If places are said to have “local flavor” then Santa Fe’s is a potent mix of rich spices prepared with boldness and virtuosity. It is a city of artists, as can be seen everywhere — not only in the magnificent museums but also in the galleries and homes which populate this list. An oasis of creativity amidst the mountains and southwestern desert, Santa Fe is a place worth coming to no matter how far your journey might be.
Souvenirs worth saving are to be found at the galleries of Canyon Road (provided you are able to decide amidst the wealth of choices). There are a number of museums worth visiting, covering native art (contemporary and traditional), the international phenomenon of folk art, and the much-beloved works of Georgia O’keeffe. Capturing the city’s eccentric streak is Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return, an unforgettable immersive artistic and narrative adventure.
Centered around Plaza Santa Fe, the city is small, easy to move about, and full of things to do. It is also a wonderful place to visit at any time of year. The summers are relatively mild and winter brings snow to the nearby mountains (many of which are dotted with excellent ski resorts perfectly suited for a day trip).
To aid you in your preparations for your next New Mexico getaway, here is a list of 10 Vrbo house rentals in Santa Fe. In different ways, each embodies the unique spirit of this singular city.
Adobe Mansion Atop A Hill$1,071/avg nightly
Take Sante Fe in from this grand adobe-style vacation home overlooking the city, desert, and mountains. Sitting on 32 acres of juniper, this isolated home offers guests resort-level luxury from the privacy of a single-family home.
The house will be particularly appealing to art lovers, boasting as it does a rich collection of art going back to Florentine masters of the 16th century. Other beauty objects include Persian rugs and four ornate beds (three kings and a queen). There is a saltwater swimming pool, hot tub, and plenty of space for guests to enjoy privacy — from the outside world but also from each other.
Though it sits on an isolated patch of hilly scrub land with incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountain ranges, the home is a mere 16 minutes by road from downtown Santa Fe.
Casa Junipero$975/avg nightly
Casa Junipero, once a boarding school, is now a desirable Sante Fe Vrbo vacation rental offering visitors space and privacy in the heart of Santa Fe. Given the abundance of space (outdoors and in), it is a great location for any kind of reunion or retreat.
Enjoy views of the basilica tower from the walled garden or stare off into the mountains while enjoying a game of tetherball (those more keen on indoor play can make use of the pool table). The home is furnished according to the local style. Just a few blocks from the plaza, Loretto Chapel, restaurants, museums, and shopping are all within walking distance with no need for a car.
Casa Perla$427/avg nightly
Couples will want to live like royalty at Casa Perla, a gem of a home in central Santa Fe. The southwestern spirit flows through every inch of the property, from the flames of the kiva fireplace to the wooden palisade fence which gives the outdoor space its privacy. Other flourishes include red dragon countertops, “angel skin” linens, and the whimsically rustic rough-wood headboard on the king-size bed. The sofa in the living room doubles as a bed, should you be bringing more than just your partner.
Located on Canyon Road, Casa Perla is in the arts district and close to the city’s other popular centers, a perfect location for exploring.
Hobbit House With Mosaic Masterpieces$350/avg nightly
If this unique home were open to the public, it would without a doubt attract dozens of visitors a day keen to walk its halls and admire its art. On the one hand, it has the look of a traditional adobe home; on the other, it is an admirably eccentric amalgam, the sort of thing you only see in out-there cities like Santa Fe. The house has a number of strange and wonderful features, including circular portals, arboreal frescos, and a number of mosaic inlays found on doors, table tops, and elsewhere. This brilliant home has two queens and one king bedroom.
Located in a quiet neighborhood, guests can walk to Clafoutis for brunch or enjoy Mexican cuisine at Maria’s, a local favorite. The city’s hub at Santa Fe Plaza is less than 2 miles away.
Storybook Cabin In Santa Fe Forest$250/avg nightly
Santa Fe itself is a wonderful town but there’s so much to see and enjoy in the mountains and deserts outside the city limits. This lovely cabin in Pacheco Canyon and bordering national forest is a wonderful way to discover that nature, just as much as the downtown delights, is what brings visitors to Santa Fe. That said, downtown and its multitude of museums and galleries are hardly out of reach from this 1.2-acre property (the central Plaza is about 20 minutes away). A beautiful mixture of brown and red, this is a perfect retreat for a couple or pair of couples.
Active visitors will enjoy the many opportunities for hiking and cycling — adventures which start from the front door. Cross-country skiing in the wintertime is also possible, but visitors coming during the snowy months will need a car with four-wheel drive.
Casita On The Edge Of Town$301/avg nightly
Several miles north of Santa Fe, on a patch of aspen and pinion pine, sits a lovely adobe casita which is the envy of any tourist. With two bedrooms and two pristine bathrooms tiled with southwestern clay, it is a picture of comfort. The abundant rugs, wooden fixtures, and ceramic works make it a clear example of the splendid aesthetic which draws people to this corner of the world. Hiking trails flow out of the front door and guests lured by the calls of coyotes — or the inaudible yet all powerful call of the desert — will find themselves drawn onto them.
The home is about 10 minutes from Santa Fe Plaza, making it a great base for guests who want to enjoy the city and also the more wild areas to the north.
Luxurious Four-Bedroom Home$500/avg nightly
With elegant stonework, plenty of exposed beams, and beautiful outdoor spaces, this home is a picture of southwestern luxury. The bathrooms are particularly exquisite, and there are plenty of them. The home has two king rooms, a queen, and a smaller room with two singles, meaning it is a good fit for a wide variety of groups — be they of a single family or couples bound by friendship. The house looks particularly stunning from the front but the interior does not disappoint. There is also a fully-equipped gym.
Magdalena On The Plaza$300/avg nightly
Just three blocks from Santa Fe Plaza, this centrally-located home is great for a couple or small family who like the freedom that comes from being walking distance to a multitude of galleries, restaurants, and shops. There is a queen bedroom and one with two singles. Both have splendidly rustic adobe fireplaces (there’s also a third next to the outdoor dining area and a fourth in the living room).
The owners note that the property experiences intermittent internet outages, so travelers that need to stay continually connected should consider staying elsewhere.
La Casa De Suerte$500/avg nightly
Elegance and artistry can be found throughout Santa Fe. This home, a few blocks from Santa Fe Plaza, is one of many decorated according to the vibrant local style. It stands out because of the ornate quality of its many wooden features. There are three large bedrooms (two king suites and a queen) and three bathrooms. One of the three rich leather sofas can be converted into a comfortable bed in the downstairs living room. For relaxation, the home has a large private outdoor space, steamroom, and a sauna.
The Rass Mandal Residence$1,546/avg nightly
The final property on this list may be the grandest. Ideal for any retreat, the Rass Mandal Residence is a unique property whose designers are fittingly fearless. Drawing from a potent melange of Arabic, Asian, and southwestern influences, they have created the grand property now available to Vrbo users.
The building sits on 20 acres of hilly desert forest about 10 miles southeast of Santa Fe Plaza. Each room has views of the magnificent countryside. It needs to be seen to be believed but, from the Shanghai bedroom to the marvelous pool, we dare say that the pictures do it some measure of justice.
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