Notes from the host
Ridge-Top Retreat
Summary:
The "Goldenheart Acres" sign at the entrance was inspired by the family dog, Gabe, who HAD a heart as gold as his burnished coat. His spirit lives on as we welcome stargazers, hikers, wildlife photographers... or any travelers seeking rest & quiet, while surrounded in awe-inspiring beauty.
Views are epic: Sangre de Cristos form a wall of peaks to the West. Wet Mountains to the east. Spanish Peaks to the south. Between is an expansive valley and rolling hills sprinkled with cattle & wildlife.
The Space:
Located 15 miles from Westcliffe, Colorado on a county-maintained gravel road, the cabin is relatively convenient to Westcliffe, but far enough to have privacy and quiet, like many visitors have seldom if ever experienced. The unobstructed views are beyond words: 360 degrees of beauty! The Wet Mountains are to the East and Northeast, Sangre de Cristos to the West and Spanish Peaks to the South.
The serenity combined with Internet service (DSL) creates the ideal place for creative work or simply a quiet time to read, think and be grateful for God's Creation!
Westcliffe is a 15-20-minute drive where you’ll find galleries featuring local artists, eclectic retail shops and boutiques, coffee shops and local eateries. Smokey Jack Observatory at Bluff Park and access to hiking trails are just minutes away.
This pet-friendly cabin feels like home with everything you’ll need for your stay – an open, efficient kitchen, in-unit washer and dryer, areas for relaxing, spacious wrap-around deck with gas grill – even workspaces and high-speed internet in case you need to get some work done. This property is great for a small family, a friends’ weekend, or a couple’s getaway. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, or after a day trip to the Sand Dunes!
Nothing like a relaxing soak in the hot tub while stargazing at night or naming the peaks during daylight hours. (Hot Tub fee is $50 plus tax per stay for the extra maintenance cost and is only charged to guests taking advantage of this amenity.)
Key Features:
> Fenced area to keep your furry friend safe. Pet Fee is $60 per stay
> 10 Mbps DSL Internet service, WiFi & flat-screen TV with Amazon Firestick
> Full of Colorado charm with ample windows to enjoy 360 degree mountain views
> 4-Person Hot Tub on the deck with killer views of a rolling valley and the Sangres.
(Hot tub Option is $50/stay, which one reseller labels as a "Resort Fee")
> Black-out curtains on bedroom and living room windows.
> Ceiling fan in the great room to keep you cool in the Summer, although this is the land of cool sunshine.
> Hypoallergenic bedding and a comfy place to lay your head. Luxurious, fluffy towels. Scent-free laundering
> Fully stocked kitchen with essential cooking equipment, supplies and staples.
> JenAire (gas) stove for grilling indoors, with most of the smoke vented out of the kitchen.
> High-quality whole-bean coffee and burr grinder is provided
> Forced-air heat
> Secluded rural location perfect for enjoying the spectacular night sky
> Spacious deck - Enjoy the peace and quiet as you sip your morning coffee, dine alfresco, or indulge in a glass of your
favorite beverage under the stars while sharing laughter and good times with family and friends
> Non-smoking Cabin
> Managed by full-time locals who can answer questions, offer recommendations and provide information, and quickly respond to requests during your stay.
Aggressive weekly and monthly discounts are offered until May, making STAYcations very affordable.
Experience an "A-frame" feel: The main floor has a very private bedroom with a comfy queen bed and easy access to a very modern and spacious bathroom. The loft offers a large bedroom with a king bed and room for a pack-n-play. It has its own small bathroom with a shower.
The front entrance opens up to a great room, with dining room area, seating area and a kitchen conducive for cooking while catching up with your fellow travelers in other areas. Living room offers a Futon couch/bed that could sleep two kids.
Blackout curtains throughout make for better sleeping even during our awe-inspiring Full Moons. A full moon or even the stars can be so bright that light sensitive sleepers will appreciate the option to draw the curtains.
Ample paper products and staples provided. The kitchen is well equipped with generous variety of staples, oils, spices etc.
You will be amazed at how much more you will be able to soak up the mountain views compared to the photographs.
While the cabin is a bit rustic in some regards, but not the Ritz. (That is in Aspen).
No outdoor grill is provided. Prompted by a recent fire ban and frequency of Red Flag Warnings.
The county is quick to remove snow. Time required to clear a path to town depends on a variety of circumstances, but generally within 30 hours. Guests are responsible for matching vehicle clearances, tires and driving experience with forecast winter weather conditions.
Guest Access:
Guests have exclusive use of the property. Access to the hot tub is optional and charged ($50 plus tax PER STAY) thru your booking channel. (This makes the cabin more affordable for those not using the hot tub. It may be added upon arrival.
Pet-friendly property – limited to 1 pet per stay; pet fee applies. After booking and prior to arrival, let us know if a furry friend is coming.
The Neighborhood:
Located in a quiet rural setting -- only local traffic passes by the cabin. All surrounding, near-by land is private property.
International Dark-Sky Association designated Westcliffe as one of only nine Dark Sky Communities globally. Being on the far edge of Westcliffe, this home is a great place to star gaze. For details or to schedule a free observatory session, search on "Dark Skies of the Wet Mountain Valley".
Westcliffe holds events nearly every week. Upcoming activities may be found by searching "Visit Wet Mountain Valley"
Sangre de Cristo Mountains offer a wide range of hiking, biking, fishing and hunting.
Arkansas River, by rafting, train or helicopter, is north of town on CO-69
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a 100-minute drive, depending on route and season.
Monarch Ski Area is less than hours away under normal good weather conditions.
Getting Around:
The property is located 15 miles south of Westcliffe off CO-69. For pilots, SilverWest Airport is about 7 miles from the property. SilverWest Airport is easily approached from nearly any direction with the lowest terrain to the northwest and southeast. Airport elevation is 8,290 feet MSL and CTAF is 122.9. The newly resurfaced runway is 54 feet wide and 7,000 feet long. Courtesy cars are available. Additional information is online on the Custer County website.
Other Things to Note:
Search on "Visit Wet Mountain Valley" for area information -- history, activities, events, places to eat including restaurant hours, shop, etc.
Search on Dark Skies of the Wet Mountain Valley for information related to stargazing and related events.
Interaction with Guests:
Guests are sent an access code via text message prior to arrival. Interface with hosts is up to you. Just glance at the Guest Guide and call or contact us through the app if any questions about the cabin or the area. Darkskies Vacations team member lives 4 miles away. We are available, but also fully respect your privacy.
