Jacuzzi tub with a west-facing view window.

Master suite Jacuzzi tub with a west-facing view window.

.

.

This was just one of about 150 photos from the "sunsets" folder.

This was just one of about 150 photos from the "sunsets" folder.

A winter moonset from the upper deck off the master suite.

A winter moonset from the upper deck off the master suite.

Fall colors are great, especially when viewed from the roof. (No shoes, please!)

Fall colors are great, especially when viewed from the roof. (No shoes, please!)

It's a mile east on CR 5A to Elk Meadows. That's my place above the road.

It's a mile east on CR 5A to Elk Meadows. That's my place above the road.

They aren't called the elk meadows without reason. This is just NW of the house.

They aren't called the elk meadows without reason. This is just NW of the house.

  • Bedrooms2
  • Sleeps10
  • 3 Bathrooms
Minimum Stay 2 - 4 nights
 

Photos and Description of the Ridgway vacation villa rental
villa, 2 bedrooms+convertible bed(s), 3 bathrooms, sleeps 5-10

Playfully known as the 'Taco Bell' because of the Spanish archway above the whimsical stairway to the roof (or heaven), there's nothing but beauty to be found here — either inside the 2,700 square foot custom home, or outside on its 9-acre parcel and beyond.

What puts this special property far above the norm?

INSIDE

This architectural masterpiece, features foot-thick New Mexico adobe brick, few right angles and dramatic ceiling vigas. Views of alpine nature are found outside every window. The original builder, a Hollywood special effects director, luxuriously furnished his home with fine furniture, tasteful Western art and numerous antiques.

Among the rooms:

* Airy, east-facing kitchen, with island range, custom cabinetry and bar seating.

* Two-story, south facing sunroom which collects copious sunlight and heat, especially in winter.

* A spacious guest suite, featuring a two-story ceiling, a king bed tucked into its own cozy adobe igloo, and separate doorway to east patio. The suite boasts its own full bathroom.

* An second-story office loft (with a twin bed) accessed up a spiral staircase in the guest suite.

* A tranquil den, perfect for morning coffee and your favorite novel, with a kiva fireplace.

* And finally, upstairs, the master suite. Large, with its own kiva fireplace and windows on three sides. A large balcony deck is off to the west (and off it, the “stairway to heaven,” and a cute two-seat deck faces north for cool summer evenings. A jacuzzi tub with west-facing views highlight the master bath.

* One of the bays in the garage is available for parking.

OUTSIDE

The home sits atop a hill at the back of a 9.6-acre parcel, providing total privacy and 360 degrees of elevated alpine views. The private driveway winds a quarter mile through the aspens, up 200 vertical feet.

To the west, the home overlooks the real “elk meadows” for which our unique subdivision is named. The meadows are preserved in wildlife conservation easement in perpetuity, meaning there is no human development for a mile to the west.

The eastern horizon consists of the Cimarron Range, and a 14er, Wetterhorn. Nearly 100 miles away on the northern horizon are the Grand Mesa and West Elks.

With the parcel heavily wooded with aspen, evergreens and oak scrub, game trails throughout the property have been improved for hiking, mountain biking (not for the faint!), and snowshoeing.

A nine-panel tracking solar array supplies almost all the electricity consumed at the house.

A fenced back yard of nearly an acre, gives the welcomed dog plenty of room to run and sniff.

A second homesite lower on the property offers level land for other possibilities, such as parking an RV or pitching a tent.

If your vacation is meant to include unparalleled scenic alpine beauty, a memorable and hospitable home, and world-class sightseeing and recreational opportunities, you’re here.

More Details
Hide Details
About David Mullings

I'm born and raised in northern New Mexico, which surely factored into my initial attraction to this special home. I moved to Ouray County in 1995, having purchased the local newspapers of record, the Ouray County Plaindealer and The Ridgway Sun. I sold them in 2010, but have continued to love living here, and sharing the Taco Bell with guests.

David Mullings purchased this villa in 2005
Why David Mullings chose Ridgway

The home was built in 1994-95 by a man named Larry Cavanaugh. From what I've learned, he grew up in Western Colorado and went on to become a top special effects coordinator in Hollywood. According to IMBd.com, he worked on 38 films, the most notable ones Apocalypse Now, Face Off, The Godfather III, Mission Impossible II, and Far and Away. The wagon wheels at the driveway gate came off the set of that last movie. Cavanaugh died in 1999, but not before constructing and furnishing a most unique home.

7 Reviews of Property 993137 in Ridgway, Colorado

Elevate to Secluded Beauty: Stunning Sw Adobe
average rating of 4.714286 based on 7 reviews
business
Elevate to Secluded Beauty: Stunning Sw Adobe
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p993137
+1 970-6265853
Ridgway Southwestern Colorado
Texas
5

Dad

5 of 5
Submitted: November 28, 2012 Stayed: November 2012
The house and especially the surrounding area were beyond what was advertised and we were completely satisfied with our experience. Thank you to the owner for going above and beyond to even help us up the driveway
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
business
Elevate to Secluded Beauty: Stunning Sw Adobe
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p993137
+1 970-6265853
Ridgway Southwestern Colorado
Louisiana
5

Heaven in the Clouds

5 of 5
Submitted: October 12, 2012 Stayed: October 2012
The pictures and glowing praise can not do the "Taco Bell" justice. Starting your day with the sun rising over the mountains in front of you and the elk calling to each other in the meadow just below is memorable.David, the property owner, and his oh so friendly black lab, Max, are available to help with any problem such as not remembering how to turn on the big screen TV. He has a wealth of knowledge about the area including great places to eat, historical places to see and tourist traps to avoid. The "Taco Bell" is supremely comfortable with its king size beds so soft you will sleep the night through until the sun peeks through the drapes. David can send you to marvelous restaurants that will eliminate any need for cooking although the kitchen has every appliance needed. The house is tastefully decorated with unique wall art and other fascinating items. The house has neither central air nor central heat but the thick stucco walls for the most part eliminate that need. Heated floors and 3 fireplaces take care of any chill in the air and at night snuggling down under the handmade quilts will guarantee a peaceful sleep. The water system uses mountain stream water as the source of its supply and is great. This is a secluded place on a private road close to the top of the mountain. Access from town is on a winding shale road that more often than not got us a close up look at deer grazing beside the road. No hunting is allowed in this area and the wildlife seem to know it.Do you family a favor, spend the extra money and make the trip. This adventure and this place are the things that memories are made of. Trips to close by towns like Ouray and Montrose will fill your waking hours with fun and expose a part of our country's history that only the locals can share. Oh, did I mention the hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and zip lining? You just need to experience this place for yourself.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Elevate to Secluded Beauty: Stunning Sw Adobe
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p993137
+1 970-6265853
Ridgway Southwestern Colorado
Kansas City
5

Kansas City Family

5 of 5
Submitted: September 28, 2012 Stayed: September 2012
I've been in all of the states and a handful of countries. This was the most beatiful place we have ever stayed. Built by the late special effects guy for many of the top Tom Cruise films, this adobe masterpiece looks like it's right out of a movie. Perched at almost 9,000 feet, the view is beyond words.
The owner had everything prepared and made our stay one of the greatest we've ever had. I give this place an 11 out of ten. Thanks David.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway
business
Elevate to Secluded Beauty: Stunning Sw Adobe
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p993137
+1 970-6265853
Ridgway Southwestern Colorado
Flagstaff, AZ
4

The perfect get away

4 of 5
Submitted: September 12, 2012 Stayed: August 2012
The views from the house are beautiful. The house had everything we needed to be confortable. David was a great help with any questions.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
business
Elevate to Secluded Beauty: Stunning Sw Adobe
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p993137
+1 970-6265853
Ridgway Southwestern Colorado
St. Louis, Missouri
5

Quiet, secluded, relaxing!

5 of 5
Submitted: August 23, 2012 Stayed: August 2012
The Taco Bell was a great get-away location! The owner was very accomodating with any issues that arised (one of the satellite TV's was not set right, but David worked at it until it was fixed.)

The construction of this custom built home is impressive, with foot-thick walls throughout. We love Santa Fe-style adobe homes and this is a solid example.

The master bedroom deck is a great place to relax, with the waterfall sounds and elk in the nearby valleys within plain sight. Coolness!
At 9000ft, it's sometimes difficult to keep a fire going, but the kiva on the patio made that easy, no problems there. We had a nice campfire nearly every night. Good times.:-)
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Families with Teenagers, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Elevate to Secluded Beauty: Stunning Sw Adobe
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p993137
+1 970-6265853
Ridgway Southwestern Colorado
Colorado Springs, CO
4

Beautiful Home, Excellent Setting

4 of 5
Submitted: July 8, 2012 Stayed: June 2012
Uniquie adobe house. Very spacious and beautiful. Outdoor living spaces on patios and decks make the home feel very open. We would go back to this VRBO the next time we were in the Ouray/Ridgway/Telluride area.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 2/3
business
Elevate to Secluded Beauty: Stunning Sw Adobe
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p993137
+1 970-6265853
Ridgway Southwestern Colorado
Georgia
5

Rocky Mountain High

5 of 5
Submitted: June 18, 2012 Stayed: June 2012
Great location with incredible views. The surrounding area is breath taking. Day trips to Ridgway (10 mins), Ouray (20 mins) and Telluride (45 mins) are great with each town having it's own charm. The house is first class and would recommend it. Exceptional!

Thank you Dave. Your home and hospitality were exactly what we needed!
Recommended for:  Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 3/4