This is a first for me– I don’t do commercials and I’m not getting paid for this post (thus the disclaimer). I just wanted to share about a fantastic little gem we discovered.
Raton, New Mexico is not world-famous as a tourist destination, unless I’ve been seriously missing something. However, it does sit alongside Interstate 25, and it does have an Amtrak stop. It also has a cool Air B&B that’s worth a visit.
The building is the former Santa Fe Railway depot from the town of Maxwell, about 25 miles to the south. It was built in 1890– yes, eighteen ninety. At some point the structure was moved up the road to Raton and placed on a hill on the western edge of town. The owners have put a lot of effort to keep it authentic, plus they’ve filled it with antiques and memorabilia that add to the charm.
There are two bedrooms that will sleep up to six people. There’s a single bathroom with a claw-foot tub and rigged with a shower. The kitchen has all the amenities you would expect, including a supply of Keurig drinks.
The kitchen area floor consists of the original creosoted beams (I suspect this was the freight-house end of the building) and just be aware, you can still smell it. But I quickly got used to it. It’s a train station, after all! On the walls in this area are graffiti made by passengers passing through the depot, over 100 years ago. The rest of the building has more recent flooring.
Walking around the building is a delight, as it architecture shows off its Santa Fe origins.
For those with good knees, there is a steep hillside immediately behind the house and lots of game trails to follow, and it’s all capped with a rocky cliff that can be ascended for a stellar view of the area. And if you’re more interested in a cuppa joe or tea while the sun comes up, you can sit out front on the patio and watch the deer and the hummingbirds (or elk, if you’re lucky).
As with all Air B&B’s, the price is a little deceptive, due to all the cleaning fees and such that are added onto the back end, but this one’s definitely worth a night or two to experience and enjoy.
Link to the property is here.
Action Road 