Notes from the host
Mineral
Summary:
Hot tub fees are waived for new bookings with arrival date in MAY.
This quiet three-bedroom home is on the edge of Westcliffe, Shadow Ridge neighborhood, known for safe dog walking. Savor coffee & mountain views from the front porch sun or relax in the privacy and afternoon shade of the back porch where a fire pit & hot tub is located.
StarLink Internet delights remote workers or heavy data consumers.
Check the reviews: "Super Clean"; "Spacious"; "Felt like home"; "Quiet"; and "Private" are common themes.
Pet fee is $60 per dog with a limit of 2.
The Space:
Experience:
- StarLink Internet (150 Mbps down; 15 Mbps up with low latency.)
- Hot tubbing after hikes. (Hot tub fee: $50/ stay)
- 360° views of Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Stars & Wildlife.
- Private back patio with grill, tables and fire-pit seating area.
- Easy walk to Westcliffe, including Smokey Jack Observatory
- Area hiking & fishing.
- Scenic drives to Royal Gorge & Sand Dunes
Sleeping capacity for 6 with one king and two queen beds. Inquire about more than six guests because a couple wee-ones may be comfortable on one of two very sleep-able couches in the living room.
Luxuriate in a spacious master suite with a private bathroom featuring a jetted, soaker tub, shower, dual vanity and large walk-in closet. Two bathrobes provided to make showering before hot tubbing more comfy. Sliding door opens up to a private back patio where the hot tub, grill and fire pit is located.
Sustainable housing enthusiasts appreciate the 10" thick walls (R-50) and solar panels. Radiant baseboard heat is supplemented by an electric stove with the look of a wood stove. Enjoy indoor coolness, even on hot sunny days. Walls are nearly sound proof, even during windy days.
Thoughtful Extras:
- Comfy, Hypoallergenic Beds (1 King & 2 queens)
- Well-stocked kitchen with staples and equipped for cooking. Ample coffee & tea provided. Guest reviews cite "many thoughtful & generous extras".
The fenced yard is designed to prevent deer from entering. Dogs off leash can easily crawl under some areas. Attending or leashing dogs is recommended. Due to the additional cleaning time, we charge a $60 per stay for each dog. An absolute maximum of two dogs is allowed.
Guest Access:
Guests have full and exclusive access to the home, yard and 60% of garage. A "wall", or backing to shelves facing the other side, separates the guest side of the garage from host's storage area. Storage is occasionally accessed by owner to pick up supplies or perform maintenance on the property or hot tub.
The Neighborhood:
Shadow Ridge neighborhood is paved and is about 1/2 mile north of downtown and 1/3 mile north of the Saddle Club & rodeo grounds. Westcliffe area blends hiking, 4x4-ing and galleries by day and astronomy by night. The atmosphere is a million light years from the big city or fancy resorts of Northern Colorado. Simple, quirky and friendly, rural Colorado.
Dark Skies International designated Westcliffe/Silver Cliff as a Dark Sky Community in 2015. It's the highest elevation and part of the Colorado Stargazing tour touted by the Colorado Tourism. Being on the far edge of Westcliffe, this home is a great place to stargaze. For details and schedule of free observatory sessions, search on "Dark Skies of the Wet Mountain Valley" or "Dark Skies Colorado" for more information.
Westcliffe holds events nearly every week from May to October. High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival and the PRCA Stampede Rodeo draw the most guests. Upcoming activities may be found by searching on "Visit Wet Mountain Valley".
Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountain Ranges offer a wide range of hiking, biking, fishing and hunting.
DeWeese Reservoir is less than 10 minutes away
Arkansas River and Royal Gorge are nearby, offering rafting, train tours or helicopter sightseeing
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a scenic 90-110 minute drive circumnavigating the Sangre de Cristo range
Monarch Ski Area is 64 miles away -- 80 minutes with good weather conditions.
Getting Around:
Car and bike access to town and surrounding area via paved roads.
Custer Country Supply rents Jeeps for as few as one day. Book your days well in advance.
Other Things to Note:
Hot tub is available year round. Hot tub fee is $50/stay but waived for booking made before May 15th. Towels and 2 bath robes are provided.
Pets with owners are welcomed for a fee of $60 per pet and per stay selected during the booking process, after the guest count slection. Two maximum. A large crate is proved in the utility room. Please crate dogs if left in the house unattended.
Wet Mountain Valley is well known for high-meadow grass the yields very high (~14%) protein. As a convenience and to support our local ranchers, we can supply that grass-fed beef. Let us know ahead of time and I will have your supply on the freezer when you arrive. If after tasting, just pay for what you eat. If you love it and want more we can generally provide all you can haul home. Cost is USDA average wholesale rates.
Interaction with Guests:
The host lives nearby and generally walks by daily to see if guests are out front and up for for a quick hello.
