Artist Retreat~Forest Getaway~Adventurers~Hunters~Writers~Nature Lovers | House in El Rito

Nestled in peace & serenity, this charming guesthouse offers privacy and comfort in an idyllic forest setting. Adventure is just steps away! From the property’s summit, pass through the Lord of the Rings-inspired gate to explore the Carson National Forest. The fresh forest breeze flows through the house’s open windows, offering tranquil mornings with breathtaking sunrise views. Gather with loved ones by the firepit in the evenings, and marvel at the star-filled skies on clear nights.
Near the El Rito Campground in the Carson National Forest, a short 10-minute drive to Plaza Blanca (Dar al Islam) 20-minute drive to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Abiquiu; or 20-minute drive to Ojo Caliente Hot Springs & Spa, 30-minute drive to Espanola or an hour drive to Santa Fe.
This property accommodates up to four adult guests. Children are welcome aged 13 and older. Please note the property is not wheelchair accessible - there are steps, stairs and multiple levels.
The upper level features a welcoming rustic bohemian living room, hardwood floors, original artwork, vintage woodburning stove, fold out couch & loveseat and a treasure chest coffee table. Both bedrooms are adjacent to one another and are connected, separated by a door. The main bedroom has a Queen-sized bed, nightstand, ceiling fan and chair; the smaller room has two twin-sized beds. A full-sized bathroom with shower stall and vanity. The spacious deck is tucked among the pinon trees, with two outside lounge couches, chairs and a small gas grill. The ambiance is truly unique.
The lower level boasts an oversized room with a large wooden dining room table full dining an art studio which is perfect for creative pursuits. Lots of fun board games, activities and some art supplies. A fully equipped kitchenette, with full pot coffee maker, electric hot water kettle, four burner cooktop, Air Fryer and a full-sized refrigerator with ice maker.
Hunting District 51 - The Carson National Forest in Northern New Mexico, including the El Rito Ranger District, encompasses Unit 51. ***Ample parking on property for ATV trailers, four wheelers and additional vehicles. *no campers or RVs without approval & additional fees.
***4 wheel Drive needed if there’s snow.
***Stairs up to the bedrooms may inhibit some guests. Please note before booking.
Attractions: continental divide, Carson National Forest, Plaza Blanca, Ghost Ranch, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Spa & Restuarant, Abiquiu Lake, Canjilon Lakes, Georgia O'Keefe Home & Museum, Abiquiu Inn & Restuarant, Poshuouinge Ruins, Echo Ampitheater, Purple Adobe Lavender Farm, Stone Canyon Climbing Wall, Chama River.
El Rito is a town in New Mexico that has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. It was one of the first Spanish settlements in the Jicarilla Apache lands north of Santa Fe, being settled about 1807. The town is home to the San Juan Nepomuceno Catholic Church, which was built between 1827 and 1832. The El Rito Formation is a geologic formation in New Mexico dating to the Eocene epoch. “33 miles” to Ghost Ranch and “18 miles” to Ojo Caliente Spa
Harmony Hill | Where the Forest Inspires the Soul
Welcome to Harmony Hill
There are places you visit, and there are places that quietly become part of you.
Harmony Hill is one of those rare places.
Hidden on more than three private acres in the mountains of Northern New Mexico, with the Carson National Forest as your backyard, Harmony Hill was created for people seeking something increasingly difficult to find: silence, beauty, inspiration, and genuine connection with nature.
Whether you're escaping city life for a few days, searching for creative inspiration, planning a romantic getaway, or simply longing to wake up to bird songs, Harmony Hill invites you to slow down and experience the magic of the Southwest.
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A Story of Serendipity
Harmony Hill began with a simple feeling.
The moment our family discovered El Rito, we knew there was something extraordinary about this valley. What started as a search for a mountain home became the discovery of a hidden paradise tucked between forests, rivers, mesas, and endless skies.
Rather than changing the land, we chose to listen to it.
The property has gradually been shaped using permaculture principles—working alongside nature instead of against it—creating a peaceful sanctuary where wildlife, native plants, and people coexist in harmony.
Today, we are honored to share this special place with guests from around the world.
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Wake Up Inside the Forest
Every morning begins differently here.
The breeze moves gently through the pinon pines.
Hummingbirds race through the gardens.
Woodpeckers tap rhythmically in the distance.
Songbirds announce the sunrise while deer quietly wander through the property.
Step outside with your morning coffee and breathe deeply.
The air carries the scent of pine, juniper, sun-warmed earth, and the high desert after dawn—a fragrance unique to Northern New Mexico.
Your Backyard Is Carson National Forest
One of Harmony Hills' greatest treasures is that adventure begins the moment you walk outside.
No need to drive.
Simply leave the house and explore:
• Hike directly into Carson National Forest.
• Walk to the nearby river.
• Climb surrounding rock formations.
• Watch sunrise from the ridge behind the property.
• End your evening watching the sunset paint the valley below.
The views stretch for miles across the landscape, creating one of the most peaceful settings in Northern New Mexico.
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Wildlife Everywhere
Harmony Hill is alive.
If you're patient, you'll likely encounter remarkable wildlife throughout your stay.
Guests frequently spot:
• Hundreds of hummingbirds throughout the warmer months.
• Golden eagles and hawks soaring overhead.
• Woodpeckers.
• Dozens of native bird species.
• Mule deer.
• Elk.
• Coyotes.
• Chipmunks.
• Skunks.
• Horses and cattle from neighboring ranches.
• Harmless native snakes.
For birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers, every day offers something new.
Created for Inspiration
Some places help you rest.
Harmony Hill helps you create.
Over the years our guests have:
• Written novels.
• Finished poetry collections.
• Painted landscapes.
• Practiced yoga at sunrise.
• Meditated in silence.
• Completed five-day silent retreats.
• Photographed wildlife.
• Studied local geology and minerals.
• Watched the Milky Way for hours.
• Reconnected with themselves.
There is a certain energy here that encourages focus, creativity, and calm.
Every Season Feels Like a Different World
+Winter
Snow transforms Harmony Hills into a peaceful mountain retreat.
Warm up beside the wood-burning fireplace after a day outdoors or gather around the outdoor fire pit (when seasonal fire restrictions allow).
+Spring
Wildflowers bloom across the property.
Birdsong fills the forest.
Butterflies, hummingbirds, and native pollinators return, bringing the landscape back to life.
+ Summer
Warm days invite long hikes, riverside afternoons, and evenings beneath spectacular sunsets.
The mountain air remains refreshing even after sunny afternoons.
+Autumn
Golden cottonwoods, brilliant aspens, and changing oak leaves turn the valley into one of New Mexico's most beautiful hidden landscapes.
+ Nights You'll Never Forget
Few places still experience truly dark skies.
Harmony Hills is one of them.
With almost no light pollution, the Milky Way stretches clearly across the sky.
Spend the evening identifying constellations, watching meteor showers, or simply enjoying the silence beneath millions of stars.
The moonlight alone is enough to transform the forest into something unforgettable.
+Nearby Adventures
Harmony Hills is perfectly located for exploring Northern New Mexico.
Within a short drive you'll find:
• Carson National Forest
• El Farolito Restaurant (a beloved local favorite)
• The Rio Chama
• Plaza Blanca
• Ghost Ranch
• Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs
• Abiquiu
• Scenic drives through the high desert
• Historic villages and art communities
• Outstanding rock climbing
• Hiking and mountain biking
• Fly fishing
• Hunting areas
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Perfect For
✓ Couples seeking a romantic escape
✓ Artists and writers
✓ Birdwatchers
✓ Stargazers
✓ Hikers and climbers
✓ Yoga and meditation retreats
✓ Nature photographers
✓ Small families
✓ Hunters looking for peaceful accommodations after long days outdoors
Harmony Hill is more than a place to stay—it's a place to remember. Whether you come to explore, create, reconnect, or simply breathe, you'll leave carrying a little of the forest with you.

Artist Retreat~Forest Getaway~Adventurers~Hunters~Writers~Nature Lovers is located in El Rito. Artist Retreat~Forest Getaway~Adventurers~Hunters~Writers~Nature Lovers provides accommodation, featuring Heating, Laundry, Parking, among other amenities. This House features Parking, Designated Smoking Area and TV to make your stay a comfortable one.

Artist Retreat~Forest Getaway~Adventurers~Hunters~Writers~Nature Lovers has 2 Bedrooms , 2 Bathrooms, and max occupancy of 5 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated House because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this House, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. House has a friendly neighborhood, and the El Rito has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the House in El Rito, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.