We hope you’ll enjoy this charming mid-century modern retreat in Albuquerque’s quiet and tree-filled north valley. Whether you're here for Balloon Fiesta, Old Town, or visits to historical sites, this home offers a quiet yet central location for your home base. When Art Dekker designed this home in 1954, it was clear he was influenced by the Usonian designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. The home is filled with details like hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, beamed tongue-and-groove ceilings and built-ins in every room. Lovely refreshed landscaping features a large, private flagstone patio on the south side for morning sun, and a small, quiet patio on the leafy north side for afternoon shade. The property is at once simple and complex and will provide a relaxing home base for you as you explore all Albuquerque has to offer. There is is plenty of parking in the driveway and behind the home, as well as on the quiet, dead-end street.
Albuquerque’s North Valley is a hidden gem that offers a rural feel in the heart of the metro area. The Rio Grande Nature Center Preserve and State Park provide access to the Rio Grande bosque and are within walking distance (less than a mile). At the end of our street you’ll also find access to the shady acequia trail along the Duranes lateral. Local casual dining favorites Flying Star Cafe, The Range Cafe and El Patio are 1.5 miles away, and the La Montanita Co-op is just a quick 10-minute walk for any last-minute grocery needs.
The kitchen is fully updated and includes all the appliances, cooking equipment and utensils you’ll need for your stay. The bathrooms retain their vintage charm but are in good working order. The home has central heat and refrigerated air, as well as a wood-burning fireplace (with plenty of firewood) and a gas grill on the north patio.
The Main Bedroom and Bedroom 2 have queen beds. Bedroom 3 has a modern queen sofa bed that is comfortable, but low to the ground (make sure to review the photos). It is best for kids or teens. If you don't need the bed and would rather use the room for listening to records (which is how we use it), we'll leave it in sofa mode.
The home is on one level, with no interior or exterior steps.
Guests will not have access to the attached or detached garages. Custom blinds and draperies provide complete privacy as desired. We thank you for refraining from smoking in the house or on the property.
Albuquerque International Sunport - 9 miles Downtown Albuquerque - 3 miles Balloon Fiesta Park - 12 miles Old Town - 2 miles Sandia Peak Tramway - 18 miles Nob Hill neighborhood - 7 miles Kirtland Air Force Base - 8.5 miles University of New Mexico - 6 miles Rio Grande Nature Center - 1 mile La Montanita Co-Op Grocery - .5 mile Flying Star Cafe - 1.5 miles El Patio - 1.5 miles The Range Cafe - 1.5 miles Los Poblanos Organic Farm - 2.2 miles Interstate 40 - 1.5 miles
ABQ STR Permit #136094
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 136094
About the area
Albuquerque
Rio Grande Blvd, a neighbourhood in Albuquerque, is home to this holiday home. El Rey Theater and Sunshine Theater are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Explora Science Center and Children's Museum and Casa Rondeña. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at The Pit or Isotopes Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center - 4 min drive - 2.3 km
Albuquerque Convention Center - 8 min drive - 6.0 km
University of New Mexico - 8 min drive - 6.8 km
Balloon Fiesta Park - 14 min drive - 12.4 km
Getting around
Alvarado Transportation Center - 14 min drive
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) - 13 min drive
Restaurants
Four Winds Travel Center - 5 min drive
Olive Garden - 7 min drive
McDonald's - 6 min drive
Chili's Grill & Bar - 6 min drive
John Brooks Supermart - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is North Valley Mid Century Modern Retreat pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at North Valley Mid Century Modern Retreat?
As of 6 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at North Valley Mid Century Modern Retreat on 30 Sept 2026 start from AU$785, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at North Valley Mid Century Modern Retreat?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at North Valley Mid Century Modern Retreat?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at North Valley Mid Century Modern Retreat?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is North Valley Mid Century Modern Retreat located?
Located in Rio Grande Blvd, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Rio Grande Nature Center State Park and Rio Grande. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Albuquerque Museum are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This house worked perfectly for our family during the balloon fiesta. Easy access to the Bosque for morning walks and food options nearby along Rio Grande.
Heidi B.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Oct 2023
Thank you for the kind review, Heidi. I’m glad we were able to give your group a comfortable home base for Balloon Fiesta and exploration of all Albuquerque has to offer!
Jennifer was a fantastic host and her home was beyond our expectations. She was very responsive and made us feel welcomed. A perfect place for the 4 of us during our 3 day stay in Albuquerque. We felt very ‘at home’ amongst the beautiful vibe of this unique house. Provided a retreat for us for our leisurely mornings and relaxing evenings. The location is quiet and in a convenient spot for Old Town, restaurants, walking, and an easy route to the Balloon Festival. I highly recommend staying here. We hope to return someday.
Andrea A.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Oct 2025
Thank you so much, Andrea! I’m glad my home provided you a comfortable home base while you enjoyed all ABQ has to offer.
Wonderful location we were able to move around the city without accessing I40. The retro feel & decor of the home was very appealing & the art used in the home was well done & very interesting. Would love to stay in this home when we return to Albuquerque. The home was clean & well prepared for our stay.
Cynthia S.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct 2023
Thank you so much for the kind review, Cynthia. I’m glad you enjoyed the house, and I’d be glad to host you again if you return to ABQ.
We booked our trip to see the hot air balloon fiesta, but this VRBO would have been a worthy destination all by itself. If you like mid-century modern architecture, design, music, and art, you'll find it all here. We loved our stay there and hope we can do it again one day!
Kevin L.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Nov 2024
Thank you for the kind words, Kevin! We’re glad you enjoyed our MCM blast from the past, and we’d be glad to host you again.
We enjoyed the artwork ,bookcollection and mid century decor. It was okay but 3 bedrooms plus cot and sofa to sleep on was misleading. Bed on the floor in 1 bedroom should have been on a frame. 2 people would had to sleep on a cot or the sofa and was uncomfortable.
Art L.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
About the host
Hosted by Jennifer James
I'm a military brat who lived in New Mexico as a child and moved back for good twelve years ago. I love being a part of others' discovery of this wonderful state. This is my personal home, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Why they chose this property
Alvarado Gardens in the North Valley is a gem; a quiet rural setting right in the center of the Albuquerque metro.
What makes this property unique
This Usonian ranch house offers guests something different. It's at once modern and cozy -- timeless, really.