Entire home

An Enchanting Taos Hideaway in the Carson National Forest

Photo gallery for An Enchanting Taos Hideaway in the Carson National Forest

Property grounds
Property grounds
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior
Dining

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendly
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Outdoor Space
    Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace

About this property

Entire place

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

An Enchanting Taos Hideaway in the Carson National Forest

This is the most soul-healing, peaceful, relaxing, put-a-smile-back-on-your-face destination imaginable!

"A truly great structure, one that stands the tests of time, never disregards its environment. A serious architect takes that into account. He knows that if he wants presence, he must consult with nature. He must be captivated by the light. Always the light. Always..."
-From the 2006 movie, The Lake House

Impossibly Cool Digs...
One of the very first “earth ship” homes ever built in New Mexico. What is an earth ship? In a nutshell, an earth ship is a green, eco-friendly, energy efficient home. Essentially, half of the house is “bermed” into the earth in order to retain heat in the winter and cool in the summer. The entire front of the earth ship is a continuous wall of windows, so the wonderful ambient light (day and night) and our magnificent mountain scenery fills the entire home. In other words, it is as though the outside is actually part of the inside. There are no artificial city lights to pollute the night sky, so the stars are downright breathtaking even inside the house!

Our mountain retreat is undoubtedly one of the most unique, whimsical, eclectic, magical homes you will ever run across. The inside of our earth ship looks as though it was taken right out of the pages of Tolkien’s, “The Hobbit.” One of the many outstanding features of our house are its three, separate, Bilbo Baggins-style “bed caves.” These amazing bedrooms are cozy, beautifully sculpted, plastered, carpeted works of art.

Kids especially love this house! When they first enter the place, they run around wildly laughing and screaming with delight...

What really makes this funky little Hobbit house so special is its extremely private physical location and the magical forest that surrounds it. Our Earth Ship is nestled at the end of a MAGNIFICENT, PRIVATE, fir and aspen-lined meadow at an 8,200 foot elevation. Our 'back yard' is hundreds of thousands of acres of pristine National Forest! The only neighbors in view of the home are elk, deer, wild turkey and a million hummingbirds!!!

There is a private hiking/mountain bike/horseback/snow shoe trail right out of the back yard that accesses hundreds of miles of abandoned logging roads. The amazing part is that there’s not a soul back there aside from the very-rare hiker or mountain biker.

The bird watching here is simply incredible. Because we are in a transitional zone between high desert and sub-alpine ecosystems, we have an unparalleled mix of bird species. The combination of grassy meadow, Gambel oak, pine/fir and aspen ecosystems attract myriad species. From May through September, we have hundreds of hummingbirds (4 different species) visiting our twenty-some-odd feeders at any one time. There are so many hummingbirds on the feeders in the morning and evening that they will literally land on your fingers! The chicadees and two species of nuthatch are also trained to eat out of your hand(September-April)!

From late June through early September, the wild flowers are exceptional. There are literally hundreds of different species blooming throughout the summer months. Wild edible/medicinal plants are also abundant.

Wildlife is extremely plentiful. Quite often, you’ll see elk, mule deer, wild turkey, grouse, bobcat,fox and coyotes right in the yard!

We have several hundred yards of seasonal creek that runs through the gated, fifteen-acre property.

Our earth ship is an easy 12-minute ride into downtown Taos (and about 20-minutes to Angel Fire, 50-minutes to Taos Ski Valley and 50-minutes to Red River), yet you’ll feel like you’re a million miles from the nearest settlement.

This is the perfect place for peace, quiet and nature seeking families, artists, musicians, writers, hikers, experienced mountain bikers (you can access the South Boundary trail from our private trail into the Forest), bird lovers, nature photographers, snow shoe and cross country ski buffs or just anyone looking for an extremely-private location in Taos to completely escape from reality!

Three bedrooms (queen-sized beds in each bedroom) with an additional futon in the loft/television area.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE VACATION RENTAL -- THIS IS TRULY AN ADVENTURE!!!!

*The open air arrangement of the three separate bedrooms does not allow a great deal of privacy, so you’ll need to be comfortable with the folks you’re staying with. All the bedrooms are up a small flight of stairs, so this is not an ideal rental for handicapped folks.

** Excluding the bathroom, this home is heated in the winter exclusively by passive solar and wood stoves (ample firewood and kindling are supplied at no extra charge). The house is extremely comfortable in the daytime, but really cools down at night in the winter after the fires go out (November through March). It’s quite cool in the middle of the night and especially in the morning before the wood stoves get the temperature back up. If you are unable or unwilling to use the wood stoves or are uncomfortable waking up in cool temperatures, this is not an ideal winter rental for you -- you're better off coming between May and October!!!

***Although we keep the driveway plowed at all times, renters must have all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles from November through March.

****Because of the layout, stairs and wood stoves this is not an ideal booking for people with toddlers, elderly or disabled folks in their party.

Also, check out our Santa Fe VRBO rental #74169. We book combination Santa Fe/Taos rentals if you're interested!

Keywords: House

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Music library
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Yard

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk chair
  • Printer

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling 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)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 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
Note from host: Cats are not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Not great for toddlers in the winter

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 deadbolt lock
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

Property is also known as

Enchanting Hideaway Carson National Forest House
Enchanting Taos Hideaway Carson National Forest
Enchanting Hideaway Carson National Forest
Enchanting Taos Hideaway Carson National Forest House
Enchanting Taos Hideaway Carson National Forest House
Enchanting Hideaway Carson National Forest House
Enchanting Taos Hideaway Carson National Forest
Enchanting Taos Hideaway Carson National Forest House
Enchanting Hideaway Carson National Forest House
Enchanting Taos Hideaway Carson National Forest
An Enchanting Taos Hideaway in the Carson National Forest Taos
Enchanting Hideaway Carson National Forest
An Enchanting Taos Hideaway in the Carson National Forest Taos
An Enchanting Taos Hideaway in the Carson National Forest Taos

About the neighborhood

Map
NM, Taos

What's nearby

  • El Valle Escondido Golf Course - 10 min drive
  • Taos Plaza - 13 min drive
  • Kit Carson Park - 14 min drive
  • Taos Mountain Casino - 16 min drive
  • Earthships - 22 min drive

Getting around

  • Taos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Gutters - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Taos Mountain Casino - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is An Enchanting Taos Hideaway in the Carson National Forest pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at An Enchanting Taos Hideaway in the Carson National Forest ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at An Enchanting Taos Hideaway in the Carson National Forest ?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is An Enchanting Taos Hideaway in the Carson National Forest located?

Situated in a rural location, this vacation home is steps from Carson National Forest, and within 9 mi (15 km) of El Valle Escondido Golf Course and Kit Carson Home and Museum. D.H. Lawrence Ranch and Taos Center for the Arts are also within 9 mi (15 km).

An Enchanting Taos Hideaway in the Carson National Forest Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 116 out of 122 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 122 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 122 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 122 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 122 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Daniel S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Month in the forest
My wife and I really enjoyed our month stay at Garrett’s home tucked away in Carson National Forest. Garrett was a great host, very communicative and helpful. The home was beautifully quirky and so comfortable for a long stay. Waking up every morning with a hike out the front door is the best way to wake up. Wifi was fast and reliable. Both of us were able to work remotely (when not out in nature or exploring all Taos has to offer). Highly recommend!!
Stayed 29 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

april d.

Liked: Cleanliness
Truly unique oasis
One of a kind stay with one of a kind host. Garrett was the best host of any property we’ve ever stayed at. Always available but never intrusive. House is a charmer. Wish we could have stayed longer and look forward to returning again in the future.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie I.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical
When our camping trip in the national forest had to be canceled due to forecasted rain, my husband and I hit vrbo to see what we could find last minute in northern New Mexico. We were thrilled to stumble upon this earth ship that looked just as enchanting as camping in the forest... only with a shower and warm beds to boot, too! (AND total seclusion!) My husband, 11 year old son, and I were all in awe the minute we drove up. The beauty of nature was all around us throughout our entire stay, whether we were outside exploring the property grounds or relaxing inside the house. We took full advantage of the fire pit and the loop walking trail and just really enjoyed unplugging from devices and simply enjoying each other's company. It was not easy to say goodbye to such a special place, but we will certainly return in the future! Also- the host, Garrett, was extremely welcoming and friendly and attentive. It's always more fun to stay at a property that is well-loved and cared for by the hosts than somewhere that is simply just a side income.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Danielle M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Secluded Oasis
Such a great place to stay in Taos to disconnect. The property owner saved our behinds when we got into a pickle the first day of our stay. He was always available if we needed and had great recommendations for things to do and see. Highly recommend this property if you want to be immersed in the mountains but still close enough to town.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

David G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Close to Taos, yet far far away!!
The location for this rental was absolutely fantastic. It backs up to 1 million acres of National forest, so it is plenty remote with endless hiking opportunities, but is 5-10 miles from town. The owner was a wealth of local information, and he really went out of his way to make sure we had a great stay. The accommodations were very unique... I can't say that I had ever slept in a cave like structure before or in an earthship, but it was an immersive experience with nature! There were still the normal comforts of home, but they did well to merge the line between indoors & outdoors. We recommend you check out his property for an unforgettable trip!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

alyssa a.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic property, great host!
The location is really terrific! Beautiful wilderness experience, yet close to town. Garrett is a terrific host, and made us feel welcome, gave great directions, and explained the property well. The home is very unique, and if you are interested in the unusual and the quirky, this is a great choice. The design is great for its passive solar efficiency and an off-grid vibe, but super fast internet makes it totally modern user-friendly. The house is stocked with just about whatever you may need to use. This property’s charm is in its character. It’s basically a hunting lodge, with lots of elk antlers, skins and skulls to prove it. The property is clean, although definitely rustic, which for us, adds to the charm. The listing explains the unusual layout of the home, and it is completely accurate. We thought it was terrific and fun, and it suited us well, but we don’t need a lot of privacy. Our two large dogs were welcome, and we all had a wonderful time in the woods. We would absolutely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy M., Denver

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical house in magical Taos
This place is truly unique and awesome. We got snowed in for a day, which was mesmerizing- feeding the wood stove and watching the snow was soooo relaxing. Garrett is a great host and this is a uniquely Taos experience- highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chapman R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Natural getaway
Garrett was a great host and was able to adjust our stay based on a winter storm that moved in. The place was amazing and felt like you were surrounded by nature. Truly a unique house in a wonderful area. Loved it.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S., FT Worth, Texas

Liked: Cleanliness
Simply Amazing!
I cannot say enough good things about this house and owner. Garrett is the perfect host. Available for any questions/needs you may have, but not intrusive in the least. The house is as unique as it is wonderful. It’s as if you are sitting in the forest-so peaceful. Each room has its own unique charm. Great hiking trails and Taos are very close and easy to get to. Highly recommend! Thanks for a wonderful stay. JS.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maggie C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful, pristine, and "private" snowshoe trail!
The earthship certainly has a magical feel! We loved the big windows, bird watching just outside, and what felt like our own private snowshoe trail loop right outside the door! Keeping the wood stoves going efficiently was a bit of a challenge for us but we learned and improved over the stay. Garrett was a wonderful and responsive host!
Stayed 29 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert C., Durham, NC

Liked: Cleanliness
A beautiful adventure home in a stunning location.
My family loved everything about this home. We loved the antique cast-iron woodstoves and plentiful firewood, the cave rooms, the window wall, the antique kitchen stove, the abundance of birds and natural splendor! And sledding!!! Garrett was a perfect host. Always available but not intrusive. Thank you Garrett, we hope to stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lauren Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely magical
Everything about this property was absolutely magical. The privacy and stillness made us feel like we were deep in the wilderness rather than 15 minutes from town. A major highlight was the hiking trail behind the property. We took our time and it felt like we were in our own world. Coming from Texas we were in awe by the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, the density and stillness of the forest, and the night sky free of light pollution. The home itself is so charming and unique. The wall of windows immerses you in the scenery. If you want to feel like a cozy, little hobbit, this is the place to do it. And Garrett, the host, was very communicative and kind. He also has a great list of recommendations. We can’t wait to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

David C., Mansfield Texas

Liked: Cleanliness
Ichi Bon
2nd stay, even better. House takes me back to 60’s New Mexico. Feel like a kid again. Walkers with and without dogs will love loop around property, and for those with more restricted physics,you will love walk from house to road. Just be alert. House borders Carson Nat’l forest. And there are real wild animals in it. Be smart and you’ll have a blast. Great photo ops all around. Close to many beautiful areas. There’s a reason why so many famous people have lived here. Garrett may be the main reason this place is do cool. He is an amazing person. He can answer alll of your questions. And is very responsive. He is also a wildlife expert. Literally a wildlife expert. So get rustic, be cooler than that Cabo going puffball down the street. Go get real.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terra L P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Solitude
It’s is beautifully set in the woods and a perfect getaway from the stress of life. Garrett is amazing and made sure we had everything we needed. We will definitely return.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Svenja A., USA, Texas

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing stay
We spend 3 days in this unique cabin. We hiked along Forrest Rd 10 behind the monastery through vibrant yellow Aspen groves. I loved sitting behind the cabin in the tall grass and enjoy the peacefulness. We slept so well in the cave-like bedroom. We enjoyed the fire pit in the evening and wood burning stove in the morning. The kitchen was fully stocked. Great informative host. In short, we had a great time 😊
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elaine E.

Liked: Cleanliness
What a fun house!
What a fun house! Inside, the angled wall of windows barely separates you from the trees and sky, the cave bedrooms are a delight, and there’s quirkiness throughout. The national forest and a beautiful hike right out the door, or just down the road. Very private. Kitchen is well-enough stocked for cooking, yet easy access to Taos if desired – be warned, though, the road east to Angel Fire has major construction and maybe half-hour delays. And we really enjoyed meeting Garrett – thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Art & Marie C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Earthship perfect launching spot for art and nature.
Most unique VRBO that I have ever stay in. If Taos is art. Then the Carson Nation Forest is nature. Garrett's earthship is located 15 minutes from Taos and 15 seconds from the forest. Love the chipmunks, cottontails, hummingbirds, turkey, deer.....
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Out of This World
Enchanting, whimsical and rustic are good words to describe this unique dwelling. The location is amazing and just what my friends and I were hoping for; isolated but not too far from Taos. The hike right outside the door was one of our favorite things about the place. You start out in aspens, go up into a meadow filled with wild flowers and end up in a tapestry of conifers. It took a day or two to settle in and get used to the stairs going up to the bedrooms. The beds were comfortable and had great cotton linens! This is a cozy home that has a well lived in feeling which we liked. If you want pristine this is not the place for you. If you want peace and quiet with a touch of adventure you'll love it. Garrett was an enthusiastic host. He was easily available for questions and was full of ideas of where to go and what not to miss!
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Veronica J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great for a peaceful relaxing get away
It was a great property. Lots of walking areas on the property as well as not too far from the property. The host was great, and very available throughout our stay, to help with any questions etc.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lyzanne M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Taos Getaway under the pines & aspens
This beautiful earthship was our getaway for a week in July before running a trail race in Red River, NM. This home is nestled under pines and aspens in the Taos Valley with a trail behind the house within the Carson National Forest. This vacation was so peaceful and restful with lots of hiking trails and the city of Taos nearby allowing for daily excursions. Our host Garrett was extremely accommodating and helpful; checking on us always making sure that we ok and offered assistance with cycling trails, hiking trails, and anything that had to do with the house. Our Australian shepherd really enjoyed the trail behind the house with a descent climb and winding descent. Most mornings as we drank our coffee we were visited by multiple hummingbirds which was so delightful! This is the perfect place to relax, disconnect from the pressures of worklife and bask in the beauty of nature. Will definitely consider staying here again. Thank you Garrett!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg B., Los Lunas, NM, United States

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location and host
Really enjoyed our stay at Garrett’s Earth home. You don’t need to drive anywhere for a great hike, it’s right outside the door. Garrett was great and available if needed. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a quiet rustic getaway from the rest of the world. The dogs liked it too!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sharon H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Area - nice host
We enjoyed our stay at the earthhouse. A little quirky, but fun. Were there over the 4th of July and it never got hot inside.Lots of stairs, so watch it but was very comfortable. Very close to the forest and you can walk right out the door! Did some off roading nearby and lots of hiking. Taos wasn't far away so was able to go to the city as well. Great place for your 4 legged family members! Host was very attentive.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

loren G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfy and unique property
I have to admit, this place took a night to get completely comfortable. It's a little more rustic than anticipated, but nothing crazy nor out of place. If you are looking for a pristine building with no wear and tear and all the creature comforts of home including cable TV then this may not be the place for you. BUT, if you want a unique location deep in the woods where you are one with nature and have HOT running water, great tasting well water and a super cool and nice host then this is the place for you. The 6 mile drive from town goes by in a flash and this place is an easy 20 minute drive from pretty much anyplace in Taos we wanted to go to. Totally take the jump and stay in this unique place.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun and weird hippy house
We loved the character of this place. The entire front of the house is a giant angled window which gives the illusion of being outside and inside at the same time, which gives a wonderful effect. We didn't need privacy, but if you do this might not be the place for you since the bedrooms are open to the main room.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet and secluded
Tucked away in the forest. Nice hiking trail right behind the cabin.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023