Perched on a high mesa, Bright Star Casa offers an enchanting retreat with 360-degree mountain views and desert plains to the west. As you relax in the hot tub or gather around one of three fireplaces, enjoy spectacular vistas of the Taos area mountain ranges. With ample parking for 12 cars and accommodations for up to 10 guests in three bedrooms plus four comfortable cots, this spacious adobe hacienda is perfect for families and groups seeking a true Taos experience.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 14279 sq m
Popular amenities
Spa pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Bright Star Casa in Arroyo Seco half way between Taos Plaza and Taos Ski Valley
Bright Star Casa is in the Arroyo Seco/Des Montes area on a high mesa with wrap-around mountain views.
Located half way between Taos Plaza and Taos Ski Valley, it is 9 miles to the plaza and 11 miles to the lifts, making it ideal for a vacation at any time of the year.
This property has spectacular 360-degree views of the Taos area mountain ranges and the desert plains to the west. In the distance, one can see the Rio Grande rift.
Bright Star sleeps 10: 6 in three Bedrooms plus 4 on comfortable cots plus 4” mattresses. The optional Casita sleeps an additional 4 in beds and 2 on cots, and includes a second kitchen/living area. To rent both the Casa and the Casita, search for #4634634, sleeps a total of 16. Cots can be set up in anywhere in both Casa and Casita. A 7- person, 16-jet hot tub has a great view of the mountains to the East, and there is ample parking for 12 or more cars. There are 2 covered car ports under the 440 square foot partially covered Casita deck. It has a kiva fireplace and offers spectacular 360-degree views of the entire Taos county mountains and plains.
The property occupies two and a half acres of land and has a lovely acequia (irrigation watercourse) which winds through the property. When the acequia is running, which is early spring into late summer, there is a small pond on the south end that is separately fenced for the benefit of the horses which frequently graze there.
The observatory on the property is operated remotely over the internet and images from the observatory are on the walls. High definition digital copies of these images are free to guests. This is a perfect location with very dark skies for you to bring your own telescope.
Bright Star Casa is a southwestern-style stucco 3000 square foot, one story home with traditional Taos blue-trimmed windows. Arroyo Seco and neighboring Arroyo Hondo are charming ranching communities with historic roots in the Spanish Land Grant system. The Casa is within walking distance to Arroyo Seco on a rural road which passes an old Penitente cemetery and the back of Julia Roberts’ 50-acre ranch.
This spacious adobe hacienda was built in the mid ‘90s of hand-made adobe blocks covered with stucco. The resulting 12” thick adobe walls provide excellent insulation summer and winter and keep inside temperatures relatively cool in the summer. (Summer temperatures in Arroyo Seco average 4 degrees cooler than temps in Taos.) The house features Spanish colonial corbels and lintels, romantic arches, flagstone, brick and timber. The ceilings are roughhewn logs, called vigas, layered with pine slats, called latillas. The radiant-heated floors are Saltillo tile.
On the exterior, the 3000 square foot house features a 500 square foot courtyard off the long hall, portals (covered entrances), and a kitchen patio with a kiva fireplace and a dining table for 6. House guests also have use of the 400 square foot deck attached to the Casita which includes a Kiva fireplace and spectacular 360-degree views of the entire region. They also can use the 2 car carport under the deck. Bright Star Casa sleeps up to 14, with 2 king bedrooms and a bedroom with 2 twin beds which can also be made up as a king, plus 8 cots with 4" mattresses. The 8 folding mattresses (4” thick) with cots sleep up to 8 adults or children. The cots that hold the mattresses are "Byer of Maine Easy Cot", the best cot on the market. They measure a spacious 78" x 31" x 18" and are rated for a 330-pound person. They are easy to set up in 30 seconds. The picture gallery includes an image of a cot with mattress. These are amazingly comfortable to sleep on. They of course include a pillow with full set of linens. Two bedrooms have an en suite bathroom. The third bathroom is accessed from the hall for the convenience of all the guests.
Other Amenities (available in both the Casa and Casita): 3 HD flat screen televisions, two in the Casa, a 60” in the spacious living room and a 50” in the Master Bedroom. The Casita has a 60” in the living room/kitchen. 23 local channels and 110 internet channels are available over the high-speed fiber optic internet service. Programs include YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Peacock, providing a wide range of live sports, news, movies, TV Series, music and other entertainment.
The fiber optic internet also provides excellent WIFI connectivity throughout the Casa and Casita.
The Casa and Casita each have their own internet phone providing land-line quality phone service with unlimited free incoming and outgoing calls throughout the US. The cell phone coverage from most of the providers in the Arroyo Seco/Des Montes area is usable but not always reliable.
At night, guests enjoy starry skies over the Sangre de Christo Mountain Range. Bright Star is ideal for families and groups desiring to be together under one very Southwest roof for a true Taos experience!
Option for live music entertainment: Billy Archuleta - Soloist Extraordinaire! Music styles - Country Rock, Spanish, Blues, Gospel, Bolero, Reggee Music for any occasion, Wedding, Birthday, Anniversary, Social Gathering, etc Contract rate: $150/Hr.for first two hours, $100/hr after that. Contact Info: wilparc54@yahoo.com (email) or 575-779-0109 (call or text) Please contact at least 2 weeks in advance, thank you
Property amenities
Ski
Close to skiing
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car required
Onsite parking options include a garage and a carport
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
3 private bathrooms
Bathtub
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
Games
Netflix
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Streaming services
Video game console
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Furnished patio
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
In-room accessibility
Single level property
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Unlimited smartphone data usage
Location highlights
In a rural location
In the mountains
Things to do
Snow sports gear
Birdwatching nearby
Casino nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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 deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number STR-2025-0009
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Taos, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Rottenstone Pottery and KTAOS Solar Center are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Taos Ski Valley and Al's Run Ski Lift. Travelling with kids? Consider Kakawa Chocolate House and Twirl Toystore and Playspace. Discover the area's water adventures with rafting and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and hunting. Visit our Taos travel guide
Is Bright Star Casa in Arroyo Seco half way between Taos Plaza and Taos Ski Valley pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Bright Star Casa in Arroyo Seco half way between Taos Plaza and Taos Ski Valley?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Bright Star Casa in Arroyo Seco half way between Taos Plaza and Taos Ski Valley?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Bright Star Casa in Arroyo Seco half way between Taos Plaza and Taos Ski Valley?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Bright Star Casa in Arroyo Seco half way between Taos Plaza and Taos Ski Valley located?
This family-friendly Taos holiday home is located in the mountains, 1.8 mi (3 km) from Rottenstone Pottery, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Carson National Forest and Salto Del Agua Cave & Waterfall. KTAOS Solar Center and Millicent Rogers Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Bright Star Casa in Arroyo Seco half way between Taos Plaza and Taos Ski Valley Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
This property was amazing!! Beautiful location and very comfortable beds. Communication with the owner was fantastic and he even showed us his telescope when he was there for a few days. Would highly recommend this property if you will be in the Taos area.
4 adults stayed in the house, which was in a very quite neighborhood (great for sleeping!) Very convenient for exploring and hiking north of Taos. Nice hot tub, large and well equipped kitchen, comfortable living room for watching a movie.
Steve H.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Andrew M.
19 Feb 2019
Perfect!!
This is perhaps the best VRBO accomodation I have ever stayed. Very well provisioned and all needs are thought out to include firewood, cookware, gas grill, reading material, Amazon Prime and Netflix. Ideally situated between Taos and Taos Ski Valley making for easy drives (15-20 minutes). Highlight for us was sitting outside enjoying fire in Kiva fireplace listening to the coyotes howl under the star-lit sky. Thanks Jerry!
Andrew M.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Nancy H.
22 July 2018
Our week at Bright Star Casa was nothing short of wonderful.
We have stayed in a number of great properties over the years, and can heartily endorse Bright Star Casa. The four bedroom, four bathroom layout was perfect for our party of eight, but would be great for much larger groups. We would like to thank Jerry for allowing us to use the home. With two kitchens and two living areas, it had all of the necessary equipment for a very comfortable stay. We particularly enjoyed the outdoor
patios, second floor deck, and the hot tub. The rural location of the home was perfect
for avoiding larger crowds in Taos itself, but was an easy drive to all of our destinations.
This really was a great home away from home. Sincerely, the Hodgsons
The views of the mountains and night skies make this home unforgettable. It is conveniently located away from the hustle and bustle of Taos, but not too far out. Everything was spotlessly clean and very comfortable. The kitchen had everything we needed. We loved the pictures of the galaxy from the owners observatory on the property - so cool!
Location : The property is located in a very scenic backdrop with close access to amenities.
Aesthetic: House decor is absolutely gorgeous and so very well planned . Interiors are just what you need for a vacation with friends and family. We loved it .
Host : Jerry was super kind and always a ping /call away and ready to help and accommodate in best way possible. Thank you so much Jerry for having us . We had a great time and created memories of lifetime . A great start to 2022 . Happy New Year !
Words cannot adequately describe the experience we had Jerry's property. The location couldn't have been better for starters. The house itself was gorgeous, spacious, immaculate and equipped with anything you could possibly need. The fireplace was stocked with wood and the hot tub was a perfect temperature. The pictures of the stars/galaxies/solar system from the observatory on the property was right up our alley as well. I look forward to booking again when I am in Taos for a luxurious getaway! Thank you so. much for making my birthday extra special, Probably the best rental I've ever stayed in.
Kitchen was well appointed, bedrooms were spacious, the property is quiet and beautiful. Easy access to Taos and instructions getting there were clear. We all enjoyed staying there and would rent again should we be in the area.
This house is beautiful and the photos/description accurately describe it. We were able to check in early after speaking with the property manager, and the house was in tip-top shape! The space was great for my family - each couple had their own bedroom + the casita. It's beautifully decorated; you can tell a lot of thought went into the design. Jerry's photos from his observatory were awesome and so fun to look at too! The location was very convenient to get to Arroyo Seco, Taos Ski Valley and Taos. We would highly recommend this home and hope to be back one day! New Mexico is such a hidden gem with so much beauty and nature!
The photos do not do the property justice. Every conceivable amenity is in the house not only in the kitchen but throughout.
Thanks Jerry for providing such a special venue for our celebration.
Such a wonderful casa and casita !! It had everything we needed, and more, so fully equipped. My daughter used this as a base for her wedding, and the place was perfect. The photographer got so many wonderful photos in the house and grounds. Jerry was very super responsive whenever we had a question, and even sent a plumber over on the saturday when we had a water issue, that was sorted out. I would recommend Bright Star without any reservations at all
russell g.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jake M.
11 Apr 2019
Unbelievable Property, Perfect Location
I stayed here with 12 other people and there was more than enough space. Everybody had a bed or cot to sleep in (all extremely comfortable) as well as personal space to unwind and get away for a moment or two. All surfaces were impeccable and the design and layout was attractive. The exterior and space around the property was stunning, particularly at sunset. The kitchen was fully stocked with dinnerware and we cooked several excellent meals. Plenty of seating for lounging and dining. Amazing outdoor spaces, including a large courtyard and an elevated patio. All-in-all, an outstanding spot for large groups. We skied two days and went out for dinner and drinks in Taos one night. Highly recommend and hope to be back soon. Thank you Jerry!
Jake M.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kendall M.
17 Mar 2019
Great home! Very nice for large groups.
This was a beautiful home with a lot of space. We had 4 families stay comfortably.
Kendall M.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Nicole B.
27 Feb 2019
UNM Intern Retreat
Everything was great our interns really loved your home!
Nicole B.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Thad W.
29 Sept 2018
Spacious, Gracious, Bodacious
Wonderful place for a family reunion. Slept 16 easily. Lots of space. Lovely and comfortable home with well-stocked kitchen. Plus spectacular astrophotography on the walls.
Thad W.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Elisabeth A.
4 Sept 2018
Walking into the house you felt that you came home
I am trying to find enough superlatives to describe the casa and casita and the joy and happiness we experienced during our stay. I rented both for our yearly family reunion because our nuclear family lives in so many different parts of the world. These two weeks together in the summer help the grand children to get to know each other and the adults to reconnect. The house and casita are simply magnificent. Even if you are a large group there are so many spaces to be peaceful, have private talks and then the living room is family time. We were watching the World Cup together - a first in so many years. Jerry and Carol are wonderful hosts and Sondra is incredibly helpful. We encountered a few problems and talked to Jerry even though he was traveling in Europe and were able to resolve everything expeditiously. Being able to talk to the owner of a house you rent is simply invaluable. I hope to come back in the future and am praying for rain, as I promised when we visited Taos Pueblo and talked to residents there.
Elisabeth A.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Courtney W.
17 Mar 2018
Amazing property!
The house was perfect for accommodating a large group. Everyone enjoyed their stay! The house was open/roomy, and the views were amazing! We hope to go back in the summer to enjoy the outdoor space. The cabin actually had enough parking for how big it was! This is usually a problem when we take a group somewhere. The owner is easy to work with and very responsive. Overall, we loved the property and hope to stay again soon.
Courtney W.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Sue D.
3 Oct 2017
Best stocked house we have ever rented!
We were totally happy here! This was a great place and the housekeepers do a great job! This was the best stocked house we have ever rented! It was also awesome that the owner called to check on us.
Sue D.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Pete F.
29 Sept 2017
First class
Spacious and comfortable adobe house on one floor with adjoining 2 story casita. Beautifully furnished and equipped with everything one could want or need.
Pete F.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Lydia S.
20 Sept 2017
The absolute best house I've ever stayed at!
I sought out this property for a girls weekend, and I could not be more pleased with absolutely everything with this house. Any inquiry (very few) I had, I emailed with the host and he was VERY responsive. Everything that we needed, the house had. The decor is absolutely beautiful and the multitude of common areas makes for a fantastic weekend friends or family getaway. The locations is great, you're off the beaten trail while still being close to everything you need.
I could not speak higher of my experience here! We all gushed the entire weekend of how perfect it was. Highly HIGHLY recommend!!
Lydia S.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Nancy F.
14 Sept 2017
NICEST vacation rental we have ever stayed at!!
This was the nicest vacation rental that we have ever stayed at. Our family of ten had ample room with 3 king-sized bedrooms w/bathrooms for all of the adults. The house is well-stocked with everything you could possibly need for a stay. We enjoyed the hot tub and 3 outdoor patio spaces with incredible views. The location was a short drive to Taos and also Taos Mountain. The house was beautifully decorated and the beds were super comfortable. We will definitely be back for another visit.