Welcome!

I'm packing up and getting ready to leave - in December, 2008.

Fifteen years ago I arrived in Española with a dream of painting this beautiful land, teaching watercolor and supporting myself doing both. It worked. I selected Española for its wonderful location - right in the center of the most beautiful part of the state - between Taos and Santa Fe! After some "interesting" rental experiences I found Ranchito San Pedro and it was the perfect place to pursue my dreams. Let me show you around! If you have questions, you can email me here or Sandra Wright of Coldwell Banker Realty here.

 

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Photos Around the Property.

1.Early Spring. Entering the driveway you can see the roof of Casita #1 to your right beyond the fence. The studio and a glimpse of the house are seen in the distance. Passing by on the road you can only see the back of the casitas and shed/carport straight ahead.

2. Past the casitas you can now see the studio, house and shed/carport. Plenty of parking!

3. Beyond the shed/carport and the house is the back part of the property. Completely fenced, the approximately .5 area is partly covered with planted grass. The back part is now wild but was once a garlic field. Water rights come with the property - so your irrigation is free! Lots of room for a horse? A garden?

4 Summer. Going through the gate to the house you can see the front door of the house with a small garden in front.

5.Late Summer. Directly across from the house is the studio, originally a turkey barn. Many varieties of irises bloom there each year - as well as sunflowers.

6. Spring. The yard between the studio and the house is fenced and private - with some grass and chairs and table for summer dinners and sunset and bird watching.

7. West of the studio is the south facing pigeon loft, which would make a perfect greenhouse. Adjoining that building is the chicken house with free range fenced yard seen along the wood fence.

8. The sunsets over the Jemez mountains to the west are a nightly drama of color and light!

9. The chickens enjoying their outdoor area.

10. The pigeons enjoying a bath outside their loft. See the chicken house door beyond.

11. Winter - at dawn I looked out from the house to the studio! Fresh snow. It doesn't happen often - but when it does, it is beautiful. No shoveling. Our light snows can be easily swept off the walk.

12.13. My current flock of chickens that lay eggs of many colors including white, pink, orange brown, green and blue. The hens can be included in the sale and you'll have delicious fresh eggs always!

• 1.55 acres with house, detached studio, two casitas with attached garage, shed/car port, pigeon loft/greenhouse, chicken house and water rights!. $399,000.
• Location / Community. (Please see the map at the end for more detail!) Wonderfully located just a mile and a half off the main highway 84 - 18 miles north of Santa Fe. The area is rural and one of the nicest parts of Española, which is just 2 miles north. The land across the one laned road is Santa Clara Pueblo land and the two houses belong to nationally reputed Pueblo artists, Michael Naranjo and his sister, Nora Naranjo-Morse - and their families. Many other artists live in the neighborhood - and the best golf course in New Mexico is just down the road 1/2 mile! Black Mesa Golf Course.
• History. The property was originally a turkey ranch with the house and two turkey barns. In 1994 it fell into foreclosure. After purchase, the house was completely rebuilt from the ground up. The barns have been fully remodeled in the past 8 years to serve as a teaching studio and guest casitas.
• Water. 2 fresh water wells, one that fully supplies the house, studio and casitas plus valuable water rights for irrigation!
• Sewer. 2 septic systems - one for the house and one for the studio and casitas .
• Solar Access. All of the buildings are elongated along an east-west axis for great, protected solar access.
• Privacy. All of the property is fenced and there are only neighbors to the south and east. No neighbors can view the buildings.
• Security. This neighborhood is very safe. We watch out for each other! In the 13 years I have been here, I have had no problems, even though I frequently forget to lock my doors.

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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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• Full solar access with largest windows facing south for direct solar gain.
• House was completely rebuilt in 1995 - all new from the bottom up.
• The rectangular 1668 sf. rectangular, pueblo style house built of 2x6 construction with stucco exterior and pueblo style belie a wonderfly flowing interior collection of rooms.
• Lots of trees shade the house and outdoor spaces.
• 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath (shower & tub), 1 3/4 bath (shower)
• Living room with fireplace
• Italian tile floors in entry, living room, baths and kitchen. New wood floors in bedrooms and office.
• Back patio with kiva fireplace and direct access to master bedroom and living room
• Modern kitchen with dishwasher, stove and refrigerator
• Forced air furnace and roof mounted A/C.
• Low property taxes as property is located in Rio Arriba county - not Santa Fe County.
• Septic system
• Well water (not a single problem in 13 years! )
• Lots of light! Double paned windows throughout.

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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.

• 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!

• 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.

• 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

 

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!

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all around Ranchito San Pedro

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!.

• 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's the weather like?

What is my favorite time of the year?

I love them all!