Pond Casita: Hot Tub, Sauna & Farm Animals

Pond Casita Once a humble chicken coop and a favorite gathering spot for local characters, the Pond Casita has been thoughtfully transformed into a cozy and unique space. Built partially into the earth, it stays naturally cool in summer and warm in winter. The casita features a private bedroom (separated from the living room/kitchen area with a curtain) with a queen bed, a fold-out sofa in the living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with a shower. A small enclosed backyard offers privacy, while a fish pond sits just outside the front door. Located on the property manager’s 40-acre historic farm bordering the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness, guests enjoy access to gardens, hammocks, outdoor seating, a barbecue, and a fire pit (with management approval). Wander through the apple orchard, visit the vegetable gardens, collect fresh eggs when available, and meet the farm animals, including chickens, alpacas, goats, and sheep. An open-air barn, ramada, and occasional community meals offer opportunities to connect, while those seeking solitude will find plenty of peace and quiet surrounded by the beauty of Northern New Mexico. We recommend arriving by car to fully explore the area's mountains, trails, and scenic byways. HOUSE RULES Pet Policy We love dogs! To keep both our guests and our property safe, we ask that you please be responsible with your pet. Dog Limit • This cabin allows up to 2 dogs. • Pet fee: $25 per night (flat). • 70-lb weight limit. Please inquire if your dog is larger — we are flexible case-by-case depending on the cabin. • Cats are not permitted. Property Guidelines 1. Keep dogs off all furniture and bedding. Protect rugs, quilts, pillows, and cushions from muddy paws and shedding. 2. Dogs may not be left alone in the cabin unless crated. If you leave the property, please crate your dog. 3. Pick up after your dog anywhere on the property. 4. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while on the property. 5. No excessive barking inside or outside the cabin. Livestock & Wildlife Safety Keep dogs within your sight at all times. Do not allow dogs to wander off the property. Neighbors have livestock (cows, goats, sheep, horses), and loose dogs can be seriously harmed if they enter animal fields. Non-Destructive Requirement Dogs must be non-destructive. Excessive cleaning or damages may result in additional charges. House Manual Split Air Pump (Heating & Cooling) Your cabin is equipped with a split air unit that provides both heating and air conditioning. To help conserve energy and keep the system functioning well: • Please turn the unit off when you leave the cabin during the day. • If temperatures drop below zero, please turn the heat pump down to 50 degrees before leaving the cabin. The remote control for the split air unit is located on the wall inside your cabin. If the unit stops working or seems unresponsive: Sometimes the split air units need to be reset. If you notice the system not heating or cooling as expected, please reach out. ⸻ Wi-Fi Please see the Wi-Fi information sheet located in your cabin three ring binder for your login and password. ⸻ Heating the Cabin Heat Pump The cabin is heated by the wood fire stove and the wall-mounted split air unit. The remote control is mounted nearby on the wall. The cabin reheats quickly — please use the heat pump mindfully to conserve energy. Wood Fire Stove To safely start a fire: 1. Begin with a small fire and add wood gradually. 2. Never use lighter fluid inside the cabin. 3. Use newspaper, 2-inch cardboard strips, kindling, small pieces of cordwood, and matches. 4. Crumple newspaper and place it toward the front of the fire box. 5. Add cardboard strips or small kindling on top. 6. Place one or two small cordwood pieces (about 2 inches in diameter) on top. 7. Open the stove vent vertically as far as it will go and light the fire. 8. Once the small wood is burning well, add larger logs. 9. Bunch burning material together before adding more. 10. Keep vents open until the fire is strongly established, then adjust vents horizontally for heat output. Propane Heater There is a propane heater in the cabin intended for long-term electric outages only. The pilot light is off and requires the property manager to light it. Please do not use this heater unless explicitly instructed. ⸻ Electric Outage Instructions • Fill pots with water — the well is powered by electricity and will shut off during outages. • Please avoid flushing toilets while the power is out. • Each cabin contains a rechargeable night light that also functions as a flashlight. ⸻ Emergency Information • Emergency services (Ambulance, Fire, Police): Dial 911 ⸻ Laundry Our washers and driers are located in the shared laundry room. Grey water is used for irrigation, so please use laundry detergent only and no bleach. An outdoor laundry line with clothespins is available. Laundry hours: 5 PM – 10 PM (Housekeeping uses the machines earlier in the day.) ⸻ Post Office The San Cristobal Post Office is located on Camino del Medio next to the fire station. From the property: turn left, then take the first right. Hours: Monday–Friday, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM ⸻ Noise We are located in a rural area — you may hear wildlife, neighboring farm animals, and natural outdoor sounds. ⸻ Toilets The property runs on a septic system, so please be mindful of water use. (All toilet rules are listed in the House Rules section.) ⸻ Gas Cooking Stove Many of our cabins have gas stoves. If a pilot light goes out, you may notice a distinct smell due to the additive in propane. If you notice this smell, please contact the caretaker. ⸻ Hot Tubs (Instructional Information) (Hot tub rules — hours, restrictions, safety — are listed separately in the House Rules.) We have two shard soaking tubs on the property. Barn Hot Tub - closes at 10pm • Located near the barn • Typically set to 104°F • Caretaker assistance is available upon request Family Cabin Hot Tub - closes at 7pm • Located beside the Family Cabin • Also set to a warm soaking temperature Additional Notes • Please shower before entering • The hot tub may be unsafe if used for too long • Bringing a bathrobe is helpful during winter months ⸻ Dogs We love dogs! For full pet requirements, please see the Pet Policy in the House Rules section. ⸻ Smoking Policy • No smoking allowed inside any cabin. ⸻ Fire Safety San Cristobal is in an EXTREME FIRE RISK ZONE. • Absolutely no open fires without explicit permission from the property caretaker. • No unattended grilling. • Use the wood fire stove only if you understand how — ask the property manager if unsure. • Never use flammable lighter fluid inside. ⸻ Quiet Hours / Noise • Please keep noise down before 9 AM and after 10 PM. • No events without explicit approval from management. ⸻ Hot Tub Rules We have two shared hot tubs on the property: Barn Hot Tub • Hours: until 10 PM Family Cabin Hot Tub • Hours: until 7 PM General Hot Tub Rules • No pets allowed. • No children under 14 years permitted. • No glass containers anywhere near the hot tubs. • Shower before use. • Use at your own risk — prolonged soaking may be unhealthy. ⸻ Toilets / Septic System • Only septic-safe toilet paper. • Do not flush wipes or other items. • Dispose of all non-toilet paper items in the trash. ⸻ Gas Safety • If you smell gas or notice a strange odor from the stove, contact the caretaker immediately. • Propane heater may only be used with explicit permission — it is for long-term outages only. ⸻ Emergency Information • For emergencies dial 911 (Ambulance, Fire, Police). • Poison Guest Notice This cabin is stocked with the following: • 3 bath towels • 3 hand towels • 3 washcloths • 1 set of King sheets (fitted sheet, flat sheet, and comforter) • 4 pillows with pillowcases If, upon arrival, any of these items are missing, please notify management right away so we can replace them. Conversely, if any of these items are missing upon your departure, the replacement cost will be charged to your account.