New Mexico —Summer & Fall 2023Uncommon Tranquility
After thirty plus years in hospitality I have retired from innkeeping to start a new chapter in life and went out with a bang by spending a final season as co-innkeeper at a serenely beautiful and secluded northern New Mexico bed & breakfast. Set on 225 private acres and completely surrounded by Philmont Scout Ranch’s many more thousands of acres, the Casa del Gavilan Historic Inn is a respite which offers uncommon tranquility to all who visit. On the National Register of Historic Places for its early Pueblo-revival style, the cozy adobe hacienda has no televisions or telephones and features night skies dark enough to see the Milky Way. It’s no wonder guests find their way back to the Casa time and again for its peaceful setting. I could say that my time at the Casa was a working retreat for being in a place several months at a time gives one the opportunity to observe and appreciate even brief moments of stillness: in sunrises and sunsets, expansive views and seasonal changes in the flora, fauna and wildlife. For yours truly, best of all about being an innkeeper was the connection made with folks who are also drawn to, as Robert Frost said, taking the road less traveled by. When you book your own personal “retreat” at the Casa del Gavilan Historic Inn tell ‘em Heidi sent ya!
A stunning location in Northern New Mexico to work for the 2023 season.
The Casa del Gavilan Historic Inn's portico entrance is a warm and welcome site upon arrival.
Spring in New Mexico means baby pronghorn on the Casa del Gavilan's one plus mile driveway.
Co-Innkeeper Polly Welmaker servin' up her signature breakfast starter garnished with fresh mint from the kitchen garden.
Homemade muffins from a recipe written down more than thirty years ago at my first innkeeping job in New Hampshire's White Mountains.
Guests sometimes sat for hours in the courtyard watching the many hummingbirds flit about.
It was a summer of rainbows following the predictable afternoon rains. (photo by Dave Emery)
One highlight of the season was the abundance of wildlife sightings, like the evening I witnessed this fawn with the "zoomies" in the inn's lower pasture with the mother standing by watchfully.
The Casa's living room is especially cozy when the fireplace is ablaze and there's warm mulled cider. Many thanks to guest and potter Lisa Meeks for the gift of the beautiful handmade mug.
My parents were visiting October 14 and joined our Annular Eclipse watch party with eclipse eyeglasses and hot chocolate were provided. It was spectacular to be nearly in the direct path.
Late October Birthday Adventure Croquet Party on the back forty. Friends and inn staff helped me celebrate in high style. Not a bad way to end the season! (photo by Dave Emery)