House sitting in a beautiful location in Arroyo Hondo, United States

Details

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  Description

  PLEASE NOTE: WE HAVE FOUND A HOUSESITTER FOR THE SUMMER SO ARE NO LONGER IN NEED. STAY TUNED FOR NEXT TIME. . . .
  We live on five acres in a rural location just north of Taos, NM, surrounded by spectacular views and recreational opportunities, walking distance to the Rio Grande Gorge and hot springs and the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, and within sight of five protected mountain wilderness areas. The traditional community and cultural wisdom of the area includes the Taos Pueblo Tribe, which has been here for over 1,000 years and is considered the oldest continuously inhabited village in North America, and the land-based Indo-Hispano culture, which has been here over 400 years. Ernie comes from those deep Indo-Hispano roots and he and his wife Elsbeth have lived in Arroyo Hondo for over 27 years. Ernie is an anthropologist and writer and Southwest Regional Director for National Parks Conservation Association, which advocates on behalf national parks and public lands across the U.S. Elsbeth is a public school teacher, geologist, birder, gardener, and general naturalist. We are both deeply connected to the local landscape and community.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Unfortunately we will not be around to introduce and connect you to the local community, but there are many opportunities to get involved in other community and volunteer work in the area if you are interested. Any experience at Taos Pueblo is always a rich and meaningful and Indo-Hispano farming and irrigation traditions are still alive and well. Taos is known as the "solar capital of the world," with 100% daytime solar energy production and many alternative homes and "Earthships" built completely off the grid. There is a vibrant art scene and new-age, back-to-the-earth spiritual community around Taos (not really our scene, but it might be yours). So there are numerous ways to connect and get involved in these communities. Or just hang and enjoy the peaceful open space of the mesa where we live.

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  Help

  We are looking for an individual or couple who can housesit this summer for about seven weeks, early-June through late-July, while we are traveling on an extended trip. This would involve managing drip irrigation of our gardens--including a cover crop on our fallow vegetable garden and several other ornamental garden beds and trees around the house; watering about 30 indoor houseplants; dealing with compost, recycling and repurposing, and weekly garbage collection; and keeping the house safe. No pets to tend to at the moment. Other basic house maintenance issues are not expected but of course could come up.

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  Languages spoken

  Spanish: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  Comfortable three-bedroom home; twin or queen bed; adobe-walled courtyard (pleasant outdoor living in the summer); full access to kitchen and bath and acres of open space just out the door; access to several guitars, a piano, and an extensive library. No smoking, no pets, no parties. With our remote location, a vehicle is essential (if you do not have a vehicle, we can consider the use of an extra vehicle as long as you have a legal driver's license).

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  What else ...

  So much to do and see around here: hiking and river rafting and hot springs; the tallest summit in NM (over 13,000 feet) and several other alpine peaks nearby; volunteering for nearby CSAs or other agricultural activities; visiting Taos Pueblo or off-the-grid "Earthship" community; a variety of festivals and traditional celebrations throughout the season; etc.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Plenty of room for a campervan or motorhome, very private and surrounded by open space and amazing views.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 1-2 hours a day, 5 days a week