Thick red brick walls of this modern estancia serve a decorative and practical purpose. They keep the interior of this ranch house comfortable, cool in the summer and warm in the winter, such a contrast to the harsh setting of the Patagonian plain. The rich color of the red walls provides a rustic elegance to the simple, spotless decor. Diego, Beto, and Pablo the cook make the experience personal. At El Desedaso they raise Australian merino sheep. You might find out that it is one of the finest wools around, and by fine you’ll learn just how so, about a quarter the size of a shaft of human hair at 20 microns.

If you want, you’ll learn more details of the nearby marine and other wildlife by taking the excursions they offer for an additional fee. Depending on the time of year there are right whales, orcas, Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, and sea lions at the sea. The llama-related guanacos, Patagonian hares known as maras, and ostrich-like rheas can all be seen but don’t count on seeing the pumas unless they want to see you.