While we have visited Bosque del Apache several times before, our January 2012 trip was our first time at this very hospitable B&B, and I completely agree with everything Andrea W wrote. We were sorry to miss Phil, who was away on a service project in Guatemala, but my husband and another woodworking guest enjoyed a look-around in his woodshop. We very much enjoyed meeting Phoebe, a retired teacher whose combination of practicality and graciousness made us feel at home and at ease. Phoebe likes visiting with her guests, and her 8:30 sit-down breakfasts afforded an easy opportunity for guests to meet and visit with each other, too -- plus, the food was tasty, with something for every palate and diet. The coffeepot was set to start at 5:30 a.m., go-cups were provided, and there were some light grab-and-go snacks to sustain those of us leaving before dawn to watch the geese lift off. The Egret room was a comfortable bedroom, and the living room was a cozy, warm, sociable place to spend evening hours. On our second night, Phoebe invited us to join her at the biweekly performance of a local blues band at the Buckhorn Tavern -- the drummer is the Buckhorn's owner, the singer/keyboardist and bass player are physicists at the nearby Very Large Array, and together with a guitarist and a sax player, they livened up our Monday evening.

The tranquility and beauty of Bosque del Apache always nourishes our souls, and Casa Blanca took care of our physical needs seamlessly and gracefully. Nothing jarred or hampered our experience of peace. Like Andrea W, we wished for more than our two days at the Bosque, and we'll plan our return around the availability of a room at Casa Blanca.

Everyone has so many nice things to say about Casa Blanca and here is one more hearty recommendation! Had an absolutely wonderful experience staying here. Had no trouble finding the place when we arrived on the 28th of December, 2011. Enjoyed the nature art and crafts throughout the rooms, including Phil's marvelous carved wooden bowls. Had fun borrowing books from their great library of bird, nature and local history. Evenings were spent in the warm and cozy common areas, chatting with other guests, reading, or reviewing the photos of the day. We stayed in the "Heron" Room & took peeks at the other two rooms between visitors, all of which were fresh and comfortable and cozy. The hosts are wonderful people who have not lost the art of conversation and have wonderful recommendations and experiences to share.

Since I enjoyed the stay so much I'm not sure I can say anyone thing was a highlight, but if I was forced to pick, the breakfast was just fantastic. We would go to the NWR early (6:30am) and watch the snow geese take off, then come back at 8:30am to warm up and eat a fabulous breakfast with our hosts and the other guests. Everything was so delicious and fresh! My favorites were the fresh fruits, scrambled or fried eggs, and the baked goods, especially the raisin puffs. We had so many "seconds" the first day we had to take a nap afterwards before going back out...!

Location: Wonderfully close to great birding and beautiful places in the area. Only 10 minutes to the amazing Bosque del Apache NWR, where we spent the bulk of our time enjoying and photographing the thousands of snow geese and sandhill cranes and birding the wetlands. A beautiful and birdy place in the winter and worth more than just a two days visit (which was all we had time for this trip).

I can't wait to come back here and enjoy the hospitality of Phoebe and Phil again! I recommend calling a month or more ahead, because this gem will only become more popular!

We were very fortunate that someone had just cancelled their reservation at Casa Blanca when we called only two days before our journey. Phoebe was nice enough to hold the room for us while we made sure we could book our bargain airfare to Albuquerque. Bosque del Apache had been on our "must-visit" list for years, and staying at Casa Blanca made our stay unforgettable. Phoebe makes the B&B hum with delicious breakfasts, accomodations, and suggestions about where to eat and other sites to see. There's an abundance of resource guides and books for guests to borrow, even binoculars to use! Phil, the former Manager of Bosque del Apache NWR, is an excellent resource for visiting Bosque. These days he indulges his passion for carving gorgeous wooden bowls. I couldn't resist buying one! Like our stay at Casa Blanca, it will give me happy memories for years.

We have been going to the Casa Blanca for our annual bird watching for years. It is a perfect location, gracious hosts, wonderful breakfast. What could be better, up at dawn to watch the bird fiy out - Phoebe has hot coffee and mugs ready to go, back by 8:30 for a wonderful hot breakfast. Spend the day at the Bosque or travel to points of interest, ready for the fly in at dusk! Just 7 miles from the Bosque. Home living - spend time reading in the living room, reviewing your pictures of the day! Oh yes, and her homemade cookies that sit on the kitchen table. It is very enjoyable. Highly recommend it to everyone.