Unique Vacation Rentals!
Over the last 18 months, vacationing was mostly stay-rationing — families weren’t option for the usual summer getaways — even within the borders of Colorado! But this year, people are venturing out for a change of venue. We looked around for a few of the most unique vacation rentals in our state and just beyond, for a fascinating collection of places to visit this summer.
The Mermaid Cottage
Del Norte is called the gateway to the San Juan Mountains and is already important and well known to cyclists in the unofficial North American bicycling club. From mountain biking to ultra-cycling, the trails accommodate the Tour Divide Race, The Race Across America and The Great Divide Race — all of which intersect only in Del Norte.
And the most unique place to stay? The Mermaid Cottage. This carefully crafted cordwood-and-bottle casita sits on an off-the-grid ranch and was built in 10 months in 2009 for $5,000. Stepping inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a beautiful kaleidoscope of amazing art. The 35-acre solar ranch has gorgeous views of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains and is about an hour from the Wolf Creek Ski Area.
You can hike, bike, bird watch, rock climb and star gaze right out the front door of thie Mermaid Cottage. It won’t take you long (a few minutes to an hour) to get to the Rio Grande River, Sand Dunes National Park, hot springs, Creede theater, cafes, shopping (in Del Norte and Creede) and adjacent to the national forest, where nature abounds!
The Miner’s Cabin
If you enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking and mountain biking in the summer, this tiny house is ideal. Built around the turn of the last century in Crested Butte, the Cozy Miner’s Cabin offers some of the most scenic views on the planet. It’s also a short walk to the town’s main drag, where there are multiple restaurants, shops and watering holes. An organic grocery store is across from Camp4 Coffee, and and a half blocks in the opposite direction you’ll find a conventional grocery store, liquor store and movie theater or two.
The cabin was recognized for it’s unique exterior preservation of an historic miner’s shack, but inside are high-quality interior touches — like a fully-equipped kitchen with granite countertops and a Wolf programmable range.
Dwellings on Wheels
When you think of tiny houses you likely never imagined this one. An authentic replica of a Basque sheepherder’s wagon set on a quiet homestead in Dolores Colorado is a perfect overnight stop on the way to Mesa Verde National Park. Owned by two teachers, the interior of this wagon, nicknamed Stump Henge, is surprisingly spacious, smartly-configured and welcoming.
Settle down for a night in the wilderness on a Tuft & Needle mattress with a potbellied wood stove, pull-out table and minimal kitchen supplies. When you need a restroom or shower, there’s a full bath in the “main house” available and dedicated to guests staying in Stump Henge. A simple, yet substantial breakfast is provided by the owners – wheeled out to your door in the morning before you head out on your big adventure.
Another amazing off-the-grid vacation spot sports an Airstream and teepee/tipi in the rural backcountry outside of Carbondale. This combo platter combines a tipi, which also features a gas fire device for staying warm on chilly mountain evenings, with a fantastic Airstream that has everything you need to enjoy the high country. Also, its location makes a great home base for travel between both Aspen and Glenwood Springs (think Hot Springs, Caverns Adventure Park, hiking, fishing, shopping, rafting and nightlife). You’re also just over an hour from other surrounding mountain towns like Eagle, Edwards, Vail and Avon and zip lining, gold panning and more hiking and rafting.
Enjoy unparalleled views of Mount Sopris, and the other nine peaks visible from your tipi on Ten Peaks Ranch, while glamping in the Rockies. The 2018 Airstream comes with all of the creature comforts you’d expect from a modern RV, while the tipi offers shelter from the elements. Enjoy 180-degree high altitude views of the milky way and stars, bookended by beautiful sunrises and sunsets from behind the mountains.
Treehouses and Yurts in CA
Just because we live in the best U.S. state, doesn’t mean we can’t travel beyond our borders and explore things like treehouses elsewhere! From America’s only Human Nest for rent in Big Sur, California, built for two by eco-artist Jayson Fann, to the Twig Hut and yurts – the Treebones Resort has it all. The “nest” overlooks the Pacific and gets booked up several months in advance so might be one for your 2022 vacay. This one’s a BYOSB — bring your own sleeping bags and pillows, and the resort recommends a back-up tent in case of rain.
The Treebones Resort yurts are a little more roomy and accommodating, but restrooms and showers are a short walk away, as is the pool and hot tub, masseuses, yoga sessions, Wild Coast Restaurant and Oceanview Sushi Bar.
Near and Far to Colliers Hill!
After a year of staying close to home, lots of people still don’t want to leave the master-planned community of Colliers Hill. Who can blame them? Life’s just better on the Hill within minutes from historic downtown Erie, and the burgeoning shops, eateries and recreational hot spots nearby! Stop by and tour the beautiful model homes from KB Home, Century Communities and Richmond American Homes. Priced from the $400s, this fast-growing new home community in Northern Colorado has lots of exciting amenities!
