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The Grand Hacienda

The Grand Hacienda

The Grand Hacienda is an inn located on a mesa overlooking Abiquiu Lake in northern New Mexico. It has three suites, each with a variety of amenities and distinct views. Amenities common to all units include private patios with chimenea fire pots and lounge chairs, spa bathrooms with oversized showers, double sinks with separate toilet areas, king-sized beds, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Located on 10 acres of land, the Grand Hacienda has a rooftop deck for star gazing, a hot tub, hiking trails, a bocce ball court, Jenga, a full kitchen, and a Great Room. These common areas can allow guests to interact with each other. The main goal of the owners is to provide a place where visitors can relax and rejuvenate or take part in outdoor adventures in a "beautiful setting with spectacular views." Other essential aspects of the business are to make people more aware of the environment and the need for water conservation and to provide a location for them to socialize, explore, unwind, and savor their stay.

About

Located in Abiquiu, New Mexico, the Grand Hacienda has three suites that are available for guests to rent. These rooms are called the Rio Chama, Abiquiu Lake, and Georgia O'Keeffe suites. They each have private entrances with electronic door locks for those guests who prefer self-check-in. Visitors can control the heating and cooling, including the floor temperature, which is equipped with a radiant heating system. The bathrooms are set with double sink vanities, separate toilet areas, and oversized showers that include a view. The Rio Chama suite also includes a soaking tub with a view. The rooms also come with king-sized beds, Wi-Fi, TV, a private patio with a sliding door, an outdoor lounge chair, and a chimenea fire pot. Every room has views of Abiquiu Lake, which is located relatively close to the property.

One particular aspect that is more unique to The Grand Hacienda is the common areas. One such area is a  fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and freezer. Laundry facilities are also located on-site. Another is the Great Room, which includes a breakfast area and blended indoor/outdoor seating when using the sliding glass doors that collapse into the walls. Coffee, cappuccino, latte, and tea are offered, and guests can freely browse the library, stocked with books on New Mexico, culture, arts, and novels. They may also read or lounge by the curved kiva fireplace. ​ The Grand Hacienda has a small gift shop called the Mercado, which sells gift items, art, local wares, books, O'Keeffe items, frozen foods, and snack items. A plaza courtyard centers the home with more outdoor seating and a fire pit. Built into the rocks in front is a hot tub that seats eight and can be reserved ahead of time for privacy. Guests can also visit the portal where they can view the night sky through a telescope. Carolyn, one of the owners, says that Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, and the Milky Way can be seen from there. 

The Grand Hacienda is large enough to provide space for things like hiking trails, seating areas, a bocce ball court, Jenga, a lakefront beach, an outdoor bar area, and a BBQ grill. The Grand Hacienda is located on a mesa top overlooking Abiquiu Lake, providing a private lakeside portal where guests can go to the small beach for fishing, kayaking, or swimming. Also nearby are red cliffs that can be seen from most of the rooms and common areas. Juniper trees and cactus plants are common in the area. Wildlife can often be observed as well.

Close to the property are several landmarks, a lake, river, hiking trails, and Pedernal Mountain. Carolyn has suggested a few places to eat, most of which are in the town of Abiquiu. Some of these include Abiquiu Café, Café Sierra Negra, and the Frosty Cow. Abiquiu is a 25-minute drive away from the Grand Hacienda. Some of the top attractions in the area are Georgia O'Keeffe Home and Studio Tour, Ghost Ranch, which has hiking, tours, and horseback riding, and Plaza Blanca, which is an area of rock formations that were created by volcanos long ago. Also in the area are rafting opportunities, a lavender farm, Monastery, and hiking trails. The owners also recommend a trip to Santa Fe and Taos.

A greenhouse is located at the Grand Hacienda, where the owners grow much of the herbs and vegetables used in breakfasts. They purchase as much food as they can from local farmers and farmers’ markets. Other features also help the property be a more beneficial place for the environment. Whenever someone takes a shower, the water is recycled and used to water the trees. There are no electromagnetic fields in the rooms. Additionally, floors in the buildings are heated and earthed with a radiant heating system, meaning that copper is run through the concrete to benefit those walking barefoot on it. Finally, solar panels line the roof of The Grand Hacienda.

Every morning a three-course breakfast is served at 8:00 AM, starting with cappuccinos and lattes. The menu changes every day, but the first course may include fruits, yogurts, granola, or a breakfast salad. Second courses may consist of a pineapple pancake tasting, avocado toast, a baked peach, or an asparagus bake. Main course specialties include root vegetable omelets, breakfast burritos, quiche or banana bread, French toast paired with sausage towers, smoked ham, potatoes, and more. Even with the daily change of menu, guests can look forward to a "culinary experience" and fresh eggs, herbs, and vegetables.

Culture

Owners Tom and Carolyn designed The Grand Hacienda from a blank slate with the goal of creating "an oasis in northern New Mexico for guests looking to relax and renew" or explore and discover. Guests are encouraged to connect with the land and the energy it delivers. All guests receive detailed information on local attractions so they can plan their time. Whether guests want to hike, raft, discover the local art scene or relax with a book on their private patio, they can find it on-site or nearby.

The owners also have secured a liquor license and enjoy hosting Happy Hours, often featuring local New Mexico wines. Baked afternoon treats are provided after a day of activities. Groups may also participate in stargazing or catered dinners.

Though the Grand Hacienda is relatively new, it has received hundreds of positive guest reviews. Multiple people comment on breakfast, and the owners, Carolyn and Tom Calfee, have been complimented as well. "The hosts, Carolyn and Tom, are both amazing and have spared no attention to detail at their bed and breakfast. They are great people to talk to, and they are more than accommodating," said one visitor in particular. A different patron of the property said that they "thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Grand Hacienda. The lodging was great, the breakfasts were fabulous, and the hosts were thoughtful and attentive. The location is remote, which is just what we wanted, but nearby is horseback riding (Ghost Ranch) and a stunning natural attraction, Plaza Blanca, along with, of course, Abiquiu Lake." Tom and Carolyn say that they have "friends all over the world" because guests of the Grand Hacienda come from both the states and other countries.

History


Abiquiu is known for its history steeped in Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures. From dinosaurs to cattle rustlers, to Genizaros, to the Old Santa Fe Trail, to artist Georgia O’Keeffe – the village of Abiquiu has many things for guests to discover.

The Grand Hacienda was designed by Tom Calfee and built using many local materials and authentic architectural details. It took three years to build the Hacienda in an authentic Spanish-style. Also located on the property are vacation homes that have been available to rent for 15 years. When the bed and breakfast opened two years ago, it was built by the current and original owners, Tom and Carolyn Calfee. 

Tom and Carolyn both worked on Wall Street. Because of their careers, they traveled frequently. When Carolyn suddenly quit her job, she decided to visit the area where the Grand Hacienda is now located. At the time, they had already owned some land out in Abiquiu. After deciding that they wanted to build a bed and breakfast at their property, the Calfees explored different beds and breakfasts to see what they did and didn't like. After making and opening the Grand Hacienda, Carolyn and Tom decided that they didn't want to expand the bed and breakfast. Instead, they want their guests to be able to have privacy.

Thousands of years ago, the land was inhabited by Tewa Puebloans, followed by the Navajo and then the Spanish conquistadors. Guests can find evidence of the Navajo people through arrowheads, shrines, and more. Georgia O'Keeffe lived in the area and had two homes in Abiquiu for a few years, and touring her home and studio is a popular stop for visitors. One of the rooms at the Grand Hacienda is named after her.

Click for directions on Google
Established
2020
Location

5 Los Ojos Dr.
Abiquiu, New Mexico
United States

Style

Spanish

Owners

Tom and Carolyn Calfee

Owned Since
2020
Phone
575-425-0663
Reviews
5 (72 Reviews)
5/5 72 Reviews
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