What People are saying
Nourish your soul
barefootsageon 26/08/2017 03:17After attending Indian Market in Santa Fe, my partner and I recently stayed at Casa Gallina, along with another couple we were traveling with. Everything about the casitas and the property, including the host Richard, simply delighted us. Really, it could hardly have been better.
Richard offers a gracious welcome at check-in to his well-appointed units, points out all the little details, and is happy to make suggestions for travelers/newcomers to Taos. Then he graciously leaves you to enjoy your holiday without interruption.
Located conveniently close to the heart of Taos and yet pleasantly removed, the property grounds are tranquil, well-tended, and quiet (even with the chickens in their spacious coop). It's a place that wordlessly invites you to relax and simply sit in a comfortable chair outside, watching (hearing!) the hummingbirds zoom by while listening to the gurgling acequia or an afternoon breeze rustling the trees.
Both our casitas were clean, comfortable, nicely decorated, and well equipped — top rate quality in terms of plates and dishes, cutlery, pots and pans. There are fresh eggs from the chickens ("the girls"), excellent coffee and an amazing selection of artisan, whole leaf teas. Soaps and toiletries are local, "green" and eco-friendly, and much of the furnishings and art are from local artisans. Honestly, it was more like being in a nice, tasteful home than any rental.
The website for Casa Gallina invites visitors to "discover the art of a slow vacation" and, really, everything about this lovely place supports that aim. While there is plenty in Taos to explore, Richard has created a space(s) where guests may be equally tempted to simply linger and relax.
In a harried and increasingly homogenized world, this handcrafted little oasis in New Mexico offers nourishment for the soul. Highly recommended.
Truly exactly what we all hope for in a vacation spot!
jaye364on 24/08/2017 17:53Casa Gallina is perhaps the best place my husband and I have ever stayed! The landscape is sublime and the house we were in, 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, complete kitchen, lovely dining and living room, was just wonderful. Richard met us in the kitchen with delightful snacks and a chilled bottle of delicious wine and gave us a tour of the grounds and the "girls", his sweet sweet chickens. Also every morning we had fresh pasture eggs for our breakfast! He would bring us snacks of warm muffins and fresh fruit and is an exemplary host. We were on a 27 day road trip up through New Mexico and into mid Colorado. I believe had we started our trip at Casa Gallina we would have gone no further. Ticked all of my boxes as the perfect retreat!
Super family place
SandiasMarylandon 16/08/2017 04:20My son, daughter-in-law, and two grandkids stayed in the guest house which has three bedrooms. Comfy, romantic decor - thick towels, Poblano lavender products - all quite luxurious. The structure is a charmer, and they all LOVED the very New Mexican hacienda feel (they are East Coasters). My hubby and I stayed in the casita which also doubles as a tango studio, so it is larger than one would expect. Quite contemporary in feel with a Murphy bed (decently comfortable - although we would have liked a harder mattress - that's our preference and complaint everywhere we travel). The two buildings are connected by a sweet courtyard full of flowers and sculptures.
The location, the gardens, the chickens and fresh eggs, the veggie plots (for picking), and Richard's sincere hospitality made for a super long weekend. Although not in town, the property is an easy drive to the Plaza. It's fun to be "in the country" with the sunflowers.
A magical place to stay in Taos
superherolzaon 12/08/2017 02:50Casa Gallina is one of my favorite places in the world. It's truly magical to spend time here, so much so that it can be hard to leave to explore the larger area. I've stayed here three times, and, this last time, I brought my whole extended family with me, taking over Bantam Roost, the Studio, and El Gallo Grande.
Richard has lavished so much love and attention to detail on every last thing in the casitas, from the artwork to the furnishings to even the door hinges (check them out on the front door of El Gallo Grande's front door!) The grounds themselves are beautiful and lovingly maintained, and his flock of chickens, affectionately known as "the girls," are sure to delight children. Lastly, Richard's hospitality can't be beat. He made recommendations, he helped me make a reservation at a local restaurant, and mostly he showered us with love. The baked goods are awesome also.
My father declared, "This is the best place we've ever come on family vacation."
One of the best places to stay in Taos, if not THE best.
walker-roameron 09/08/2017 20:56I started writing a long, drawn out review of this wonderful place but realized all I have to tell you is that all of the reviews about this place are true. I cannot add one more thing that hasn't already been written. It's a truly magical place.