Nestled into the Black Mesa, in the heart of the triangle formed by the villages of Abiquiu and Ojo Caliente and the town of Espanola, La Lomita is a comfortable two-bedroom house built on 10 acres in 2000 that, if necessary, sleeps four additional people on a queen sizesofa and pull-out love seats in the great room.

In short distance from Taos, Santa Fe and Los Alamos, La Lomita's next door neighbor conveniently is Rancho de San Juan's internationally acclaimed restaurant. If after dining out, or barbecuing on your porch, you need a good exercise hike up to Black Mesa's rim, cross the mesa, and look down on the wide and magnificent Rio Grande valley; the magical Sangre de Cristo mountain range captures your views in the distance. La Lomita is owned by one of "Los Valdeses," whose ancestors settled in the area 300 years ago. The area holds mystery in the howling of the coyotes, the shifting sands, the crisp nights, and the colorful wildlife. Sit quietly and you will hear the gentle breeze winding its way through the junipers.

There are many hiking opportunities in the area on National Forest or BLM lands. The warm springs of Ojo Caliente are inviting you, and even the wild hot springs in the Jemez Mountains are just a good one-hour drive away. The cliff dwellings of Bandelier National Monument and the newly opened Valle Grande Preserve (the 20 m by 20 m caldera of old, old volcanos) with its geological surprises and varied wildlife are wonderful day trips too. The gorge of the Rio Grande offers great views and exciting rafting. Nearby Chimayo is called "the Lourdes of New Mexico."

Amenities: 1 bedroom (queen), 1 bedroom/study (full futon), large living/dining/kitchen area with additional queen futon and 2 twin pull-out beds, also crib available, Franklin stove in living, baseboard heat in other rooms, satellite TV, CD player, DVD player, washer/dryer, full kitchen including microwave, linens provided, large deck and a chimenea, phone (please use a calling card for long distance), high speed internet, no smoking, no pets.