Cowboy Villa

The Rio Grande Valley and Jemez Mountains stretch before you from the patio of this luxe pueblo-style villa in northern Santa Fe. Decorated in classic ranch lodge style, it exudes southwestern charm.

Cowboy Villa is period perfect, from the fabulous longhorn skull over the mantel to the multiple wood-burning fireplaces to the rustic wood-and- tile interior design. Comfy in any season (it is air-conditioned as well as heated), this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in the lovely Bishop's Lodge Villa compound is just a few minutes from downtown Santa Fe in one direction, fabulous skiing in another, and so much more!

Surrounded by patios (including one accessible from the primary suite), Cowboy Villa puts you on top of the world. The beautiful scrubland of the valley with all its wildlife stands before you, not to mention world-class sunrises and sunsets. You can really breathe here, and the sense of endless open space is very powerful.

And when you step indoors, the sight of beautiful southwestern decor elevates your mood. This villa is a jewel box, lovingly furnished and decorated with the finest pieces. Warm sandstone, red, and russet tones enhance the rustic feel, yet Cowboy Villa also sports the latest conveniences, from gleaming stainless-steel appliances in the fully appointed kitchen to a jacuzzi tub in the primary bath. It's the best of both worlds, and you are going to love every minute of your stay here!

The living room is the focal point for keeping your group together (unless they gravitate into the kitchen, which will be hard to resist given the handy pass-through breakfast counter). In here you can continue to enjoy those unique views, accompanied by your favorite music on the DVD/CD player or a movie on the flat-screen with Surround Sound. Deep, stuffed leather armchairs encourage you to sink in and stay a while, the hypnotic flames of the wood-burning fire and all the comforts of technology adding to the cozy southwestern vibe.

No matter what plans you have for eating out in Santa Fe's superb northern New Mexican restaurants, bring a sack of two of groceries with you to Cowboy Villa. A kitchen this good is worth cooking in just for the entertainment value! You are still within easy hearing of the living room from the kitchen, so you don't have to leave the fun just because the gang is starving for margaritas and nachos. Line up a few pals on the stools at the counter to make fresh guacamole and enjoy using all the sparkling appliances, utensils, and dishware in this big, convenient kitchen. You'll be back in the action for the next hand of Texas Hold 'em!

Of course, you can also sit down to a more formal meal at the 6-person dining table. Central to the living room and kitchen, it makes a great place to set up a puzzle, play board games, and check your laptop for directions to the Opera House. And somehow, even leftovers and carry-out seem to taste better in this serene setting!

Speaking of serenity, leave the eye mask and white-noise machine at home when you stay at Cowboy Villa: these bedrooms are quiet and soothing, bringing you an enviable night's sleep after your busy Santa Fe adventures. The primary suite includes a king-sized bed, comfy reading chair, fireplace, TV, and en-suite bath with a big walk-in shower and a delightful deep jacuzzi (goodbye, sore ski muscles!). The second bedroom has a queen-sized bed but similar luxe appointments, including a private bath with both shower and tub. Best of all, you can access the rear patio from the primary bedroom -- just right for stargazing with that final glass of wine before bed.

Cowboy Villa overlooks 200 acres of National Forest land, so you need never fear that new construction will have begun to mar your view. As part of the Bishop's Lodge Villa, you have access to the community swimming pool and hot tub, just in case you care to venture beyond the property. But why would you, really? With everything you need right at hand at Cowboy Villa, there's no need to put your shoes on!

Please note, the community pool is seasonal from Memorial Day to Labor Day.