Frequently Asked Questions
Everything guests ask us, from the practical to the cows.
We'd rather over-explain than have you show up wondering. Here is nearly everything people ask us - whether you can pet the cows (yes), where you're welcome to wander, and what the story is with the flag in the barn.
If we've missed something, just get in touch with us!
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No, each unit has, including a maximum occupancy of two, including children. If your child is not walking yet, they are welcome. The incinerator toilets cannot handle more than two people. If you have a larger group, think about renting both units. Total occumpancy of four guests.
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Yes you can pet the cows! There is a special Cow Petting Area north of the barn. They head there at the end of the day before they go to bed. They like to be scratched under the chin but don’t like anyone to touch their horns. They're fluffy but they are not dogs — they're very large animals with very real horns. They're normally calm, curious, and used to visitors. You are not allowed to go into the field or open any gates.
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If you're traveling with an animal, please don't book. We used to allow animals, however we have since changed our policy due to damages and overal negative experiences. Returning guests who've brought a well-behaved dog before can reach out — we'll consider dogs only, no other animals will be allowed. Of course, ADA medical service dogs are welcome. Please let us know that they will be traveling with you.
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No, due to insurance liability and the ability of the incinerator toilet, only registered guests are allowed at the homestead. This also means no events or parties.
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Both bathrooms have incinerator toilets. They're simple to use, remarkably efficient, and they hum quietly for an hour or so afterward. We empty the ash daily. Most guests find them a fun story to take home.
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You are more than welcome to walk to the back (north) of the property. Back there is our two person hammock, two other seating areas, one of our bee yards, and our irrigation pond. Do not open any gates or go over any fences. Please only try to pet the cows at the Cow Petting Area. You can also walk up to see the chickens, but please do not walk past that point near our home or into our backyard. It drives our dogs nuts.
You can walk through the 2 greenhouses if the doors are open. If they are closed, please do not open the doors. Temperature regulation is difficult at this elevation.
Enjoy looking at the gardens around the barn but do not go into any of them.
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We love meeting our guests! We are part-time homesteaders with day jobs, so it all depends on our schedule. We're out and about feeding animals and doing homestead things, if you see us, say Hello!
We don't start at dawn, yet you may hear us in the barn in the morning and at night feeding the barn cats.
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Boy do we ever! We provide complimentary Starlink internet in each unit. If you work remotely or want to stream your favorite show - you are set.
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It is super easy! We will send you your security gate code, door code and parking instructions the morning of check-in (so keep your phone on).
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Check in time at the property is 3:00 PM or later. Check out time is by 11:00 AM. Due to cleaning schedules (and our day jobs), it is rare that we can accommodate an early check in or late check out. If you need a special consideration, just reach out and we will see what we can do. **If you will be arriving after sunset, please let us know so we can send you additional instructions since it is pretty dark here in the country.
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No drones please! This is a private working homestead and the animals aren't fans. Thank you for leaving it packed.
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We understand that plans can change and life happens. If you can’t make your trip and you need to cancel 30 days or more before your arrival date, you will receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation fee.
If you cancel 14-29 days before your arrival date, you will receive a 75% refund.
If you cancel 8-14 days before your arrival date, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel less than 7 days before your arrival date, you are responsible for the full cost of your reservation.
Need different dates? We will do our best to accomodate you. Postponing your trip to new dates will not be possible if your original reservation is 7 or less days from your original arrival date.
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Cool story actually. A friend of ours knew a group of artists that were commissioned to make an American flag look really old for an Ambercrombie & Fitch store that they were going to open in California. Well, Covid happened and they cancelled the store opening. The artists gave the flag to our friend and she gave it to us.
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Your map app will most likely tell you to take a right out of our driveway. That adds about 12 minutes to your trip. Instead, when you get to the end of our driveway and the security gate opens, take a left onto CR 141. It will bring you to Durango in about 18 minutes.