Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve, Unveils Bernal Lake Cabin
RATON, NEW MEXICO, UNITED STATES (April 30, 2024) – Vermejo, the award-winning, conservation travel destination in the Southern Rocky Mountains of North America, announced the opening of Bernal Lake Cabin, a premium, secluded wilderness experience, for guest stays.
Bernal Lake Cabin is a 1,460 square foot, rustically luxurious accommodation, featuring a split-floorplan with two master suites, each boasting a king bed and clawfoot soaking tub. A spacious living room with propane fireplace, third bathroom, children’s loft, and heated floors throughout makes the cabin a perfect year-round vacation locale. This all-inclusive offering is replete with meals provided by private chef or on-own, at request, as well as access to the Main Lodge Dining Room, when desired.
The restoration of Bernal Lake Cabin was imagined by Ted Turner Reserves’ President, Jade McBride. “Our mission has always been to connect people with nature, and what better way than a completely immersive experience”, said McBride. “Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy this vast, rewilded landscape in the spirit of its early inhabitants, explorers, and pioneers. It’s unbelievably humbling to encounter this landscape as it was more than 100 years ago.” The cabin boasts a private lakefront setting 20 minutes from the nearest guest accommodation and public areas, with ample outdoor living spaces, including a cedar soaking hot tub, designed to extend guests time outdoors. Lake recreation includes kayaking, canoeing, fishing and swimming, along with unfettered access to the nature that surrounds through hiking, mountain biking and all self- and privately guided activities regularly available on Vermejo.
The original structure was built in 1928 by the Vermejo Club, an invitation-only social organization, attracting celebrated members such as Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, and Herbert Hoover. The foundation, log beams, and fireplace from this time remain, providing an air of authenticity throughout. Elements of weathered steel siding were added to the exteriors for an aged appearance, and new decking and landscaping welcome each new visitor’s approach.
A nod to the group involved in the original construction of the accommodation, some of the very first stays at Bernal Lake Cabin will be members of the Vermejo Legacy Club, an assembly of long-time, loyal guests of the property. “It’s a wonderful way to honor the patronage of our most faithful guests, some of whom have been visiting for more than 60 years”, said Theresa King, General Manager of Vermejo.
Bernal Lake Cabin’s interiors have been designed to evoke a true sense of place: a rustic hideaway for the Chicago business magnets and Hollywood silent picture stars traveling west on the Santa Fe line.
The materials are genuine. Santa Fe-based design firm Los Griegos Studio invested countless hours canvassing New Mexico and Colorado for a collection of regional furniture and fixtures representative of the bygone era. The majority of unupholstered appointments are antique, excluding custom pieces sourced for specific size requirements. Century-old tables and chairs were restored for durability while protecting their aged charm.
Historic rail-route maps, converted kerosene lanterns, and incorporations of natural botanicals ornament the walls, and fabric treatments feature upscale gingham, plaid and Navajo inspired weave. Adornments include vintage typewriters, classic hardback books of the time and aged duck decoys, romanticizing the pastimes of the period. A true treasure, original art depicting luminescent hummingbirds has been reframed and is on display.
Interested parties may reserve their stay at this new accommodation by calling 877-2TURNER or visiting the website at www.tedturnerreserves.com.
About Vermejo and Ted Turner Reserves
Vermejo, a respected leader in regenerative tourism, offers luxury accommodations and high-touch service in one of North America’s most dramatic, natural destinations. With over 550,000 stunning acres of picturesque, rewilded lands, Vermejo is the jewel of Northern New Mexico, replete with snowcapped alpine tundra, vast forests and prairie land, 19 lakes and 137 miles of rivers and streams. Its diverse landscape is a sanctuary to a wide variety of endangered and sensitive species, and home to the great American bison, elk, pronghorn, black bears, beaver and mountain lions. Whether riding horseback through open fields, exploring turn-of-the-century charcoal kilns, rock climbing the via ferrata or fly fishing for Rio Grande cutthroat trout, Vermejo provides the perfect locale for couples, families and group travelers alike.
Vermejo is part of Ted Turner Reserves, a hospitality brand grounded in conservation with a mission to connect people with nature. With 1.1 million acres across three properties in New Mexico, Ted Turner Reserves includes Vermejo, Armendaris and Ladder and one retreat, Sierra Grande. These properties provide an unparalleled opportunity for guests to visit and experience luxurious hospitality, outdoor activities, and unfettered access to nature. Guests also will have the opportunity to learn about renowned businessman, philanthropist, and environmentalist Ted Turner’s efforts to restore and preserve these properties and their native species and ecosystems.
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Media Contacts: Lindsay D Curry
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Ted Turner Reserves
Phone: 480-625-6253
Email: lindsay.curry@tedturnerreserves.com