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A Solar, Cordwood/Bottle Hand-Built Charming Cottage, In the La Garita Mountains

A Solar, Cordwood/Bottle Hand-Built Charming Cottage, In the La Garita Mountains

Photo gallery for A Solar, Cordwood/Bottle Hand-Built Charming Cottage, In the La Garita Mountains

Terrace/patio
Exterior of the 'Mermaid Cottage'
Exterior
The interior of the Mermaid Cottage. No your not in a Kaleidoscope those are bottles in the walls.
New Winter Curtain in the Mermaid Cottage

Overview of A Solar, Cordwood/Bottle Hand-Built Charming Cottage, In the La Garita Mountains

Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional
1 bedroomSleeps 219 sq m

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • GymGymGym

Explore the area

Map
Del Norte, CO
  • Popular LocationRio Grande National Forest1 min walk
  • Popular LocationNatural Arch Trailhead10 min drive
  • Popular LocationCenter Park39 min drive
  • AirportAlamosa, CO (ALS-San Luis Valley Regional)56 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchenette

About this property

A Solar, Cordwood/Bottle Hand-Built Charming Cottage, In the La Garita Mountains

Hello Dear Travelers, the 'Mermaid Cottage' is a sweet, hand built Cord-wood structure full of beautiful Art, Majestic views and is on the forefront of our peaceful all Solar 35 acre ranch, we get all our energy from the sun (there is a generator back-up) . If you love to star gaze this is the place for youI The Milky Way is right over head :-) You will have your full privacy to enjoy what could be your base camp home for exploring the San Luis Valley and all it's beauty and wonder! Right out your front door you could hike, bike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, bird watch, rock climb and stargaze just to mention a few. You are minutes to an hour away from the The Wolf Creek Ski area, Rio Grande River, wilderness, Sand dunes, Hot Springs, Railroads, Live Theater, Cafes, shopping and so much more! Internet is available and there is a small refrigerator, Dbl stove burner, T.V. w/ D.V.D's only, includes coffee with a french press and Teas. Although small it includes all the comforts of home! We are always happy to answer all your questions so please just ask!
Our guests love to trek all over this beautiful property and ride their mountain bikes or dirt bikes to the famous 'Penitente Canyon'(world renown climbing area), the Natural Arch (La Ventana) Geological area. Also the Elephant Rocks. A place so magical we were actually married there and then again up here on our ranch, lovingly known as 'Angel Rock Ranch'. Our back-drop is a massive Rock formation, part of an old Caldera.(cal·de·ra)
a large volcanic crater, typically one formed by a major eruption leading to the collapse of the mouth of the volcano.) Yes it is dormant ;-) This Rock formation has a large pinnacle that resembles an Angel, halo and all! With two Massive bluffs (her wings) jutting out from either side! Truly magnificent!!!
The word that most often comes to mind is 'Vortex' (a vortex is a site where the energy of an area is concentrated. A vortex site is a place where one can feel spiritual energy most strongly) We'll let you be the judge.
Future plans include a labyrinth, bush-whacking golf coarse, Frisbee Golf and Large outdoor chest game (we did this on a recent trip to Sedona, it was such Fun!!!)
We love Alternative building, here on the property we not only have a cordwood Cottage we also have a Straw-bale structure as well as a Log Hogan and a Log Cabin! Just ask we will be happy to give you a tour of the property:-)
The comment that we hear most often are that our guest don't want to leave! That is music to our ears!
If you are ready for a Beautiful, Peaceful get-a-way where you will be surrounded by nature and all the privacy you could hope for on a creative, unusual property then the 'Mermaid Cottage' awaits you....
Oh one last thing!
We have a nice family of cats and dogs here on the ranch, but not to worry, although they will greet you they don't go in the Cottage. There is a sweet little black cat named "Raya Sunshine" that loves hanging out down near the Cottage. Most of our animals are rescues. If you would like to bring your pet please let us know. There is a $15. pet fee, per pet per night that will all go towards the feeding and care of the animals up here on the ranch.

Property manager

KimAnna & Michael Cellura-Shields

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Gym
Barbecue grill
Mountain view

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
Unsafe and small space

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
we ask that you call with any needs and respect the privacy of our home and we will respect your space as well.
It is possible for children to be there but contact prier booking. That you have no more than two people staying in do to it's size.
That you like animals and love nature! Please let us know if you will be bringing any pets there is a small fee.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Del Norte

Located in Del Norte, this cottage is in the city centre. Natural Arch Trailhead and Monte Vista Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Rio Grande National Forest and Rio Grande. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Del Norte, CO

What's nearby

  • Rio Grande National Forest - 1 min walk
  • Natural Arch Trailhead - 10 min drive
  • Center Park - 39 min drive
  • Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad - 52 min drive
  • Sand Dunes Recreation Hot Springs Pool - 57 min drive

Getting around

  • Alamosa, CO (ALS-San Luis Valley Regional) - 57 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A Solar, Cordwood/Bottle Hand-Built Charming Cottage, In the La Garita Mountains pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at A Solar, Cordwood/Bottle Hand-Built Charming Cottage, In the La Garita Mountains?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A Solar, Cordwood/Bottle Hand-Built Charming Cottage, In the La Garita Mountains?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A Solar, Cordwood/Bottle Hand-Built Charming Cottage, In the La Garita Mountains located?

Located in the heart of Del Norte, this cottage is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Rio Grande National Forest and 2.8 mi (4.6 km) from Natural Arch Trailhead. Rio Grande County Museum and Cultural Center and Rio Grande are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 37 out of 37 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 37 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 37 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 37 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 37 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Reagan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Did not want to leave
Had a wonderful stay. Much thanks to our kind and generous hosts. A truly magical place.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christopher H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The mermaid experience
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the property. The hosts were very sweet and amazingly accommodating. The cottage is very cozy and came stocked with all the essentials. The story behind the build is a fun one- be sure to look at the book in the cottage! The town of Del Norte is a short drive away and they have a near history and some cool places to eat and drink! Be sure to check out Three Barrel Brewing and try their amazing Lisa! There is a ton of access for exploring the National Forest/BLM land in the area. The hosts turned us on to an amazing local-ish hot spring (which was very awesome!) and the Great Sand Dune national monument isn’t too far away either. I have already told a bunch of friends that they NEED to stay here. It was so peaceful, and the views of the stars were amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Courtney F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing getaway!
This place was the perfect getaway for Spring Break with my girls! The cottage is beautiful and we loved all the detail!! The property was incredible and KimAnna and Mike were incredible hosts! Very welcoming and kind. The whole property was good energy and our trip went by way too fast. My daughters loved all the animals and they did not want to leave. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rae N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely Amazing
My spouse, puppy, and I stayed at the Mermaid Cottage for a few days. It was one of the best vacation rentals I have ever been at. The property and land are absolutely gorgeous, every detail is attended to, and we loved every moment. KimAnna was away when we stayed, but we met Mike, and he was so informative and kind, but gave us our own space. He also gave us eggs from their chickens! The animals on the property were a joy also. We would absolutely love to go back and explore more of the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ward H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect
Perfect 10. Location. Vibe. Peace. Can’t wait to stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

About the host

Hosted by KimAnna & Michael Cellura-Shields

Host profile image
KimAnna and her husband Michael feel fortunate to be retired now from the "Peace of Art Cafe" and the "Organic Peddler" health food/ gift store. Now they enjoy meeting the many fabulous guests that come stay at the mermaid Cottage as well as the "Divide Riders Hostel" and the "La Casita Bonita Inn" in the town of Del Norte. Alternative building and animals are their passion and this is expressed all over the entire property.

Why they chose this property

The Mermaid Cottage is a one-of-a-kind, Unique, Beautiful, Artistic, Peaceful and Private Cottage. With stunning views and we are on the 'Continental Divide Trail'. Only 13 miles from the charming town of Del Norte. It is a perfect get-a-way for those looking to escape it all for a few days.

What makes this property unique

Solar and off the grid. Alternative Green Structures, surrounded by Magnificent rock out-cropping.The 'Mermaid Cottage' is located on 'Angel Rock Ranch' The entire ranch runs off of Solar Energy, So it is truly peaceful and gives one a true sense of well being.

This cute little cottage was built from standing dead cottonwood that came from our girlfriends buffalo ranch, also wine and beer Bottles from the 'Peace of Art Cafe' and friends, were recycled by becoming part of the walls. We use nontoxic dish soap and laundry detergent and cleaning products. The furnishings are antique, the sweet black porcelain sink was found in a second hand store by a friend and we gave it a second life by imbedding it into a vintage vanity. The sliding glass door was saved from going to a dump and all the windows were samples that no longer served a purpose. All the large Wood beams were locally milled, and we did hand build it ourselves.
It is a magical place that we feel honored to share!

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