How about a stay in a place that’s a work of art? “Intentionally unconventional” and an “absolute dream” are just some of the words used to describe the Wonder Haus. Owner and super host Adrian Young says she named it for the sense of wonder that it evokes. And it surely does.
Featured on Season 2, Episode 6 of Netflix’s hit series “Amazing Vacation Rentals” focused on eco-friendly rentals, it’s located in Pagosa Springs, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the San Juan Mountains in the southwest corner of Colorado.
It has kind of a hobbit meets castle tower appearance as a passive solar earth home with a stargazing observation tower, set on a 7-acre property surrounded by the San Juan National Forest.
While it may be worth planning a trip on its own, visitors can enjoy a wealth of outdoor adventures nearby, including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing during the warmer months, while the Wolf Creek Ski Area is less than 20 miles away from enjoying the snowy slopes in the winter. And, as the name belies, there are natural hot springs to soak in afterward.
As Young says, this is “Not for those wanting a typical log cabin in the woods.” But it is for those looking for an enchanting place that can’t be found anywhere else.
With the rave reviews that continued to flow in soon after it was made available n Airbnb in 2018, it didn’t take long before word got out, with Conde Nast Traveler naming it among the best stays in Colorado before Netflix made the discovery. An increasing number of people are specifically looking for unique stays like treehouses, houseboats, yurts, and earth homes, and Wonder Haus definitely fits the bill.
Airbnb also featured it as one of its “quirkiest roadside Americana stays.”
Guest Paul summed it up well: “I am seldom at a loss for the right words to describe something, but this place left my wife and I in complete awe. Not only is the home incredibly unique and fun, but it has been decorated and furnished with every detail thoughtfully considered. It’s truly a special and unique place to visit and a great jumping off point for so much around the area…if you have smaller kids, the loft bunk rooms are truly epic, and there is a hidden play gym outside that you can hike to on property that is super cute. Kids would love.”
It stays nice and cool in the summer, although the temperature in the winter is 64 degrees. You’ll stay nice and cozy with a fireplace, starter set of fire logs, space heaters, and plenty of extra blankets.
The highlight for many is the tower for the “best stargazing ever.”
But during the day, the views from inside or out are spectacular too.
While it may be eco-friendly and fantasy-like, it doesn’t skip the essentials, accommodating up to six guests in two bedrooms. You’ll have a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, TV, and even a washer/dryer.
As Wonder Haus is so popular, be sure to book well in advance, or perhaps plan your next trip around the availability – you can do so on Airbnb right here.
