PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING!… Please keep in mind that we are a private home and former goat farm, one of the first homesteads in the valley, surrounded by woods/forest/wildlife, and not a luxury hotel.
Charming & rustic historic, hand made log/wood sided cabin and guest hut. King sized custom log bed in upstairs primary bedroom w/ large closet; cowhide/leather queen bed in 1st level BR; 2 twin Old Hickory beds on second level in main home. 2 Old Hickory twins in guest hut, and twin fold-a-way. There is no plumbing in the hut; it does have electric, to include baseboard heaters and a ceiling fan in the vaulted ceiling. It has large windows because it was the weigh station of the Gold King Mine, brought to our property in the 1970’s and completely renovated by us in 2013. The expanded deck with built-in seating was completed in 2021. Guests who stay in the hut must use the main home for bathroom facilities or find a tree.
Entire property sleeps a maximum of nine persons and one infant/toddler. (10 humans total.) There is a portable crib, but please bring your own bedding if you plan to utilize it. New hardwood flooring throughout; stainless appliances, butcher block counters, jetted tub in upstairs bath, laundry, aspen tongue & groove ceilings. Large open decks, sun room, side porch. Large rock fireplace w/blower to keep you warm during chilly nights, which can be all year. Newer furnishings mixed with antiques, Native American artifacts, and Colorado Mountain decor; professionally decorated. There is inherited taxidermy throughout, to include: pelts, deer mounts, stuffed fox, cowhides/cowhide furniture, longhorns, feathers on dream catchers, etc… If you are allergic to fur/pet hair/feathers or offended by these items, then this property is not a fit for you. The decor also includes artwork from local and well-known artists. Please do not touch the art or rearrange it.
We are a Christian family and recognize Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. You will see many crosses and religious artwork. If you are offended by this, then our property is not a fit for you.
Located 30 minutes to ski/snowboard/snowmobile/dog sled/tube/shop/dine/have best Bloody Mary’s at Purgy’s, etc…. at Purgatory Resort; 7-10 minutes to town of Durango; 45 minutes to Mesa Verde; 25 minutes to the Durango airport (DRO). Near and across from Turtle Lake which is privately owned but one may enjoy the views from the Homestead, just a short hike up the hill or beyond the fire pit. One mile to the Colorado Trail; our property includes the Pioneer Trail and is steep, and joins with many miles of other trails but they are not marked, so use a hiking app. We recommend high quality ankle boots for the rocky trails, and always carry bear spray even during hibernation months. Acclimate first to the altitude if arriving from sea level. We own 13 acres for privacy, yet located only 4 miles to all of the restaurants, shopping and amenities that Durango has to offer. Various wildlife visitors: mule deer, elk, mountain lions, turkey, skunks, mice, chipmunks, bears and more! Preventing rodents from entering our property is facilitated utilizing mothballs, so you may smell those, especially in the cold weather months when they are seeking warmth in our interiors. If you are allergic to MOTHBALLS or offended by their smell, this property is not a fit for you. Mothballs are also kept around the exterior of the property which is necessary because it’s in the country. If the smell affects you, then you need to stay at a hotel or a place downtown. PLEASE KEEP THE WINDOWS IN DINING AREA SHUT because we do not have screens by the large picture windows. It was determined that mice were getting in because one window was left cracked open during October 2025, which then got into the guests’ food. Window shut and problem solved! We also just had new siding installed which has further assisted in rodent prevention.
DO NOT leave trash outside or in your vehicle. Bears, mountain lions, and other types of furry neighbors have been known to help themselves to these free treats. Your well-behaved, housebroken canines are welcome at no extra charge (they are family!) but please keep them off of the furniture (or at least try, they can be on your lap) and for their safety, don’t let them play unsupervised outside with the skunks or big cats. Dog feeding/water bowls provided. Children should be well-behaved. PLEASE MONITOR YOUR CHILDREN! Hammock, tire swing, hiking trails, large decks, sunroom, covered porch and fire pit for outdoor living and fun for all! Amazing Boulder Garden is next door and may be accessed via the trails. THERE IS NO TV, but one may enjoy movies on a laptop if you must entertain your children or yourselves with a screen. Enjoy the mountains, lakes, rivers, hiking trails, views and all the beauty nature inspires.
WIFI in case you need to connect with work while in paradise. Plenty of space for ZOOM classes and meetings at the various seating areas: breakfast bar, dining table, and chairs/tables in every bedroom. WIFI also provided in guest hut.
Property is RURAL, on water well/cistern/filter/septic system. ONLY toilet paper may be flushed! (NO feminine products, diapers, "flushable" wipes, etc....) Water is a precious commodity in Southwest Colorado and must be used conservatively. During extreme, prolonged droughts, water pressure may very minimized. In those times, our property is more like “glamping”.
There is NOT central air conditioning, only window units and fans, as are most private homes in the area. Summer nighttime temperatures are in the high 40’s-60s! If you are coming during unprecedented heat, please keep this in mind. (Rent a hotel in town if you require “luxury”….AC/TV/bellhop, little bottles of shampoo, etc…) Snow is not guaranteed during the holidays though it is likely.
If you do not enjoy living in nature, being close to wildlife, not having a TV, nor residing in a log cabin with a gravel drive and historical outbuildings, then this property is not for you. Guests must take trash to town, as we do not qualify for trash pick up since we do not require week-long rentals and it is strictly a rural-zoned vacation rental. (Bears and other wildlife will break in if you leave your trash behind and therefore you are charged a fee if you do so. ) We love sharing our second home, in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, with respectful guests who appreciate rustic log cabin living surrounded by the National Forest, gorgeous mountains, and Colorado wildlife! Owner is happy to answer any of your questions or clarify any parts of the description by sending a message through VRBO or HomeAway.
