The oldest structure on the property is an adobe house built in 1881. In the ‘50s, it became a general store and post office, and served this purpose until the late ‘70s, when a large tract of land was bought by an oil tycoon. His son-in-law, Tommy Denton, ended up with the property, and built on it a beautiful compound for his mistress, Prudence Martin. The couple lived there for a number of years, and were rumored to host grand parties and soirees. Event`enton went bankrupt, and the property ended up being broken into three pieces. Zunkel bought all three pieces and restored the property to its former grandeur. And grand it is. The property is comprised of the main adobe house (dating back to 1881), as well as an adobe guest house built in the late ‘70s, and a more modern home built by Zunkel’s daughter and sonin-law. “It’s worked really well as a family compound,” says Zunkel. “There’s space, privacy, and you can see the stars. We have beautiful gardens and an orchard with pears, apples, peaches and cherries. Everyone who drives up on the property immediately falls in love with it; it’s the craziest thing.” Available for purchase: $1,500,000 | MLS # 201601934 Stephanie Duran | 505 204 2491 sduran@santaferealestate.com Top: Lamy General Store Middle Left: 2 & 6 Lamy Station & 157 Old Lamy Trail Compound Middle Right: Jean Zunkel & family Bottom: Main House entrance
Credit: Bill Jack Rodgers, circa 1966
L
amy, New Mexico is rich in history. Located 18 miles south of Santa Fe, the little town was the primary stop for the Santa Fe Railroad. Today, it’s a quiet spot close enough to the City Different to be convenient but far enough away to get that quiet desert solitude. Jean Zunkel and her family enjoy that peace and quiet on their historic compound in Lamy.
Photo courtesy: Palace of Governors Archives
Historic Lamy Compound