J a n H a r t 's New Adventures
Finishing up in Española
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I have lived here in Española for 15 years. I arrived on September 13, 1993 - and today, September 13, 2008 I am anticipating my move in December to Costa Rica. I don't expect that it'll be an easy move - alone, with not much money and relatively abysmal skill at speaking Spanish, which is widely prevalent in San Isidro de El General. But - it'll be an adventure! And hopefully, I'll have my wonderful parrots with me as well as my two dogs, Livvie and Seurat.
I'll be writing here from time to time to relay some of the events of my relocation. I guess I should call this a blog. But really, it is just an extension of the writing I've done on this site for so many years.
So - check back and see what I've written - as time and events nudge me on.
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1. Summer. The gate opens and you walk along the flagstone path to the front door. To your right is the flower garden and middle yard, bordered by the studio, pigeon loft and chickens beyond. (The chickens were not a part of this older photo.)
2. Spring. Here you can see the front door and porch. The entrance to the house is from the north. Notice the Buffalo and Blue Gramma grass is just beginning to green up. The old elms shade the picnic area.
3. Spring. The south facing back of the house opens to the patio with its kiva fireplace for gatherings or barbeques or just sitting out watching the stars! Yes - the stars are most visible here!
4. The carport/shed sits comfortably along one side of the large backyard. No, the old truck doesn't come with the property. This building can become just about anything you need. Car port? Garlic barn? Kennel? Additional living?
5. Through the front door is the entry with the kitchen to the right and a sight line to the living room straight ahead. The floors are covered with Itailian tile.
6. 7. The huge living room is the perfect place to be in the winter or any other time! See the fireplace and two sliding glass doors to the patio.
8. 9. Oak adorns the cabinets and cutting board island in the kitchen. All of the activity in the middle yard is visible through the windows. See the office/dining room beyond the kitchen.
10. The very large master bedroom contains two closets and is open to the back patio. The full bathroom is shared with the 2nd bedroom (not shown).
11. The 3rd bedroom is located at the west corner of the house next to the office/dining area.
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the Casitas
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1. South facing Casitas. The low barn window placement was preserved and is now graced with an indigenous garden nourished with drip irrigation.
2. The partially enclosed entry to Casita #2 provides privacy and an informal welcome. This is the perfect place for morning coffee!
3. Casita #1 enjoys a view of the sunset on one of the two outdoor areas. The other area is on the east side of the building connected to the the fenced dog yard and surrounded by a privacy fence.
4. Remains of an old tree house in a dead cottonwood tree is the focal centerpiece of the shared outdoor area between the casitas and the studio building. Privacy is assured with no windows on the north side of the adjacent studio. An old wood feed bin attached to the original fence harks back to an equine past.
5. Winter. The bare trees allow a view past the studio to Casita #1 from the parking area.
6. Casita 1. Colors and reminders of western history greet you when you enter the casita. The plum colored wall blends beautifully with the durable Milestone floor and the stepped half wall provides a nicho and bookcase behind. See the doors to the bathroom and to the second bedroom/studio behind the stepped half wall.
7. Casita 1. The simple kitchen occupies a corner of the main living area. You can see a sliver view of the bedroom beyond.
8. Casita 1. The private bedroom with its beautiful quilt offers rest and quiet. Outside the window is the fenced private patio.
9. Casita 1. The skylighted extra room is both studio and bedroom, depending upon the needs of the occupant. A sink is tucked into the corner and the door leads to the shared laundry room.
10. Casita 2. The entry into Casita #2 is dramatized by an orange wall and the featured curved stepped wall with nicho and concealed bookcase. The partial wall offers a graceful transition into the bathroom and private bedroom beyond.
11.12. See the hidden bookcase and textured Milestone floor that warms the main living area.
13. Beyond the stepped wall an open bathroom door reveals a green wall and Mexican tin mirror.
14. The private bedroom features a queen sized bed and original wood wall for an elegant reminder of the humble building past.
15. A spectacular thunderhead rises to the west during the summer monsoon season. An afternoon shower is always welcome - just cools it off for the barbeque!
They began life as a turkey barn. In the 1990s this barn was converted to a working studio for Joe DiGangi, a well known knife designer. After I purchased the place in 2000, ending a 5 year lease option to buy, I used my architectural background to convert the very rustic studio spaces into 2 roomy private casitas with an attached garage on the west end. I had always dreamed of a place where my students could come to stay while doing a workshop with me. I also wanted to provide other travelers with lovely spaces where their dogs could accompany them. Each casita has a private fenced yard for dog guests.
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The bathrooms & bedrooms are located at opposite ends of the building for privacy; both casitas share a laundry room. The low windows and humble nature are preserved along with some touches of New Mexican style created by builder, Sabino Talavera. This was my dream come true!
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I began renting the casitas in 2003 and have been rewarded with people who come back again and again! My students love them and I've never had a problem with any dog that has come to stay! I have kept the rent per night under $100 though I'm sure I could get more. I like keeping it affordable. Every year since 2003 the casitas have paid my mortgage and more. Last year (2007) they brought in $29,000. After expenses I made a profit of well over $25,000.
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I advertise solely through the internet on sites like "Pack the Pets" and "Vacation Rentals by Owner". People love the privacy, quiet and that they have everything they need! Location Location. In all directions the major destinations including pueblos are no more than 45 minutes away!
- Taos
- Ghost Ranch
- Abiquiu
- Los Alamos
- Chimayô
- Ojo Caliente hot springs
- Santa Fe
- high road to Taos
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The beautiful Milestone floors in the casitas were designed and installed by artist, Donna Caulton. Basically they consist of Portland Cement mixed with acrylic colorant and are wonderfully maintenance free. Please contact Donna for more information on these wonderful floors!
the Studio
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1 The studio sits in the center of the property and has been center of my life here for the past 15 years. I teach here. I entertain here and I paint & write here. As you approach the front door from the driveway, the humble original doors and windows welcome.
2. The side doors lead to the outdoor picnic tables and private garden areas.
3. From the smaller, private area of the studio you can look beyond into the larger part that is set up for a gallery showing.
4.5. Inside the largest part of the studio there is plenty of room for 12 students or other artist gatherings. The large tables convert to hanging walls for gallery showings between the two main posts.
6. Paintings for critique are taped onto sliding doors that conceal lots of storage shelves. The same white sliding doors are used as a screen for showing slides, movies.
7. Dogs, Livvie and Seurat love to spend time in the studio.
8. This cow skull hangs in my studio as a silent reference to Georgia O'Keeffe who inspired me to move to northern New Mexico. I will take the skull with me to Costa Rica.
9. Allen says goodbye after a Thursday night session. Former students and colleagues all gather to paint together and critique every Thursday evening in the studio. I will miss this community!
10. I am doing a demo for a group of students.
11. Here Jonathan Owens, my son and favorite co-teacher shows a workshop group the process of adding soft pastel to a watercolor base.
12. The side door of my studio in the early morning sun.
13. Another side door of the studio set up for a gallery showing in the garden.
14. The studio after a snow fall. The snow will be gone by nightfall!
15. From the entry walk to the house this is the view of the studio and pigeon house over the early fall garden. The asters are in bloom.
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Welcome to my favorite part of this place - my 1100 sf studio. It also began life as a concrete block turkey barn with two sections - the smaller as the hatchery and the larger as the actual turkey residence. When I arrived in 1995, I used the smaller area to teach while my landlord kept the larger part for storage. Upon purchasing the property in 2000, I refinished both sides by insulating it all, adding heating and cooling and a full bathroom.
Through the years this studio has contained several parties, many gallery showings and housed over 150 workshops during all times of the year!
Everyone who has been here loves this studio - and I will miss it.
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all around Ranchito San Pedro
Ghost Ranch landscape - 45 minutes north
The Fechin House in Taos - which is now the Taos Museum of Art. Nicolai Fechin designed & built this house.
The Chama River - along the way to Ghost Ranch - where Georgia O'Keeffe painted "River Blue".
A magpie struts free along the pigeon loft roof.
These are the rocks that enticed me to this area! Echo Canyon!
The unusual beauty of Plaza Blanca is hard to imagine! It is a wonderful hike down into the area near Dar al Islam.
My favorite cottonwood tree - in Nambe, near Pojoaque
Beautiful Bandelier National Monument - just 40 minutes away!
The beautiful and fresh ristras hang from the eves of Rancho de Chimayô - a wonderful restaurant with prickly pear margaritas and the best flan ever!
A traditional and beautiful doorway on the old plaza in Chimayô.
The beauty of 'Godlight' - from my yard.
One of the best things about Española is LOCATION! Española is right in the center of northern New Mexico and within 45 minutes of all of these places of interest - and more!.
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Golfing - the best New Mexico Golf course is right down the stree! Black Mesa Golf Club, according to Golf New Mexico Magazine is "a great course that tests both the mind and the body" "From the first tee shot you realize that mental strategy is essential, while the course's expansive fairways and greens allow it to be played more easily than it appears." You can walk or rent a cart - and -all equipment is available for rent. Very reasonably priced and the golf course is owned by Santa Clara Pueblo and uses recycled and reclaimed water for water conservation. My sons LOVE to golf here in the WINTER, too!
- Taos - Galleries, Shops, Museums, Restaurants - 45 minutes north.
- Santa Fe - Galleries, Shops, Museums, Restaurants - and just 1/2 hour away!
- Española - Low rider capital of the world
- Ojo Caliente hot springs - Old, sacred hot springs and mineral baths - 1/2 hour away.
- Truchas (of Milagro Beanfield Wars fame)
- Six of the eight northern Indian Pueblos
- Los Alamos - the labs, museum, etc.
- Bandelier National Park (Anasazi ruins) - a very special place to visit, hike, view and explore
- Abiquiu (home of later artist, Georgia O'Keeffe). Be sure to reserve ahead through the O'Keeffe foundation or try for last minute cancellations. 1/2 hour from the cabins.
- Plaza Blanca - one of O'Keeffe's favorite painting places
- Ghost Ranch - first home of Georgia O'Keeffe in New Mexico, hiking, swimming, horseback riding
- Echo Canyon - hiking trails, wonderful picnic spot
- Chimayô, a traditional weaving community
- El Sanctuario de Chimyô - a church known for the healing dirt found there.
- Santa Fe Flea Market - currently in transition
- High Road to Taos and the hispanic villages of Truchas, Las Trampas, Ojo Sarco, etc.
- Four casinos and a bowling alley
- Rio Grande River - rafting, scenic whitewater river
- Velarde - home of the champagne apple orchards
- Golfing Towa Golf Course, Pojoaque and Black Mesa Golf Club right down the street
- Fishing Fishing on the Rio Grande
- Skiing - Ski New Mexico at Taos Mountain, Santa Fe Ski, Pajarito Mountain in Los Alamos
- Hiking - Ghost Ranch, etc.
- Bowling - Big Rock Casino in Española
- Dining - restaurants all around us from local best places to five stars!
- Wine Tasting - northern New Mexico wineries
- Wildlife Viewing at Valles Caldera National Preserve
What is my favorite time of the year?
I love them all!
January |
Sunny, cold. Low ave. 26 degrees, High ave. 48 degrees with possible snowfall 1 - 3 inches. A wonderfully quiet time of the year. | ||
| February | Sunny, cold when out of the sun. Low ave. 28 degrees, high ave. 52 degrees, mostly sunny with possible snowfall 1-2 inches. Quiet, with stirrings of spring. | ||
Sunny, cool. Low ave. 32 degrees, High ave. 62 degrees. Spring is in the air with possible rain and wind gusts. |
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| March | |||
| April | Sunny, cool to warm. Low ave. 46 degrees, High ave. 73 degrees, mostly sunny with chance of showers, wind. Spring! | ||
| May | Sunny, warm. Low ave. 47 degrees, High ave. 78 degrees, sunny and possible wind gusts. | ||
| June | Sunny, warm to hot. Low ave. 60 degrees, High ave. 88 degrees, sunny, dry with cool nights. Our warmest month. | ||
| July | Sunny, warm days with some afternoon thunderstorms that are called the monsoons. Low ave. 60 degrees, High ave. 85 degrees. Farmers' markets open. | ||
| August | Sunny, warm days with some afternoon thunderstorms. Low ave. 58 degrees; High ave. 82 degrees. Bountiful farmers' markets! | ||
| September | Sunny, warm days and cool nights. Low ave. 55 degrees; High ave. 79 degrees. The smell of roasting chile in the air. | ||
| October | Sunny, warm days and cool nights. Low ave. 45 degrees; High ave. 68 degrees. Yellow and gold fall colors everywhere. The majestic cottonwoods pay in gold for the water they've used! | ||
| November | Sunny, cool days and cool nights. Low ave. 36 degrees; High ave. 54 degrees. Very comfortable weather, hoiday spirit! | ||
| December | Sunny, cool days and cold nights. Low ave. 32 degrees; High ave. 50 degrees. Possible snow 1-4 inches, mostly sunny. Long long shadows and great light. Farolitos gracing paths, walks and buildings! Northern New Mexico Christmas celebrations are truly unique. |
It isn't easy to put into words but it was an easy decision to make once I put all my facts, my dreams and my background in order. The truth is that I have loved living here in New Mexico at Ranchito San Pedro and I really had no intention of ever moving away. Then a few things intervened to grab my attention...
- Two back surgeries, though successful, reminded me that I am not invincible.
- An unfortunate refinance that reminded me that I have to bring in over $2000/month just to keep my home.
- I passed 65...and rediscovered that this life path we are on is a one-way road. Here I am a long way from my early roots in a California orange grove.
Still, I love teaching, painting, writing and have no plans to quit or slow down - much. So, what to do? After having taught three workshops in Costa Rica, I knew that there were many things that drew me to that little country, not the least insignificant being that my undergrad degree was in Zoology. The amazing variety of flora and fauna of Costa Rica definitely beckoned. So - I decided to take myself on a tour called, "Live in Costa Rica on your Social Security" to prove to myself that it was out of the question. I thought I had succeeded until I saw this little Tico (what Costa Ricans call themselves) casita. Having just published my book on color, the complementary colors of this house definitely got my full attention. I decided to buy it before I left the next morning. I am so very grateful that all three of my sons fully applaud my decision. I feel blessed. Now, the little house is typical Tico - NOTHING inside and only 700 sf of space. But what I see is a blank canvas and the exhilaration of a new adventure! My architectural degree will be put into full use! And - since I moved to New Mexico knowing no one, Costa Rica definitely feels doable. I already know a few people there. I'll take my four parrots and two dogs - and not much else - and did I mention that that trees in the foreground are a mango tree and an orange tree? Need I say more? I've come full circle.
I'll be updating my adventures page on my website so stay tuned.....
Why am I moving to Costa Rica?
