Barranca is an old Hispanic hamlet just west of Abiquiu above the Chama River. On its small plaza there are a few adobe houses, one of which is a very charming two bedroom, one bath vacation home.
The thick adobe walls have built-in traditional nicho's. The dining area comes with traditonal banco's and throughout the casita are tiled and wooden floors. A woodstove gives you great comfort in the winter. The thick walls keeps the house cool in the summer.
A large garden with fruit trees surrounds the casita.
In Barranca you will find a lively creek coming from the mountains. Follow the spring-fed creek up-stream and enter the Santa Fe National Forest with sensational views of the Abiquiu valley and the surrounding mountain lands. Badlands with goblin-like formations are nearby. The Chama River, along which are cattle ranches, is great for fishing.
The casita is just minutes from Georgia O'Keeffe's home and a short drive from the Piedra Lumbre basin. Ghost Ranch is worth many visits and don't forget to drive out into the Chama River canyon to hike or visit the Benedictine Monastery.
The Chama River Wilderness is paradise for explorers.
The acequia, the traditional Hispanic community water system, is still held in high regard in Barranca. The mayordomo decides who irrigates when. The casita’s garden can be irrigated on Saturdays.
Great day trips can be made to Ojo Caliente Mineral Hot Springs, Taos en Taos Pueblo, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Chama (with the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad), Bandelier National Monument, Chaco Culture National Historic Park, Valle Grande, etc. etc.
Hiking all throughout Georgia O'Keeffe's country side. Ghost Ranch, where Ms O'Keeffe had her studio, is just around the corner, Fishing in Abiquiu Lake or the Chama River, Hunting in Santa Fe and Carson National Forests (offices for obtaining permits in nearby El Rito and Espanola), Sightseeing all through the Canones Canyon and Piedra Lumbre valley, Boating and Waterskiing in Abiquiu Lake, Rafting on the Chama River. You'll find restaurants in nearby Abiquiu, El Rito, Espanola.
Each year in October - Columbus Days Weekend - Abiquiu has its Abiquiu Studio Tour. A great time to enjoy the changing colors of our cottonwood trees and art by local artists. You can visit about 60 artists in their Abiquiu studios, of which 3-5 of them are within walking distance of Barranca Plaza Casita.
Keywords: House, Nature, Art, Walking and Hiking, Get-away
