It’s easy to see how Clearview received its name. From the roomy deck of the 6-bedroom lodge, you have a spectacular view of Sierra Blanca just beyond the lush woodlands. So that you can make the most of the vista, the deck is furnished as comfortably as any great room. When you’re not perched on a chair or one of the porch swings, you can sit down to an alfresco meal at the deck’s large dining table. You can even admire the mountains as you cook on the gas grill.

As well as the covered deck, Clearview has a patio with yet another swing plus a bistro table and chairs. Also, on the patio is a roomy hot tub. The pine-scented mountain breezes make a soak among the steamy bubbles even more pampering. And along the side of the pet-friendly house is a fire pit. On a brisk autumn evening, everyone can gather around to roast marshmallows while pointing out the constellations in the star-studded sky.

Large windows ensure that you can admire the foliage and the mountains even while indoors. The great room really is pretty great, with its wood-beamed ceiling, wood floors, and stone-surround fireplace. Couches and recliners allow everyone to make themselves at home in the living area, whether it’s to watch a movie on the large HDTV with cable, play Pictionary, surf the web via the free WiFi, or plan the next day’s adventures.

The great room’s dining area features a pair of tables, each of which seats 8 people. Even if you have a full house—Clearview can sleep as many as 14 people—everyone will be able to sit down to meals together. Separating the dining area from the kitchen is a granite-top breakfast bar that seats 3. The kitchen is a delight, with stainless-steel appliances and plenty of cookware, tableware, and elbow room. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or mixing a batch of margaritas to sip on the deck, you’ll find everything you need—except groceries, of course, and there’s a store nearby for those.

Clearview’s lower level includes a den with a pool table and another large flat-screen TV. The fireplace will keep you extra toasty in winter; the ceiling fan will add a welcome breeze in summer. There’s even a mini fridge down here so that you don’t have to run upstairs for refreshments in the middle of your game or movie.

Each of Clearview’s 6 bedrooms can sleep 2 people. Five of the rooms include a king-size bed; the 6th has a twin-size daybed with a twin trundle underneath. In addition, one of the great room’s sofas converts to a queen-size bed. Two of the rooms with king-size beds have en-suite bathrooms, and the primary bathroom boasts not only a shower but also a jetted tub. Two additional bathrooms ensure that nobody will have to wait for hours simply to wash up before bed.

Clearview’s other amenities include a washer and a dryer, plenty of parking, and a spacious yard where the kids—and your dogs if you’re bringing them along—can run around. The greatest amenity of all, though, is probably its location. While you’re on the deck watching deer scamper in the woods and hawks soar above the mountains, you might forget that Clearview is only 5 minutes from the restaurants, shops, and galleries of downtown Ruidoso. Two golf courses—Cree Meadows and the Links at Sierra Blanca—are within a 10-minute drive. In 15 minutes, you can drive to Grindstone Lake and Trail System, Billy the Kid Casino, Alto Lake and Recreation Area, and the Hubbard Museum of the American West. (Keep in mind that Ruidoso is a mountain town with snow and icy conditions in winter, so during those months vehicles with 4-wheel drive or tire chains are advised.)

Whether you’re vacationing with family, friends, or both, you’ll find Clearview the perfect home base for your New Mexico adventures. Don’t miss out; book your stay today.

Maximum Vehicles 6