*NO pets * NO events, NO Weddings or Commercial Photo/Video shoots. Children over 13 years of age welcome.

Peaceful and serene private riverfront location that sleeps 12! The Poor Farm is a newly renovated Historic Farmhouse perched on a bluff along the Arkansas River, and Mt Ouray Wildlife Refuge.
There are 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a well-stocked kitchen, mini arcade, library, cedar sauna and private beach with access to Gold Medal Fishing Waters in the Arkansas River.
22 minutes from Monarch Ski Resort!

The house boasts very large Victorian style rooms with vaulted ceilings and ample space for groups of friends and families to spread out.
The beach is about a 50 second walk down a hill.
Onsite is a private Cedar Sauna for maximum relaxation benefits.

We are a short 2 miles to downtown Salida. It's bike-able and walkable in the summer via a riverside path that goes all the way to town. There are also taxi services if need be.

The historic riverfront Poor Farm was built by Chaffee County in 1892, as a home for the destitute who worked the land in exchange for room and board. At one time it boasted over 100 acres, which has now become the Mt. Ouray State Wildlife area for public use. It is considered a crowning gem in the history of Chaffee County, and is listed on the National Historic Register.

Hosts spent 3 years updating and renovating the property themselves, and are honored to share this piece of Colorado history, for you to make lasting memories of your own.

Bedrooms are located on the second floor, accessed by a large staircase and have 12 foot ceilings, private bathrooms and individual A/C units in the summer. We use only organic detergents and cleaners for a healthy, and minimally scented environment.

The large kitchen is fully stocked with essentials for cooking, as well as organic coffee and tea. Kitchen includes 6 burner stovetop, 2 ovens, dishwasher, 2 toasters, coffee maker, microwave, water filter and a large double door fridge and freezer.

This is a very beautiful and peaceful location on the river, and makes for a wonderful home base for all of your adventures within the Arkansas Valley. Rent rafts from a local company and pull out or put-in from the private beach. Have a picnic by the river, bike to town, or just enjoy our nice outdoor area with a glass of wine and a crackling fire. The sunsets might make you cry with their splendor. Nights are very dark and quiet, with breathtaking views of the stars. If you're an early riser, there is nothing more incredible than watching the sunrise from inside the steaming hot cedar sauna.

The outdoor space includes a large sitting area with wood burning Chiminea Fire Pit. There is also a sitting area down by the river beach.

A note to the nit-picky: The Poor Farm is a riverfront property in the country, next to water which can attract bugs in the summer. If you are bothered by minimal encounters with bugs this is NOT the right booking for you.

Across and down the river from our location is a sand and gravel company that is 100% NON-TOXIC and rarely in use, but is commonly mistaken by guests for an active mine. It sits on the land of the historic Salida Smelter Tower landmark which has not been in use since 1920. The Smelter Tower was once the largest structure in the west and is open for public visits. Standing at the bottom is quite an experience. For more information contact the Salida Historic Society.

Note: Your reservation is only for the number of guests booked. You cannot invite additional guests, in other words- guests & visitors that do not have a booking will not be allowed on the property. The exterior of the property is under surveillance for your safety and ours.

Hosts live in a separate adjacent home, and keep to themselves.