La Casita
Head to Westcliffe, a rural Colorado area known for its quiet, inky black sky lit up by stars and eye-popping mountain ranges on both sides. Reserve La Casita to stay in a retreat that’ll make you feel right at home.
Book this dog-friendly getaway for its stylish serenity. From the abstract metal wind vanes and standing sculptures to a circular flagstone labyrinth perfect for walking, La Casita will instill you with wonder and magic. It’s tucked away on 440 acres filled with rolling hills and views of two mountain ranges — the Sangre de Cristo and Wet mountains. Roam the vast property with your pups in tow or sip your morning coffee from the patio’s sturdy cedar picnic table. Inside, La Casita’s kitchenette is well stocked with breakfast essentials, and you’ll love making dinner on the gas/charcoal grill.
What makes it special?
Sustainability-minded folks will be happy to hear that this vacation rental is conscientious in that department. Wind and solar power being generated on the property makes a net-positive contribution to the electrical power grid (meaning more electricity is produced than used) and that’s a good thing.
The most Colorado thing about this place
Spot Colorado’s bounty of wildlife like majestic elk, foraging gray-blue Pinyon jays and lots of fluffy bunnies. You’ll feel like you’re living out Disney’s classic “Sleeping Beauty” with all the cute forest critters to watch.
Quirkiest thing to expect
It’s gotta be the secluded meditation room and the European-styled labyrinth that you’ll find while wandering this breathtaking property. Here you can seek inner peace as the wide-open landscape feeds your soul.
Most unexpected amenity
Pop into the on-site greenhouse to see a verdant indoor garden — you may get to pick vine-ripened tomatoes for dinner if the timing is right.
Top sensory encounter you’ll experience
We’re going with the private observatory tour and astrophotography experience, which is guided by the host. Inquire when you book for availability — this starry celestial adventure is dependent on weather and the moon phase. The area was the first community in Colorado to be recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association for its supreme stargazing opportunities, so a tour like this is a treat indeed. Find more ways to light up the night with this regional stargazing itinerary.
Our favorite traveler review
“What a lovely casita! We were a tad apprehensive about staying in the guesthouse with the owners nearby, but you could barely see the main house from the casita. And the owners were so friendly and interesting to chat with we wouldn’t have minded if they hadn’t been so tucked away. This was the most well-stocked airbnb we’ve been to in quite some time, maybe ever. I’m a little over the bareboned resort/investor-owned properties. This place felt like home (but with a much better view!). During our stay, we saw a herd of elk in the field just beyond the expansive windows. A few deer came right up to the windows to check out the bird feeders. Bunnies and birds dashed and darted all over the place. And most excitingly, we saw a wonderfully fluffy coyote. Jim was kind enough to give us a tour of the observatory and, boy, were the stars impressive! All we had to do was step right outside the Casita to make out the entire Milky Way. Looking forward to staying there again!” — Anna, airbnb
Things to see & do nearby
Take to the trails. Westcliffe boasts miles of hiking trails, like the Venable & Comanche Trails Loop, and numerous alpine lakes — your host will surely have some recommendations if you ask. Detour 30 minutes or so by car to Bishop Castle, a startling Medieval-like structure build by hand by one man — Jim Bishop. Or take a day trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
Want more?
Find all the ways to fall in love with Westcliffe.
Photos courtesy of airbnb