Casa de Arte Las Cruces
Short-term rentals and art studio rental space in the Mesilla Valley of Southern New Mexico
HIGHLIGHTS: Semi-rural, pecan orchard, native wildlife, indoor pool and spa, starry night skies, desert gardens, Southwest decor, artist studio, 2 acres, adults only
Welcome to our private and peaceful property, 3 miles from the historic Mesilla Plaza in Southern New Mexico. Our property is on a semi-rural, county-maintained road, less than a mile from the town of Mesilla. There are no street-lights, making for dark skies and stargazing at night. The two-acre, gated property is bordered by pecan orchards and is a haven for wildlife. The property includes a main home, a casita, and studio space, where local artists produce their craft. A garage for parking is available.
The property is located where the desert meets the pecan orchards. Pecans have become synonymous with southern New Mexico, as Dona Ana County is one of the top pecan-producing regions in the US. There are 9 pecan trees on the property and a pecan farm across the street.
The property is ideal for artists, art lovers, birders, and those who want to experience peace and relaxation. It is suitable for retreats for artists, book clubs, writers' groups, etc. Furnished to a high standard---while retaining the true feel of New Mexico---the property has abundant wildlife. Especially at the beginning and end of the day, it is not uncommon to see quail, fox, squirrels, roadrunners, rabbits, bobcat, coyote, and a variety of regional birds.
ABOUT THIS SPACE AND ITS LOCATION
The property is in a semi-rural part of Las Cruces on the west side, just across the line from the Town of Mesilla. There is an orchard of pecan trees across the road, as well as several on the property itself. This is active farming territory. The property includes a main house, with two bedrooms and an office. The office has a fold-out bed to accommodate additional guests. The main house has two living rooms, a fully equipped kitchen (with dishwasher), a separate dining room with seating for 6, 3 bathrooms (one with a jacuzzi tub), wifi, Smart TV, and an indoor pool and spa. The house has been designed for total relaxation, with an extensive library of art and Southwest books, ample seating, outdoor space for sitting or dining, all on a property that has the feel of a small ranch. The garden area has native plantings, to include agave, yucca, various cactus, and ocotillo, as well as pecan, palo verde, Mexican Elder, and olive trees.
At just over 300 square feet, the Casita is small, but perfect for one or two adults. The Casita has one stove-top burner, a portable oven, a microwave, a Keurig, and a mini refrigerator. There is a new full bed/mattress, a sitting room with Roku TV and wifi, and a private (full) bathroom. Guests in the casita have access to the outdoor sitting areas, the gas grill, and with advanced notice, the pool and spa.
The Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park is less than 2 miles away. The Mesilla Plaza, with numerous shops and restaurants, is only 3 miles away. Near the Plaza, La Posta de Mesilla, Andele Mexican Restaurant, Double Eagle Restaurant, Lescombes Winery & Bistro, Luna Rossa Winery & Pizzeria, and the Bean Coffee House, provide a range of dining/beverage experiences. FARMesilla, also located in Mesilla, is a farm store and eatery providing locally grown produce and fresh eggs, as well as indoor seating for food, craft beers, and wine. In the fall, fresh green chile is roasted on the premises.
Over 15 miles of no vehicle access biking and pedestrian trails along the Rio Grande are ½ mile away, and the hiking trails of the Organ Mountain Desert Peaks National Monument is a 35 minute drive away. White Sands National Monument is one hour away. The Downtown Farmer’s Market and Las Cruces Museums are 6 miles away. The Museum of Nature and Science and New Mexico State University are 6 miles away.
We don't have bicycles available on the property, but they can be rented in town:
Rental Information - Outdoor Adventures Las Cruces NM 88001 (bikelc.com)
Also on the property is XYZ Studios. This is non-residential rental space for local artists, who use it to create and display their work. You will share the property with the artists, but their parking area is separate and the studio is several yards from the casita. With prior arrangement, you can visit the studio to see the art and perhaps meet the artists.
Because there is a pool, fragile art, and a native garden (with lots of sharp needles), this property is not suited for children.