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Artist Retreat~Forest Getaway~Adventurers~Hunters~Writers~Nature Lovers

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A pathway leading to a building with a wooden staircase, stone walls, and a large window. - Artist Retreat~Forest Getaway~Adventurers~Hunters~Writers~Nature Lovers (El Rito)
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Consider a stay at Artist Retreat~Forest Getaway~Adventurers~Hunters~Writers~Nature Lovers and take advantage of golfing on site, a firepit, and a garden. Free in-room WiFi, with speed of 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices), and an arcade/game room are available to all guests.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 51800 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace

Add dates for prices

About this property

Artist Retreat~Forest Getaway~Adventurers~Hunters~Writers~Nature Lovers

  • Nestled in peace & serenity, this charming guesthouse offers privacy and comfort in an idyllic forest setting. Adventure is just steps away! From the property’s summit, pass through the Lord of the Rings-inspired gate to explore the Carson National Forest. The fresh forest breeze flows through the house’s open windows, offering tranquil mornings with breathtaking sunrise views. Gather with loved ones by the firepit in the evenings, and marvel at the star-filled skies on clear nights.
    Near the El Rito Campground in the Carson National Forest, a short 10-minute drive to Plaza Blanca (Dar al Islam) 20-minute drive to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Abiquiu; or 20-minute drive to Ojo Caliente Hot Springs & Spa, 30-minute drive to Espanola or an hour drive to Santa Fe.
    This property accommodates up to four adult guests. Children are welcome aged 13 and older. Please note the property is not wheelchair accessible - there are steps, stairs and multiple levels.
    The upper level features a welcoming rustic bohemian living room, hardwood floors, original artwork, vintage woodburning stove, fold out couch & loveseat and a treasure chest coffee table. Both bedrooms are adjacent to one another and are connected, separated by a door. The main bedroom has a Queen-sized bed, nightstand, ceiling fan and chair; the smaller room has two twin-sized beds. A full-sized bathroom with shower stall and vanity. The spacious deck is tucked among the pinon trees, with two outside lounge couches, chairs and a small gas grill. The ambiance is truly unique.
    The lower level boasts an oversized room with a large wooden dining room table full dining an art studio which is perfect for creative pursuits. Lots of fun board games, activities and some art supplies. A fully equipped kitchenette, with full pot coffee maker, electric hot water kettle, four burner cooktop, Air Fryer and a full-sized refrigerator with ice maker.

    Hunting District 51 - The Carson National Forest in Northern New Mexico, including the El Rito Ranger District, encompasses Unit 51. ***Ample parking on property for ATV trailers, four wheelers and additional vehicles. *no campers or RVs without approval & additional fees.
    ***4 wheel Drive needed if there’s snow.
    ***Stairs up to the bedrooms may inhibit some guests. Please note before booking.

    Attractions: continental divide, Carson National Forest, Plaza Blanca, Ghost Ranch, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Spa & Restuarant, Abiquiu Lake, Canjilon Lakes, Georgia O'Keefe Home & Museum, Abiquiu Inn & Restuarant, Poshuouinge Ruins, Echo Ampitheater, Purple Adobe Lavender Farm, Stone Canyon Climbing Wall, Chama River.

    El Rito is a town in New Mexico that has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. It was one of the first Spanish settlements in the Jicarilla Apache lands north of Santa Fe, being settled about 1807. The town is home to the San Juan Nepomuceno Catholic Church, which was built between 1827 and 1832. The El Rito Formation is a geologic formation in New Mexico dating to the Eocene epoch. “33 miles” to Ghost Ranch and “18 miles” to Ojo Caliente Spa


    Harmony Hill | Where the Forest Inspires the Soul

    Welcome to Harmony Hill

    There are places you visit, and there are places that quietly become part of you.

    Harmony Hill is one of those rare places.

    Hidden on more than three private acres in the mountains of Northern New Mexico, with the Carson National Forest as your backyard, Harmony Hill was created for people seeking something increasingly difficult to find: silence, beauty, inspiration, and genuine connection with nature.

    Whether you're escaping city life for a few days, searching for creative inspiration, planning a romantic getaway, or simply longing to wake up to bird songs, Harmony Hill invites you to slow down and experience the magic of the Southwest.

    ---

    A Story of Serendipity

    Harmony Hill began with a simple feeling.

    The moment our family discovered El Rito, we knew there was something extraordinary about this valley. What started as a search for a mountain home became the discovery of a hidden paradise tucked between forests, rivers, mesas, and endless skies.

    Rather than changing the land, we chose to listen to it.

    The property has gradually been shaped using permaculture principles—working alongside nature instead of against it—creating a peaceful sanctuary where wildlife, native plants, and people coexist in harmony.

    Today, we are honored to share this special place with guests from around the world.

    ---

    Wake Up Inside the Forest

    Every morning begins differently here.

    The breeze moves gently through the pinon pines.

    Hummingbirds race through the gardens.

    Woodpeckers tap rhythmically in the distance.

    Songbirds announce the sunrise while deer quietly wander through the property.

    Step outside with your morning coffee and breathe deeply.

    The air carries the scent of pine, juniper, sun-warmed earth, and the high desert after dawn—a fragrance unique to Northern New Mexico.

    Your Backyard Is Carson National Forest

    One of Harmony Hills' greatest treasures is that adventure begins the moment you walk outside.

    No need to drive.

    Simply leave the house and explore:

    • Hike directly into Carson National Forest.

    • Walk to the nearby river.

    • Climb surrounding rock formations.

    • Watch sunrise from the ridge behind the property.

    • End your evening watching the sunset paint the valley below.

    The views stretch for miles across the landscape, creating one of the most peaceful settings in Northern New Mexico.

    ---

    Wildlife Everywhere

    Harmony Hill is alive.

    If you're patient, you'll likely encounter remarkable wildlife throughout your stay.

    Guests frequently spot:

    • Hundreds of hummingbirds throughout the warmer months.

    • Golden eagles and hawks soaring overhead.

    • Woodpeckers.

    • Dozens of native bird species.

    • Mule deer.

    • Elk.

    • Coyotes.

    • Chipmunks.

    • Skunks.

    • Horses and cattle from neighboring ranches.

    • Harmless native snakes.

    For birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers, every day offers something new.


    Created for Inspiration

    Some places help you rest.

    Harmony Hill helps you create.

    Over the years our guests have:

    • Written novels.

    • Finished poetry collections.

    • Painted landscapes.

    • Practiced yoga at sunrise.

    • Meditated in silence.

    • Completed five-day silent retreats.

    • Photographed wildlife.

    • Studied local geology and minerals.

    • Watched the Milky Way for hours.

    • Reconnected with themselves.

    There is a certain energy here that encourages focus, creativity, and calm.



    Every Season Feels Like a Different World

    +Winter

    Snow transforms Harmony Hills into a peaceful mountain retreat.

    Warm up beside the wood-burning fireplace after a day outdoors or gather around the outdoor fire pit (when seasonal fire restrictions allow).

    +Spring

    Wildflowers bloom across the property.

    Birdsong fills the forest.

    Butterflies, hummingbirds, and native pollinators return, bringing the landscape back to life.


    + Summer

    Warm days invite long hikes, riverside afternoons, and evenings beneath spectacular sunsets.

    The mountain air remains refreshing even after sunny afternoons.

    +Autumn

    Golden cottonwoods, brilliant aspens, and changing oak leaves turn the valley into one of New Mexico's most beautiful hidden landscapes.

    + Nights You'll Never Forget

    Few places still experience truly dark skies.

    Harmony Hills is one of them.

    With almost no light pollution, the Milky Way stretches clearly across the sky.

    Spend the evening identifying constellations, watching meteor showers, or simply enjoying the silence beneath millions of stars.

    The moonlight alone is enough to transform the forest into something unforgettable.

    +Nearby Adventures

    Harmony Hills is perfectly located for exploring Northern New Mexico.

    Within a short drive you'll find:

    • Carson National Forest

    • El Farolito Restaurant (a beloved local favorite)

    • The Rio Chama

    • Plaza Blanca

    • Ghost Ranch

    • Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs

    • Abiquiu

    • Scenic drives through the high desert

    • Historic villages and art communities

    • Outstanding rock climbing

    • Hiking and mountain biking

    • Fly fishing

    • Hunting areas

    ---
    Perfect For

    ✓ Couples seeking a romantic escape

    ✓ Artists and writers

    ✓ Birdwatchers

    ✓ Stargazers

    ✓ Hikers and climbers

    ✓ Yoga and meditation retreats

    ✓ Nature photographers

    ✓ Small families

    ✓ Hunters looking for peaceful accommodations after long days outdoors




    Harmony Hill is more than a place to stay—it's a place to remember. Whether you come to explore, create, reconnect, or simply breathe, you'll leave carrying a little of the forest with you.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Printer

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: 420 Friendly

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • On a lake
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Golf
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Unit size: 1,800 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Thank you for your stay with us! No need to lock up - Safe travels!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
420 Friendly

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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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

This property does not have elevators

About the neighborhood

Located in El Rito, this vacation home is in a rural area and on a river. Carson National Forest and Rio Chama reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Purple Adobe Lavender Farm and Girasol Gift Shop at Bode's. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking, mountain climbing, and mountain biking nearby. Visit our El Rito travel guide
View more Vacation Homes in El Rito
Map
El Rito, NM

What's nearby

  • A desert landscape with prominent white rock formations and a clear blue sky.
    Plaza Blanca
    57 min drive - 23.1 miles
  • A detailed view of a traditional Moroccan gate with intricate tile work and a large wooden door.
    Dar Al Islam
    59 min drive - 23.6 miles
  • Purple Adobe Lavender Farm
    50 min drive - 21.5 miles
  • The O'Keeffe: Welcome Center
    50 min drive - 22.4 miles
  • Girasol Gift Shop at Bode's
    51 min drive - 23.1 miles

Restaurants

  • El Farolito
    11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Artist Retreat~Forest Getaway~Adventurers~Hunters~Writers~Nature Lovers pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Artist Retreat~Forest Getaway~Adventurers~Hunters~Writers~Nature Lovers?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Artist Retreat~Forest Getaway~Adventurers~Hunters~Writers~Nature Lovers?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Artist Retreat~Forest Getaway~Adventurers~Hunters~Writers~Nature Lovers located?

Situated on a river, this vacation home is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Carson National Forest and within 20 mi (32 km) of Rio Chama and Poshuouinge Ruins. Purple Adobe Lavender Farm and The O'Keeffe: Welcome Center are also within 20 mi (32 km).

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Artist Retreat~Forest Getaway~Adventurers~Hunters~Writers~Nature Lovers Reviews