Rachel R.recommendsNovember 18, 2022
grapeartment
A soulful retreat
I was looking for a peaceful retreat to focus on writing and get grounded. The stay at Arvo’s property was everything I needed and more! I slept peacefully under a galaxy of stars and explored the countryside under the awesome sky. Accommodations were simple, but everything I needed was provided. I really felt at home and I would recommend staying here to anyone. I was very reluctant to leave!
Liana B.recommendsNovember 10, 2022
Hermitory
I stayed in the Hermitory for 25 nights and it was one of the best experiences of my life - the perfect space for a solo retreat in nature! Arvo is the most wonderful host, always willing to help and share his wealth of knowledge. His property & resourcefulness is truly inspiring.
Nicole R.recommendsNovember 8, 2022
Hermitory
The view is awesome. The passive solar heat kept the room toasty even though well below freezing. If you're looking for a chill meditation spot, this is it. The host was very gracious and Bonus - the dog and the cat greeted us at the door when we woke up.
Shamane M.recommendsOctober 30, 2022
grapeartment
Rustic, eclectic, inspiring!
Rustic, eclectic, inspiring for the space and the awesome host Arvo. It was quiet, peaceful, sustainable, and animals were roaming including Chaco the raven! I wish I could have stayed longer!
Harper S.recommendsOctober 21, 2022
Hermitory
Amazing stay!!!
Amazing views, amazing food, and amazing bed. Would absolutely stay here again. Arvo is a great host and the hospitality is unmatched.
grapeartment
Very Rustic
First of all, the Grapeapartment is magical! I watched the moon through the grape vines both nights that I stayed there, and I was plenty warm in the greenhouse area.
Arvo was a helpful and accommodating host, as well. If you plan to visit, just know that this set-up is extremely rustic and very dirty as far as futons and bed. When my husband and I attempted to sleep on one of the futons in the greenhouse area, we moved a large body pillow to make room for our own sleeping bags and pillows, and a clot of spiders and other bugs skittered out from under the pillow and by the wall. It totally creeped us out. I wished we had brought a tarp or something to put down to make more of a barricade between us and the creepy crawlies, dust/dirt, and dog fur. We WERE plenty warm, which was nice.
The other futon available in the greenhouse section of this apartment is slanted, so if you plan to sleep there, not only will you want a tarp, potentially, but also you will want to bring some wedges to prop up the mattress so that you aren't clinging to your sleeping bag like a snow sled on a winter hill.
The toilet cubby was quite clean, but be prepared that all toilet paper has to be put in a trash can, not flushed. The potty trash became stinky after a day, and we were all grossed out by the paper protocol.
Not everyone would be as squeamish as we were. There were many wonderful things about our stay and about the hikes near this place!
Megan C.recommendsOctober 10, 2022
grapeartment
We stayed 1 night at Arvos Grapeartment on our road trip to Sedona. Arvo's dog Raya greeted us at the gate, which we loved because we love dogs and then Arvo came out and showed us around his property, pointing out all of the vegetables and fruits he grows himself and we got to try them along the way, he told us to take whatever we wanted so we did take some tomatoes. He also told us about a raven who comes to visit him and he came and got us when he came around and fed him butter, which was pretty cool to watch. We hung out and played games in our space and Raya and the black cat who lives there hung out with us. The views from his land are breathtaking, we also loved walking around and seeing the beautiful views. I will say this place is very rustic though and didn't have the most comfortable bed I've ever slept on, but that's not why we booked it, we stayed there for the experience and that's exactly what we got and we loved it!
Emily G.recommendsOctober 9, 2022
raven tree campsite
Lovely, well-appointed campsite!
Dawn S.recommendsOctober 3, 2022
grapeartment
One of a kind place and Host.
Arvo is such a unique, welcoming, and generous host. The place was pretty much exactly as described and photographed. Rustic and Cozy.
I arrived late in the day and Arvo kindly showed me to the apartment in the dark and made sure I knew where everything was. You will want to do as the listing says and bring your own/some additional bedding as the bed is quite firm. I brought my sleeping pad, blankets, and pillows from out of my car and was super cozy. The shower is in a separate section of the greenhouse from the bathroom in the apartment and I did not use it during my stay. I do not think the small fridge was functional but Arvo did offer ice and let me store one or two items in a freezer. He has a solution for just about anything and is awesome to talk with about his place and the area.
I went to the Ojo Caliente Spa and it was a beautiful drive there and back. I also toured the Earthship Community closer to Taos. My favorite place to eat and hang out was The Chili Line Depot in Tres Piedras. Arvo’s place was the perfect jumping off point to explore this part of NM in all directions.
You could stay onsite and eat out of the garden(maybe bring some cooking oil n spices) and go on hikes and have a full experience as well. The place is unique and an adventure in and of itself. The views of sunset from the overlook next to The Hermitage were stunning. I did half of the hike to the hot springs and loved the scenic views and solitude.
Will definitely be back!
Naomi L.recommendsSeptember 30, 2022
Hermitory
Funky, eclectic, off-grid place to stay on the edge of the Rio Chama Wilderness. You WILL need Arvo to lead you to The Hermitory as his property and main house are a bit of a maze. The Hermitory itself is very private with stunning views during the day and night.
This is not a hotel. It’s a hip camp, so temper your expectations accordingly and you will have a great time. My friend and I really enjoyed ourselves and loved exploring and hiking the surrounding areas.
George T.recommendsSeptember 20, 2022
Hermitory
Time away from normalcy.
Arvo's property is truly an example of off the grid self sufficiency. It's amazing what he has accomplished and the information that he is willing to share. He is a gracious host. Be aware of the reuse/repurpose philosophy with the materials that Arvo has on hand.
Tracy J.recommendsSeptember 13, 2022
Hermitory
Beautiful and quiet stay
The hermitory was a beautiful spot next to a cliff. It’s rustic, unique, and memorable. Arvo is a modern day Christopher Lloyd, and his off grid engineering is well worth the stop. The space is modest, outdoorsy feel with some solid amenities. Bring your own TP and cook stove! Arvo was so kind to offer greens and ice packs for my cooler, and was a kind and welcoming host! The bed was comfortable- remember your bedding and pillow:) A place of quiet solitude and access to the phenomenal natural world.
Michele L.recommendsSeptember 13, 2022
raven tree campsite
Quiet location
Had a wonderful time at this beautiful location. Host was very kind and generous. Sweetest dog ever on site and even got to watch a raven eat in the owner’s kitchen. Tried chanterelles for the first time ❤️ and host extended his organic gardens to us. Thank you Arvo!
Hannah R.recommendsSeptember 6, 2022
Hermitory
The hermitory was really unique and Arvo was a very gracious host! We really liked the little space – I loved all the color and little details in it - and the fresh garden greens and herbs which Arvo was very generous with (thank you!). I’d recommend bringing your own potable water, or at least a water filter if you don’t want to drink straight rainwater (I wasn’t sure about that for my own stomach), because I found the potable water, which Arvo had to be mix with well water due to lack of rain, to be difficult to drink due to its strong sulfur smell. I’d also bring toilet paper next time. I also loved Argo’s dog; she’s so sweet!
Lynn W.doesn't recommendSeptember 6, 2022
raven tree campsite
Arvo ‘s place is a junkyard.
We pulled up to Arvo’s and found ourselves at the entrance to a junk yard. Not only cars & trucks but his whole place is made of junk. Once I figured out where a door was, I knocked and Arvo appeared mumbling something about having a pot on the stove. He showed us the site briefly and then ran back into the “house”. We backed our teardrop into the tight space and talked about how we could make it work while being swarmed by mosquitos. It had been raining a lot there and there was standing water on and in all of the junk everywhere…perfect for mosquito production. He says that he has water and electric hook ups but this is not true. He has a 12v cigarette lighter socket for charging devices, a string of lights and a sink with a water faucet. He totally misrepresents his campsite and never came back out so we just left to go find another campsite nearby. We have just now returned to cellphone coverage after remote boondocking. That’s why it has taken so long to reply. We would like to get our money back if possible. You guys need to go there yourselves to see what a mess it is. Don’t understand all the positive reviews.
Jerry W.recommendsAugust 24, 2022
raven tree campsite
We loved camping on Arvo land. He was very helpful and hospitable.
Alexis L.recommendsAugust 23, 2022
raven tree campsite
Quick night
Beautiful, quiet, wish we could've stayed longer! Thanks for everything!
Alex B.recommendsAugust 21, 2022
raven tree campsite
Arvo is a friendly and generous host. He gave us a good tour of his property and encouraged us to take from his lush and varied gardens. His homestead was awesome to explore and Arvo was very knowledgeable about permaculture and the area.
The campsite was tidy and well equipped. The water ran well and the porta potty was clean. The turf plot was soft and dry. The kitchen counter was handy for preparing food.
Claire M.recommendsAugust 17, 2022
Hermitory
Arvo was a spectacular host! He was so understanding and patient with my toddler I brought along with me 💜 The views are spectacular but I was far more impressed with the actual structure! For anyone interested in building a home like this it is a must see! Even the beautiful blue tiles in the ceiling that are like stars! It's all in the details! We will be back!
Becky K.recommendsAugust 16, 2022
Hermitory
Arvo was a very generous host. Beautiful view from the cabin!
Ty B.recommendsAugust 14, 2022
Hermitory
A place to learn and experience
This is a wonderful, unique experience that you will remember for the rest of your life, but we need to get something out of the way first: If you arrive early and Arvo isn't there to guide you to your cabin, you may find yourself asking what you've gotten yourself into. Arvo's property is a bit bewildering if you don't know what you're looking for, and opening doors at random hoping that you've actually found the cabin will lead to encounters with ducks and geese and piles of car parts and freezers full of mushrooms and a million other things besides what you're actually trying to find. Better to wait until the man himself is there to take you around back to a lovely little casita with one of the best views in Northern New Mexico, a clean tile floor and a comfortable bed. Along the way, Arvo will offer you tomatoes, lettuces, horse radish and other such delicacies growing in his garden, explain to you how he came to be the foster-father of Chaco the raven, how to pronounce the dog's name so that she hears the "h" in "Rhea" and knows that you're speaking to her, and how you can differentiate a wild chanterelle mushroom from its sneakily poisonous doppelgangers.
In other words, staying here is an adventure that will take you away from the comfort-zone of rather antiseptic and characterless airbnbs and into the realm of a fascinating person living a fascinating life in Northern New Mexico. Highly recommended.
Matthew M.recommendsJuly 19, 2022
raven tree campsite
Raven! , organic garden, dark sky!
Arvo went above and beyond as a host. Introducing us to all his friendly animals.. super smart ravens and great dogs, shared his beautiful organic garden that we made a delicious salad from, and local knowledge. The tent pad is shaded and soft, there is running water, and a porta potty. If you go, you’ll never forget arvo and his ravens. A magical experience to say the least.
Jess B.recommendsJuly 18, 2022
raven tree campsite
Arvo has the best camping set up I've ever seen. He is incredibly kind, informative, and intuitive with his animals. I loved seeing his interactions with them, especially Lucy. Exploring his property felt like being in another world and gave me a lot of ideas for building my own homestead.
Lesley K.recommendsJuly 11, 2022
raven tree campsite
I loved this place. The site was well positioned and private with a convenient counter and sink area. The trees provided me with much desired shade. Arvo had tons of ready-to-be-harvested greens of all types which he offered free for the taking. As a result, I enjoyed some very nutritious salads. I enjoyed talking to Arvo about his space and projects, watched as he communicated with his 2 raven friends, and enjoyed the heck out of petting his dogs. The vistas from his property are primo. I originally booked 2 nights but then went ahead and booked a third. Will definitely be staying again sometime in the future.