Once fought over by nations, the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico is now a peace‐loving “Land of Enchantment.” From the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the city Plaza, here’s how to take advantage of the distinct opportunities available to visitors, and establish a peace that’s all your own.
From the vantage of the foothills above Santa Fe, New Mexico, puffy white clouds glow in an endless turquoise sky. Nearly surrounded by a forest of juniper and piñon pine An Enchanting Casita hides in the landscape like a private adobe fortress. But as the warm wind blows and the slowly setting sun stretches its rays of golden light toward the front door, this fortress feels anything but cold.
Spend a little time here, and you start to notice that this place is a rare example of opposites living in harmony. The high desert, as it is called, is a land of extremes, where bright orange light casts long purple shadows. Dry riverbeds of soft pink sand course through cracked and hardened hills dotted with spiky pale green cactus and yucca plants. It is fitting that this inhospitable landscape is the setting for such a very hospitable home.
A Sense of History
Located at the edge of a national forest, guests at the Casita can sit on the patio and gaze out over the civilized wilderness that is Santa Fe. The history of this region stretches back over centuries of settlement and resettlement, military skirmishes, missionary efforts, and opportunistic trade among the Spanish, Mexican, and Native American peoples, as well as the cattle‐driving cowboys of the early West. Established in the 1600’s, Santa Fe was once a dusty presidio (fort) surrounded by defensive walls. Today, hundreds of years later, the walls are gone and the Plaza is now an open cultural and geographical center that draws 100,000 visitors throughout the year.
Plenty to Do
Though many people visit Santa Fe for the historical appeal and the artistic culture that has thrived here, the rich, dynamic scenery of the surrounding area offers an irresistible pull away from the city’s center. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy over 300 days of sunshine, and the nearby trails that crisscross the Sangre de Cristo Mountains allow hikers and bicyclists to travel for days without crossing a major road. Resorts and ski lifts are tucked away at high altitude to encourage thrill‐seekers to take advantage of up to 300 inches of snow that falls yearly from late fall through early spring.
Some adventurers find that when they come to New Mexico, they come to stay. Owen Perillo gave up his life in the corporate world when he fell in love with this land of high contrast. He established a more fit and holistic lifestyle for himself and founded Santa Fe Mountain Adventures in 2004 to give others an opportunity to do the same. Now he spends his days hosting groups of all sizes as they explore the natural wonders around Santa Fe. He and his staff offer visitors a range of adventure opportunities, from guided tours of Native American ruins, to daylong trips through the mountains by horseback, to star‐gazing parties at night. After spending an afternoon in these distinctive settings, you’ll be tempted to stay in Santa Fe yourself.
A Place to Rest
You’ll be even more tempted by your stay in An Enchanting Casita, a charming two bedroom, one bath vacation rental available through Kokopelli Property Management. A drive up the forested lane toward the house causes you to wonder if you’re still within city limits, though the Plaza in the center of town is only a five minute drive away. At the secluded end of the drive, a burro made of willow greets you with firewood strapped to his back, ready to supply a comfortable fire in the nearby ceramic chiminea.
The Casita is full of handcrafted details that evoke the feel of the Southwest, from extensive tile work, to the cedar latillo ceiling. A leather‐bound guest book attests to decades of enjoyment by guests of all ages and stages of life. Original artwork adorns the walls with amusing images. You may find upon waking that it’s hard not to giggle a little at the distinctive masks over the bed. Nichos (Latin American folk art) create the atmosphere of a festival, even in mid-afternoon.
And yet, the space is relaxing and comfortable. Freshly‐laundered linens on two comfortable queen beds persuade the weary to take a much‐deserved siesta. The down leather sofa and the kiva fireplace in the corner of the living room encourage you to extend your downtime. There is no sense that you should be any place, or do anything in particular, which is precisely how the ideal vacation casita should feel. There is plenty to do, but no pressure to do it.
This Enchanting Castia epitomizes this land of complimentary contrasts. It boasts of grand views, enjoyed in an intimate setting. It grants visitors peaceful leisure while surrounding them with a riot of color and texture. Just five minutes from the doorstep you can enjoy the fine craftsmanship of world‐renowned artists, and the wild nature of the desert landscape. A blue ceramic plate on the wall of this Enchanting Casita says it all: “Mi Casa es Su Casa.”
Contact Kokopelli Property Management to reserve your stay at 877-496-4989.
* Originally published in Vacation Rental Travels Magazine.
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