POND CASITA

Known hangout for desperadoes, the Pond Casita was once a chicken coop. With some New Mexican cleverness this was transformed into the cottage it is. Dug down into the earth, the cabin stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Gather your fresh ranch eggs from across the yard at the henhouse. Later, find a hammock with a book under the ramada, or just listen to the cluck of our laying hens.

The Pond Casita has a separate bedroom with a queen size bed and a fold out couch in the open living room/kitchen/dining area. The fully equipped kitchen has a microwave, refrigerator and propane stove, and the bathroom has a shower. In the back is a small enclosed yard, and to the front a small fish pond.

The Pond Casita is located on a forty acre farm. Guests have access to the garden and the outside table, chairs, a hammocks (during warm weather) and a barbecue and a fire pit (only to be used with permission of the management due to the fire risk).

The cottage faces the Sangre De Cristo Mountains to the east, a Goji berry field to the west and a communal area and a large open field to the south where we grow corn and pumpkins . There is also an old apple grove in the of large ceremony field (open for wedding) and you are welcome to taste the different apple varieties.

Close to the cabins is an open barn with tables and benches. Guests are welcome to use the barn for meals and its a wonderful place to watch the sun go down over the distant mountains. We have several vegetable garden in the summer. Guests are welcome to pick some veggies for some weeding. Please speak to the property manager.

We have a small play ground with swings and a slide. There are chickens and guests can feed them with table scraps (please no chicken or eggs, we don`t want them to be cannibals) Please ask for chicken eggs, they are complementary if the chickens are laying, Be sure to close the chickens gate behind you, We have stray dogs in the valley that can harm our chickens. We two alpacas, Albert and Allison and their daughter Alex. We also have two mini goats and two sheep. You are welcome to feed them, they love grass and also branches from the old Chinese Elm trees.

Interaction with guests depends on the privacy needs of the vacationers. We do arrange potlucks and dinners throughout the year for those who are socially inclined. Guests are also welcome to join us in the seasonal Trading Post cafe for breakfast at 8am with the wwoofers (willing workers in organic farms) and lunch at 1:30 pm for a donation. Please give us 24 hours notices

We recommend that you arrive by car. Northern NM is full of scenic drives only accessible by car.
There are two shuttle services in Taos and also a `Blue Bus` service that passes San Cristobal twice a day.
If you are a biker, this is wonderful place to explore trails to Taos or other nearby attractions or around our property.

During the summer we have fresh vegetables in season as well as chicken eggs. We also have a seasonal farm cafe in the trading post. Guests can socialize with our `wwoofers` (willing workers on organic farms and joint us for a farm breakfast for a donation. We are resting on weekends. Please give us a 24 hour notice.
HOUSE RULES

Pet Policy

We love dogs! To keep both our guests and our property safe, we ask that you please be responsible with your pet.

Dog Limit
• This cabin allows up to 2 dogs.
• Pet fee: $25 per night (flat).
• 70-lb weight limit. Please inquire if your dog is larger — we are flexible case-by-case depending on the cabin.
• Cats are not permitted.

Property Guidelines
1. Keep dogs off all furniture and bedding. Protect rugs, quilts, pillows, and cushions from muddy paws and shedding.
2. Dogs may not be left alone in the cabin unless crated. If you leave the property, please crate your dog.
3. Pick up after your dog anywhere on the property.
4. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while on the property.
5. No excessive barking inside or outside the cabin.

Livestock & Wildlife Safety

Keep dogs within your sight at all times. Do not allow dogs to wander off the property. Neighbors have livestock (cows, goats, sheep, horses), and loose dogs can be seriously harmed if they enter animal fields.

Non-Destructive Requirement

Dogs must be non-destructive. Excessive cleaning or damages may result in additional charges.
House Manual

Split Air Pump (Heating & Cooling)

Your cabin is equipped with a split air unit that provides both heating and air conditioning.

To help conserve energy and keep the system functioning well:
• Please turn the unit off when you leave the cabin during the day.
• If temperatures drop below zero, please turn the heat pump down to 50 degrees before leaving the cabin.

The remote control for the split air unit is located on the wall inside your cabin.

If the unit stops working or seems unresponsive:
Sometimes the split air units need to be reset. If you notice the system not heating or cooling as expected, please reach out.


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Wi-Fi

Please see the Wi-Fi information sheet located in your cabin three ring binder for your login and password.

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Heating the Cabin

Heat Pump

The cabin is heated by the wood fire stove and the wall-mounted split air unit.
The remote control is mounted nearby on the wall.
The cabin reheats quickly — please use the heat pump mindfully to conserve energy.

Wood Fire Stove

To safely start a fire:
1. Begin with a small fire and add wood gradually.
2. Never use lighter fluid inside the cabin.
3. Use newspaper, 2-inch cardboard strips, kindling, small pieces of cordwood, and matches.
4. Crumple newspaper and place it toward the front of the fire box.
5. Add cardboard strips or small kindling on top.
6. Place one or two small cordwood pieces (about 2 inches in diameter) on top.
7. Open the stove vent vertically as far as it will go and light the fire.
8. Once the small wood is burning well, add larger logs.
9. Bunch burning material together before adding more.
10. Keep vents open until the fire is strongly established, then adjust vents horizontally for heat output.

If you are a visual learner, here is a helpful video:
https://youtu.be/blYl4CS7my8

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Propane Heater

There is a propane heater in the cabin intended for long-term electric outages only.
The pilot light is off and requires the property manager to light it.
Please do not use this heater unless explicitly instructed.

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Electric Outage Instructions
• Fill pots with water — the well is powered by electricity and will shut off during outages.
• Please avoid flushing toilets while the power is out.
• Each cabin contains a rechargeable night light that also functions as a flashlight.

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Emergency Information
• Emergency services (Ambulance, Fire, Police): Dial 911

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Laundry

Our washers and driers are located in the shared laundry room.
Grey water is used for irrigation, so please use laundry detergent only and no bleach.
An outdoor laundry line with clothespins is available.

Laundry hours: 5 PM – 10 PM
(Housekeeping uses the machines earlier in the day.)

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Post Office

The San Cristobal Post Office is located on Camino del Medio next to the fire station.
From the property: turn left, then take the first right.

Phone: 575-776-5660
Hours: Monday–Friday, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM

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Noise

We are located in a rural area — you may hear wildlife, neighboring farm animals, and natural outdoor sounds.

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Toilets

The property runs on a septic system, so please be mindful of water use.
(All toilet rules are listed in the House Rules section.)

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Gas Cooking Stove

Many of our cabins have gas stoves.
If a pilot light goes out, you may notice a distinct smell due to the additive in propane.
If you notice this smell, please contact the caretaker.

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Hot Tubs (Instructional Information)

(Hot tub rules — hours, restrictions, safety — are listed separately in the House Rules.)

We have two shard soaking tubs on the property.

Barn Hot Tub - closes at 10pm
• Located near the barn
• Typically set to 104°F
• Caretaker assistance is available upon request

Family Cabin Hot Tub - closes at 7pm
• Located beside the Family Cabin
• Also set to a warm soaking temperature

Additional Notes
• Please shower before entering
• The hot tub may be unsafe if used for too long
• Bringing a bathrobe is helpful during winter months

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Dogs

We love dogs!
For full pet requirements, please see the Pet Policy in the House Rules section.

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Smoking Policy
• No smoking allowed inside any cabin.

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Fire Safety

San Cristobal is in an EXTREME FIRE RISK ZONE.
• Absolutely no open fires without explicit permission from the property caretaker.
• No unattended grilling.
• Use the wood fire stove only if you understand how — ask the property manager if unsure.
• Never use flammable lighter fluid inside.

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Quiet Hours / Noise
• Please keep noise down before 9 AM and after 10 PM.
• No events without explicit approval from management.

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Hot Tub Rules

We have two shared hot tubs on the property:

Barn Hot Tub
• Hours: until 10 PM

Family Cabin Hot Tub
• Hours: until 7 PM

General Hot Tub Rules
• No pets allowed.
• No children under 14 years permitted.
• No glass containers anywhere near the hot tubs.
• Shower before use.
• Use at your own risk — prolonged soaking may be unhealthy.

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Toilets / Septic System
• Only septic-safe toilet paper.
• Do not flush wipes or other items.
• Dispose of all non-toilet paper items in the trash.

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Gas Safety
• If you smell gas or notice a strange odor from the stove, contact the caretaker immediately.
• Propane heater may only be used with explicit permission — it is for long-term outages only.

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Emergency Information
• For emergencies dial 911 (Ambulance, Fire, Police).
• Poison Control: 800-222-1222
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Guest Notice

This cabin is stocked with the following:
• 3 bath towels
• 3 hand towels
• 3 washcloths