Tiger by the Tail: A Retro Getaway with a Cinematic Twist
Step into a piece of Ruidoso history at Tiger by the Tail, a unique 2,740 sq. ft. home where vintage charm meets modern comfort. Named after the movie filmed in and around the property in 1970, this one-of-a-kind retreat offers an unforgettable escape, complete with a private lap pool, spacious courtyard, and southwestern flair.
As you enter through the front gate, the open, wraparound patio welcomes you into a beautiful stone courtyard—your personal oasis. Relax in the abundant seating, surrounded by native New Mexico plants, or take a refreshing dip in the lap pool, featured in scenes from the movie. The courtyard, enclosed by a privacy fence, is perfect for morning swims or stargazing at night. And when it's time to eat, fire up the BBQ grill and enjoy a meal al fresco in this serene setting. (Please note the pool is only available from May 15 to October 15.)
Adding to the charm is the separate Casita, a private suite with a queen-sized bed, sleeper sofa, full bathroom, and its own AC unit. This cozy, self-contained space has direct access to the courtyard, offering an ideal retreat for guests or family members seeking extra privacy. A laundry room with a full-sized washer and dryer connects the Casita to the main home.
Inside the main house, you'll be greeted by high vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and a spacious living area with a large sofa, flat-screen TV, and expansive windows framing the stunning outdoor views. The modern nautical décor throughout the home adds a stylish and playful touch to this nostalgic retreat. Gather around the dining table, which comfortably seats eight, and enjoy meals prepared in the retro-modern kitchen, fully equipped with a gas stove, separate oven, and all the cookware you need. For more intimate meals, a charming breakfast nook with vaulted ceilings and seating for four provides direct access to the courtyard.
On the opposite wing of the house, the master suite offers a luxurious escape with a brand-new king-sized bed, cozy seating area, and a gas fireplace. Step out onto your private patio to soak in incredible views, or let your furry friend explore the fenced-in dog run and gazebo just outside. The master bathroom shares space with the guest bedroom, featuring a Jack and Jill vanity, sunken bathtub, and walk-in shower. The guest bedroom, complete with a four-poster queen bed, TV, and private courtyard access, ties the home's nautical theme together beautifully.
For even more fun, enjoy the brand-new hot tub, installed in October 2023, or challenge friends and family to a game on the pool table, which converts into a ping-pong table, added in June 2024. With central AC and heating, Tiger by the Tail ensures year-round comfort, making it the ultimate destination for a mix of relaxation, vintage vibes, and family fun. Don't forget to bring your pets—this home is dog-friendly with a two-dog maximum!
Ruidoso, Alto, and surrounding areas: Submerse yourself within the towering pines of Lincoln County and watch local wildlife such as elk, deer, wild horses, turkey, birds, and more in their natural habitats. Plan a day basking in the stillness of our national forest while hiking, biking or fishing, golfing at one of our multiple golf courses or spend a fun night out on the town at one of the area's local attractions! Be sure to swim or fish at the beautiful Grindstone or Alto Lake, delight your senses at Winter Park with roller coaster and tubing, and explore the ski slopes and hiking trails throughout Ski Apache. Win big at one of our three local casinos and enjoy the excitement of live quarter horse racing at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. Be happy you took a respite from the concrete jungle. Come relax and refresh with us!
Distances to Area Attractions:
Bonito Lake 19.7 miles; 39 minute drive
Grindstone Lake 6.7 miles; 15 minute drive
Inn of the Mountain Gods 8.3 miles; 17 minute drive
Midtown Shopping District 5.9 miles; 13 minute drive
Ruidoso Downs Racetrack & Casino 2.6 miles; 8 minute drive
Ski Apache Ski Resort 22.5 miles; 45 minute drive
Ruidoso Winter Park/Screaming Eagle Roller Coaster 11 miles; 20 minute drive
Please note: This home is dog friendly and we do require a $50.00 (plus tax) pet fee per pet. Please contact us if you are bringing your fur baby so that it can be coordinated correctly. Pets are required to be kenneled when left alone in all our pet friendly cabins.
Bedding: 1 King, 2 Queen, 1 Full Sized Sleeper Sofa
Please read: Hummingbird Cabins, LLC is the host and who will provide customer service after you've booked your rental home through VRBO. Therefore, be advised that our cancellation policy, in-house policies, and procedures may differ from VRBO. All guests will receive our Guest License Agreement that outlines our policies and procedures and are asked to initial and e-sign before receiving their rental information (address and access code). We ask that you please read our policies as we will adhere to them once you've booked your reservation with us (even when booking through a 3rd party entity).
The fine print, what to expect: Our cabins include basic cable, satellite or streaming television, basic cooking utensils, propane gas grill (propane provided), washer and dryer (if applicable- please look at the amenities), towels and bed linens for guest use along with heating for winter. Our homes come equipped with either a drip or Keurig coffee maker. *Linens and bath towels *Extra blankets and bedding *Spa towels for properties with spas/hot tubs. While our kitchens are fully equipped with glassware/cookware/utensils/dishes, etc. this does not ensure that all homes will have a blender, crock pot, spices, coffee, or condiments. Please call ahead to confirm if items such as these are available. If not, we ask that you bring your own. Basic toiletries in the Master bathroom only are: *One (1) travel-sized each of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, disposable toothbrush, toothpaste, bar soap, and facial bar soap, *three (3) rolls of toilet paper; one (1) on the holder and two (2) stored in the bathroom. Basic toiletries in all additional bathrooms (if applicable) are: *three (3) rolls of toilet paper; one (1) on the holder and two (2) stored in the bathroom, *one (1) travel-sized bar soap and/or facial soap, *one (1) hairdryer in the home. Basic supplies in the home: *five (5) All-Clear laundry pods, *dish detergent in pod or liquid form (quantities may vary and/or be limited), and three (3) Lemi Shine rinse agent in single-use cups (for homes with dishwashers), *liquid dish soap in (at minimum) a partial container (may only be in homes without dishwashers- check amenities to ensure the home you booked has a dishwasher), *two to three (2-3) rolls of paper towels, *two (2) trash liners in each waste basket; one (1) prepared in a basket and at least one (1) in the bottom or under the sink. We encourage guests to please be mindful of the supplies we provide and always bring extras as housekeeping does not deliver more than what is required to be left in the homes. We highly encourage guests to be prepared with access to chains and/or 4-wheel drive in winter months. Firewood is not provided for homes with wood burning fireplaces.
