Entire home

Rural appeal yet so close to town

Vacation home in Taos with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Rural appeal yet so close to town

Property grounds
Exterior detail
Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Experience the essence of southwest charm at this one-of-a-kind adobe home in Taos. Nestled on two pastoral acres, surrounded by trees, lawns and gardens, it's a tranquil retreat with a private feel yet just minutes from the Plaza and world-class skiing. Enjoy cooking on a 1949 O'Keefe & Merritt gas stove in the fully equipped kitchen or unwind by the wood burning kiva fireplace.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4149 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
The current price is ¥39,143
¥76,401 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 5 - Dec 6

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Rural appeal yet so close to town

This property is truly one of a kind in Taos-perhaps anywhere. The main house is a wonderful old adobe on two pastoral acres down a country road surrounded by trees, lawns and gardens just across the Road from the Rio Pueblo. It has a remote and private feel and yet is less than a five minute drive to the Plaza and 30 minutes from world class skiing. You are entertained by stars and coyotes at night, roosters, the neighbors' donkey and church bells in the morning and birds all day long. The house is the true essence of southwest decor. The walls have a soft, buttermilk/beeswax sheen. Dark beamed ceilings and wood floors throughout are complimented by antique furnishings, native rugs, original art and many amazing and creative touches. It is a small home, perfect for a couple although it does have a second bedroom with its own private bath for two couples traveling together. Both bedrooms have queen size beds.
Enter from the covered portal into a kitchen fully equipped for all your cooking needs. If I don't have it, you probably don't need it! You will enjoy cooking on my 1949 O'Keefe & Merritt gas stove The living room is warm and inviting. A gas log stove in the corner provides central heat, but the wood burning kiva fireplace sets the tone. Ample firewood is located in a wood box just outside the kitchen door. There is an extensive DVD video library and numerous CDs. The Roku tv offers local channels and Netflix. All you need for a quiet evening at home. In fact most guests spend more time here relaxing than they do out adventuring. The master bedroom has an antique brass and iron queen size bed with down comforters and lots of pillows and good bedside reading lights. The large walk in closet opens to a hot tub under an 60' elm tree. There two full bathrooms in the home One has a deep tub/shower. The other is a walk in shower. The second bedroom has a new queen bed. and original art.
The outdoor patio is furnished with teak garden furniture, a fireplace and BBQ grill. The yard is enchanting even in winter. Towering cottonwood trees line one side of the property above the numerous out buildings. There is a large lawn and an orchard of mature apple, apricot, plum and pear trees. The many garden beds were lovingly planted by the owner ( a professional landscaper) and are surrounded by many tall trees and a flowing acequia.
This property was once the home of Taos writer John Nichols of 'Milagro Beanfield War' fame which was written in what is now a two room guest casita (Also available for 2-4 additional guests at additional rate.) However, this property is described in virtually all of John's books both fiction and non fiction in great detail. John is a friend and still lives nearby.
There are fun and fanciful touches to delight throughout the property from the turquoise Willy's planter truck in the front pasture to the the whimsical gardens and the outdoor art everywhere. The two story tree house is a fun day time getaway for all ages. So much to explore here!
There is also a two room casita/guesthouse across the driveway with two double beds, lights and heat for additional guests. Guests here can take advantage of the two full baths inside the main house--towels and robes provided . Additional $25 per person per night by prior arrangement. Can be left at check out
For the adventurous the tree house and an Airstream trailer are delightful summer spaces. The tree house has two twins on main floor and a queen in the loft. There is a shaded deck with pasture views. It is built around a huge heritage apple tree. ($25 per person per night)
The Airstream is 1971 vintage with lots of privacy in the back pasture. Big covered porch with mountain views. The interior has been fully remodeled and has a double bed in front room and a twin down the hallway. ($25 per person per night)
***Please note that when you rent the main house, the whole two acre property is your and I do not rent out any of the other spaces during your stay. Something guests love so much about my home is the privacy.
This property has appeared in Enchanted Homes, New Mexico Magazine and Green New Mexico. It was also featured on the Taos Home and Garden tour.
As with all of my properties, this is dog friendly for well behaved dogs and conscientious owners. Dog sheets for furniture and beds provided. Mutt mitts in box on tree for clean up. $10 charge per dog per night. May be left at departure
It must be seen to be believed. It is truly magical.

Keywords: Private, yet convenient amazingly comfortable, peaceful and eclectic, fun, whimsical

PLEASE NOTE: Even if my calendar is already reserved for your dates for this home please look at Vrbo 255317, Vrbo 482097 or Vrbo 860840 all two or three bedroom homes I own in Taos.

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Stereo
  • TV
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Area rugs in room
  • Cobblestone flooring in public areas
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city center
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Optional golf privileges
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,600 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Rural Appeal yet so Town House Taos
Rural Appeal yet so Town House
Rural Appeal yet so Town Taos
Rural Appeal yet so Town
Rural Appeal Yet So Town Taos
Rural Appeal yet so Close to Town Taos
Rural Appeal yet so Close to Town Private vacation home
Rural Appeal yet so Close to Town Private vacation home Taos

About the neighborhood

Map
NM, Taos

What's nearby

  • Taos Historic Museums - 2 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Taos Plaza - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Kit Carson Park - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Taos Mountain Casino - 6 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Taos Pueblo - 8 min drive - 7.4 km

Getting around

  • Taos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Mantes Chow Cart - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Smith's Fuel Center - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rural appeal yet so close to town pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Rural appeal yet so close to town?

As of Nov 5, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rural appeal yet so close to town on Dec 5, 2025 start from ¥39,143, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at Rural appeal yet so close to town?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rural appeal yet so close to town?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Rural appeal yet so close to town located?

Located in the heart of Taos, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Historic Ledoux Street, Harwood Museum of Art, and Blumenschein Home and Museum. La Hacienda del los Martinez and Harwood Foundation Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

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Reviews

Rural appeal yet so close to town Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.4

Cleanliness

9.6

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 164 out of 195 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 195 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 195 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 195 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 195 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alison V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We greatly enjoyed our stay at your precious, cozy, beautiful home. We only had two nights there and wish we had more. We felt so relaxed the whole time and loved sitting by the fires (both in and out) and in the hot tub. The gardens and grounds were gorgeous. We highly recommend this special gem!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Betsy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing home

The house was so unique. The art and decorations were amazing. Loved how the kitchen was arranged. Thanks for having great book choices. The yard art was lovely. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the wind whispering through the trees and the lovely wind chimes. The tree house was so interesting. Was one of the best homes we have vacationed in.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely wonderful Taos spot!

We loved staying at Melissa’s spot! Very homey, great vibe and wonderful southwestern style. Will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Becky R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

?

Very special place!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property

Overall, everything was nice. The only thing that would keep me from renting this again was the beds/pillows were very uncomfortable. We did go purchase our own pillows which helped!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Susan D.

Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very unsatisfactory experience

We were not happy with the house but we were too tired from traveling to try and look for another spot. There were implements of torture hanging on the master bedroom walls and creepy paintings in the bath. A big step down into the kitchen and guest bath was a fall hazard. Mosquitoes were so bad we could not go outside and several followed us into the house and cars every time we did go out. There was dust everywhere and the furniture was old and musty and uncomfortable. Please look for another spot to vacation. You will not enjoy this one.
This is a tool to cut the horns off of cattle, a bloody chore. This is hanging in the kitchen.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Miranda J., Denver, CO

Farmhouse Escape

We had a great time exploring the property and loved the hot tub and fire places. The main house was very spacious and had more than everything we needed. Melissa was responsive if we needed anything (we got lost driving there..). We loved all of the quirky touches and are thinking about coming back someday!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2017

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Quiet Getaway

This property is a very unique, rural place, and a nice, quiet getaway with all the amenities of the modern world. So, it fit everyone's likes from parents who wanted quiet to teens who didn't want to be away from wi-fi! Our dog loved the huge property where we walked him and we loved the intricacies of the out buildings as well. Such a unique area true to the architecture of Taos. It's was so fun to have the casita on the property where the author John Nichols wrote, the Airstream, and the treehouse! We enjoyed it all.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Excellent Taos Experience

We stayed at this amazing house for 3 days and spent one day at the property just to explore, reading and relaxing, soaking it all up. As listed a truly unique experience indeed. A very special experience. Melissa has created an amazing portal for transformation. We had a wonderful time there and recommend highly. Stop going to boring generic hotels people!!!

10/10 Excellent

michelle d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

short family stay-2 adults/2 kids

Unique indeed, lots of things to look at. Many beautiful things, very comfortable house, way cool treehouse and very nifty airstream trailer. Only consideration is that the beds in the 2 bedrooms were a little smaller than we were used to. the rest of the property made up for it. Seems quite remote but close in, have to drive into town, roads not great for walking. BEAUTIFUL GARDENS. A fun stay for us.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kim Z.

WOW!!!!!!!! Great place! Definitely going again!

Melissa, Sorry it took a while to write this...I wanted to take the time to do it right! Your home is just lovely! My wife, myself, my son, and his wife definitely enjoyed our stay. Each day we would walk around the property and discover something new. Your property is definitely a labor of love on your part. You will see us again. The ecclectic furnishings and rustic setting was just perfect. Thanks again. Sincerely, Kim Z.

6/10 Okay

Janice A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Overview

The property ground were just beautiful. Love the native plantings. Such a great place to let a dog run around a bit & feel free. The home itself needs work. The stove smells of propane. We didn't even try the oven. Leaky/loose faucets in kitchen & 2nd bath. House needs a fresh coat of paint & lightening up. Honestly didn't feel clean. I brought my own sheet for dog bed. Oh, the smaller loveseat in the living room needs cleaning or replaced. Such potential here.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

JENNIFER J., Kansas

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun and Artistic

This home is appointed with beautiful primitive antiques and has all of the comforts needed for a great getaway. We especially loved the patio and all of the flowers. Melissa answered any question we had in a prompt manner and was good to point us in the direction of sites to take in. Taos Plaza is a short 10 minute drive. We did hear some dog barking at night and a rooster in the morning but this was not a negative thing for us; adds to the charm of this remote oasis. We did not use the hot tub or outdoor shower but they are nice amenities to this unique property. Both beds were comfortable and the mattress heating pad is especially nice on the chilly mountain nights. The 1949 gas stove is so cool and we prepared several meals with it. If you are wanting a house for 2 couples away from the city, this is a great spot!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Kathleen H.

Awesome property!

We rented the main house and tree house over Labor Day. The main house is so cool! It is a real Adobe with art pieces to look at everywhere (even the kitchen items)! The only flaw is that the bedrooms don't have doors. House was very clean. Great patio with fire pit we used every night. Used the hot tub one night. Twinkle lights in all the trees. 2 outhouses on the property, everything is so artsy and quirky, we loved it. Just so much to look at! Recommendation for owner is to cut 2 trees down in far back so there is a perfect mountain view, we enjoyed having our coffee on the airstream's deck, would have been even better with those 2 trees gone.

6/10 Okay

Amanda T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in
Disliked: Location

Quirky house, not worth the money

Secluded area is used very loosely in the description of this house. I could have thrown my shoe and hit the neighbors house. The house is cozy, eclectic, quirky decorations and old kitchen utensils that are fun to look at. Coolest oven/ stove I’ve seen for a while. Coffee maker hardly works and the coffee provided is years old at best. The wood provided for the fire places smells awful and burns very quickly, poor quality non-traditional fire wood was provided. The hot tub water had a brown foamy film. My husband and I own a hot tub and we’re up to test and treat the water so we could use later, but all the cleaning products provided were empty. The cleaning fee was outrageous for an overnight stay using just the main house. Next time I’d rather spend this amount of money on a ski in ski out. Fun overnight, wouldn’t stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

abq b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved it! Place was perfect for us, exactly what we wanted. Clean, easy check in/check out. No problems at all. Would definitely come back!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Wonderful house and property. Would recommend and stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cutest property

We had a wonderful stay, it’s a beautiful property and has a lot of quirky art. We loved the hot tub and the house is super cute. We also had a cute barn kitty keep us company. Close to town, really lovely.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Matthew M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice peaceful area to hang out not too far from Taos plaza

It's a nice quiet location away from the road and generally a very peaceful place. It seems to be an adobe house so it stays a little cool. Decor is a little eclectic from birds and wasp nests to what appears to be local native art and Spanish colonial style art. The patio furniture seems to need a little TLC but otherwise was a relaxing and peaceful stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eve L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Repeat customer

This is our second time staying in this house. The house is stocked with almost everything we need, and really made us feel like home. My whole family love the fireplace! Melissa is great to work with. Highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A nice friend reunion

We enjoyed our stay very much. We made fun tasty meals, chatted, made a cozy fire in the kiva fireplace and explored the property. Melissa was very responsive to any question or concern we had. We would stay here again- maybe find a way to use the entire property.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lacey K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect hideaway

I loved the look and feel of the home. Great setting for family gatherings or group of friends. Very clean, nicely decorated, and quaint. I left some shoes behind but Melissa is kind enough to send them back to me in the mail. I’ll be back!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

lisa s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely

Very welcoming place to visit. Comfortable and dog friendly. We will share with our friends. Skeeter enjoyed the grounds.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Debbi B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute property a short ride from town

This is a really unique, cute and funky property a 5 minute car ride from the historic Taos downtown. The description is very accurate. We were two couples and stayed in the main house, where the two bedrooms and 2 baths are located. We checked out the tree house, Airstream and original casita by peeking in the windows; they are all available as sleeping spaces but the only bathrooms are in the main house. That was fine for us. The kitchen is really well equipped for anyone who wants to cook and eat there; unlike many vacation rentals, just about everything you need is available, including things like spices. We greatly appreciated the coffee! One bedroom has an en-suite bath, dresser and table, but no closet. The other bedroom has a huge closet, and uses the full bath near the kitchen. The living room and dining room are comfy and cosy. Heating is done by a gas stove in the dining room controlled by a wall controller (super easy, and nice to the comfort of the flames). There are also heaters and fans in each room. We did use the heaters in the evenings because the nights were chilly. Both bedrooms have heated mattress pads, a really nice touch! It's definitely a unique property, cute, funky and rustic. The patio and yard are really welcoming and the house is comfortable. A nice place to stay for our short trip to Taos!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Eclectic Property in Taos

This property was unique to say the least. We had so much fun staying here and my sides hurt from laughing. Some years may have passed since the VRBO photos of the outdoors of this property were taken, but, so have my social media profile pics, so I can accept that. We had fun exploring the property and talking about what this place must have looked like in its glory days. On our walk we noticed a pile of crabapples; this was providential as our late-night hot tub soak was interrupted by these falling on the treehouse roof. If we didn’t know it was apples falling, I may have jumped out of my skin. I want to address the smell of gas when you walk in. I did not remember reading about it in the reviews but after our arrival I called the property manager and she assured me that the propane was just filled & the smell would dissipate if we opened a few doors & windows. After checking past reviews, I noticed that it was an ongoing issue but once the house was aired out it was fine. The house was clean and comfortable. The hot tub was a huge bonus as was the proximity to the Taos Pueblo. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay & hope to be back.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024