Enchanted Homes August/September 2014

NORTHERN NEW MEXICO’S REAL ESTATE & LIVING MAGAZINE • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

THE

RANCH & LAND ISSUE OASIS IN THE DESERT

COMFORTABLE RANCH LIVING ON THE HIGH DESERT MESA Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

STAN HARRELL:

ON OWNING A PIECE OF THE AMERICAN WEST

1 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Evan R. Blish, Broker 575-776-8106

Greg Jaramillo, Associate Broker • (575) 770-1270 Jolie Jones, Associate Broker • (575) 741-0603 Website: pinoninvestmentsoftaos.com E-mail: pinoneb@newmex.com

UPPER COLONIAS

DES MONTES

Spacious contemporary design, this very private compound consists of 4 bedrooms/ 4.5 baths plus detached 1 bedroom guesthouse with full kitchen. Open floor plan with the ultimate gourmet kitchen, opens to enclosed patio, with Ramada and built in hot tub, barbecue and fireplace.

Stained concrete floors, tumbled marble in each “en suite bath”.. Hard troweled plaster throughout. Well maintained luxury home also has large office/work space. Viking range, Sub Zero frig, Asko dishwasher, wine cooler, and granite slab and maple counter tops. MLS #95563 $1,375,000

Contemporary light filled home and guest house on 4+ acre lot in Vista Grande Subdivision. Flowing modern design with clean lines and quality finishes.

Main house is 3 bedroom, 2 bath with attached 2 car garage. Open floor plan with access to view filled patios on east and west sides. Features include spacious gourmet kitchen with Wolf range, Subzero frig, Asko dw, wine frig, spacious pantry, office/den, and theatre room. 20'foot high ceiling in circular tower for your zen space. Mature landscaping with anasazi rock work and drip irrigation.. Property has amazing 360 views. MLS #94984 $950,000

STAKEOUT AREA

UPPER COLONIAS

Huge Price Reduction! Very Motivated Sellers! Beautiful 14+ acre lot in the prestigious El Mirador development. Spectacular views to the north and west. Many large mature Pinon and Junipers as well as a seasonal stream. This lot allows for two story construction. Priced well below market and any other lot in El Mirador makes this a very special offering. MLS #93956 $149,000

Upper Colonias Adobe home, built by Caracol Builders. Enter thru circular drive & see the "Big Rock". Features include spacious open floor plan w/ high ceilings in great room & French doors opening on to eastern portal overlooking Taos Mountain & hot tub. Gourmet kitchen flows to full sized laundry and game room /play room. Vigas, tile floors and kiva fireplace. Separated bedrooms for privacy and comfort, each w/ own tiled bath. A proven rental w/ easy access location. Priced to sell. MLS #95538 $525,000

SECO SERENITY!

JOLIE JONES qualifying broker

575.776.8106

Gorgeously remodeled 3BR/4BA home on 1.86 lush acres in Arroyo Seco. Two story part of house was once a guest unit with a kitchen and upstairs deck, could be easily changed back to that. Fruit, trees, gardens, sheds, grass and room to roam in a nearly end of the road spot with outstanding views. Great light and well chosen finishes and appliances inside.. MLS #95300 $580,000

PROTECT YOUR HOME

letter from the editor Big skies and open spaces Hasn’t this summer been the best?

Not too hot during the day, nice cool nights for sleeping … and finally, the monsoons!! It makes us all grateful to be living out here in the country, where we can see the thunderstorms roll in and watch the sun break between the clouds.

AND DISCOVER WHY SO MANY NEW MEXICANS TRUST THEIR HOMES TO WANDA LUCERO

Big skies and land that rolls over the horizon are what living out in the great open spaces of the West is all about. So it’s perfect that we bring you the Ranch & Land issue of Enchanted Homes to explore the world of ranch and open land real estate in Northern New Mexico.

Photo by Tina Larkin

To kick off on Page 26, we sent writer Yvonne Pesquera out past the Gorge Bridge to call on ranchers Wendy Young and Mike Jones.

Wendy and Mike take us around their customdesigned ranch house, with walled gardens, 150 trees, major art collection and, as Pesquera put it, a great room with a “feeling of a welcoming ceremony.”

Then on Page 38, Taos home designer Vishu Magee takes us through the design process for the Young-Jones home. Vishu says his design leaned heavily on local ranching history to create a functional yet attractive home – complete with permaculture surroundings.

Wanda Lucero, Agent 211 Kit Carson Road 575-737-5433 wandalucero.com

On Page 34, Angel Fire broker Stan Harrell, a 30-year vet of the ranch and land biz with Monte Verde Realty, familiarizes us with the history of ranching in the Taos, Colfax and Mora counties and recounts how things have changed over the years. Here’s a teaser: Colfax County is home to some of the largest landowners in the United States.

We stick around in Angel Fire to feature Lisa Sutton, of Coldwell Banker Headin’ Home Realty, as our Realtor Profile on Page 20.

Our Nine Questions on Page 24 sticks to the theme of living off the land with an interview of Peter Vigil, manager of the Taos Soil & Water Conservation District.

2010-2014

And, of course, we hear from our regular columnists Harvey Blaustein, who talks about the intricacies of buying and selling land, and Ted Dimond, who tries to uncomplicate the world of adjustable rate versus fixed-rate mortgages.

So if you can’t hop on your horse and head out onto the prairie, put your boots up on the railing, take in our wondrous views and enjoy this issue of Enchanted Homes.

Julie Osmanski, Editor Enchanted Homes Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

3 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Richard Hanlen Dee Kendall Martin Martinez Sr. 575-779-3164 505-803-5576 575-770-0957

3.137 ac OF SAGEBRUSH HEAVEN! Lovely, level to gently rolling parcel with stunning mountain vistas just off Highway 68, only 6 miles south of Taos Plaza. Recent survey, well-share possible with neighboring parcel. Come walk it today! $54,500 MLS# 95636

GLORIOUS SUNSETS from this beautiful, heavilytreed ridge top 10 acre parcel. Spectacular views of Taos Mountain & Wheeler Peak. Electric & phone at the road. Property can be subdivided into two 5-acre homesites. $250,000. MLS# 92527

Let

MAGNIFICENT CUSTOM 2.13 ac HOMESITE in area of desirable, upscale homes. Build at the top for panoramic sunset & Taos Mountain views, build on the lower section to enjoy the lush Ranchitos valley landscape. This private acreage has something for everyone! $52,500. MLS# 95637

put YOUR property here!

Call us today

PRICE SLASHED TO $95,000! Horse property north of Questa, with 2000sf Main house, separate 1300sf Guest Cabin, carport and utility buildings on 1.67 acres of Pinon & Juniper with stunning mountain views. Live in one, rent the other! MLS #91641.

RARE PREMIUM IN-TOWN LOT Level, treed 0.59 acre lot with all town utilities. Great location near restaurants, shopping & services. Come build your dreams! $79,000. MLS# 94596

575-758-5600 MariposaRealty.com

AMAZING POTENTIAL! Commercial property in the Village of Questa with Highway 522 frontage.

5 Buildings, currently mixed use. Great place to set up your business or rent them out for investment income! $435,000. MLS# 95123

BREATHTAKING PANORAMIC VIEWS from this 276 acre parcel with Highway frontage in Sunshine Valley. Ideal for solar farm, small-herd grazing, or gentleman rancher. Well on property. Elk Permit transfers with purchase. $497,250. MLS# 94489

GREAT LAND, GREAT AREA, GREAT PRICE! 0.9 acre lot in quiet, established neighborhood close to town. Level, grassland & trees with Taos mountain views. Seller financing available, will consider a trade. Ready to build! $79,900.

MLS# 86314

Visit our website at:

Visit our website at www.MariposaRealty.com for more complete information.

575-758-5600

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

MariposaRealty.com

AN INDEPENDENT, LOCALLY OWNED BROKERAGE Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII • 4 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

Contact us at:

575-758-5400 of Taos

Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

723 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Taos, New Mexico 87571

NEW LISTING

SUPERB LOCATION IN TOWN with foothill and mountain views. Well maintained 3 bedrooms 1.5 baths with apprx 1560 sq feet. Large 1 acre lot with many fruit trees and pine trees. 3 car heated garage.

Community and well water. Close to schools,medical facilities, consumer services and recreation venues.

MLS 95557 Asking $282,000 FORECLOSURE

We feature all Taos County MLS listings on our website:

www.taosmls.com remax@newmex.com

CALL LINDA

575 770-2786

FORECLOSURE

NEW LISTING

TRADITIONAL PUEBLO STYLE HOME with high ceilings, kiva fire place, arched doorways, portal, and expansive mountain views on 10 acres. Approved for horses. 2500 sq ft ,2 bedrooms 2 baths with 400 sq ft studio. MLS 95368 Asking $274,700

GREAT LOCATION IN WEIMER with foothill and mountain views. 2000 sq ft adobe home on 1 acre. Lovely courtyard and gardens. 3 bedroom home with 2 kiva fireplaces, heated 400 sq ft studio, and 2 car garage Asking $499,000

COMPLETE REMODEL

AFFORDABLE HOME on large lot with plenty of expansion possibilities. 3.13 acres and mountain views in all directions. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1288 sq ft. Acreage and sq ft per assessors records.

MLS 94701 Asking $117,900

GREAT LOCATION

IN TOWN close to schools, medical facilities, employment, consumer services, and recreation. Large home with mountain views, fenced yard. 4bedrooms 2 baths, apprs 2184 sq feet, newly remodeled with large addition in 2012-2013. Tile floors, upgraded kitchen.

Garage was converted to a heatedroom could be used as office, studio, or converted back to garage. Well maintained and in move in condition. Large covered porch in back yard. MLS 95070 Asking $199,000

REDUCED TO SELL

40 ACRES of magnificent mountain and foothill views.

Stunning 3 BR 2 BA adobe home with 2233 sf with high ceilings, brick floors, 3kiva FP. commercial Wolf range.

GUEST HOUSE is 781 sf with 1 BR 1 BA , STUDIO has 400 sf, 1500 sf Garage with 17 ft ceilings, electricity, and roll up door. MLS 94456 Asking $469,000

BEST VIEW IN TAOS COUNTY. Watch the seasons from the new spacious redwood deck surrounded by lush green landscaping.

Insulated garage, concrete driveway, fencing, nat'l gas pipeline/ new furnace. AC, new HW heater. Kitchen has new range, granite counters and cabinets. New utility room cabinets & entertainment center. New window glass, light fixtures, New paint inside and out.

On paved plowed rd. MLS 94187 Reduced $210,000 NEW LISTING

2 PARCELS OF LAND IN VALDEZ with million dollar views. One is 6 acres and other is 4 acres.

Electric and phone close by. Asking $169,900

GREAT VALUE

BEAUTIFUL southwestern home with custom cabinets and doors, tile flooring, arched doorways, large kiva fire place in living room, latilla fencing, flagstone patios and stunning mountain views. House is immaculate and well maintained 3 bedrooms 2 baths with heated garage that was converted to a family room/music room. Would also make a fantastic artists studio, Must see to appreciate. MLS 94779 Asking $259,000

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

BURCH ST CONDO

CHARMING CONDO in town in garden setting with large trees and pond. 1 bedroom, 1 bath.

Walking distance to restaurants, shops, museum and park. MLS 95219 ASKING $205,000

13.89 ACRES IN VALDEZ

BEAUTIFUL FORESTED LAND of approximately 13.89 acres in Valdez. 15 minutes to the Taos Ski Valley and 20 minutes to town. There are 2 cabins on the property. One is a 3 bedroom 1.5 bath with apprx 2600 sq ft, and the other is apprx 900 sq ft with l bedroom and l bath. Property has an acequia and a spring. Cl.ose to skiing, hiking, fishing, Both cabins have had long term tenants. MLS 95380 Asking $799,000 CUTE & COZY

CABIN WITH FANTASTIC VIEWS of Jicarita Mtn and the valley. Lots of windows so the cabin is light and bright. 2 bedroom 1 bath A frame with apprx 900 sq ft and large deck for bbqing, viewing the changing colors of the aspens or snow capp'e d Jicarita Mtn, or watching the elk heard in the meadow. Cabin has been well maintained and is in move in condition. Close to ski ing, fishing, hiking.

MLS 92700 Asking $135,000

5 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

TRADESMEN Builders

“Making Your Dream Home A Reality”

*Remodeling *Renovation *Additions *New Construction *Porches/Portals *Tile *Trim/Cabinets See our Website for a list of Complete Services

www.tradesmenbuild.com

758-2458

SOCIALIZE

Tempo WITH

KEEP UP WITH Taos Music, Art & More!

Like us on Facebook!

Jaysen Clark, Owner/Operator License #380382, Bonded, & Insured

search Tempo

NAVIGATING COMPLEX ECONOMIC TIMES

Vanessa Dimond

Ted Dimond

The best source for home financing in New Mexico.

DIMOND

Donna Nelson

MORTGAGE A CUT ABOVE THE REST dimondmortgage.com • 575.758.5566 524 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite H, Taos, New Mexico Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

NMLS# 190187

Larissa Schaetz

6 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

LET US SHOW YOU THE BEAUTY OF ING IST L E SIV U CL EX

FIRST TIME ON THE MARKET! Luxury two story 3 bed/3bath home on 10 acres surrounded by National Forest. Designed by a legendary Taos architect with exquisite finishes/fixtures/features throughout. This exceptionally private home also features an office/ guest bedroom, large pantry & 2 1/2 heated garage plus colorful landscape filled with shade trees & perennials. Stunning views from every room plus numerous outdoor living spaces.

Qualified buyers only. Call Pavel for a private showing. $2,390,000

TAOS

ION CT U ED ER C I PR

CASA DE LUZ Radiant space of light and movement from every perspective in this custom designed 3 bed/2.5 bath home plus guesthouse, by renowned architect Bill Hoffman with inspiring mountain views from every room.

Orchard, gardens & over 100 trees on secluded 3.87 verdant acres, only minutes to Taos Plaza. MLS #93330 $2,395,000 http://taosnewmexico.com/casa-de-luz/

MODERN ART This gem of contemporary architecture embodies both artistic vision and contemporary design. This “Modern Adobe” sits on 3 park-like acres in the heart of Taos, adjacent to Pueblo lands.

MLS #93101 $1,497,000 http://taosnewmexico.com/ modern-art

DOUBLE D RANCH The only Taos area ranch on the market. 2300 spectacular acres with owner’s custom home, 2 guesthomes, vintage log cabin, horse facilities & more. MLS #91124 http://taosnewmexico.com/ double-d-ranch/

EL RITO HOMESTEAD Lovely & Comfortable 3,800 sq.ft. 3 bed/3 bath adobe home with splendid touches by ceramic artist in residence. Secluded 5 acres with solid 2,400 sq.ft. workshop. Solar powerback-up and cistern augment the property’s on-grid electric & well.

MLS #93821 $439,000

ED UC D E ER C I PR

THE ADOBE WALL MOTEL A Taos historic landmark on 2 acres in the heart of town with frontage on Kit Carson and Las Cruces! Explore the possibilities. MLS #90910 $1,099,000!! Call Pavel at 575/770-1116 now and avoid the rush!

ING IST L W NE

SPLENDID 4 LUSH ACRES of irrigated meadow in Arroyo Seco with views of the mountains and the valley.

Several building sites can be created by a lot split. This is one of a kind, generational property, so don’t wait!

MLS # 95124 $389,000.00

HACIENDA DEL VIENTO CANTANDO Meticulously remodeled century old adobe on 2 acres. Appointments in this 4 bed/4 bath home represent authentic New Mexican style, with local craftsman talent in every detail along with awe-inspiring balcony panoramas. $749,900 MLS #91602 http://taosnewmexico.com/viento-cantando/

OUTSTANDING VALUE You can’t beat this price…only $83.00 per square foot with a bonus of a two car garage !!! This house only needs your personal touches to turn it into a truly family home. Pastoral setting with a large barn, carport structure is ready to be utilized as a studio or a shop. This home has been completely remodeled recently !!! MLS #94938 $269,000

DREAMCATCHER REAL ESTATE COMPANY www.taosnewmexico.com

575.758.3606 pavel@taosnewmexico.com

Celebr ating 20 years in Taos Real Estate Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

7 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

John

Lisa

Town Treasure

Sun Kissed in Weimer

HISTORIC DISTRICT

ced

ce

Pri

ng

du Re

w

Ne

This lovely & well-maintained 2 Bed/2.5 Bath adobe style home is located near the Taos Youth & Family Center. The house features 2 large Master Suites, an upscale kitchen including stainless appliances, radiant heat, tile floors, beautiful bathrooms, and 10’ ceiling with vigas and a kiva fireplace. The open floor plan connects the spacious kitchen & dining area PLUS the new living room addition adds considerable living space making this 1,624 sq. ft. home both inviting & comfortable. The outdoor patios provide additional family living space and entertaining with incredible views of Taos Mountain. The grassy backyard is fully fenced which is great for children & pets.

Was $419,000 Now $399,940 MLS# 94841 $239,000

ti Lis

Recent work inside and out makes this home really shine! Sun drenched rooms, huge passive solar windows, refinished floors and a new kitchen light up the main house. The one bedroom GH, and studio create a rental income or space to create. More inspiration awaits outside with a large fenced yard and many delicious fruit trees. If you need more, just up the street is a trailhead to the Carson National forest. Come see why this neighborhood is highly desired!! 1 Acre, 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Bathrooms, 2,000 Sq Ft PLUS an 800 Sq Ft Guesthouse with 1 Bedroom and 1 Bathroom

This is surely one of the best maintained buildings in the downtown historic district. Originally built in 1920 and remodeled in 1997 with beautiful grounds and walkways. Great visibility on 2 of towns busiest streets, Ranchitos and Ledoux. Across from the worldrenowned Harwood Museum. Long-term tenants Salon Majorie and Black Mesa Winery willing to continue. Adjoining lot has 20 parking spaces and can be purchased for $200,000 or leased long term from Seller. Lots of options for investor/User.

MLS# 94228

MLS# 94724

Modern Day Hacienda

Live in Luxury

$779,000

Commercial Success

ng

w

Ne Sophisticated, elegant & tastefully appointed this gorgeous 3 Bdrms/2.5 Bath home has a guesthouse, detached 2 car garage (with wine cellar/workshop), along with beautiful patios & decks on 3.78 ac. Sitting just outside the village of Arroyo Seco is this secluded oasis of mature trees, sweeping lawns, lush gardens and a koi pond! The main house has fabulous areas for entertainment & dining with views directly of the Sangre de Cristos. The chef’s kitchen is perfect for large family gatherings & parties. A detached cozy one bedroom guesthouse across the lawn is the perfect in-law or rental. An additional 1.011 ac is available for sale insuring your privacy and protecting your views. Really a must see!

MLS# 92520 $1,200,000

205 Ranchitos Road

This is a classic hacienda style adobe with outdoor patios and gardens on 2 irrigated acres in Des Montes. With over 2,100 square feet, this hand constructed adobe offers many options. The main house features 3 Bdrms/2 Baths with an upgraded country kitchen, large dining area, expansive living space with views that open to outdoor patios and wide open views. If you need additional room for guests the lovely 700sf casita with kitchen, private outdoor patio & hot tub sleeps 6. The outdoor landscaping is spectacular; featuring wrap around adobe walls, colorful gardens, patios, built in BBQ grill, hot tub, water feature & an outdoor fireplace. The view of El Salto and the surrounding peaks are fabulous and Arroyo Seco is an easy bike ride!

MLS# 93919 $549,000

ti Lis

Calling all business owners! Have you been looking for affordable buildings, great access & traffic, and a huge yard for storage too. Well check this out. We are offering two commercial buildings located just west of Walmart on Camino de Medio. The first building is a large garage with 20 ft ceilings and two roll up doors. The second structure is a metal building with a fenced yard. Both are perfect for Contractors, Mechanics, Distribution centers, or working spaces for a new project. All are located on the half acre lot in middle of the commercial/industrial area between the highway and Salazar Rd. Call for additional details or to have a look.

MLS #95414

Find out “What’s Cooking” at www.TaosProperties.com

NOW $179,000

575-758-9500

Relaxed Elegance

Dos Arroyos Charmer

Work of Art

ng

w

Ne This elegant 4,300 sf home sits on three acres at the exclusive Taos Country Club. Designed & built to perfection, this southwestern pueblo style 3 Bedroom/2 Bath home features: a generous living room, large family & dining room, spacious bedrooms, separate laundry/ storage room, a beautiful cooks kitchen & attached 2 car garage. In addition there is a cozy 950 sq. ft. 2 Bedroom/1 Bath guest house. The tile/wood floors, vigas beams, high ceilings, kiva fireplaces, custom cabinetry, upscale appliances all add to the warmth & beauty of this adobe home. Thoughtfully landscaped courtyards & patios give you the opportunity to enjoy the 360 views and make this the perfect home to relax, entertain and enjoy the peacefulness of Taos.

MLS# 93531

Charming 2 Bedroom/2 Bath house, with an attached garage, located at the end of Benny Lane in the convenient Dos Arroyos subdivision. High end features and SW styles include: tile floors, vigas ceilings, fireplace, granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances, alarm system and outside there is a flagstone patio with a 2nd fireplace. With 1,312 Sq ft of spacious rooms and an open concept connecting living/dining/kitchen, this home is a lovely entertaining spot or a sanctuary all to yourself. Dos Arroyos is the perfect location to the hospital, hiking rails and town conveniences.

$735,000 MLS# 95378

Sweet Spot in Seco

$319,000

Snow Bear at TSV

is wL

Ne

You won’t believe your eyes...this spacious & lovely 4 bedroom/4 bath In town home is beyond fabulous. Owner has transformed every room into a living work of art. Both kitchens have been renovated along w/ all 4 bathrooms. New closets & wooden doors throughout the house. Incredible outside spaces have been improved so you can enjoy the beautiful vegetable gardens, mature trees, grass and fruit trees surrounding the property AND views. Looking for a rental income or mother-in-law space...this is the spot.

MLS# #95602

$315,000

Historic El Mirador

Competitive Service

While many properties in the Taos Ski Valley claim ski in/ ski out, this is the real deal… and that is only the beginning.

These luxury units are furnished for comfort, warmth and style by a very hands on management team that takes care of all the details. Located slope side just below the day care center at TSV. Check out our fees and the rental history of these units and compare. You will not be disappointed. All units are turnkey with great amenities, sweet views and income when you are not visiting yourself. Call us to arrange a tour and come meet the team.

MLS# 92014 Breckenridge Unit MLS# 89905 Aspen 1 Unit

sss

John and Lisa

$299,900 $168,000

sss

ced

edu

eR

c Pri This high traffic commercial building is located in the heart of Arroyo Seco. Imagine the possibilities in this two story building... retail, artist’s studio, gallery or the business you create. There is plenty of room in this building for display items, working environment, or possibly a living/work situation. It’s bigger than it looks with 1,200 sq. ft. and has a wonderful backyard space backing up to the Rio Pueblo. The running water, mature trees & spectacular views create a wonderful serene environment in one of the sweetest areas of Taos. Be a part of the Seco neighborhood of specialty shops, galleries & wonderful restaurants. Nine miles from Taos & on the road to the Taos Ski Valley! Parking available on site. Worth a look. Call for further details.

MLS# 94345 $349,000

g

tin

ti Lis

This is a lovely sprawling hacienda set on 3 acres high in the beautiful Canon Foothills. The estate encompasses the main house w/ 3 bd/2 bths, a 2 bdrm guesthouse, a writer’s cottage, along with a covered outdoor kitchen & dining area…the perfect entertaining spot. In addition there’s a wine/cheese cellar, large Cedar closet, and plenty of storage throughout the property. Relax in the covered hammock and enjoy the outdoor waterfall with fishpond, organic vegetable gardens, animal pens, a green house, and numerous terraces & hot tub. Owner has taken a huge step forward to sell this property NOW! MLS #94053

Was $739,999 NOW $539,000

Compassionate Agents

welcome | enchanted homes Owner Robin Martin

INSIDE

Publisher Chris Baker Editor Joan Livingston Managing Editor/ Creative Director Julie Osmanski Advertising Manager Chris Wood Sales Manager Alan Wilkins Graphic Design Sally Brooks Jennifer Taphorn Photography Tina Larkin Vishu Magee Contributing Writers Harvey Blaustein Andy Dennison Ted Dimond Teresa Dovalpage Vishu Magee Yvonne Pesquera

26

in this issue 3

Enchanted Homes August/September 2014, Vol. XCVIII

From the Editor

18 Here & There: Real Estate in Taos vs. Mendocino, CA

56 Inside Out: Creative elements and furnishings for your home 60 Enchanted Circle Area Map

20 Realtor Profile: Lisa Sutton

62 Taos County Community Profile

24 9 Questions: Peter Vigil, Taos Soil and Water Conservation District District Manager

64 Red River Community Profile

26 Oasis in the desert: Comfortable ranch living on the high desert mesa 34 Stan Harrell: On owning a piece of the American West 38 Building Green: Mountain, mesa and valley

65 Taos Ski Valley Community Profile 66 Angel Fire Community Profile 67 Questa Community Profile 68 Market Share: Land: ‘Deals are out there’ 70 Final foto

42 Real Estate Finance: ARMs and fixed-rate loans: Which is better for the buyer?

Cover Art: "Poppy Adobe"

by Karen McCurtain-Blair Karen McCurtain-Blair, Watercolors of Northern New Mexico, can be reached at Taos Artisans Gallery 107 Bent St, Taos, NM 87571 (575) 758-1558 www.karenmccurtainblair.com Karen McCurtain-Blair on facebook

ENCHANTED HOMES IS A PUBLICATION OF

THE TAOS NEWS

Official Relocation Guide for the Taos County Chamber of Commerce, Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce and Red River Chamber of Commerce

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

226 Albright St., Taos, NM 87571 575.758.2241 • www.taosnews.com

10 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Looking to Change Your Lifestyle?

Taos Sunrise Builders QUALITY CONSTRUCTION FOR OVER 30 YEARS

THIS PROPERTY IS AVAILABLE FOR VACATION RENTAL @ WWW.FLIPKEY.COM/500431

• Kitchen & Bath Remodels • Landscaping & Flagstone • Window & Doors • Tile & Painting • Design • Additions • Reconstruction of Homes • New Home Construction Free Consultation Available 575-770-9981

Taos Sunrise Builders WWW.TAOSSUNRISEBUILDERS.COM TAOSSUNRISEBUILDERS@GMAIL.COM LICENSED & BONDED LIC #359563

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

11 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

TAOS SKI VALLEY REALTY

Your Taos Ski Valley Specialist! : www.TSVRealty.com Keith Dowell, Qualifying Broker : Phone: (575) 776.0600 : #5 Ernie Blake Road, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525

Land in Taos Ski Valley!

EDELWEISS LODGE AND SPA

TAOS SKI VALLEY’S PREMIER SKI-IN / SKI-OUT CONDOMINIUMS. Luxurious one, two, or three bedroom units available. Turn-key condominiums with great rental history and on-site management.

Property amenities include spa, exercise room, hot tub, dry sauna, boot lockers with dryers, owner storage, underground parking, game room, and cafe, bar, and restaurant. Solid HOA with healthy capital reserve.

Located at the base of the lifts.

MLS# 92692 ......Unit 201 ............. $329,000 .... 1BR / 1BA MLS# 94623 ......Unit 206 ............. $559,000 .... 2BR / 2BA MLS# 93774 ......Unit 212 ............. $541,000 .... 2BR / 2BA MLS# 95141 ......Unit 303 ............. $859,000 .... 3BR / 3BA MLS# 92811 ......Unit 407 ............. $725,000 .... 3BR / 3BA MLS# 92812 ......Unit 409 ............. $550,000 .... 2BR / 2BA

SNAKEDANCE CONDOMINIUMS

Elegant ski-in/ski-out condominiums, steps from the slopes. Granite counter tops, stone tile floors, travertine tiles in bath, gas log fireplaces.

First class amenities include ski-valet, hot tub/sauna, locker/exercise and massage room, restaurant, bar, and package/convenience/deli store. On site management company with proven record and aggressive promotion make these condos convenient and a great investment.

MLS# 89887 ........Unit 309 ....... $399,000 ......... 2BR / 2BA MLS# 89854 ........Unit 402 ....... $519,000 ......... 3BR / 3BA MLS# 92781 ........Unit 406 ....... $519,000 ......... 3BR / 3BA MLS# 89856 ........Unit 409 ....... $419,000 ......... 2BR / 2BA

COMMERCIAL LOTS BY CHAIR 4

Affordable, awesome commercial lot with flat building site by chairlift #4. Great views of Kachina Peak and the Wheeler Mountain.

Short walk to the slopes. This land will become more valuable with the building of the new Kachina Peak Lift this summer!!

MLS# 94810 ...1.056 acres ..$625,000 UNDER CONTRACT MLS# 94811 ... .761 acres ....$465,000 UNDER CONTRACT

POWDERHORN CONDOMINIUMS

SNOWBEAR CONDOMINIUM

Upscale SKI IN - SKI OUT Condominium in TAOS SKI VALLEY. Featuring a Modern but Rustic Decor stimulated with OUTSTANDING VIEWS. This unit features a living/bedroom combination and an additional separate bedroom. LOW HOA DUES that Includes a hot tub, parking and shuttle.

Established Rental Program already in place . Check out prices of other ski in-ski out condo’s. Enjoy Cool Mountain Summers!

MLS# 93547 ........Chamonix #3........ $179,900 ....2BR/2BA

TAOS SKI VALLEY MOUNTAIN HOME

Modern and well built. Designed by architect Rich Wilson. Open great room with high vaulted, aspen tongue and groove ceiling. Efficient radiant heat, and antique round oak wood stove. Jacuzzi tub in guest bathroom.

Stream runs through lot. Open space next door. Two covered decks and patio enhance outstanding scenery. Exceptional roof snowmelt system.

MLS# 92486 ..................$549,000......................... 2BR / 2BA Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

Upscale condominium’s in the heart of Taos Ski Valley. Perfectly positioned to benefit future development in the core of TSV. Awesome HOA package with affordable dues. Includes hot tub room, high-speed internet, owner’s locker, laundry facilities, snow removal and ALL UTILITIES!! Proven, on-site management and good rental history. Available units have good variety and price range. All units feature scenic balconies with slopeside views.

MLS# 94640.........Unit 102 ........$209,000 ...............1BR/1BA MLS# 92472.........Unit 204 ........$181,000 .............. 1BR / 1BA MLS# 94641.........Unit 301 ........$229,000 .....................SOLD

LOTS IN AMIZETTE

5 BEDROOM VALDEZ HOME

One-of-a-kind, unbelievable residence is located in the foot hills of the Rockies. This exceptional home sits on a 20-acre lot. Another 20-acre parcel is available making the price $3,650,000. You will be impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of the home. The scenery and views are STUNNING. The outdoor furnishings includes the pool, sauna and hot tub. This home is a true gem in a great location.

MLS# 94667........................ $2,975,000

Commercial and residential lots available in all prices and sizes. Located on the highway or tucked away from the road. A variety of opportunities available!

MLS# 79481 $195,000 .88 acre MLS# 83330 $125,000 .56 acre MLS# 83331 $309,000 1.44 acre MLS# 87732 $780,000 2 acres MLS# 92135 $79,000 .4 acre MLS# 92137 $169,000 .98 acre MLS# 92139 $169,000 1.01 acres MLS# 92140 $219,000 1.41 acres

12 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

TAOS SKI VALLEY REALTY

Your Taos Ski Valley Specialist! : www.TSVRealty.com Keith Dowell, Qualifying Broker : Phone: (575) 776.0600 : #5 Ernie Blake Road, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525

LAKE FORK CONDO

Upscale SKI IN / SKI OUT condo! On the Rio Hondo. Great views of the river and slopes. Lots ofsun light. Great ploor plan.

Affordable dues. NEW roof, Jacuzzi bathtub, wood stove, storage closet, steam shower, COVERED PARKING! Good Rental history.

MLS# 94152 .........Unit #9 ..............$349,000

SIERRA DEL SOL CONDOMINIUMS

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!! Nice and roomy three-bedroom condominium at Sierra del Sol. HIGH ceilings. Scenic balcony with OUTSTANDING MOUNTAIN VIEWS of the slopes and the Rio Hondo River. World-class location just steps from the ski lift. Good rental history and management.

MLS# 92682 ... $249,000 .... 2BR / 2BA .UNDER CONTRACT MLS# 95400 ... $249,000 .... 2BR / 2BA MLS# 95505 ... $124,900 .... Studio

LAKE FORK CONDO

SKI IN / SKI OUT! Top floor unit with HIGH vaulted ceilings! Great views of RIVER and SLOPES. Lots of sun light. Deck is right above River!! UPSCALE turn-key unit. Affordable dues, NEW Roof, Jacuzzi bathtub, wood stove, steam shower, large storage closet.

COVERED PARKING! Owner/Broker MLS# 94072 .........Unit #5 ..............$439,000

TAOS EAST CONDOMINIUMS

Deluxe Mountain Condominium in the Heart of the Rockies directly on the Rio Hondo River. Great 1BR unit exuding a rustic, casual elegance feel. Well appointed with new appliances and decor. Enjoy the ambiance of the river and the Alpine Scenery.

Established rental program in place. Only 4BR condo in TSV! MLS# 92911 ....$199,000 $149,000 ............4BR / 2BA MLS# 93759 ........ $85,000 $69,000 ............1BR / 1BA MLS# 94482 ..................... $129,000 ............2BR / 2BA MLS# 94750 ..................... $199,000 ............4BR / 2BA

WHEELER PEAK CONDO WITH DRAMATIC VIEW!

Modern condo that comes turn-key. Motivated seller that is paying 6 months of HOA dues!! 5 minute walk to chair #4! Unit comes with fireplace, balcony, washer & dryer, and much more. This unit also features a LARGE GARAGE! Great unit that is priced to sell.

Unit 104 ......$179,000 $169,000 .....UNDER CONTRACT ... 2BR / 2BA Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

BEAUTIFUL CONTEMPORARY HOME

Quality custom home designed by the late architect Gary Embler. A great location just a mile from world-class Taos Ski Valley. The two decks and oversized windows enhance the STUNNING ROCKY MOUNTAIN VIEWS. This house exudes quality craftmanship.

MLS# 93596 .......$699,000 Reduced to $649,000

TAOS SKI VALLEY CHALET

Well built home in Taos Ski Valley. Located just a mile from the ski area, this home gives you great access to all the mountain brings. Skiing, hiking, bike riding and much more are just out the door. A contemporary, rustic design that gives this home the mountain feel.

MLS# 93558.... $459,000 Reduced to $439,000 ..........3BR / 2BA

UPSCALE HOME CLOSE TO THE LIFT

Upscale, two story home with easy access to the ski slopes. Recently remodeled, this home comes almost completely furnished. Large windows and deck take advantage of excellent views and plenty of sunlight. Great room enhances the house while the four bedrooms will accommodate up to 10 people–perfect for rentals.

MLS# 94681 ............... $649,000 ................4BR / 2.5BA

13 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

PageREALSullivan ESTATEGROUP GROUP Page PageSullivan Sullivan

TaosHomePage.com

Two-story Home in Pot Creek Peaceful, Easy Feeling 3BR/3BA/2496sfhome homeonwith 2CGsweeping on one 3BR/2BA/2300sf 1.51attached acres offers tranquil, park-like acre.

Excellent solar views & privacy, more than 620sf ofpassive wraparound gain, beautiful landscaping, woodwork, redwood deck, master suite withcustom loft sitting area, & idealbasement/studio. for entertaining. Borders USFS land.

500sf MLS94962 90864 MLS

page@TaosHomePage.com

575-758-7890

$568,000 $349,000

Wonderful Light-filled Home Solar Retreat in Lama 3BR/2BA/2498sf home with contemporary style, 1BR/1BA/1200sf post-and-beam/strawbale home 925sf of deck & patio, & aCommunity 797sf workshop, on on 4.38 wooded acres. waterallplus two acres.

Landscaping includes irrigation, cistern, propane appliances, passivedrip & active solar, lush grassy lawn, 100+ trees. greenhouse, sweet deck, glorious views.

MLS 92988 $448,000 MLS 95116 $245,000

Endless Views Hondo Mesa Pumice Home inon Llano Quemado 2BR/2BA/1138sf home on 0.63 acres lotshas of 3BR/2BA/1631sf territorial-style home on 2hasacres lovelylandscaping, details, including large a living/dining area & pretty a greenhouse, studio, & panoramic nice Corrugated kitchen. Sound-insulated, setting, views. metal accent walls,private built-in surround drip irrigation, water rights. sound, cute & comfy!

MLS94969 92928 MLS

$225,000 $329,000

Land and Acreage Sanctuary Town WhereMinutes There’sfrom a Well ...

Refurbished UpscaleHistoric In-townDistrict CondoHome 3BR/2BA/1587sf home two-story with oversized 1CG like on This 2BR/2.5BA/1850sf condo feels a single-family home.

High-end finishes, granite 0.11 acres retains vintage appeal.

Furnishings, counters, stained floors, floor kitchenware, etc.,concrete available for open separate plan. Walk to shopping,for dining, transaction.

Facilitated futurePlaza! solar conversion.

Arroyo Contemporary Seco Dream Home Spacious Home 2BA/2BA/1968sf home with guesthouse 2CG on 1.45 3BR/2.5BA/2695sf with heatedand attached 2CGacres on 0.78water acres.

Perfect blendinterior, of contemporary & with rights.

Sophisticated charming ruralstyle exterior traditional Southwest features. combine to create a one-of-a-kind modernSpectacular territorial-styleviews home. from indoors & out, covered portal.

Skylight, french doors, gourmet kitchen, luxurious master bath.

MLS 94286 82293 MLS

MLS 94736 91401 MLS

$368,000 $279,000

$548,000 $595,000

Beautiful Vista Linda Home Valle Escondido Lakeview 2BR/2BA/1930sf home on 1.21 acres 3BR/2BA/1700sf Pueblo-style getaway with detached 1CG on 0.34 acres in our own beautifulliving. hiddenViga/T&G valley is offers soul-of-the-Southwest move-in elegant ready! High custom cabinets, ceilings, kiva ceilings, fireplaces, stainless steel large deck.

Exceptional lotrounded & setting. kitchen appliances, & soft, lines.

Cañon Heights Split-level Three for One! 4BR/2.5BA/3116sf home offered with3BR/2BA/1654sf furnishings! Architecturally Three independent homes: main house, floor 2BR/2BA/880sf two-story impressive plan, sunken living room, manyguesthouse, points of access & to 2BR/1BA/1208sf studio 0.78 acres.landscaping, Each home is porches, decks, & portals.

2.08on acres, beautiful patio appropriate forseating rental.

Landscaping, with built-in stone & fire pit. Steeped inprivacy, Southwestviews! style!

MLS 95015 92306 MLS

MLS 93805 92315 MLS

$242,000 $378,000

$599,000 $628,000

for athe .Looking . . there’s way!perfect 12.09land parcel on which to build acre in Lama with the perfect home? solar-powered well, Look two no further!

2.2 holding tanks, & great water beautiful, forested production.

Well tapsacres into lessaquifer than that 10 is minutes an not partto of TaosLama Plaza.

Spectacular the Community Water buildingMany sites.

System. trails for hiking & riding. Borders USFS. MLS 89983 $280,000 MLS 95540 $468,000

Taos Ski Valley Land Looking for a Homesite?

Lot 18 in the Kachina

Spectacular parcel Subdivision1.16-acre is 0.78 acres of desirablemountain Des Montes ofland in pure splendor.

Gently spots rolling& with level building land, multiple building 360-degree mountain views. spots. Adjoins 19 Reasonably priced, Lot upscale (MLS 93057).

Buy one or area, surrounded by fragrant both & construct the sage, with open skies, starry retreat of your dreams. nights, & pristine sunrises & sunsets.

Horse property.

MLS 89709 $188,000 MLS 94907 $135,000

Kachina Subdivision El Salto Acreage Lot 19 in Taos Ski Valley's

Kachina 0.8 2.353 acresSubdivision, in gorgeous El Salto. acres stream, with favorable Seasonal with trees, CC&Rs and the bluest meadow land, and multiple skies in Mexico. building sitesNew that are ideal.

Adjoins Lot 18 (MLS There’s never been a better 89709).

Put them spot for a mountain retreat together & build your of yourmini-resort. very own. Gated, with own telephone and electric at the MLSPrivate, 93057 $175,000 lot. with views.

MLS 95480 $178,000 Well, Well, Well!

Your Choice of Choice Land!parcel This 10-acre

of land on the West Rim

Year-round Living with Lake View Bent St. Garden District 3BR/2BA/1850sf two-story home on 0.45 acresonin 0.11 Valle Escondido.

This lovely, pristine 1575sf adobe acres is Soaring cathedral windows, multi-levelofdeck, guesthouse above on the National Register Historic Places.

Currently gallery, withloft past lives as astudio, home, a the detached a1CG. Pretty open makes a lovely home restaurant, retail office, or study. Aoffice gem of space, a private & spot in thisstore. popular community.

ContemporaryAppeal Pueblo-style Adobe Architectural & Big Views 3BR/2.5BA/2101sf, attached 2CG, set on 0.862CG lushonacres in 3BR/2BA/2212sf home with attached 1.21 Arroyo Spectacular views of El Salto, corner kiva fireplaces, acresSeco. in Vista Linda.

Gourmet kitchen, open floor plan, luxurious wonderful master suitebaths, with patiopristine access, spacondition. tub, & walk-inCheck closet. out &the golf course portal!

Short sweet drive to the from steep &your deep back or the Town of Taos.

MLS MLS 95470 90815

MLS MLS93718 92460

$375,000 $875,000

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

$398,000 $449,900

Looking buy in theamazing stunning Road tooffers San Cristobal MLS 95000 views, withValley? a functioning offers 4.5 aacres $135,000. well on wellfor share and electricity Need more room?at Just the add lot—rare assets west of acreage! MLS 95001 offers this the Gorge! land plus an additional 1.43 acres for a total of 5.93 acres MLS 89997Beautiful $80,000 at $195,000. location, easy & scenic drive to Taos.

MLS 95000 $135,000

575-758-7890

14 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Page Sullivan

San Cristobal Home Delightful 3BR/2BA/2093sf home on 2.5 acres with wooded areas, veggie garden, & fruit trees. Unique great room, dining area, & kitchen. Smart floor plan offers privacy to you & your guests. San Cristobal Valley, surrounded on three sides by USFS, is a great place to live!

Magical Location Is Unsurpassed 3BR/2.5BA/2370sf home, detached 350sf shop/garage, & 1BR/1BA/850sf guesthouse, all on 1.5 acres in El Salto. Open floor plan, large party deck, breathtaking views, spacious master suite with private deck. Large attic. Rastra construction, active & passive solar.

MLS 95558

MLS 93560

$338,800

Historic District Home 3BR/2BA/2050sf adobe/frame home on 0.2 acres. A smart remodel combines contemporary convenience with quality mid-century construction. Kitchen features granite counters, ample workspace, stylish fixtures & finishes.

Den, sitting room, sunroom, great outdoor living spaces.

$648,800 MLS 94776

$468,000

For more hot deals & inside scoops, visit TaosHomePage.com

Des Montes Home Is a Masterpiece

Authentic Adobe in Downtown Taos

This 2BR/2.5BA/4230sf home constructed of adobe and pumice is a showplace. Set on two verdant acres, the home has two spacious master suites, a large home office/studio with a private entrance, a sunlit den, and a colorful gourmet kitchen (check out the six-burner Viking Pro stove and the butler’s pantry) on an open floor plan with the living & dining rooms. Whether you’re relaxing on the covered portals or gazing through the windows, you’ll enjoy some of the most glorious views Northern New Mexico has to offer. From brightly hued bathroom tiles to exposed adobe bricks, from the outdoor kiva fireplace to spectacular sunlit interiors, this home is elegant but comfortable--and fun!

MLS 95379

$995,000

Gorgeous Adobe in Upper Colonias Beautiful design with soft, curving lines, quality construction, & fantastic attention to detail are the hallmarks of this 3BR/3.5BA/3361sf home on one acre.

Fireplaces in the library and great room, which is on an open floor plan with the kitchen, breakfast nook, & dining room. Master wing includes office, master bath with spa tub & separate steam shower with pebble floor, & large walk-in closet that opens directly into laundry room, which has high-end front-load washer & dryer & agitator sink. Custom kitchen cabinetry matches wood-paneled upscale appliances. Oversized heated attached 2CG has a workshop & additional enclosed storage. Landscaping & covered portals enhance this peaceful, picture-perfect environment.

MLS 95611

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

$739,000

2BR/2BA/2300sf adobe built circa 1920, remodeled 2006, on 0.45 acres in the Taos Historic District. With an outer courtyard surrounding the property & four interior courtyards, all shaded by stately cottonwood trees, this home offers the best of both worlds: in-town convenience and privacy. Granite and stainless steel kitchen, beautiful great room with wood-burning fireplace, study, two master suites with private courtyards. Rich in Roaring Twenties character and Taos style.

MLS 95456

$650,000

Spacious Home or INNspiring B&B 8BR/8.5BA/5717sf adobe/frame home on 0.5 in-town acres in the Historic District. Rooms are large & elegant, with lovely details, including fireplaces & hardwood & cork floors. Wonderful addition with window-filled gallery-style hall that looks out on mature landscaping in a private garden. High-end kitchen on open floor plan with living room; just a few steps down is a large den. Separate studio with running water & electricity, huge basement, wheelchair-accessible showers. Live large or fulfill your dream of owning a B&B!

MLS 94303

$1,650,000

15 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

REAL ESTATE GROUP Page Sullivan

TAOS INSIDER

Want the inside scoop on everything Taos? Check out the Taos Insider at TaosHomePage.com. Picks change monthly!!

Page’s Picks for August!

Restaurants

Try the fabulous bison tamales at El Meze!

Yummy!

SHOPPING

HIKING Great hike up Italianos Canyon Trail off the Ski Valley Road. Very green with lots of wildflowers!

Michelle’s is always fun. She has great gifts as well as clothing.

Galleries Check out Frederick Aragón’s show at Acuarelas Studio Gallery. Amazing and intriguing paintings!

REAL ESTATE See an oh-so-fun and fabulous house in Arroyo Hondo (MLS 94969).

Visit our website for details: TaosHomePage.com.

Motivated Sellers + Fantastic Properties = Every Buyer’s Dream!

A Steal and a Deal on Blueberry Hill

Country Club Land

When you think of Taos, what comes to mind? The mountains, right? Not surprisingly, most people who are buying a home in Taos want big mountain views . . . and price-conscious buyers also want the most bang for their buck.

Have we got a home for you!

Check out this terrific house on three spacious acres in the Blueberry Hill neighborhood— site of wide-open mountain views and big blue skies. Our seller is motivated!

Rather build your own home? We have land, too, and it offers more of those views, views, views! This beautiful 1.01-acre lot offers amazing views of soaring mountains and vast sage plains—and the golf course!

With three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a studio-office that has its own entrance, this home measures 2650 square feet. It boasts fireplaces in the living room and master bedroom and has a luxurious master bath. The home has an oversized, attached one-car garage plus a carport. This property has fantastic outdoor living spaces, with a Zen-like garden and stellar views.

Both sewer and city water hookups are available (connection fees apply), or you may opt to install a septic system and drill a well.

This land is south of town in the Country Club area, and it’s a steal of a deal!

MLS 94950

MLS 94828

$448,000

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

16 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

$68,800

ANDREA FROST 575-770-2060 andee@taosnet.com

JAN RADER, CRS, GRI 575-770-2012 jan@janrader.com

FrostRealtor.com

JanRader.com

LOTA REALTY, INC. THIS PROPERTY HAS IT ALL!

TREE HOUSE FEELING NE W!

Wonderful mountain getaway in the tall trees...the birds are your nearest neighbors! 2 BR/1 BA home on 2.5 acres features open living area on 2nd floor. Master bedroom opens onto deck; relax under the stars in your private hot tub. Sunrooms on both floors, exceptional views. Convenient to town, Arroyo Seco and Taos Ski Valley. Home is offered fully furnished and equipped. Vacation rental potential. $249,000 CALL JAN! MLS 95560

ACEQUIA MADRE DEL LLANO, ARROYO HONDO

VISTA GRANDE

MARIPOSA RANCH

Stunning 4.45 ac. lot in beautiful Des Montes!

Only $150,000 CALL JAN! MLS 90598

14.43 Ac. dream home site, panoramic views. $255.000 CALL JAN! MLS 94392

OVEJEROS ROAD

BLUEBERRY HILL

Convenience!

2.52 ACRES $100,000 MLS 95512 Can be subdivided.

TRACT 3, $39,000 MLS 90598 TRACT 4, $42,000 MLS 93933 TRACT 5, $44,000 MLS 93934 Utilities, Well Share at Lot Line

Views!

Beautiful, peaceful 2 acre lot with forever views $80,000 CALL JAN! MLS 92867

TAOS COUNTRY CLUB

Great neighborhood, great price! 3 acre lot $89,000 CALL JAN! MLS 95375

VISTA LINDA

Tranquility!

Lovely view lot south of town. 1.25 acre $37,000 CALL JAN! MLS 93766

Nice 2.9 acre building site off Eototo Road $104,495 CALL JAN! MLS 94021

TAOS COUNTRY CLUB

Build your future, live the good life. 3 acre lot $119,000 CALL JAN! MLS 94914

TAOS CANYON

Rio Fernando meanders thru this 2 ac. home site $68,500 CALL JAN! MLS 93494

Corner of Paseo del Pueblo Norte & Civic Plaza Drive 800-829-8673

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

17 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

price comparison | here & there

Living in Season Enjoy seasonal living any time of the year. Compare these ideal properties where summer, winter, spring and fall each have their own unique appeal.

Taos, NM

Mendocino, CA

$468,000

$749,000

Terrific Historic District Home

Charming & Cozy Bungalow

This bright, spacious adobe and frame home in a quiet residential neighborhood in the Historic District is exactly the kind of property that will make you fall in love with Taos. From this property, it’s an easy walk to Taos Plaza, galleries, shops, restaurants, and even some museums. In-town living has many advantages! This home has three bedrooms and two baths and measures 2,050 square feet, set neatly on 0.20 acres. A smart remodel combines contemporary convenience with the charm of quality mid-century construction.

The living room, dining room, and kitchen are on an open floor plan—and what a kitchen, with granite counters, ample workspace, and stylish fixtures and finishes. Down the hall, you’ll find all three bedrooms, a den, and a sitting room. And don’t miss the sun room.

The outside is just as inviting as the inside, with completely fenced front and back yards, a covered porch out front, a flagstone patio out back—and even the oversized detached garage has a portal. With a green lawn and mature trees, these outdoor living areas are ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying the serenity of the Taos lifestyle.

Come home to this charming and cozy Mendocino bungalow that showcases incredible whitewater views from virtually everywhere in the house. The main home features an open floor plan with hardwood floors, fireplace, bonus room off kitchen, and two bedrooms and one bath. The newly remodeled kitchen is light and bright and would be a joy to cook in. The studio has a loft storage space, solarium room, kitchen, and one bath. The possibilities for the studio are endless and include potential art studio, office, or guest unit. Live/work or enjoy the benefits of renting this highly desirable home as a vacation rental while waiting for your retirement. Imagine sipping a glass of wine on your brick porch while enjoying the ever-changing color of the ocean, mesmerizing wave action and incredibly beautiful sunsets.

3BR/2BA 2050 sq. ft., 0.2 acres MLS 94776

Contact: Page Sullivan Page Sullivan Group Coldwell Banker Lota Realty, Inc. Telephone: 575-758-7890 page@taoshomepage.com Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

2BR/1BA 1500 sq. ft., 0.52 acres MLS 24471

Contact: Cheri Osborne Mendo Realty Telephone: 707-937-5822 info@mendorealty.com

18 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

LOTA REALTY, INC.

JUDY BUCK 575-758-8673 judy@cblotataos.com

Put your homeownership goals in experienced hands Contact me today!

EL RITO – (93407) Come home to scenic northern NM at this gated property. Enjoy the picturesque landscape with abundant wildlife, troutfishing creek, horse-grazing meadow & mature lilac/cherry bushes. Grow fresh vegetables in the fenced garden & cook in the cozy kitchen, complete with custom ash cabinets, butcherblock counters & antique farmhouse sink. Walk to work at the 1500 sqft woodworking shop, equipped with professional cabinetmaking tools.

Craft, draw or sew in the heated hobby room above the oversized 3-car garage. $499,000 CALL JUDY BUCK

Melissa J. Naylor 575-751-4208 1210 Salazar Rd Unit I Bldg 3 Taos, NM 87571 melissa.naylor@wellsfargo.com www.wfhm.com/melissa-naylor NMLSR ID 424842

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

NMLSR ID 399801. AS1022886 Expires 07/2015

DES MONTES – (86727) This artistically conceived & executed adobe estate reflects the skills of many Taos artisans and artists of a nearly bygone era thus fast becoming a Taos treasure.

A subtle blend between real estate and an art form featuring spectacular indoor pool apres ski space, breathtaking grand room, stately dining room, commercial main kitchen & more, all which nestled in the midst of 12+ irrigated acres and boundless views. The price is right--use your imagination for multiple uses! $2,999,000 CALL JUDY BUCK

Corner of Paseo del Pueblo Norte & Civic Plaza Drive 800-829-8673 View All Taos MLS Listings at www.cblotataos.com

Kit Cars

E le

ctric Coop

e

e, Inc. tiv ra

on

TRUE HIGH SPEED INTERNET!

Your Touchstone Energy® Partners The power of human connections®

Electric E L E C T RCommunications I C T E L E C O M I N TPropane ERNET

Owned by those we serve!

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

The state-of-the-art in 21st Century Communications is Fiber Optic Sign up for the Priority Connection List at www.kitcarson.com Fill out the no obligation form, hit the send button and you will be on our schedule for free installation to the outside of your home or business.

Questions?

Call (575) 758-4838

Kit Carson Telecom 19 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

realtor profile | Lisa Sutton

Connecting people with the right property

BY TERESA DOVALPAGE PHOTO BY TINA LARKIN

Lisa Sutton describes her business style as “pretty laid back, just like life up here.”

Being a Realtor in a small community like Angel Fire, with around 1,200 people year-round, is very different from working in a big city, she said.

“We all know each other,” Sutton said. “Most of my clients end up deeply ingrained in the community. I tend to establish a close relationship with them, a relationship that goes beyond the sale of a property. I just got a call from a former client who needed to find a vet for his dog.”

“I really like seeing different houses, getting ideas for fixing them up, and landscaping,” she said. “And I also work hard to connect people with the right property for them and their families.”

She does extensive Web advertisement, using TourFactory (a service that provides virtual tours of the houses for sale) and all social media, from the Coldwell Banker YouTube Channel to Craigslist to the website realtor.com. She also advertises ranch land in magazines that cater to people who may be interested in it.

Sutton just expanded her office and hired a new assistant, Toni Fry, who is in the process of getting her real estate license.

Though she is not a high-pressure type, Sutton admits she is running since the moment she gets to the office until she leaves.

“I always tell aspiring Realtors to work in some capacity in a real estate office before jumping into the business,” Sutton said.

“I may think I have my day planned, but that seldom happens,” she said. “Every day is different and every day is challenging, but that’s what makes it interesting.”

What’s new in Angel Fire?

Life as a Realtor may indeed bring a few surprises.

“Once I was part of a Realtor tour and we all showed up at a certain house,” Sutton said. “The owner, who hadn’t realized we would be there at that time, came out of the bathroom in a very short robe to around 30 surprised Realtors standing in his living room.

Fortunately, he had a great sense of humor about it.”

Career and awards Sutton has worked in real estate for 10 years.

Originally from Houston, she worked for the Boy Scouts at Philmont in Cimarron and fell in love with the area. When she finished college, she decided to open a real estate office in Angel Fire.

The current housing market is much better than two years ago, Sutton said.

“Houses are moving and condos are too, though they are a little harder to finance,” she said. “We haven’t seen much of a price increase yet, but we have had sales.”

One of her current goals is letting people know about all the new and exciting things that are happening in Angel Fire now.

“We have a new zipline and Allen Fields, at the Sports Complex, hosts soccer, softball and rugby tournaments,” Sutton said. “We would like to invite people to come to Angel Fire and see what it is all about.”

Helping others, being happy

“This was my old stomping ground and I was very happy to come back,” she said.

Sutton is also involved in Casting for Recovery, a nonprofit program that helps women who have survived breast cancer by giving them free fly fishing instruction, counseling and support.

Sutton is the president and owner of Coldwell Banker Headin’ Home Realty. There are 12 people on the office.

“It’s a way for them to learn a new and fun skill, and connect with others who are in a similar situation,” she said.

“I enjoy being here with them,” she said. “We are a great team and we have fun. In the mornings we all do push-ups on the floor together.”

Coldwell Banker has a slogan —“we never stop moving.” Sutton likes it, but she also has her own personal motto —“just be happy.”

She has received the Diamond Society Award in 2005, 2006, and 2007, 2009 and 2013, for achieving personal performance levels in the top 8 percent of Coldwell Banker agents across the country.

“It sounds kind of corny, but it is true for me,” she said.

Doing business

Coldwell Banker Headin’ Home Realty is located at 3375 Mountain View Blvd. suite E, Angel Fire. To contact Lisa Sutton call (575) 377-1192, (505) 603-0525, email sutton@kitcarson.net or visit lisasuttonrealestate.com

Sutton likes all parts of the real estate business, not just the buying and selling aspect of it.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

20 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

225 Kit Carson Road

575-758-3275 peter@theloraco.com

www.realestatetaos.com

IN TOWN LIVING - True adobe home built in 1935, tastefully renovated in 2003 with new kitchen and baths. 3BR/2BA w/ hardwood floors, 3 FP, vigas, picture window facing Taos Mtn, cellar, 1-car garage. Lovely back yard w/ patio, FP, gardens, trees. Easy stroll to Plaza, library, restaurants, shops, galleries, park. $369,000 MLS #94803 www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=3263889

WIDE OPEN SPACE - Spacious 2-bdrm/2bath home offers a pleasing floor plan, magnificent views, nice outdoor living areas w/ fruit trees, gardens, hot tub. large attached/heated garage, plenty of storage. Classic Pueblo style, mud plaster interior walls, “kiva” fireplace, Pella windows, steam shower, and more. On 5 acres in a quality area just 12 miles north of Town. $429,000 MLS #95215 www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=3337867

STUNNING CONDO – Luxurious 1600-sq. ft. 2BR/2.5BA in Taos’ best condo development. Vibrant colors, highend finishes, private walled patio, upstairs deck w/ hot tub. Beautifully landscaped grounds. Next door to El Monte Sagrado Hotel, and just 0.6 mile from Taos center. Fine furnishings included. $399,000 MLS #94654 www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=3231959

EASY LIVING – Delightful comfortable home with truly great 360-degree views! 3BR/2BA + detached heated studio.

Open floor plan, lots of passive solar, energy efficient. 3 outdoor living areas. Gardens & trees, fenced back yard.

Efficient kitchen, lots of storage. Attached carport. Quiet, peaceful setting just 12 minutes from Town!. $385,000 MLS #95437 www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=3380358

STEP BACK IN TIME - in this authentic classic adobe home. Originally built ca. 1860, renovated 2005.

3BR/2BA, 1800 sq. ft. of authentic Taos charm. Large living room has sunny exposure. Enclosed front courtyard overlooks the beautiful valley. Slow down and enjoy the old ways! $215,000 MLS #94036. www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=3127976

ELEGANT ADOBE - 3BR/3BA with 2,506 sq.ft. flexible living space + 750 sf attached heated studio. Beautiful mud plaster interior walls, granite, vigas in every room, luxurious master bath. 2 walled courtyards w/ trees, gardens. Wonderful views & privacy on 1.7 acres in excellent neighborhood less than 5 mi from Town. $489,000 MLS #95554 www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=3383572

FABULOUS VIEWS - Beautiful 2,800-sq. ft. 3-BR/3-BA on a ridge overlooking scenic valley. Gorgeous master suite w/ luxurious bath, private deck. Four fireplaces, two patios, hot tub. Excellent vacation rental property. Lockoff bedrooms for flexible rental potential. $529,000 MLS #93550 www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=3076231

VERSATILE COMPOUND - 3BR/2BA main home 1,870 sq, ft. rastrablock construction, in-floor heat, FP, brick floors, 3 covered porches.

1BR/1BA guest house 1,012 sq. ft. pumice-crete construction w/ fireplace, nice kitchen, tile floors, washer/dryer, lots of solar gain and great views. Studio is 580-sq. ft. w/ kitchen, 3/4 bath, closet, W/D hook-ups. 2-car garage. Quality neighborhood. $645,000 MLS #95588 www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=3388619

LOCATION, LOCATION! - Walk to everything in heart of Taos. 1,274 sq. ft. + separate office/studio w/ ½ bath.

2-BR/2-BA upstairs with deck. Main living area downstairs has ample kitchen, living-dining area, 1.75 BA + deck.

Nicely remodeled, light and bright. Perfect in-town living or rental potential! $249,000 MLS #95269 www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=3358846

GOLF COURSE HOME SITE - Awesome 360-degree views of mountains, desert sunsets & golfcourse in one of Taos’ best neighborhoods. 3.1-acre lot w/ underground utilities, shared well in place. A lovely p;lace to live, even if you’re not a golfer! $129,000 MLS #92241 www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=1200525

RARE LAND IN TOWN - Beautiful 2 acres in prime residential area only 0.3 mile from Taos Plaza. Gorgeous valley land with fine views, upscale homes around it.

Perfect for larger luxury home sites, or zoning would support 8 homes on smaller lots. Seller financing is possible. $565,000 MLS #95273 www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=3345910

BUSINESS FOR SALE - Outstanding income opportunity!

Established storage business with high occupancy rate.

Currently 78 units of different sizes. 1.8-acre lot will allow for additional storage units. Buildings are only a few years old, in excellent condition, fully enclosed in chain link fence with automatic gate. $745,000 MLS #94847

See All Taos MLS Listings At www.realestatetaos.com Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII • 21 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Interested in seeing your Taos photo published in the next issue of Enchanted Homes?

I am.

Submit your photos today!

Call 758-2241 x113 or e-mail josmanski@taosnews.com for details.

HIGH MOUNTAIN RANCH 441+ acres of rolling sage bisected by the Aguaje de Petaca Commercial grade 5500 sq ft main house • 1360 sq ft guesthouse • 3600 sq ft workshop Active solar and passive solar pumice block construction Water membership • 30 gal per min Well • 2 hand dug wells • Reservoir and seasonal stream 40 ft volcanic lava cliffs • Piñon, Juniper, Ponderosa, Mountain cottonwoods In Tres Piedras (30 miles west of Taos) $990,000 MLS# 94992

575-758-3275 225 Kit Carson Road Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

Sanjay Poovadan Associate Broker

Maria Figliolia Associate Broker

575-779-1021

575-779-0285

sanjaytaosrealestate.com sanjay@taosrealestatepartners.com

realtaos.com mariafig@newmex.com

22 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Award-Winning Remodeling

www.vishumagee.com

CARSON RANCH

HIGH PLAINS HACIENDA

643 acres surrounded by Carson National Forest 160 ac. fenced pasture 1,039 sq ft, restored chinked-log, settler’s cabin Stephen Kilborn designed fountain • Carmen Velarde fireplace Expansive porch & gazebo • 920 ft well & solar pump Two 1700 gal cisterns • 3.12 & 1.56 kw PV arrays • Hunting permits

MLS 95357 $825,000 Sanjay Poovadan Associate Broker

575-779-1021

sanjaytaosrealestate.com sanjay@taosrealestatepartners.com Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

4 Bed and 2 Bath 2715 sq ft Portals and Terrace 20 Irrigated Acres Adobe Construction 24'x24' Pole Barn Great Mountain Views Fruit Trees and Plantings

MLS 95342 $485,000

find home...

575-758-3275 225 Kit Carson Road

23 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Peter Vigil | Taos Soil and Water Conservation District District Manager

Questions

BY TERESA DOVALPAGE PHOTO BY TINA LARKIN

1 What is the main function of Taos Soil and Water Conservation District? It helps private landowners to conserve natural resources on their properties. If they have irrigation, erosion or stream issues, our office can help them technically or financially to solve these problems and get the most out of their land.

2 How can the public learn more about soil and water conservation? There is our website, which we update very frequently. The community can also attend our meetings that are held every third Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. in the Juan I. Gonzales Agricultural Building. People can also visit the National Association of Conservation Districts website www.nacdnet.org — this is a nonprofit organization that represents 3000 districts across the country. We co-sponsor a number of local events, like Earth Day, in partnership with the town of Taos and have a booth at the Taos County Fair every year.

3 How important is for the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District to establish associations with similar entities?

Extremely important. We have partnered with the New Mexico Acequia Association, New Mexico State Forestry and the BLM. We work together with government, municipal and private conservation partners to carry out our work and be more efficient at it. We encourage collaboration with other entities so more work can be done and not one person or organization carries all the weight.

4 As the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District District Manager, what is an average workday like for you? Every day I have at least one hundred files at my desk from people requesting help with their land. My job is figuring out how to do it with the least environmental impact and at the lowest cost. I also help them with our cost-sharing program, which means that they pay some and we pay some, and they feel empowered through the process. I supervise a staff of five employees and manage the entire operation of the district — budget, training, presentations and more. I am always busy.

5 What are the most important steps the district has taken to protect our water and land resources? The first step was to get out from under the umbrella of the federal government, to get our own funding and establish our own office with our own staff, so

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

we don’t depend on federal help. We are paid by local property tax dollars so we can take care of private landowners. We have hired very knowledgeable people — excellent conservation planners and technicians. Because all that, we have become the foremost acequia conservation authority in the state of New Mexico.

6 Could you describe a specific Taos Soil and Water Conservation District project of which you all are particularly proud of? We were able to obtain money through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to help the community of Taos County in Chamisal and Ojito, and also in Lower Ranchitos. We built two separate acequia diversion dams. In these cases we provided good infrastructure to distribute the irrigation water. We were also the first conservation district that mapped the water table in New Mexico and this was a very important water study.

7 What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? Helping people get the most out of their land. We want to make a difference, to empower people so they can be a positive influence in our community, our economy and our environment.

8 How does Taos Soil and Water Conservation District help acequia associations with irrigation projects? We help them improve the water distribution infrastructure in rural and urban areas. We help them with the design and construction of communal compuertas which can be large or small. We help with big projects carried out by acequia associations but we can also assist many individual owners with small or medium-size projects.

9 What is the biggest challenge for Taos Soil and Water Conservation District these days? One of the biggest challenges we face is the fragmentation of our land, which is being sold in smaller and smaller lots. They are sold to different people with different values. This makes it difficult to effectively use our natural resources. The drought has also taken a toll on us, though this has been a good year. We want to keep the equilibrium with nature but we also want the land to yield to its highest potential.

To contact Peter Vigil, call (575) 751-0584, email tswcd@newmex.com or visit the website tswcd.org.

24 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Maria Figliolia The Art of the Real Estate Deal Email: mariafig@newmex.com 575 . 758 . 3275 Office

Web: www.RealTaos.com 575 . 779 . 0285 Cell

~ Elegance in Los Altos ~

~ Arroyo Seco Hacienda ~

Entertainers Paradise – A fantastic kitchen and formal dining room make this adobe home an entertainers paradise. 3BD/2BA/2CG, garden room, extra large living room and gorgeous landscaping located n El Salto. Perfect location just around the corner from Arroyo Seco on the road to the Taos Ski Valley!

Clubhouse Pool and Tennis courts are included in the homeowners association MLS# 95338 $795,000

On the Rim Road - with the Acequia Madre running through it, this passive solar hacienda offers 3BD/2.5BA/2CG, an office, plus solar rooms, a workshop and guest home. This is a very special property with its own park-like setting. It could be just the place to hang your hat, plant your garden, raise chickens, soak in the hot tub and have your horse.

Lush irrigated land with aspens, fruit trees, grapes, apricots and more!

MLS# 95328 $599,000

~ Contemporary Pueblo ~

~ Puertas Pintadas ~ !

~ Adobe in Upper Colonias ~

CED

REDU

Delightful 3BD/2.5BA/2CG home on two fenced acres at the end of a cul du sac. Features include high ceilings, clerestory windows, a kiva FP, tile floors & S/S appliances in a lovely kitchen, a wonderful pond, trees and landscaping.

Come see what this home has to offer.

MLS# 95242 $435,000

Easy living in this 4BD/3BA/1CG, 2000 sq. ft. condo.

Gorgeous kitchen, stainless appliances, granite counters, French doors, skylights, 3 kiva fireplaces & an upstairs deck.

Quality built, low maintenance!

MLS# 92973 $429,000

Passive Solar Adobe - Great location for easy access to Taos Ski Valley and The Town of Taos. 2BD/2BA open floor plan & radiant floor heat. High ceilings with vigas. Sweet & peaceful second home or full time residence.

Enjoy the views and location!

MLS# 95316 $299,000

~Taos Ridge Condo~

~In Town Duplex~

~Top of the World~

Updated– 2BD/1.5BA 970 square foot condo with Berber carpets, great views and north side location.

Fenced in patio and storage. Affordable home with easy access to town, skiing, the river & hiking.

Great location and price!

MLS#93028 $129,000

Wonderful Duplex property in town. Each 2BD/2BA, 1325 square foot unit is light and bright and each has a fireplace, an upstairs loft and enclosed yards.

Live in one and rent one out!

MLS# 94176 $339,000

Top of the World - That’s how you’ll feel when you’re in your this wonderful 6000 square foot artists retreat surrounded by evergreens, eagles, rainbows and serenity. Perfect for entertaining.

Once you’re here, you’ll never want to leave.

MLS# 93959 Reduced to $949,000

OASIS IN THE D Oasis in the desert

Comfortable ranch living on the high desert mesa

BY YVONNE PESQUERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY TINA LARKIN

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

26 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

A

ccording to the New Mexico Bureau of Geology, the origins of homo sapiens in the Río Grande Rift can be traced to 200,000 years ago. And the Taos mesa has been a continuous home for people ever since.

Wendy Young and Mike Jones are two area residents who have built their home and their ranch on the mesa.

“We just love it out here,” says Young. “We have so much light and space. And just look at the views.” She gestures to the undulating Sangre de Cristo mountain range that is perfectly framed in the living room windows of their 5,000-square-foot home.

In 1996, the newly wedded Young and Jones purchased 110 deeded acres on land which had been part of the Kirby Ranch. Their very first project –– before clearing the land, and building fences and outbuildings –– was to determine if there in fact was water.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

27 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

H

ence their decision to hire Joe Graves, a local “water witch.” He walked the property with his willow divining rod and found water. Their well is dug 650 feet deep.

“We have a ranch manager but we like to be hands-on,” says Jones.

They built their three-bedroom/three-bathroom home with walled gardens, as well as the ranch infrastructure needed for their livestock herd of Black Angus cattle.

They also have 17 horses, which were used during their time running a guest ranch on the Brazos. So Young and Jones built a horse corral, a riding arena, a round pen, a hay barn, a saddle house, and a bullpen.

“Typical for a ranch, we are always maintaining and doing something,” Jones says.

Vishu Magee, of Archetype Design, Inc. in Taos, had already designed a home for Young in the Weimer Foothills region in 1992. “It was one of my very favorite houses and she is one of my favorite clients,” Magee says.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

28 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

W

hen Young and Jones moved to the mesa, “there was an opportunity to design an actual working ranch house. But the challenge was to retain the sweetness of our first, much smaller project,” says Magee.

He points out that they were fortunate to enjoy a fabulous working relationship. “It was a great process,” Magee says. “And you can feel it and see it in the results.”

The home is built without sharp edges and each room organically flows into each other. Varying ceiling heights and selectively placed windows fill the house with the dynamic energy of the mesa.

Throughout, the couple held to a traditional Southwest design of adobe walls and viga beams. The rounded foyer peaks with an 18-foot-high skylight. Its split cedar, aspen, and red willow design emulates a hogan, which is a rounded Native American structure.

This is no coincidence as Young and Jones have built a home that does have the feeling of a welcoming ceremony. For example, an open great room floor plan and a vibrant art collection greet the visitor upon entry.

The home is built without sharp edges and each room organically flows into each other.

T

hey have many cherished artworks made by friends from near and far, as well as a representation of local artists –– such as Ed Morgan, Rory Wagner, J.D. Challenger, and R.C. Gorman to name a few. Furnishings include many “Canadiana” pieces, combined with pieces made by local cabinetmakers. All of which reflects a relaxed, rustic ranch aesthetic.

Perhaps most notably, Young and Jones have a Native American collection of paintings, photographs, wall hangings, as well as Kachina dolls and turn-of-thecentury artifacts.

I admire Native American culture,” says Jones, who is a part-time dentist on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation in Dulce. A willow basket woven by one of his patients is prominently displayed in the living room.

T

he word “paradise” comes from the Persian pairadaeza, which means walled garden.

With strong horticultural instincts, Young and Jones have created a garden that literally is an oasis in the sagebrush desert.

Young adds, “We totally changed the ecosystem. The flowers attract insects, which attract birds that are in the trees. That [ecological chain] has been neat to see.”

Now, almost 20 years later, the couple has planted more than 150 trees such as aspen, juniper, piñon, Russian olive, and oak. And their garden is alive with flowers such as columbine, hollyhock, iris, dahlias, poppies, blue salvia, and penstemon.

They have built a beautiful home and a working ranch for themselves. Indeed, they bring much life to the mesa.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

31 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

TWO BEDROOM CONDO

LOOKING IN TAOS? Put my 27 years of Real Estate experience to work for you!

575-770-1850 Direct Line propertyintaos@gmail.com

SOLAR HOME

Kiva Fireplace, all Furniture and Furnishings could remain. Lovely large outdoor patio.

Really sweet home for full time or rental – close to the ski valley and just minutes to downtown Taos. Smooth plaster walls, and Southwest touches throughout. $209.000 MLS 94802

HIGH UP ON 4 ACRES OF RIDGE TOP FORESTED LAND with amazing views.

Red brick floors, in floor radiant heat, hand plastered interior walls, nice kitchen, wood stove, furnished, low maintenance, passive solar. $220,000 MLS 92552

HOUSE + ARTIST STUDIO

Mary Gugino Associate Broker

829 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Taos, New Mexico 87571 575-758-0080 Office

HUGE REDUCTION

Corner of two State Highways Highway 68 and State Road 110 is a 16 acre parcel with 500’ of Road Frontage 4 separate lots so could be used many different ways - maybe a strip mall in the front and storage units in the back or? $249,000 MLS 94780

BUILDING LOT

ZONED R-14 DOWNTOWN TAOS 3 Bedroom home plus separate office with large detached ARTIST STUDIO w/ full bath. You could make the studio an apartment by adding a small kitchen. Walk to Kit Carson Park the TCA, Restaurants, Galleries and Shopping in the Historic Taos Plaza. Priced at $398,000 MLS 95267

WALK TO DOWNTOWN Walk to Historic Downtown Taos & all the shops, Galleries & Restaurants. This elegant home features all those sweet Southwest touches plus 15 ft. Ceilings, Granite counter-tops in the Chefs kitchen, Tile floors, Gas Kiva Fireplace 2 full baths plus a guest bathroom, covered parking, enclosed private patio with a hot tub. Price $410,000 MLS 94908

16.5 Forested Acres in Taos Pines. This community is surrounded by the National Forest giving you miles and miles of hiking opportunities and just minutes to Angel Fire for world class skiing and golf. Priced at $159,900 MLS 93657

BANK OWNED

TWO FOR ONE IN TAOS CANYON HOUSE + GUESTHOUSE Property backs up to National Forest. Just 10 minutes from Historic downtown Taos this home features amazing wooded views and 6.8 acres. The main house features 3 bedrooms 2 baths plus a 2 car garage. The guesthouse cabin is separate and has it’s own kitchen and bath. Price $299,000 MLS 94279

This is not your typical Bank Owned property! Just re-painted, new fans, checked and any repairs visible made by electrician and plumber.

New Refrigerator, dishwasher, stove! House features hot water radiant floors, all tile floors, nice Kiva fireplace. Sits back far off the road and has a nice .75 acre lot. $229,900 MLS 95476

View all listings at www.c21success.com 2008

EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

575-758-0080 • 800-336-4826 829 Paseo del Pueblo Sur • 5528NDCBU

Your Resource For 21st Century Living Members of Taos, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque MLS

Roomy cabin in popular Lavender Farrell Subdivision at Pot Creek. Wood deck around the home nice roomy indoor spaces with large windows to provide lots of light and enjoyment of private yard.

Grassy forested adjacent lot has unlimited possibilities for outdoor use. Borders National Forest. $375,000 mls#95570

Elegant home in the foothills overlooking Taos. Large master bedroom suite with library, kiva fireplace and spectacular views.

Chef’s kitchen with copper counter tops, kiva in the dining area, and open floor plan to the living room. Tile floors throughout the home. Extremely well maintained house. Porch that is above gorgeous gardens and lawn. Wildlife and birds of all kinds. House feels very private, but is only 2 miles from the Plaza. $499,000 mls#95559

Custom family home in Vista Linda with all the extra touches including custom cabinets throughout. 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with oversized 2 car garage, Jacuzzi tubs in both baths, smooth diamond finish interior plaster. Large master suite has plenty of room and cozy fireplace. Located in Vista Linda with incredible view of the mountains and valley. $398,500 mls#95549

Cozy adorable cabin in Valle Escondido. Two BR, 1 1/1 BA with a wraparound deck. Stocked fishing pond is across the street, also the 5th hole of the golf course. Aspens and Blue Spruce tower around the home. Chalet style home with a new metal roof to shed snow. Insulated storage area beneath. Community water. $205,000 mls#95518

Wonderful old adobe near the historic Ranchos Plaza. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home is very comfortable with a nice out-door front and back area.

This is a one of a kind gem with three fireplaces and forced air heat! $279,000 mls#95494

This is not your typical Bank Owned property! Just re-painted, new fans, checked and any repairs visible made by electrician and plumber. New Refrigerator, dishwasher, stove! House features hot water radiant floors, all tile floors, nice Kiva fireplace. Just needs a little landscaping and it’s ready for a family. Sits back far off the road and has a nice .75 acre lot. $229,900 mls#95476

This 3 bedroom 2 bath home with large closets and ample storage space can be a large welcoming family home or partition off for a mother in law suite with kitchenette . Large fenced area with separate entrances to make it private for everyone . A breezeway attaches home with guesthouse and attached garage and carport.. Beautiful grounds with house set back from road. $499,000 mls#95468

132 acres on the Mora River in the Chacon Valley, near Mora, NM. Beautiful quiet green valley, off the beaten path. Two monolithic dome houses occupy a rise above the meadow.

The beautifully finished main dome is 3900 sf, 3br, 3 1/2 baths, the guesthouse dome is 1100 sf, a 2 bd 1 bath. There is significant water storage capacity in two 10K gallon cisterns, housed in 2 large quonset buildings. $947,800 mls#95474

A premier location tucked away on a private road.

Off bobcat pass and 13 miles to Eagle Nest. An open floor plan with 3 bdrms 2 1/2 baths ,spacious living room, kitchen ,dining room. granite counter tops, downdraft jet air stove garage , wood and saltillo floors,carport ,deck and mountain views with tall aspen and pine trees. $399,000 mls#95418

Historic District 4 bdrm 2 bath with large detached Artist Studio. Studio also has a full bath and could be converted to a studio apartment.

R-14 zoning so lots of possibilities. This price includes house plus artist studio plus adjacent land for a total of .7 acre $398,000 mls#95267

South Station Lofts Condos . Perfect for lawyers, architects, accountants, artist, or share office space with other professionals. Open floor plan has vaulted ceilings, skylights, efficient European heaters, town water town sewer ,stove and refrigerator . Dues cover insurance, landscaping and has a fund for maintenance. $325,000 mls#95228

Traditional pueblo style, charming old adobe with detached territorial guest house in the heart of Arroyo Seco. Vigas , wood floors, community water , one car garage, trees , & irrigation ditch . Close to shops , church, bar and coffee shop. Live in one rent the other . $289,000 mls#95211

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

33 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

STAN HARRELL:

On owning a piece of the American West

BY ANDY DENNISON | PHOTOS COURTESY OF STAN HARRELL

I

n the world of ranch real estate in Northern New Mexico, the big get bigger … and the rest go hunting.

Few know more about buying and selling ranches in this region than ranch specialist Stan Harrell, proprietor and qualifying broker at Monte Verde Realty in Angel Fire. For more than three decades, he has been a go-to guy for anyone dealing in ranch properties in Taos, Colfax and Mora counties.

“In the mid-’80s, when we couldn’t give a housing lot away in Angel Fire, I decided to look for a niche,” says Harrell, who was brought up dry-land farming in Texas. “I’ve always been fond of acreage and land so that’s what I got into.”

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

Over Harrell’s 30 years in the business, the market for ranches in this region breaks into two general categories: the large, cattleraising concerns with more than 10,000 acres; and the “recreational” ranch of less than 2,000 acres that is a family holding used primarily as a second home, and fishing and hunting mecca.

The economies of scale in the ranching business have left few large family-owned ranches across the country, Harrell says, although Colfax County is home to the legendary CS Ranch. The 127,500acre cattle spread runs from the Moreno Valley to Cimarron, and is still owned and operated by the descendants of Frank Springer, who started ranching there in 1873.

“To make any money in cattle ranching these days, you have to own both the land and the animals,” says Harrell. “Ranches have to get

34 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

larger to make it, and mostly they assemble acreage from adjacent properties that go up for sale.”

The high-end ranchland market in Taos, Colfax and Mora counties has evolved to where some of the largest landowners in the United States have holdings here, Harrell says. A-listers included media big hitters like cable TV’s John Malone and CNN’s Ted Turner, and job placement guru Bob Funk. Taos Pueblo and Pueblo of Sandia own large tracts at the north end of the Moreno Valley.

“Why? I think everyone still wants a piece of the American West,” says Harrell. “And these large ranches will stay large because the owners have put lots of ranchland in conservation easements, the pueblos buy to keep and all these owners have financial staying power.”

So do folks with much less disposable income than Turner or Malone but they also want a piece of the American West.

Consequently, most ranches listed for sale in Northern New Mexico fall under the “recreational” rubric. They may graze some cattle, usually on a lease, but they focus more on the leisure-time activities of hunting, fishing and heading into the woods, Harrell says. One value added at most ranches are elk hunting permits, which are limited by the state and vary from property to property.

“The elk population has risen quite a bit in the last 20 years, so those elk tags are more valuable,” Harrell says.

Most recreational ranches in the Moreno Valley have been carved off much larger properties, like the legendary Moreno Ranch that once stretched some 50,000 acres between Bobcat and Palo Flechado passes down into the valley floor. Once was that residential subdivision developers eyed these properties but, according Harrell, the subdivision market is “dead” in all three counties.

From the beginning in Mora and Taos counties, ranches were smaller operations, constricted by both economy and large-tract Native American, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management holdings.

“In these areas, it’s a ‘lifestyle’ property,” says Harrell. “The average size of a cattle herd is about 20, with some crops, which is really more a subsistence thing for food. Most of these landowners have another job to supplement any income off the land.”

Harrell is seeing more and more of these small, legacy ranches put on the market as the family situations change or it’s simply too much work to keep a small ranch going.

“The prices haven’t come back to where they were,” says Harrell, “but the rec ranch market is moving. It’s like any disposable income issue: If you have some, you want to spend it on something that makes you feel good … like art or some land in the mountains.”

Stan Harrell is the Owner and Qualifying Broker at Monte Verde Realty 575-377-2344, www.monteverderealty.com Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

35 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

575-751-0013 Office 575-770-0655 Cell CASA ENCANTADA REALTY 7276 Highway 518 Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

751-0275 Fax fishrman@newmex.com www.tedterryintaos.com

Ted Terry Qualifying Broker

RANCHITOS COUNTRY COMPOUND Two homes one with a guest casita on 1.8 acres of verdant irrigated land. The main house is 2bed/l bath 140 I sf with attached 413 foot workshop and a 608 1/bed/lbath casita The adjacent home is 1328 sf2bed/2/bath with a detached 244sf workshop. Available separately as MLS#s 95324 and 95326.

Priced at$368,000 and $243,000.00

CED U D RE

In Town Compound on Quesnel St. Just listed three units on .58 acres, everything zoned CBD. One two story with 1bed/1bath upstairs and and 2beds/2bath downstairs.

All adobe with fireplaces in both. The neighboring 1bed/1bath home is adobe too and features 2 fireplaces. 3185 sq/ft. One block from the Plaza.

MLS# 95209 $743,000.

Live in the wilds of Southern Colorado. Off the grid cottage style 2bed/2bath home on 40 acres. 14 acres fenced for stock. Battery system backed up by propane generator.

Permitted 400 foot well produces plenty of water for home, grounds and animals.

MLS#94817 Reduced to $199,500.

LAND DEALS FOR YOU! CED U D RE

Lower Des Montes - 4.08 acres with over the top views and vey secluded building sites in the pinon and juniper.

This tract may be divided and there is more acreage available.

MLS #92122/$193,738.00

Vista Miguel Lot 1 - 2.01 acres.

Contiguous to the golf course, electric, phone and well share included.

MLS #87241/$65,000.00

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

Country Club Lot 63 - 3.00 acres on Baird Drive. Still the lowest priced country club lot.

MLS #81675/$79,000.00 Owner/Broker

Los Cordovas Road - 1.00 acre, buyer’s choice of the top or bottom of this 2.76 acre tract. All utilities except water in the road.

Residential or commercial with a SUP. MLS #94166, 94167 and 92576.

From $27,000

36 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

7276 Highway 518, Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

Brian Stenum Qualifying Broker

575-779-1498

www.TaosRealEstateInfo.com

Spacious living in this 3875+/-sq ft 4BD/2BA Taos “green” zone home.

Huge mature trees on lush and green 1.55-ac lot with irrigation.

Custom touches throughout - granite counters. MLS 94815 $599,000

Restaurant or Retail. Breath-taking views of the Taos Mountains from back patio, with gardens & a pond.

If you can dream it, they will come.

Includes 1300+/- sq ft 2-bed 1-bath home. MLS 95149 $529,000

Enjoy wide open views & peaceful living in this cozy 3BD/2BA home.

Large windows for maximum light & solar heating. Watch spectacular sunsets from back porch. Fully fenced yard. MLS 91887 $224,000

3-ac Lot in Weimer with spectacular views of the Taos valley and Taos mountains. Utilities available at or very near the lot. You can’t beat this site for building your dream home! MLS 95120 $199,000

Pueblo style 3BD/2BA adobe & frame home ideally located near center of town. Enjoy tranquil setting adjacent to acequia and mature trees. Covered porch, large walled patio, shady yard. MLS 91886 $359,900

Spacious 4BD/3BA 2630+/- sq ft home on large partially fenced 2.18-ac lot. Huge 2-car garage/ workshop. Just minutes from town - enjoy “country-like” living. You will love this one. MLS 95406 $280,000 1.24-ac Lot on Vista Linda Rd; wide-open views; near golf; owner-financing possible. MLS 91581 $45,000

Prime retail or gallery units in Central Business District of Taos.

3 units with high-volume sidewalk traffic in main tourist district. 2 adjacent units available as well for $500,000. MLS 94952 $600,000

Large 1 or 2BD/2BA condo, full kitchen with all appliances, private covered parking, private storage room, & private courtyard. North end of Taos convenient to town or the Ski Valley. MLS 78311 $133,900

CIMMARON MLS#92693 - The circa 1910-era commercial building is wood-heated, made of stone, has ample city parking with private parking in back. 2600 sf of retail/gallery space w/same size studio area. Renovated upstairs apartment. Offered for $860,000

AMALIA MLS#95186-Situated in a gated community, 1.16 Acres with spectacular views. Water & sewage connections at lot. Part of Rio Costilla Subdivision. Offered for only $40,000

TOWN MLS#95178 – Tucked away behind a few trees, this 3bd/1ba home will make a great starter home. Close proximity to Town.

Offered for $155,800

MORA MLS#94038 -Territorial style home.

3bd/1.5ba. Located in town with a country feel to it with views. Open floor plan.

Offered for $118,280

COMMERCIAL BLDG MLS#94340 - Great office space with highway frontage! Approx. 4116 sq.ft.

Plenty of options for any necessary conversions. Large lobby with ample office space and cubicles. NEW PRICE $463,000 (owner/agent)

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

0.85-ac Lot with dbl-wide mfd homes allowed. Wide open views of the valley & mountains. MLS 94275 $47,500

7276 Highway 518, Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

Albino Martinez Qualifying Broker

575-770-5600

www.SearchTaosRealEstate.com

RANCHOS DE TAOS MLS#94333 – Older 3bd/1ba adobe home needing TLC. Attached 1bd/1ba guesthouse. Offered for $129,000

LOWER RANCHITOS MLS#94243 - Come enjoy the feel of the country in this 3bd/2ba on 1.46 Acres.

Insulated garage, and out buildings for storage and tack, and much more. Bring your horses! Offered for $173,500

PENASCO MLS#93133 – Home offers many extras.

4bd/2.5ba, 5-car carport, upstairs currently used as beauty salon – plus much more.

Offered for $258,300

MORA COUNTY MLS#93997 – ACRES + ACRES! 78.45 Acres available in this great parcel with woodlands and grass lands out your front door. Build your home and enjoy the country while your cattle graze in the pasturelands. Offered for $235,350

37 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

MOUNTAIN, MESA AND VALLEY

STORY, PHOTOS AND HOME DESIGN BY VISHU MAGEE

Whether it's a thousand-acre spread or a ten-acre ranchette, the essence of a ranch is its deep connection to the land. You can see it in the orientation to sun and wind. You can feel it in an unmistakable earthiness. Cowboy art and collectibles have their place, but it's the way of life that's the real deal.

Designing this issue's featured home (Oasis in the desert on page 26) was a rare opportunity to create a abode that has all the hallmarks of a ranch house — sweeping vistas, a massive fireplace, and, yes, plenty of Western art - but is first and foremost a working ranch.

The dual design challenge was to support the daily routine of tending horses and cows while also carving out a hospitable oasis in the midst of thoroughly harsh conditions. For example, we had to make the "working" west side of the house very Top: Only a big half-circle window treatment could possibly do justice to this site on the rim of the Gorge near the trail to the hotsprings. Bottom: Graced with rainbows and huge vistas, this mesa ranch house needed high walls and lots of trees to create an enclosed oasis close to the house.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

38 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

open to the livestock - but since this exposed the house to the intense Southwest winds, we had to plant a dense windbreak of mixed conifers and deciduous trees.

But not all ranch homes, working or otherwise, sit on beautiful and brutal Taos Mesa. There are mountain locations where snow loads dictate pitched metal roofs.

There are forgiving valley spots, with alfalfa fields and sheltering cottonwoods, where any style of home will do.

In this case the owners wanted a Pueblo-style home with flat roofs and parapets that mimic the horizontal lines of the Mesa and tuck gracefully into the land. Good choice!

This house was to be on a continuum with New Mexican history and tradition. Now the challenge was to make the house work with the land.

Ranchers are pragmatic and know what works, while enviros are adept at a set of principles and systems that

Permaculture offers a systematic approach for understanding which elements must be mitigated and which may be harnessed. contribute to living on the land. Environmental design is one area where cowboys and tree huggers can combine their expertise. Enter permaculture!

Developed in Australia, permaculture offers a systematic approach for understanding which elements must be mitigated and which may be harnessed. Take wind: it can suck moisture from the ground, fan fires, chill you to the bone and send topsoil flying miles away. But it can also cool you down and generate electricity. Some straightforward sites have just a single prevailing wind to accommodate, while others may also have a nighttime downdraft that blows in exactly the opposite direction.

Permaculture addresses fire danger by taking note of wind (which in Taos is generally from the southwest), slope (fire typically rises uphill), fuels (grasses, brush, trees) and natural firebreaks. But slope is also a key factor in controlling the sheet flow of water - we need to avoid erosion or flooding, and instead keep the topsoil and water on the site. Slope, in short, is a good example of the complexity of site analysis.

Finally we come to sun exposure, which we hope will heat a home in the winter and not overheat it in the summer. A classic solar footprint, elongated east-west, is a sensible way to start. On a ranch there may be many small but important points to consider. For example, food storage can be improved by a cold location on the north side, leaving sunnier ice-free locations for the entry and workaday doors.

Permaculture is quite methodical, assigning zones that go out from the house in concentric circles. At Half Moon Ranch, we had an unusual challenge close-in: rattlesnakes!

I hit upon a design for "snake stops" at the various courtyard gates to kept those critters out. Whatever it takes - at the end of such problem- solving you get a great ranch house!

Vishu Magee has designed homes in Taos for 40 years and is available to assist with your project at www.vishumagee.com Top: Mountain or mesa, sunsets like this put west views high on an owner’s wish list. Middle: A forgiving valley site with trees and water frees the designer’s hands to create cushy outdoor envronments. Bottom: This riverside valley site was an irresistible invitation to play with flowers, shrubs and trees.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

39 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Mariposa, Always a Trusted Taos Name.

Providing honesty, integrity, and reliable professional real estate service.

Mariposa Realty of Taos has moved… to the virtual world.

“We are now a technology-driven real estate brokerage,” says Associate Broker Dee Kendall. “We no longer have a brick-and-mortar office. With so much focus today on the Internet, we wish to be forerunners in the newest way the real estate business will be conducted.”

Qualifying Broker Richard Hanlen, Associate Broker Martín Martinez Sr., Administrator Alicia Hanlen and Dee now work out of their own home offices, keeping in close touch electronically with their clients and each other.

“Surprisingly, we now work more cohesively than when we were sharing an office, so we are able to conduct our business more efficiently and effectively,” says Martinez. “We consciously interact. We’ve always had a tight camaraderie at the office, so making this change to a virtual office has been easy for us.”

Mariposa’s Website, www.mariposarealty.com, has also been updated so that it provides smooth access to residential, commercial, land and multi-family listings and other information in the Taos region. The Website now receives Internet traffic through some 41 real estate search engines and syndicated sites, and Mariposa brokers can respond quickly to specified property searches.

“Remember how Realtors would post listings on the windows of their real estate office and people would read them? “asks Richard Hanlen. “Now, we see our Website as a new ‘window’ for people to stop at. Only now, we can list both greater variety of properties and a tighter focus on a client’s needs at the same time.”

Hanlen, who is now the agency’s Qualifying Broker, believes the newly reinvented Mariposa Realty of Taos is more flexible and responsive to clients than ever before. The personal, face-to-face contact is still extremely important to Mariposa and its clients – only now it happens where it’s most convenient.

“Without a physical office, we have more latitude and freedom to do a better job of interacting with our clients,” he said. “We can meet them where it’s convenient for them, like a restaurant or wi-fi coffee shop. One of our title companies lets us use their conference room, and we all have laptops dedicated to the business.

“We’ve coalesced more since we left the old building,” Alicia concludes.

Visit Mariposa’s new Website for access to all the latest listings in Taos, profiles of the brokers, and links to key sites to learn more about Taos.

Visit our website at www.MariposaRealty.com for more complete information.

575-758-5600 MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

MariposaRealty.com AN INDEPENDENT, LOCALLY OWNED BROKERAGE

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII • MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

40 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Specializing in Acreage, Ranches and Unique Homes

Stan Harrell, Qualifying Broker

monteverde@newmex.com www.monteverderealty.com

P.O. Box 49 Angel Fire, NM 87710 (575) 377-2344/ (800) 368-0753 (575) 377-7279 fax

GOLD RANCH ~ 282.7± Acres, Black Lake, NM MLS 95349 This acreage is fully fenced with 0.6 miles of Hwy 120 frontage. A new barn/bunkhouse has been constructed complete with kitchen, baths, sleeping areas and entertainment facilities. Electric, phone, and satellite TV installed at the site. Well and septic system complete the utilities. Two RV pads with hookups and there are currently 3 elk tags. $1,995,000

VALLEY HIGH RANCH ~ 295.7± Acres, Angel Fire, NM MLS 95245 Located north of Angel Fire off of US Hwy 64 (across from Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial State Park). Wheeler Peak Wilderness and Moreno Valley views. No resort membership dues. Public access road that is privately maintained. Ideal property for subdividing. Cieneguilla Creek flows through a portion of the property. $1,000,000 Owner/Broker CUNICO RANCH ~ 958.5± Acres, Raton, NM MLS 95351 Located east of Raton, NM, this property has run up to 100 head of summer cattle. In recent years it has been leased for cattle and horses. The ranch was homesteaded in the early 1900’s and there are several structures on the property including a two bedroom main house (renovated in 2006), large barn, loafing shed, garage/workshop, bunkhouses and working corrals. Fenced and cross-fenced. $1,100,000 TAOS TRIANGLE ~ 73.6± Acres, Stakeout area MLS 95556 Over 0.5 mile of frontage on NM Hwy 68. Close to Taos Country Club, Taos National Guard Armory and University of New MexicoTaos Campus. Great views of Taos Mountain and surrounding area. Good for any number of future uses. Two of the partners are licensed NM real estate brokers. $1,200,000 Owner/ Broker

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

41 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

real estate finance | Ted Dimond

ARMs and fixed-rate loans: Which is better for the buyer?

Depends

BY TED DIMOND

Conventional mortgage loans are typically offered as fixed rates amortized over 30 or 15 years, for example, or as adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) which are most often amortized over 30 years.

average rate that leading London Banks claim they are being charged when borrowing from other banks and is the index currently most often used with mortgage ARMs.

As the terms imply a fixed-rate mortgage is fixed at a specific interest rate for the lifetime of the loan and an adjustable rate mortgage, well, adjusts.

A fixed-rate loan is most common among homeowners and is the most conservative approach to borrowing. That is, a long-term loan at a fixed rate and therefore a completely predictable monthly payment.

Each of these indices can be found weekly in the Wall Street Journal or online. In most all of the ARMs that mortgage brokers secure the index is the one year LIBOR and the margin is 2.25 percent. Therefore at the end of the three-, five- or seven-year period the rate will adjust to whatever the LIBOR is plus 2.25 percent as it will each year thereafter confined by the annual caps described earlier.

ARMS typically start at a lower rate and therefore a lower monthly payment than a fixed rate loan but at some point depending upon which type of ARM the rate changes according to a specific formula. Generally an ARM will create savings through the fixed period of the loan but its rate is then determined by the market and carries the risk of going higher thereby increasing monthly payments. It’s also possible that an ARM will go down in rate. The holder of such a note is taking the risk of playing a market.

Adjustable-rate mortgages are tied to an index and a margin, together which determine the adjustment of the rate at the end of the fixed period and then, in most cases, annually thereafter through the lifetime of the loan. ARMs are fixed for various periods of time depending upon the type of ARM. In most cases the ARM with the shortest fixed period carries the lowest introductory rate. ARMs can be fixed for six months or a year but most ARM products are fixed for either three, five or seven years. In most cases a borrower opts for a 3/1, 5/1 or 7/1 ARM. In each case the first number refers to the period of time the rate is fixed at its start (or introductory) rate and the second number refers to how often the rate adjusts after that. So a 3/1 ARM is fixed for three years and then adjusts annually for the lifetime of the loan. The 5/1 and 7/1 behave the same but each is locked at its initial rate for 5 or 7 years respectfully.

The rules for each ARM vary slightly. For example, in most cases, a 3/1 ARM can adjust up or down no more than 2 percent on its initial adjustment (after 36 months), as well as on each subsequent adjustment. Typically the lifetime cap for the ARM is a total of 5 percent. A 5/1 and 7/1 behave similarly but in most cases can adjust up to 5 percent above start rate on the first adjustment (after 60 or 84 months respectively) and then no more than 2 percent each subsequent adjustment. In most cases these ARMs also have a lifetime cap of 5 percent.

The ARMs adjust according to a pre-determined index and margin.

For example, the index can be rates on one-, three- or five-year treasury securities, the Cost of Funds Index (COFI) or most commonly in the mortgage world the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). This is the Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

While the formula for adjusting rates is pre-determined there has often been controversy regarding conjecture that the LIBOR was being manipulated to benefit some banks and investors. This was part of the criminal charges against the Barclay Bank and other members banks in 2012. This is fodder for another column but for now the point is that while these indices appear to be mathematically fixed they are instead based, at least in part, by what banks report they are.

At the end of June 2014 the 1 year LIBOR rate was .55. A year ago at this time the rate was .68. If one had a 3/1 ARM that was set to adjust this month the rate would adjust to .55 plus 2.25 percent for a rate of 2.8 percent.

This is significantly lower than current 30 year rates which are about 4.25 percent this month. Currently the start rate on a 3/1 ARM is about 3.125 percent. If your 3/1 ARM was adjusting this month your rate would drop to the 2.8 percent.

The obvious question is should one take out a fixed mortgage or an ARM. The answer is, it depends. The analysis is dependent upon how long the borrower expects to keep the mortgage and how important a fixed rate is to one’s financial planning. If the borrower expects to sell the house or pay off the mortgage within five-seven years then an ARM will most likely save the borrower a great deal of money. If instead one expects to keep the house more than seven-ten years and has no expectation of lowering the principal other than through monthly payments a fixed rate may feel more secure and would protect the borrower against any great increase in the LIBOR over time. Regardless when securing a mortgage either to purchase or refinance a home it makes sense to have this conversation with your broker or banker to determine what mortgage product best suits your needs.

Ted Dimond has lived in Taos since 1976. He has been a residential mortgage broker since 1994 and has owned and operated Dimond Mortgage with his wife Vanessa since 2003. Ted can be reached via email Ted@dimondmortgage.com.

42 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Office (575) 758-1924 Dawn Grainger (575) 770-8481 Peter Rommel (575) 779-6666

www.TaosLocal.com

1

2

6

7

3

4

5

Listings, from left to right:

YOU’VE GOT THE VIEW

Enjoy unobstructed, protected views of Taos Mountain from this El Prado property. Formerly known as the House of Taos, the 1625 square foot building could easily be converted back into a residence. Great visibility and location along US Highway 64 also provide excellent commercial potential. Situated on 1.12 ac. Includes

8

(1) MLS 95255, (2) MLS 94584, (3) MLS 95509, (4) MLS 94834, (5) MLS 95535, (6) MLS 95135, (7) MLS 93621, (8) MLS 93032, (9) MLS 93382,

9

$369,000 $69,900 $359,000 $170,000 $215,000 $175,000 $88,000 $309,000 $459,000

©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial. Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

43 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Lisa Davis,CRS, GRI

Associate Broker Office 758-1924 • Mobile 575-770-2983 lisa@enchantedtaos.com 2013 Chairman’s Circle 2013 Legend Award

www.enchantedtaos.com Current Property Information • Photo Slide Shows • MLS Access

Sold!

SOPHISTICATED WEIMER AREA HOME 1 acre lot capturing the surrounding mountain views.

Detached 2 car carport. Custom kiva fireplace in great room. 2024 sq ft, 3 bdrms, 3 baths. Master also has a kiva fireplace. Elegant, timeless finishes. Light and bright. Fenced and gated back yard.

MLS 93740 $420,000

LIVE THE IN-TOWN LIFESTYLE W/ STYLE! .25 Acre lot. 1500 sq ft. 2 bdrms, 2 baths PLUS an art studio with separate entrance & a full bath. Southern exposure. Kiva fireplace. Open kitchen. Fully fenced & gated. Private! Mature trees! Lots of yard space for your pets and gardens! Spacious storage building too!

MLS 94675 $354,900

Pending!

WEIMER AREA HOME WITH VIEWS! Southern orientation for light & warmth. Convenient location. 1970 sq ft. 3 bdrms, 2 baths. Walled & gated front yard. Great room. Vigas. Dramatic kiva fireplace.

Brand new heating system. New carpet. Skylights.

Alarm system. Attached 2 car garage. 1 acre.

MLS 94832 $357,000

A PRIVATE PARADISE ~ GRACIOUS ADOBE

Conveniently located between the Town of Taos and the charming Village of Arroyo Seco, on the way to the Taos Ski Valley! 3002 sq ft, 3 bdrm, 3 bath. Wonderful courtyard paradise with gardens and trees and flagstone paths. Gallery style entry. Large living room with high ceilings, kiva fireplace and tall picture windows that frame the mountains perfectly. Open kitchen and dining area with access to the back walled patio and portal perfect for outdoor dining and grilling. The master suite is quite spacious with great views, a dramatic kiva fireplace, a sumptuous bath and walk in closet with built ins. Attached 2 car garage.

MLS 95125 $649,000

WARMTH & LIGHT - HOUSE & GUEST HOUSE 2.5 acres. 2159 sq ft, 3 bdrms and 2.5 baths PLUS a 1 bdrm, 1 bath guest casita! Pumice construction with excellent passive solar design giving the house plenty of warmth and light. Open kitchen. Concrete floors.

Efficient fireplace. Wonderful outdoor spaces!

MLS 94634 $459,900

Sold!

GREATER WORLD HOME WITH STYLE! A perfect peaceful get away! Open kitchen dining room. Concrete floors. Laundry. Soaking tub. Huge bedroom w/ kiva fireplace. Simplicity and clean lines evoke a feeling of calm. 1.41 acres. 1380 sq ft.

Endless views! Bright, sunny and open!

MLS 93842 $189,900

SPACIOUS HOME W/VIEWS & WORKSHOP!

Fantastic location. Huge mountain view. 2.5 acre lot! 3080 sq ft 3 bdrm, 2 bath home with studio/ office/exercise room PLUS a 794 sq foot garage and fantastic workshop. Gated courtyard.

Open kitchen with rich Cherry cabinets. Huge living room with dramatic fireplace and picture windows that frame the mountain views. The original garage has been converted to a wonderful space that could be a studio, office, exercise room or all of those things! The workshop with garage door access keeps the dusty hobbies out of the house. Lovingly maintained!

MLS 94923 $595,000

©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc.

CREATIVE SPACES! REFURBISHED ADOBE! 2.27 Acres. Fantastic views! Be your best creative self in this lovingly refurbished adobe home with a stylish, contemporary flair. 1760 sq ft. 1 bdrm, 2 bath. Newer kitchen. Beautiful bath. Vigas. 3 fireplaces. Walk in closet! Wood floors. Detached 2 car Garage.

MLS 94630 $349,900

NORTH MESA ROAD ADOBE HOME!

Convenient to town and ski valley! 2.27 acre lot.

2983 sq ft. 4 bdrms, 4 baths plus office/studio.

Quality construction. Walled and gated entry courtyard. Dramatic fireplace. High wood ceilings with vigas. A cook’s kitchen which features a work island, stainless appliances and functional planning desk. Master suite has a kiva fireplace, walk in closet, access to a courtyard and a sumptuous 5 piece bath. 3 additional bedrooms PLUS a wonderful spacious office/studio! Attached, heated three car garage. Walled and gated back yard. Mountain views. Deep portal. Storage.

MLS 94269 $675,000

Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of

EnchantedPrudential Homes • registered 44 in•manyAll properties be with found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com Financial.Vol. Inc. and XCVIII its related entities, jurisdictions worldwide. Usedcan under license no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Lisa Davis,CRS, GRI

Associate Broker Office 758-1924 • Mobile 575-770-2983 lisa@enchantedtaos.com 2013 Chairman’s Circle 2013 Legend Award

www.enchantedtaos.com Current Property Information • Photo Slide Shows • MLS Access

Pending!

Sold!

STYLISH IN-TOWN FREESTANDING CONDO Professional landscaping. Private courtyards. Hot tub.

Great room. High ceilings. Open kitchen w/granite.

2 large bdrms, 2 baths. 1641 sq ft. Quality finishes.

Brick floors. Close to town. Low utility bills especially with the new gas fireplace insert! Attached garage!

MLS 94660 $349,000

HOUSE AND WORSHOP W/RV PARKING 1.79 acres. 3 bdrms, 2 baths. Portal. Gracious entry.

Great room. Picture windows. 2 Kivas. Vigas. Open kitchen. Laundry w/ storage. Large master w/5 piece bath and walk in closet. Attached 2 car garage PLUS a detached 2 car garage w/ workshop and office!

MLS 94664 $309,000

HOUSE WITH OFFICE~VIEWS!~AND STYLE! 1681 sq ft, 2 bdrms, 2 baths PLUS office! 2 courtyards.

2 car carport with storage. Great room design. Kiva.

Open kitchen. Breakfast counter. Pantry. High ceilings with vigas. Smooth plaster. Great Portal!

Wonderful 360 degree mountain vistas.

MLS 93732 $365,000

Sold!

TWO GREAT HOUSES ~ ONE GREAT LOCATION 2 houses on beautiful tree lined Burch Street! A 2 bdrm, 1 bath, 1086 sq ft main house that is filled with classic Taos character, and a newer, fabulous 1 bdrm, 1 bath 768 sq ft guest house! Live in one, rent out the other? Or, live in one and use the other as a studio? Endless possibilities!

MLS 94453 $449,000

AFFORDABLE IN TOWN GET-AWAY! 394 sq ft condo, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Back patio.

Lovely setting and grounds surround Bright, cheerful condo that is fully furnished and ready to go! Can be a rental or your own Taos get-away! Centrally located, close to shopping and downtown!

MLS 94995 $84,500

AFFORDABLE DES MONTES LAND! Lovely private setting. This one acre lot is tucked away yet opens to a spectacular view! Perched adjacent to a lush, deep arroyo, this location is home to an abundance of bird life! Great Views! Nice affordable Des Montes area building spot! Build your get-away here!

MLS 94971 $62,000

Pending!

WEIMER BUILDING SITE! Can’t find the right house? Build your own! Fantastic views of Taos Mountain, the east foothills and the valley. Sunrise to sunset! Easy access to utilities.

Good road. Close to town. Great walking!

MLS 89708 $85,000

Lost a pet? Found a pet? Call 751-8282

ESTATE LOT ON VERDE ROAD IN WEIMER 3.5 acres. Bladed driveway. electric box and meter in place. Natural Gas at the street. Back line (262 feet) borders Carson National Forest. Pinon and Juniper trees. Gorgeous views! Close to town!

MLS 92603 $249,950

Lost and Found pet information that is announced on KTAO 101.9 twice daily. For nine years, this community service has been brought to you

by Lisa Davis at Prudential Taos Real Estate. Hear the daily report at enchantedtaos.com

MARIPOSA RANCH LAND Gorgeous 10 acre lot in beautiful Des Montes. Smart building covenants to protect your views! 360 degree views sunrise to sunset. Borders 2000 acre ranch.

Underground utilities in place! Shared well.

MLS 93764 $259,000

Lost&Hound ©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc.

Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of

EnchantedPrudential Homes • registered 45 in•manyAll properties be with found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com Financial.Vol. Inc. and XCVIII its related entities, jurisdictions worldwide. Usedcan under license no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Lisa Davis,CRS, GRI

Associate Broker Office 758-1924 • Mobile 575-770-2983 lisa@enchantedtaos.com 2013 Chairman’s Circle 2013 Legend Award

www.enchantedtaos.com Current Property Information • Photo Slide Shows • MLS Access

MAGNIFICENT DES MONTES ESTATE ~ SPANISH HACIENDA STYLE! Incredible solar adobe home. Great room floor plan. High, exposed beam ceilings. Long bank of windows that capture the stunning mountain views. 4444 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 5 baths on 8.4 acres. 2 gorgeous walled courtyards. Lovely east facing patio with built in BBQ and hot tub. Energy efficient with active solar. Gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances, breakfast counter, flagstone countertop and mahogany cabinets. Second floor office/guest suite. Steam room. Media room. 3 car garage. Amazing storage building. Extensive landscaping with drip irrigation system.

MLS 91012 $1,700, 000

HOUSE AND GUEST HOUSE IN WEIMER Weimer area. 1.5 acres beautiful views! Main house is 1781 sf ft, 3 bdrms, 2 baths. Super high efficiency radiant wood stove. Charming 480 sq ft. guest cottage.

Decorative wall and wonderful garden gate. Easy care landscape with drip irrigation. Lots of possibilities here!

MLS 95163 $379, 000

ROOM FOR EVERYONE! 1.1 Acres. 1633 square feet with 4 bedrooms & 2 baths. Great mountain views. Welcoming front porch and entry. Open living room and dining area. Galley style kitchen with wood cabinets, nice counter tops and stainless appliance. Laundry room off kitchen.

MLS 95159 $239, 900

3 ACRE BUILDING SITE ~ WEIMER Stunning 3 acre parcel in Weimer with views in every direction! Great location, close to town, shopping, schools and the hospital. This lot is part of a larger 6 acre parcel that will be split into two 3 acres parcels.

Good access. Southern exposure. Gentle slope.

MLS 93712 $239, 000

3 ACRE BUILDING SITE ~ WEIMER Elevated 3 acre parcel in Weimer with 500’ of border to Carson National Forest. Views in every direction! Great location, close to town, shopping, schools and the hospital. Good access. Southern exposure. Gentle slope.

MLS 93714 $299, 000

ESTATE SIZE LOT AND LOCATION! Stunning 4.17 acre parcel in Weimer. Great location, close to town, shopping, schools and the hospital.

Good access. Gentle slope. Borders Carson National Forest. Interesting topography.

MLS 93715 $375, 000

3 ACRE LOT IN A PRIVATE LOCATION! Gorgeous views from this large 3 acre lot. Borders Carson National Forest. Gentle slope facing west.

Views in every direction! Interesting topography. Good access. Close to town but a private setting!

MLS 93711 $299, 000

HEART OF TAOS! VACATION RENTAL! If you are going to vacation in Taos, you might as well have the quintessential Taos experience in this old, refurbished, authentic adobe home in the heart of downtown.

Adjacent to the historic Mabel Dodge Luhan house.

Walking distance to historic downtown, shopping, galleries, restaurants and Kit Carson Park. 2 bedroom, 2 bath.

Library. Sun Room. Open living room and kitchen.

Walled and gated courtyard. Parking for two cars.

Sleeps up to 4 max. 2 night minimum. Owner/broker.

Call Lisa Davis for Details and Reservations!

©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc.

Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of

EnchantedPrudential Homes • registered 46 in•manyAll properties be with found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com Financial.Vol. Inc. and XCVIII its related entities, jurisdictions worldwide. Usedcan under license no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Lisa Davis,CRS, GRI

Associate Broker Office 758-1924 • Mobile 575-770-2983 lisa@enchantedtaos.com 2013 Chairman’s Circle 2013 Legend Award

www.enchantedtaos.com Current Property Information • Photo Slide Shows • MLS Access

FREESTANDING CONDO IN TOWN WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEWS! One level, free standing condo. 1672 sq ft, 2 bdrm, 2 bath, oversized one car garage. Just past El Monte Sagrado, close to historic downtown, restaurants, shopping and galleries. Small, well maintained complex of 8 free standing units. This unit has an extra large private yard. Welcoming front courtyard. Wonderful back patio with hot tub!

Inside the views are captured by large picture windows. Dramatic stone fireplace. Brick floors. Cozy, open kitchen. Timeless finishes in the kitchen and baths. Walk in closet in master bedroom. Office nook in laundry area.

MLS 93832 $378,500

THE HOUSE OF BLUE GATES Mature trees, shrubs and gardens! Picture windows frame the gardens and capture that warm southern light.

Spacious, open kitchen. 1456 sq ft, 2 bdrms, 2.5 baths.

1 acre. Fenced back yard. Detached garage.

MLS 95434 $259,000

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL AND ABSOLTELY IMMACULATE! PUERTAS PINTADAS CONDOMINIUM This home embodies the true character of Northern New Mexico! 2043 sq ft, 4 spacious bedrooms (one of which makes a great office) and 3 full baths. Quality construction and materials used throughout. Great room concept with dramatic high ceilings and vigas. Divided light doors and windows. Kiva fireplace. Gorgeous rustic tile floors. Open kitchen with custom wood cabinets, butcher block island & stainless appliances. Large master suite with walk in closet. Custom shutters. Stylish second floor covered balcony. Attached garage. Lots of Storage! $374,000

LIVE THE SIMPLE LIFE! AUTHENTIC ADOBE Adobe Charmer w/Studio! Built around 1934 and remodeled in 2003. 1062 sq ft, 1 bdrm, 1 bath plus office.

Wood floors. Vigas. Flagstone courtyard. Mature trees & shrubs. .3 acre lot. 300 sq ft studio. Greenhouse!

MLS 95384 $169,000

Lost a pet? Found a pet? Call 751-8282

ATTENTION DEVELOPERS 1.37 ACRES! R-4!

Good location, in town with shopping, restaurants and parks nearby. Zoned R-4. Town of Taos ran the sewer line across the southern end of this property. Easy access off paved Town Road. Utilities close by!

MLS 95317 $102,000

Lost and Found pet information that is announced on KTAO 101.9 twice daily. For nine years, this community service has been brought to you

by Lisa Davis at Prudential Taos Real Estate. Hear the daily report at enchantedtaos.com

ONE LEVEL CONDO RIGHT IN TOWN! One level condo in the heart of town. 1 bdrm, 1.5 baths.

Lovely finishes throughout. Energy efficient RastraBlock construction. Nice backyard. Fireplace.

Slate floors. Vigas, beams and corbel accents.

Upgraded stainless appliances.

MLS 95322 $184,900

PASTORAL SETTING HOUSE & STUDIO Located in Des Montes. Home & studio on 2.48 acres.

Pastoral setting. Mountain views! 2958 sq ft, 3 bdrm, 2 bath and a huge 628 sq ft studio. Large living room.

Kiva fireplace. Big open kitchen. Central, walled courtyard. Wood and tile floors. Fruit trees. Grass. Views!

MLS 95260 $485,000

Lost&Hound ©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc.

Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of

EnchantedPrudential Homes • registered 47 in•manyAll properties be with found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com Financial.Vol. Inc. and XCVIII its related entities, jurisdictions worldwide. Usedcan under license no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

JOEL K. SCHANTZ, CRB QUALIFYING BROKER jschantz@newmex.com Prudential Legend Award

#1 Real Estate Company in Taos JoelsTaosRealEstate.com

314A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571 www.PrudentialTaosRealEstate.com 575-758-1924 office • 800-530-8899 QUAIL RIDGE CONDO

1865 HISTORIC ADOBE

PUEBLO STYLE HOME

Convenient location between the Town of Taos and the Ski Valley. Association fees include use of swimming pool and tennis facilities. 526 sf upstairs studio to live in or use as vacation rental. Price reduced to $89,000 MLS 93097

Enjoy this pastoral setting and experience the luxury of having peace and quiet around you. 2BR/1BA, 1 kiva fireplace, 1,500 sf, 1.15 acres with water rights. Make this your our own private retreat. $249,900 MLS 94284

Bordering Taos Pueblo land. 3BR/2BA, 2 fireplaces and wood burning stove. 2 bonus areas and large family room. Patio off of dining/living room perfect for entertaining! $399,000 MLS 95469

CANON FOOTHILLS

HOME ON BLUEBERRY HILL

LOS PANDOS ESTATES

Remodeled in 2010; 2590 sf 3BR/2.5BA 2-story home features spacious open floor plan. Vigas, high ceilings, fireplace and wood stove. Large deck off DR/LR perfect for enjoying spectacular sunsets! $425,000 MLS 89682

French doors off LR/DR lead to west-facing covered patio with sunset views. Corbels frame archways in foyer, LR and DR; vigas and saltillo tile floors. 3 BR/2.5 BA on 3 acres. 3rd BR used as art studio. $449,000 MLS 95548

Beautiful in-town location and the finest craftsmanship.

Energy efficient 3BD/2BA, pumice-crete construction.

A green belt to north and a conservation easement to east protect your views! $514,900 MLS 93747

ADOBE IN HISTORIC OVERLAY

ELEGANT CUSTOM HOME

EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP

Beautiful 3BR/2BA remodeled in 2013. High end appliances, granite countertops, MBR with ensuite bath. 2 CG used as studio. Landscaped walled courtyard perfect for entertaining! $536,000 MLS 94911

2 Master Suites; granite counters, custom cabinetry and Italian porcelain tile floors. 3 room apt above 2+ CG with views of Taos Mtn. 3.8 acres with water rights.

Close to Plaza, yet has rural setting! $703,000 MLS 95247

Luxury Pueblo style home features quality finishes, 11' ceilings, custom cabinetry and doors. Expansive covered portal with kiva fireplace. 3 interior kiva fireplaces. 3BR/2.5BA, 3 CG on 4.7 acres. $715,000 MLS 95155

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

"Watch for the big change in your neighborhood: Berkshire Hathaway HomeService-Taos Real Estate"

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

®

REALTOR

Marny Schantz, Owner/Manager

©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial. Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

48 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

®

REALTOR

®

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

®

JOEL K. SCHANTZ, CRB QUALIFYING BROKER jschantz@newmex.com Prudential Legend Award

#1 Real Estate Company in Taos JoelsTaosRealEstate.com

314A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571 www.PrudentialTaosRealEstate.com 575-758-1924 office • 800-530-8899 GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN WEIMER

CLASSIC ADOBE

Close to Hospital and Youth & Family Center. 1996 build with open floor concept, 4200 sf on 1 acre, easy access. City sewer, well water and natural gas. This building has endless possibilities. $445,000 MLS 92512

BEST KEPT SECRET IN TAOS

Within walking distance of Taos Plaza. Built in the 1930’s Inn on the Rio banks Rio Fernando. 12 room B&B; Taos

awaiting transformation. Great for a family compound, landmark. Carmen Velarde kiva fireplace, hot tub, pool condos, or apartments. Zoned R-14, 0.86 acre. Bring your and private on-site owners’ quarters. Proven financial imagination and your passion. $449,000 MLS 93875 records. 1.5 miles from Plaza. $840,000 MLS 93961

ENCHANTING ADOBE HACIENDA

ALMA DEL MONTE

TAOS TENNIS RANCH

Over a bridge crossing the Rio Pueblo. Eight luxury suites; hand carved doors, kiva fireplaces and ensuite baths. Private owners' quarters. Lush gardens and apple orchard on 7.48 acres, border Pueblo land. Known as Taos Country Inn B&B. $895,000 MLS 94622

Efficient and elegant Pueblo style home, 7 BD/7.5BA, 6712 sf on 4 acres in Des Montes. Features gourmet kitchen, home theater and library. Viga ceilings, handcrafted floors and custom wooden doors. Pumice-crete construction and hot water radiant heat supplemented by solar make this a green home. $1,295,000 MLS 93208

Commercial Tennis complex at Quail Ridge. 6820 sf Pro shop, meeting rooms, restaurant with full kitchen. 988 sf pool house, 35'x 65' swimming pool, 10'x10' children's pool and hot tub. 7.52 acres. $1,400,000 MLS 95453

5 ACRES IN GALLINA CANYON IN-TOWN DREAM HOME SITE on 3 acres. GREAT LOCATION for development! R-4 Secluded yet accessible. Close to Great parcel within city limits, protected zoning on 1.39 acres, ideal site to build five Taos Ski Valley. Hike, bike or ride your views of Taos Mountain, mature trees condos and still have views. Conveniently horses and enjoy the great outdoors! and apple orchard. City water, electric located to all town amenities and easy to tie in to town utilities. $215,000 MLS 95224 $138,000 MLS 95040 and gas. $170,000 MLS 94694

PRIME

COMMERCIAL

PROPERTY BLUEBERRY HILL AND LOWER COLONIAS; 54 acres perfect for your Ranchette! Seasonal stream and large stock tank for horses, cows or sheep.

Can have one or several home sites with views. $1,200,000 MLS 93123

across from Walgreens. Develop into a commercial condo or strip mall, currently used by Taos Trade Days (local flea market). $760,000 MLS 95527

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

"Watch for the big change in your neighborhood: Berkshire Hathaway HomeService-Taos Real Estate"

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

®

REALTOR

Marny Schantz, Owner/Manager

©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial. Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

49 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

®

REALTOR

®

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

®

D IANE ENRIGHT A P L

SSOCIATE BROKER

RUDENTIAL EGEND

diane@taoshomes.com 575-758-1924 DIRECT: 575-758-LIST(5478)

BB randon Rose B UYER’S ROKER

515 GUSDORF RD, STE. 4, TAOS, NM 87571

taoshomes.com

OVER THE RIVER.....

SPACE WITH GRACE

GOODBYE WORLD – HELLO MOTHER NATURE

.....and in the woods is this picture perfect beautifully restored 2BR/2BA log cabin. A grand stone fireplace enhances the spacious living room.

Master w/ kiva FP, sunroom w/ hot tub, sunny kitchen, charming dining room & updated baths make for easy living. Separate studio too. Borders USFS and has river (Rio Fernandez) frontage. LOVELY! Priced at $299,000 MLS#95539 (Additional 3.7 ac. available @ $79,000)

Let this 3.300+/- sq. ft. 4 or3 BR /3.5 BA / 3CG (heated) on 4.5 irrigated acres be your place in the sun. 12’ ceilings & Brazilian Koa flooring enhance the great room while windows showcase a mountain view.

Exuberant colors in the kitchen will brighten your day & fuel your cooking genius. After dinner, retire to the billiard room for a short game or the MBR suite for a short snooze. $675,000 MLS#94876

A sweet retreat or permanent home, this 2,750 sq ft 4BR/3BA home is tucked in the trees for privacy & situated on 2 ac in El Salto for views. Lots of windows make the outdoors ever present. Relax on the beautiful deck and watch nature go by or hike to nearby El Salto waterfall. So peaceful. Priced at $499,000 MLS#93939

DOUBLE RAINBOW

THE GREAT ESCAPE

SIMPLE LIVING

Two adobe residences grace this in-town site w/in walking distance of Taos Plaza. Adobe walls surround & an ancient willow adorns the courtyard w/ lovely landscaping. The front home has 2 offices/ studios or guest rooms + 2BR/2.5BA & study. The guesthouse has 2 BR/2BA +3rd BR/office, sunroom & patio w/ hot tub. So many options. $650,000 MLS#92799

Whether you’re escaping the big city, a big corporation, or Big Brother, you’ll find refuge in this stylish retreat. Surrounded by trees on 2 ac. this 3BR/2BA/2CG, 2,000+/- sq. ft. pueblo style home provides privacy, yet is not remote. The living areas are tasteful & inviting. The kitchen stellar. With sub floor radiant heat, central vac, wine cooler/room & heated garage in this mountain home, you can relax. Furnishings avail. $449,000 MLS#94762

Comfortable, off-the-grid, solar-powered 485 sq.ft. yurt w/ frame addition located on 3.8 acres in El Rito/Latir. Two decks offer outdoor living in a private, peaceful, & treed setting. Includes permitted well + solar-powered & heated 285 sq.ft storage container, perfect for guests or as a studio/workshop + add’l storage shed. Abundant wildlife, convenient access to wilderness & outdoor recreation. $114,500 MLS#94134

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE

KISS YOUR LANDLORD GOOD-BYE

OUT OF THE ORDINARY

Lots of windows provide lots of light & big views in this lovely 3BR/3BA/2CG home w/ 2,500 sq. ft. including stunning “bonus” room w/ windows on 3 sides. High ceilings & unique kiva FP make for a dramatic living area. Spark your culinary fires in the “cooks” kitchen boasting Viking stove, granite countertops & lots of custom cabinetry.

Walled areas for people & pets w/ pretty landscaping & pretty patio. $475,000 MLS#93809

Sweet 3BR/2BA home in desirable Des Montes, without the Des Montes price. Open floor plan with lots of windows and lots of mountain views.

Bright and light. Nice kitchen. Separate laundry room, good storage, feels like new. Acequia runs along the property. Fenced back yard Priced $235,000 MLS#95473

This newly remodeled 3BR/2BA home combines many artistic touches with practical applications for everyday living. It is a super family home that is kid & pet friendly (the entire acre is totally fenced), it’s great for artists or tinkers w/ a separate studio or workshop, or to grow your business from home w/ room for office, equipment, & vehicles. Airy, light, & views too. Priced $275,000 MLS#93983

LIGHT TOUCH

GOOD VIBRATIONS

IT’S JUST RIGHT.

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

Airy & bright, this 1BR/2BA condo could be your gateway to easy living. Super attached carport with extra storage and private patio w/ kiva fireplace are just a couple of the perks. Desirable north side location provides swell access to TSV, etc. yet only minutes to town.

At just $130,000 you’re not getting hammered on the price either.

MLS#93457

This 1,841 sq. ft. 2BR/2BA/2CG pueblo style home w/ studio in the upscale Weimer area is just the right size for enjoying retirement, vacations, or just your life. The cool portal is perfect for partaking in good libations while enjoying the stunning view of Taos Mtn. & patio in front affords ringside sunset views + hot tub. Artsy, craftsy? There’s a studio. $425,000 MLS#95194

This in-town condo w/ 2BR/2BA is spacious enough for 2 with room for guests. A corner kiva fireplace and vigas enhance the great room and the kitchen is roomy too. Tile floors & sub floor radiant heat are cool in summer & toasty in winter. Private enclosed front patio. A separate storage room is a boon. Split floor plan. Bright & Light. The price is right too. Just $235,000 MLS#95347

At our office our clients are #1

©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial. Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

50 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

®

REALTOR

®

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

®

DIANE ENRIGHT PA

SSOCIATE BROKER RUDENTIAL LEGEND

diane@taoshomes.com 575-758-1924 DIRECT: 575-758-LIST(5478)

taoshomes.com

Brandon RBose B UYER’S ROKER

515 GUSDORF RD, STE. 4, TAOS, NM 87571

HACIENDA HIDE-A-WAY

WEIMER – FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS…

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

This is a unique adobe home with 2BR/3BA plus a detached studio on 1.8ac.+/- w/ trees, flowers, a hogan and views. Coved and vigaed ceilings, nat. floors, 4 kiva fireplaces and hand hewn wood lend character to this 3,400sq. ft. home and the drive in is a “colorful” Taos entrance. You won’t be found unless you want to be! $359,000 MLS#93026

to this beautiful 2,600+/- sq. ft. 3BR/3BA home in a dream location & at a price that won’t give you nightmares. The gracious, open living area has lots of light & big mtn. views. New stainless appliances in the large kitchen. French doors lead to the private courtyard w/ deck. Nat’l gas, city water & sewer, sub floor radiant heat, tile floors, & 2 whirlpool tubs complete this well maintained home. $415,000 MLS#95492

Let this cool, in town condo be your romantic retreat or week-end hide-a-way while you explore everything Taos has to offer. Well maintained adobe remodel w/ granite countertops, Jotul gas stoves, thermopane windows, hardwood floors, & skylights. Walled private patio. Convenient to restaurants, galleries, shops & historic Taos Plaza plus easy access to so much more! $183,500 MLS#94976

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!

TRUE TAOS ADOBE

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

You’ll love the welcoming entrance to the private courtyard of this 3BR/3BA home w/ finished studio, workshop + garage. You’ll love the mountain views. You’ll love the warm colors & tasteful SW details w/ hand carved built-ins & woodwork. And you’ll love the Northside location. Let the romance begin! Priced @ $495,000 MLS#94439

Looking for a home with character in a great in-town location? This 2BR/1BA adobe sits on a sweet lot right across from Baca Park. Lovely family room/den is a bonus. Swing w/ your sweetheart or sweet child from the ancient willow in back or play tennis, basketball or soccer across the street. Sweet price too! $184,000 MLS#95478

This mountain log cabin retreat is finely crafted & well maintained so all you have to do is move in & relax. Floor to ceiling windows provide an abundance of light & frame dramatic mtn. vistas. The LR, dining, & kitchen open to one another w/ high vaulted ceilings. With 3BR/3BA you have room for family & friends. 2 car heated garage. Private & serene.

(Borders Seco Landowners Assoc. w/ access to El Salto waterfall) $649,000 MLS#94867

ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULLEST.........

TAOS FUSION

UPSCALE-ECO

.........in this glorious 2,800+/- sq. ft. home set amidst the lush fields just off Ranchitos Rd. With 3BR/3BA + family room, this like new, energy efficient home provides the place to raise a family, raise a garden, or raise entertaining to new heights. You’ll love the expansive views. Grandkids have room to explore. Property goes to the Rio Fernando. A horse? Of course! Rural living just 5 min. to town. Priced @ $595,000 MLS#93901

This unique property in a pastoral setting provides options for those looking for spaces to live, work, create, garden, persue hobbies, expand a family, have room for friends or even rental income. With 2BR/2BA main house & spacious guesthouse (1BR/1BA) studio, or office/business space you have soooo many options. On.86+/- ac.

Water rights, well & community water a plus. Priced at $425,000 MLS#94732

It is easy being “green” when you have this spacious 3BR/2.5BA/2CG + family room/den to enjoy. Eco friendly, rastra construction, nat’l gas, sub floor radiant heat, thermopane windows, & solar hot water. Plus it’s in-town with views in the desirable Weimer area. Priced at $485,000 MLS#95162

KUDOS TO QUALITY

GROW YOUR OWN.........

SIZE DOES MATTER!

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

So many upgrades – So many thoughtful touches. So well maintained, all you have to do is move in & enjoy. Spacious L.R. w/ fireplace & lots of windows plus high tech heating & cooling, custom kitchen w/ pantry & lots of cabinets, updated alarm & smoke detecting systems, electronic zone controls & intercom. 2,828 sq. ft., 3BR/2BA/2CG plus office/studio & 1.4 acres of irrigated land plus cool well house. $470,000 MLS#93173

.........on this pretty 1.7+/- ac. pastoral property w/ water rights just 5 min. to town. You’ll be surprised at how sunny & bright this 1,662 sq. ft. 3BR/2BA home is and what super views it affords. Horse barn & fencing plus acequia lends the property to a horse, of course, but appropriate for chickens, goats, llamas, or growing farm to table fare. It’s “back to the basics” @ $215,000 MLS#95064

If you have a large family, large family of friends, or large plans, you need more than a cracker box. This in-town home boasts over 4,000 sq. ft., 5BR, 3BA (2 master suites or convert to guest house), light filled kitchen, formal dining room, roomy den/family room plus T.V. room & 2CG in a park like setting. Great location convenient to shopping, schools, restaurants, galleries, etc. Priced @ $499,000 MLS# 95099

At our office our clients are #1

©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial. Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

51 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

®

REALTOR

®

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

®

D IANE ENRIGHT A P L

SSOCIATE BROKER

RUDENTIAL EGEND

diane@taoshomes.com 575-758-1924 DIRECT: 575-758-LIST(5478)

BB randon Rose B UYER’S ROKER

515 GUSDORF RD, STE. 4, TAOS, NM 87571

taoshomes.com

FOLLOW YOUR HEART….

WANTED: PRINCE TO KISS THIS SLEEPING BEAUTY

SEA OF TRANQUILITY.

.…to this enchanting adobe home & guesthouse just minutes from Taos Plaza. Circa early 1900’s & remodeled, every thing is au courant, yet there’s thick adobe walls, kiva FPs, vigas, wood floors, & smooth plaster walls – all “old” Taos. Open living area, 2 BRs, ample bath w/ claw foot tub & separate shower. The log cabin guesthouse a plus.

Prepare to be charmed. $365,000 MLS#94452

This cool 2BR/2BA adobe w/ office & sunroom, finished guesthouse/ studio, and fantastic views just needs a prince with some paint & power tools to awaken this property’s potential. Home boasts 2 kiva fireplaces, hardwood floors, vigas, & Mexican tile. Guesthouse/studio has kitchen, bath, & W/D. At just $299K there WILL be a happy ending! MLS#94983

This 3BR/3BA/2CG pueblo style home sits on 5 ac. amidst a sea of trees w/ privacy & tranquility. Open living spaces & big windows for big mtn. views, 2 master suites (or family room) & grand kitchen w/ stainless appliances, granite, large island, & pantry. The garage is heated & finished w/ vigas & windows for easy conversion if more space needed. Northside location has good access to everything outdoors, yet 20 min. to town. $649,000 MLS#95415

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS.

STAKE YOUR CLAIM…

ECO-FRIENDLY.

This super home is in super shape in a super location & provides lots of options for families, a family business (cottage industry) or entrepreneurial endeavors. This 3BR/2BA 1,788+/- sq. ft. home on Blueberry Hill also has a large den/office or space for hobbies or collections. Classy, tasteful remodel. Metal roof. Hardwood floors. Stainless appliances. Move in & groove. Priced $275,000 MLS#94806

...to some of the most beautiful territory in N.M. complete w/ 3BR/2BA/2CG home. On 10 ac. in the Stakeout area, this custom home was designed to capture the views. Views of the Rio Grande Gorge, Taos Mtn., the Pedernel, Truchas Peaks, & the foothills are yours to enjoy.

Energy efficient, eco friendly Rastra construction provides warmth in winter & cool in summer. Upscale kitchen, Open living area, split floor plan & master suite w/ FP & spa like bath. $749,000 MLS#95013

Beautiful 1700 sq.ft. 3BR/1BA strawbale home on 9.76 irrigated acres w/ views in all directions. Open floor plan w/ SW finishes & artistic touches. Passive-solar orientation, off-the-grid w/full BP 12-panel tracker system + other energy conserving & sustainable systems. 2 portals, bancos, & fenced garden. Studio/workshop + large storage barn. $250,000 MLS#90652 House also listed w/ addtl 4.9 ac for $329,000 (see MLS#90657)

SLOW THE PACE – QUICKEN THE SENSES

SOUTHWEST SERENITY

I NEED MY SPACE

This welcoming 2BR/2BA adobe w/ large studio or den on 1.45+/- ac. provides every opportunity for you to slow down & enjoy life. The open living area boasts a kiva FP, vigas, tile floors, lots of windows, & a wall of book shelves. Studio attached. Big fenced yard in back for your furry friends & magical walled garden in front. Priced @ $274,000 MLS#95192

This 4-5BR/5BA/2CG, 5,000 sq. ft. home w/ an 850 sq. ft. 1BR/1BA guest house on 4.6 irrigated ac. provides gracious living in a lush, private setting. The authentic thick walled adobe w/ all the SW touches creates a warm, welcoming home. There’s room for an office, gym, meditation room, or studio plus a grand great room for entertaining.

Slow down and listen to the quiet! $918,000 MLS#94288

There’s plenty of room to room on this 3BR/2BA/2CG home on 5.3 ac. There’s even room for a horse. Newly remodeled upscale kitchen w/ Wolf stove & wine cooler. Slate floors & sub floor radiant heat. Pumice construction is eco friendly. Lots of windows for mountain & sunset views. Location is near Wild Rivers, hot springs, w/ easy access for riding, walking, biking, hiking, or fishing & TSV is only minutes away. $449,000 MLS#94618

COOL, CALM, & COLLECTED

EXPRESS YOURSELF

BRIGHT OUTLOOK.

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

Lots of light, clean lines, & clear skies makes for relaxed living in a beautiful, treed setting. 1,750 sq. ft., 2BR/2BA home on 2.5 ac. Soak in the upstairs jetted tub & watch birds soar or enjoy stunning mountain views from the redwood deck. A front deck provides the place for watching sunsets. Partially finished attached studio is a bonus as is the huge fenced yard. Located in El Rito, 40 min. N of Taos Plaza) Cool price too. Just $215,000 MLS#92907

With 3,600+/- sq. ft on 1.26 ac., a super location & lots of parking, you can accommodate a yoga class or a crowd for a performance. A remodeled 480+/- sq.ft. apartment, his & her baths, office space, plus one of the best (1,500 sq. ft.) sprung floors in Northern NM provide lots of options. Attached garage/ workshop/studio. It’s a deal @ $499,000 MLS#94924

Whether your passion is woodworking, sculpture, cars, pottery, or just puttering, this 3BR/2BA/2CG 2,000+/- sq. ft. ridge top home has the workshop for you (with 2,400+/- sq. ft. even Santa would be envious of). Sited on 2 ac., the home has all the Southwest touches plus having wrap-a-round views of mountains & valley. At just $375,000 things could be looking up! MLS#95056

At our office our clients are #1

©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial. Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

52 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

®

REALTOR

®

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

®

DIANE ENRIGHT PA

SSOCIATE BROKER RUDENTIAL LEGEND

diane@taoshomes.com 575-758-1924 DIRECT: 575-758-LIST(5478)

taoshomes.com

Brandon RBose B UYER’S ROKER

515 GUSDORF RD, STE. 4, TAOS, NM 87571

PARADISE FOUND.

EXPECT THE EXCEPTIONAL.

EARTH-FRIENDLY HOME …

This exceptional estate is a hidden treasure right in the heart of Taos.

Combining the timeless beauty of adobe w/ awe inspiring trees & grounds, this property includes a 3BR/3.5BA main house & 1BR/1BA guest house joined by an incredible courtyard w/ old world fountain, bancos, & kiva FP. Also private patios, & old studio. 2 acres zoned R-4 a plus. Location an A+ $1,185,000 MLS#95459

From the carefully selected 6+ ac. site to the creative layout capturing mountain views, to the well thought out floor plan, this custom 3,375+/sq. ft. adobe is exceptional. Living areas open w/ high ceilings, vigas, wide plank floors, & walls of windows. Exceptional kitchen. Generous portal/patio for enjoying the outdoors. (A deer path falls right below the back fenced courtyard.) Cooling system. $895,000 MLS#95094

Energy-efficient, 3BR/1.5 BA, 2,518 sqft adobe home w/ open floorplan & classic finishes. Passive-solar, 5 trombe walls, woodstove, kiva FP, sauna, greenhouse, + wrap-a-round porch. 41.85 acres rising up from the Hondo valley w/ alfalfa field, irrigation ditch, water rights, cottonwood trees, & barn/shed. 1400 sq ft off-the-grid studio/guesthouse. Panoramic views in all directions. $990,000 MLS#94910

ISN’T IT TIME TO SAVOR THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE?

LOOKING FOR PERFECT TAOS MTN. VIEWS…

LIVE LARGE

Whether you’re looking for a great, great room, magnificent kitchen, or spa like baths, you’ll be pleased to find all in this custom 4BR/3.5BA luxury home on 6.6 ac in desirable Northside location. Great room boasts big mtn. views, high ceilings w/ vigas & latillas, FP, & spacious dining area. A 6 burner Wolf stove, granite countertops, large island, & pantry complete the chef’s kitchen. Master Suite has his/hers closets.

Spa like baths for owners & pets too! Heated garage w/ extra storage.

Relax & enjoy! $1,500,000 MLS#94759

...and a stunning home to match? Every room in this exquisite 4,000+ sq. ft. adobe home situated on 4 ac. is imbued w/ drop dead views. The hundreds of ac. of bordering Pueblo land provides space and privacy.

With 3BR/3BA/2CG, deluxe office, work-out room, gorgeous covered patio w/ 2 kiva FPs, plus grand living room, great kitchen, & incredible dining room, you have a picture perfect property. $965,000 MLS#93944

Whether you need room for your baby grand, your grand babies, your grand multi-generational family, your friends, or your grand plans, this treed 21 ac. estate in the heart of Taos has room for all. The lovingly maintained 5,000+/- sq. ft. adobe compound has 3BR/3BA main w/ expansive den/family room w/ kiva FP, a beautiful 1BR/1BA guest house, and 3CG w/ workshop, patios & portals too. Park like setting w/ trails, ½ ct. basketball court, golf fairway, stone benches, & rock BBQ. DON’T HOLD BACK. LIVE LARGE! $1,850,000 MLS#94814

THINK “ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST”

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

THE RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT!

Designed by respected architect Bill Hoffman, this luxury custom compound on 9.7 ac. radiates style & taste. The elegant entrance sets a polished tone for the dramatic gallery & living areas. The cook’s kitchen makes entertaining easy. Two master suites have spa like baths, office, deluxe gym & the 1BR/1BA guest house a plus. A pool pavillion with walls of windows & luxurious landscaping are icing on the cake. $1,975,000 MLS#94179

This property steps right off a magazine page w/ colorful gardens, stunning views, lots of outdoor living spaces, tennis courts, & even a putting green. Spacious 5,700+/- sq. ft. adobe home w/ 3BR/3.5BA/ studio/office/sun room, & attached deluxe guest quarters. Decks & covered porches promote mtn. views under towering pines. Kiva FPs, plaster walls, vigas & soft lines evoke Taos past. Private & Quiet. $1,690,000 MLS# 94098

Whether you have children, grand children or are just a child at heart, you’ll find this 3.2+/- ac property with river frontage & acequia delightful. The park like setting includes a 3,000+/- sq ft main house w/ intriguing floor plan & 1,400 sq ft 2BR/1BA guesthouse & office. Plenty of room on this property for another house or a horse. Pastoral & private yet is on paved road just minutes to Taos Plaza. Priced $850,000 MLS#95345

DEER MESA

PRIVATE TREED HOMESITE

FABULOUS VIEWS

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

REACH FOR THE STARS

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

3 ac. site w/ a 500’ well in place ready to build. $125,000 MLS#94048

9 ac. w/ elec. & phone at lot. $79,900 MLS#90435

2.9 ac. site in Canon w/ well & utilities $259,000 MLS#94843

3 ac. in Stakeout area w/ dramatic views. $89,000 MLS#95410

At our office our clients are #1

©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc . Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial. Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

53 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

®

REALTOR

®

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

®

®

DOUG DECOURSEY

RACHEL SINGER ASSOCIATE BROKER

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

®

REALTOR

RACHELS @TAOSNET. COM

®

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

®

575-770-6759

REALTOR

®

575-613-3027

314A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571 www.PrudentialTaosRealEstate.com 575-758-1924 office • 800-530-8899 MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

EQUAL HOUSING

®

LENDER

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

EQUAL HOUSING

®

LENDER

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

®

ED! EDUC

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

ER

PRIC

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

314A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571

www.PrudentialTaosRealEstate.com 575-758-1924 office • 800-530-8899 EQUAL HOUSING

A Solar Sanctuary

LENDER

EQUAL HOUSING

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

OPPORTUNITY

2BD/3BA in picturesque San Cristobal. 2.95 acres with water rights. 1BD/1BA, guest house with loft.

Gorgeous views from the wrap around second story deck. New energy-efficient appliances. Horses allowed. $369,000 MLS 94198

Live in the off-grid dome on 10 acres while you build your dream home! Breathtaking 360 degree views, privacy & seclusion. Borders BLM land. 100% solar powered.

Solar pc system in perfect working condition has the best exceltech 1100 watt sine wave inverter. Info at: www.taosdome.com. $69,500 MLS 93872

Off grid, rammed earth home in Carson, built w/ attention to detail. 2 acres with 360° views. Open floor plan, efficient wood stove plus active & passive solar. 3000 gallon cistern. Irrigated raised bed gardens. $149,000 MLS 94205

INCREDIBLE pinon/juniper 5 acre building site with new 280’ well. 360 degree mountain and gorge views. Latir Peak and Carson National Forest to the east with hiking, biking & horse trails. Utilities nearby. $69,000 MLS 93430

©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial. Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Perfectly secluded 16.19 acre estate featuring multiple solar applications. Passive/2 active. A 1983 sq.ft. 2 bedroom, 2 bath main home. 518 sqft guest home & 1000 sq.ft. studio/office complex. 3 car heated garage and shop. Extensively remodeled with great attention to detail. Custom cabinetry throughout. Water rights, 1.3 acre pasture with 2.5 acre/ft of coverage. John Deere 4120 Tractor/Loader with 5 attachments. Price based on professional valuation. $1,100,000 MLS 91015 - To appreciate fully, please view film/ video go to http://prudentialtaosrealestate.com/video.php (Video correction) 1.2 Kw solar array actually 1.02 ©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial. Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

RICK REAVES

®

REALTOR

®

ASSOCIATE BROKER

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

RICKLREAVES@GMAIL. COM

REALTOR®

®

575-770-4502

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

®

REALTOR

EQUAL HOUSING

®

LENDER MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

®

REALTOR

®

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

314A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571 www.PrudentialTaosRealEstate.com 575-758-1924 office • 800-530-8899

Paradise in Taos Canyon

Beautiful Solar Home in Cielito Lindo

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Here’s a unique opportunity to own one of the most beautiful properties in Taos Canyon. This custom built 2019 sqft home offers numerous one-of-a-kind features including vaulted ceilings with skylights and fans and a well-lit artist’s studio. Two large wood-burning stoves provide loads of heat in the winter that can save on propane costs. A 1400 sqft combination garage/carport/garden supply room/studio and workshop offers lots of extra space for your projects. The garage also has a bathroom plumbed and ready to go.

Both the garage and the house have large attic spaces for storage with pull-down stairs. The buildings are surrounded by immaculate landscaping that includes 6 aspen stands, grassy areas, a zenfeature, a stone fountain and wonderful gardens. An automatic drip irrigation system throughout takes care of all the watering. A hot tub and deck sits above the buildings on the edge of the trees. The eastern side of the property is perfect for building an additional casita. A great price for this awesome property!

MLS #95524 $498,900 ©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial. Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

This wonderful off the grid home located on 20 acres in Cielito Lindo offers stunning 360 degree views. The 3 bedroom/2bath straw bale luxury home features numerous upscale and unique features such as an indoor planter and attractive doors. Large windows blend with skylights in an open floor plan providing an infusion of light throughout. An upstairs library/loft with a spiral staircase also provides access to a large second story deck. This passive solar home maintains it’s own solar array and batteries that provide electricity. A welldesigned water catchment system has an 8400 gallon capacity. It is also backed up with a community well-share. Outdoor features include a covered front portal, a screened in patio great for the summer and a walled in area in the back of the house with aspen trees and shrubs. Perfect for the creative person looking for a quiet and peaceful setting. A green alternative without sacrificing the luxury you’ll love.

MLS #95172 $549,000

54 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Kiva Harris Associate Broker

taosnmrealestate.com

Experienced Broker for Buyers & Sellers Longtime Taos Resident Property Management

Complete Access to Taos County Multiple Listing Service Office (575) 758-1924

Cell (575) 770-0569

NORTHSIDE CONDO

BEAUTIFUL LAND

email: kiva@newmex.com WONDERFUL HOME

Unique Northern New Mexico land near Taos.

Almost 4 acres covered with old growth pinon & bordering National Forest. Serene & secluded with good building sites, & views. Owner financing available! $45,000. MLS 95448 Also two 3.24 acre pieces for $32,000 each. MLS 95448, 95450, 95451 NICE You can put your mobile or modular home on this land.

Only $20,000 for 1 acre MLS 92286 LARGE PARCEL 25 Acres in the Village of Questa.

Excellent development potential. Power and phone at the lot. Town water and sewer and natural gas nearby. $55,000. MLS 94547

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

Very comfortable 2 bedroom condo with easy access to Town of Taos and Taos Ski Valley. Live here full-time, use for vacations, or rent it out. There is a well-run condo association in place with reasonable fees. Mountain views and the price is right! $94,000. MLS 93775

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

Move right into this immaculately maintained pumice home with huge views and lots of light. 3 bed/2 ba on 1 acre. Saltillo tile, coved ceilings, new efficient boiler, nat’l gas, low heating bills. Patios & landscaping provide lovely outdoor spaces.

Excellent location. You’ll be happy here! $400,000. MLS 94846

®

REALTOR

©2014 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial. Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

®

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

REALTOR®

®

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

®

REALTOR

®

EQUAL HOUSING

JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER! Online. Anytime. Anywhere.

Dining Out Summer/Fall 2014

VISITOR & NEWCOMER GUIDE SUMMER/FALL

2014

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE OF THE TAOS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE TOWN OF TAOS VISITOR CENTER

taosnews.com/visitors

THE TAOS NEWS

www.taosmenus.com

Taos

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Angel Fire

Española

taosmenus.com

®

It’s a great time to purchase Peoples is here to help turn your home buying dreams into reality! We offer a wide variety of loan products to save you time and money.

• • •

ANGEL FIRE RED RIVER SIPAPU TAOS SKI VALLEY

A COMPLIMENTARY PUBLICATION OF THE TAOS NEWS

OPPORTUNITY

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

• • • • •

Jumbo Loans Construction Loans Loans for Second Homes and Investment Properties Conventional Loans Portfolio Loans VA Loans FHA Loans Condominiums

Photo: Ryan Heffernan

Our goal is to provide superior Guest service on each and every transaction. Call today for more information!

Adam Consiglio

Vice President Regional Mortgage Manager NMLS # 455329 575.737.3799

galleryguideoftaos.com

bankingunusual.com Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

55 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Member FDIC

InsideOut

Chimayo Trading del Norte offers the best in contemporary and historic Northern New Mexico regional art, from Pueblo pottery and Navajo Weavings to many of the areas best painters. Pictured is an oil painting by Taos artist Julian Robles 30"x 36" Ca. 1986, and also an early 20th century New Mexico Granero with black micaceous pottery by Taos Pueblo artist Angie Yazzie. Chimayo Trading del Norte is located 3.7 miles south of the Taos plaza on highway 68, at the St. Francis Church Plaza in Ranchos de Taos across the street from Old Martinas Hall. “Representing the historical classics and the best contemporary artists” Chimayo Trading del Norte #1 St. Francis Church Plaza Ranchos de Taos NM, 87557 575-758-0504 www.chimayotrading.com

At Taos Lifestyle, you will find every style from contemporary to mountain rustic. Dining sets, living room groups, sofa sleepers, bed room furniture, lighting, bedding, rugs, decorative accessories, and more! Find the largest selection of Serta and Tempurpedic mattresses in northern New Mexico. Delivery available throughout the region. Thank you, Taos, for voting us “The best place to buy a mattress” and “The best home furnishings store” in Taos. Visit us in the Albertson’s Shopping Center at 710 Paseo del Pueblo sur.

Open 7 days a week. 575-758-5885 www.taoslifestyle.com

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

56 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Looking for a Home in Taos?

Create a custom search at… www.TaosHomeListings.com Looking for a Home in Angel Fire?

Create a custom search at… www.AngelFireHomeListings.com

This serene 1-acre mountain retreat awaits you in peaceful Taos Canyon. Sit on the porch swing and watch the birds and other wildlife... deer graze in the yard regularly. This 2-bd/1-1/2-ba cabin has updated kitchen appliances, and newer floor coverings throughout.

Home includes most furnishings, including pots and pans. Bring your groceries and move right in!

MLS 95592 $169,000

7276 Highway 518, Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

Brian Stenum Qualifying Broker

575-779-1498

www.TaosRealEstateInfo.com

Enjoy the lush green surroundings and irrigated fruit orchard of this 0.76-ac property. Large comfortable 1891-sq ft home with 2 very large bedrooms and 2 baths. Take in the wonderful views of the Hondo valley below. Home sits at end of private driveway, and is surrounded by large orchard and shade trees, so no traffic to deal with on this private retreat.

MLS 95613 $325,000

Have a great home?

Interested in seeing your Taos home featured in Enchanted Homes?

Submit your home today!

Call 758-2241 x113 or e-mail josmanski@taosnews.com for details.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

57 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

“Taos is a combination of magic and red chile.” ~Southwest Food Critic

taosmenus.com Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

58 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Current Happenings in Taos Real Estate

of Taos

RE/MAX SELLS 1 HOME EVERY 42 SECONDS!

Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

723 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Taos, New Mexico 87571

www.taosmls.com remax@newmex.com 575-758-5400 866-737-5400

Linda Valaika, Owner/Broker

COMPARISON OF 2013 - 2014 REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY January 1, 2014 - July 15, 2014 2014 2013 % of change Residential Sold Properties Average Sold Price Volume Sold Land Sold Properties Average Sold Price Volume Sold Multi-Family Sold Properties Average Sold Price Volume Sold Commercial Sold Properties Average Sold Price Volume Sold

CURRENT REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY 286 $487,875 $139,532,289

94 270,000 25,464,000

90 322,000 28,980,000

.04% -15% -12%

Current Residential Properties Average Listed Price Volume

29 79,137 2,295,000

31 67,702 2,098,000

-06% 16% .09%

Current Land Listings Average Listed Price Volume

-1 299,250 299,250

0 0 0

Current Multi-Family Listing Average Listed Price Volume

6 $446,500 $2,679,000

0 0 0

5 414,600 2,073,000

Current Commercial Listings Average Listed Price Volume

54 $556,568 $30,054,717

316 $153,502 $48,506,805

RATES ARE GOING UP. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE RATES WHILE YOU STILL CAN Monthly Payment* Fixed Interest Rates $100,000 $522.00 30 year Fixed Rate 4.375% $100,000 $738.00 15 year Fixed Rate 3.625% Adjustable Interest Rates 5 year ARM

3.50%

$100,000

$472.00

*Rates quoted represent average rates without points and vary depending on credit score, loan size, and loan to value on conventional loans.

These statistics were obtained through data available from Taos County Board of Realtors. Rates provided courtesy of Wells Fargo Mortgage.

www.calhounrealestate.com Search the MLS and view all area listings from our website

Linda Calhoun, Qualifying Broker 575-754-2953 800-765-0262 Email: calhoun@newmex.com

Now two convenient locations: 518 E Main Street • 301 West Main Street Red River, NM 87558 Selling Red River since 1962!

Specializing in vacation properties including homes, condos, townhouses, land and commercial properties.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

59 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

CERRO

To Costilla & Colorado

El Norte

QUESTA

RED RIVER

SAN CRISTÓBAL

To Tres Piedras & Chama

ARROYO HONDO

ELIZABETHTOWN

TAOS SKI VALLEY

VALDEZ EL SALTO

HONDO MESA

EAGLE NEST

ARROYO SECO

Taos Pueblo

EL PRADO

Taos Municipal Airport

PA S E O

DEL P UE B

L O N

O

RT

E

RANCHITOS

Kit Carson Park

BLUEBERRY HILL

KIT

CA RS O

Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial

N

LAS COLONIAS

RD

TAOS

O

SU

R

CAÑÓN HEIGHTS

LP UE

BL

CAÑÓN PA S

PA S

EO

DE

LAS CORDOVAS

Taos RANCHOS DE TAOS Country Club

Taos Visitors Center

LLANO QUEMADO

STAKEOUT AREA To Santa Fé & Albuquerque

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

EO

TAOS CANYON

ANGEL FIRE

D E L CAÑÓN RD

WEIMER FOOTHILLS

To Pot Creek & Las Vegas

60 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

GET TO KNOW THE ENCHANTED CIRCLE

The Enchanted Circle encompasses Taos, Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Red River and Questa. Known for its magnificent scenery and outdoor activities, the Enchanted Circle makes an outstanding day trip. Drive time is approximately 3 1/2 hours, but make plans for frequent stops along the way. It’s worth the extra time to discover the hidden treasures of Northern New Mexico.

TOWN OF TAOS

TAOS COUNTRY CLUB, STAKEOUT AREA

Taos Plaza rests at the heart of the historic district, surrounded by shops, galleries and restaurants within easy walking distance, in the midst of quiet residential areas. It has a relatively flat landscape filled with cottonwood trees.

Average home sale price: $233,704

A relatively new area of development with broad expanses of land affording unbroken mountain views, as well as the piñon-and-juniper covered “Outlaw Hill,” where Old West outlaws hid out from the law.

Average home sale price: $413,250

RANCHOS DE TAOS, TALPA, LLANO QUEMADO

BLUEBERRY HILL An area of sagebrush mesas which a popular area for houses.

Average home sale price: $308,477

UPPER LAS COLONIAS A varied area of sagebrush and juniper, with easy access to the town of Taos and affordable home options.

Average home sale price: $207,807

ARROYO HONDO, HONDO MESA

Home of the most photographed church in the country (San Francisco de Asís), Ranchos de Taos is accented with quaint adobe structures, galleries and shops. High terrain and ridges afford views of the Río Grande Gorge and mountains.

Ranchos de Taos average home sale price: $150,683 Talpa average home sale price: $241,083 Llano Quemado average home sale price: $213,800

WEIMER FOOTHILLS

A village of old adobes and other dwellings along the Río Hondo, with a rolling high desert mesa stretching toward the Río Grande Gorge. Includes popular fishing spots, as well as the historic John Dunn Bridge.

Arroyo Hondo average home sale price: $112,000 Hondo Mesa average home sale price: $167,000

An upscale neighborhood of rolling hills It is close to schools, Holy Cross Hospital and the Taos Youth and Family Center.

Building restrictions keep mountain and foothill views relatively unbroken.

Average home sale price: $406,694

ARROYO SECO, EL SALTO, DES MONTES

El Prado is comprised of meadows and ranch lands with small shops, cafes and other businesses along the highway.

Ranchitos and Los Córdovas are similar but more residential.

All have excellent views of Taos Mountain.

El Prado average home sale price: $325,173 Lower Ranchitos average home sale price: $340,000 Upper Ranchitos Average home sale price: N/A Los Córdovas average home sale price: $310,000

Arroyo Seco is a picturesque village of galleries, shops and cafes, surrounded by the beautiful landscape and gorgeous views of the mountains. El Salto and Des Montes have rolling terrain with orchards and ranches.

Arroyo Seco average home sale price: $318,100 El Salto average home sale price: $468,500 Des Montes average home sale price: $378,213

TAOS SKI VALLEY, VALDEZ

EL PRADO, RANCHITOS, CÓRDOVAS

ANGEL FIRE

Taos Ski Valley is world-renowned with both national and international clientele. Most of the businesses are open yearround for outdoor enthusiasts of every season. Valdez sits at the foot of the canyon accessing Taos Ski Valley, providing high-altitude living amidst woodlands and valleys along the Río Hondo.

TSV average home sale price: $293,910 Valdez average home sale price: $435,000

TAOS CANYON, CAÑÓN This area is replete with hiking trails and campgrounds.

Picturesque views of the mountainsides and the Rio Fernando combine to form a lush, green landscape.

Taos Canyon average home sale price: $216,667 Cañón average home sale price: $424,333

Cradled in the beautiful Moreno Valley, Angel Fire is a favorite destination for skiers in the winter and golfers, hikers and music lovers in the summer.

Average home sale price: $292,632

RED RIVER This historic ski town invites visitors to explore its Wild West history along with its many shops and restaurants.

Surrounded by the Carson National Forest, the village rests in a valley, with the Red River running through it.t Average home sale price: $251,4967

QUESTA An agricultural and mining town at the mouth of the Red River, with a compact downtown of shops and restaurants, and a variety of rural housing tucked between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Río Grande Gorge.

Average home sale price: $113,698

Information was provided by Jim Kimmons of Gallery Realty (www.galleryrealtyoftaos.com) and trulia.com. DISCLAIMER: Statistics are based on MLS information for the period January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. Neither the REALTORS® Association of New Mexico nor the Taos County Association of REALTORS® guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data is maintained by the Taos County Association of REALTORS® and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

61 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

TAOS COUNTY

COMMUNITY PROFILE

The boundaries of Taos County stretch from the Colorado border on the north to the Cañon del Río Grande on the south. Containing 2,203 square miles, the 7,000-foot high Taos valley is bounded in the east by soaring Sangre de Cristos of the southern Rockies, and in west by the lower Tusas Range. The terrain crosses a half-dozen ecological zones, from high-alpine tundra to sage grasslands; thus, weather is often localized. The Río Grande carves a deep gorge down the center of the valley, which is dotted with old volcanic cones and necks.

Tribal members of Picuris Pueblo have lived above the Río Pueblo near Peñasco for centuries.

Taos Pueblo is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the United States and the northernmost of the 19 Rio Grande pueblos.

Pueblo history traces back some 1,000 years – centuries before the first Europeans arrived in the late 1500s. These conquistadors claimed the land for Spain, and soon Spanish and Mexican land grantees settled in the Taos area. Ancestral acequias still divert water from seven watersheds along the Sangre de Cristo front into pastures, fields and orchards.

Roughly 50 percent of Taos County’s 1,444,480 acres is federal land, primarily U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. About 38 percent of the county is private. Native Americans own 4.3 percent, and state lands make up 6.7 percent.

Federal lands accommodate hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, ATV and snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. Golfers tee off at Taos Country Club and Valle Escondido; skiers and snowboarders carve up Taos Ski Valley and Sipapu Ski Area.

Government jobs predominate in the local economy and, in the last several decades, tourism has replaced agriculture as a primary economic driver. Real estate and home construction provide revenues and jobs. Visitors come to experience the

tri-culture atmosphere, the hundred-mile views and adobe stylings – and many return for good.

The county is home to a significant number of retirees, many of whom have already purchased second homes. It is also home to several off-the-grid communities west of the Río Grande, including the Earthships of the Greater World Community.

TOWNS, VILLAGES & SETTLEMENTS Incorporated (population): Taos (5,676), Questa (1,760), Red River (475), Taos Ski Valley (69) Unincorporated: Amalia, Arroyo Seco, Costilla, Ojo Caliente, Pilar, Peñasco, Ranchos de Taos, Talpa, Tres Piedras, Valdez Source: UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research

POPULATION Estimated 2012 population: 33,114 Source: UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research

PUEBLOS Taos Pueblo: Sovereign government, governor with nine members, war chief with 12 members, all serving one-year terms: www.taospueblo.com Picuris Pueblo: Sovereign government, governor serves two-year term: www.newmexico.org/picuris

WORKFORCE STATISTICS (2013) Civilian labor force: 16,622 Employed: 15,130 Unemployed: 1,491 Unemployment Rate: 9.0 percent

AGRICULTURE Number of farms: 637 Total farmland: 456,932 acres Average size: 717 acres Market value of ag products sold: $5,992,000 (61 percent livestock, 39 percent crops) Largest crops: Cattle/calves, hay/alfalfa Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service (2007)

TEMPERATURE Month

High

Low Precip. Inches

January

42

11

0.62

February

47

18

0.57

March

55

24

0.79

April

63

30

0.80

May

73

39

1.14

June

83

47

0.98

July

87

52

1.49

August

84

51

2.06

September

78

43

1.49

October

66

32

1.31

November

53

21

0.80

December

43

12

0.74

Average

65

32

1.06

Source: National Climatic Data Center

SAMPLE OF RENTAL PRICES

Source: Department of Workforce Solutions

(all prices are approximate) Small one-bedroom apt. near plaza: $575-$600

VOTER REGISTRATION (2014)

Two-bedroom adobe, Talpa: $750

Total registered voters: 25,056 Democrats: 17,094 Republicans: 3,274 Declined to State: 3,748 Other: 940

Mid-range two-bedroom house, El Prado: $800

Source: Bureau of Elections

Source: Kokopelli Property Management

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

Two-bedroom condo w/courtyard, Taos: $900 Three-bedroom house, Blueberry Hill: $1,150-1,250

62 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Photo by Tina Larkin

TOWN OF TAOS COMMUNITY PROFILE The 5.4 square miles of incorporated town of Taos spread out beneath the shadow of Pueblo Peak (12,305), bounded roughly by the Río Lucero on the north and Río Grande de Ranchos on the south.

At 7,000 feet in elevation, Taos experiences winter lows in the single digits and summer highs in the low-90s.

Taos Puebloans inhabited the sage-piñon-juniper mountain front for several centuries before Spanish explorers arrived around 1600. Soon, Spanish settlers returned, armed with land grant decrees from the king. The central plaza became the hub of activity and the site of conflicts — often bloody — between the Spanish, natives and late-arriving Americans. Long isolated from the outside world, Taos began to grow in the 1960s with an influx of hippies to nearby communes, and continues to this day with young ski bums and rafters, and older retirees.

Commercial activity centers on the plaza area and along north and south ends of Paseo del Pueblo, the main thoroughfare. A popular home for Southwest artists, Taos boasts dozens of galleries, boutiques and craft shops – plus renowned studio tours, and art and crafts festivals. Dozens of restaurants serve up all variety of cuisine; the Northern New Mexico red-sauce dishes are renowned. Just south of town in Ranchos de Taos sits St. Francis de Asís Catholic Church, reputed to be the most-photographed church in America. The Catholic influence can be seen in the cemeteries, roadside descansos, and neighborhood churches called capillas and moradas.

The locals speak a patois of Castilian Spanish and English.

As the county seat, Taos is home to the county

government and district courts. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management have a strong presence in town. On the outskirts of town, pastures, fields and gardens irrigated by ancestral acequias, extend out from the rivers and streams.

Athletics: Taos Eco-Park (soccer, lacrosse)

POPULATION

Mayor and four-member town council, staggered four-year terms; town manager; www.taosgov.com

Estimated Taos 2012: 5,676 Source: UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research

TAXES Gross Receipts Tax: 8.1875 percent Lodgers Tax: 5.00 percent Residential Tax Rate: 15.897 mills Source: UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research; N.M. Department of Finance and Administration

SCHOOLS/HIGHER ED Taos Municipal School District: Ranchos Elementary, Enos García Elementary, Arroyos del Norte Elementary, Taos Middle School, Taos High School, Chrysalis Alternative School, Taos Charter School, Anansi Charter School, Taos Cyber Magnet, Vista Grande High School, Taos Integrated School for the Arts, Taos Academy Charter School University of New Mexico-Taos, University of New Mexico Bachelor and Graduate Programs

PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES General: Taos Youth and Family Center, www.taosyouth.com, (575)758-4160, with game room, video games, swimming pool, ice rink; Fred Baca Park, Kit Carson Park Hiking/Biking: Carson National Forest, www. fs.usda.gov/carson, (575) 758-6200; Bureau of Land Management, Taos Field Office, (575) 758-8851; Ute Mountain and Río Grande del Norte National

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

Monument; popular trails include Devisadero Loop, South Boundary Trail, Rim Trail

FORM OF GOVERNMENT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Chile Line: local and area service, (575) 751-4459, www.taosgov.com/transportation/chile-line.php; North Central Regional Transit District: regional service, (505) 629-4725, www.ncrtd.org Taos Regional Airport: general aviation (575) 758-4995, www.taosairport.org

HEALTH SERVICES Holy Cross Hospital (575) 758-8883, www.taoshospital.org Taos Urgent Care (575) 751-1006 Taos VA Clinic (575) 751-0328 Mountain Home Health Care (575) 758-4786, www.mtnhomehealth.com Tri-County Community Services (mental health) (575) 758-1125 Taos Women’s Health Institute (575) 751-0334, www.taoswomenshealth.org

DRIVING DISTANCES Santa Fe: 70 miles Albuquerque: 131 miles Denver: 287 miles Dallas: 674 miles Phoenix: 595 miles

63 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

RED RIVER

COMMUNITY PROFILE The town of Red River nestles along the Red River, a mountain tributary to the Río Grande.

The settlement sits at 8,750 feet elevation, surrounded by Carson National Forest and the Sangre de Cristo mountains. The climate is montane and alpine, with winter lows below zero and summer highs in the 70s. Thunderstorms often roll through on summer afternoons.

Gold miners first settled the area in the mid1800s. These days, the local economy relies upon winter tourists who ski and snowboard, and summer tourists who come to hike, mountain bike, drive ATVs and relax in the cool temperatures.

Some 1,200 seasonal homes house many of these visitors. Red River Ski Area rises to the south of town with a vertical drop of 1,600 feet. The mountain includes 58 trails and six lifts on 290 acres, and typically attracts more than 120,000 ticket-buyers in a winter season. In the summer, lifts run for mountain bikers, hikers and sightseers.

For a fee, wintertime enthusiasts can explore the 21 miles of groomed skiing and snowshoeing trails at Enchanted Forest Cross Country and Snowshoe Area, located three miles east of town. In town, private rental services lease out snowmobiles and ATVs, and trail riding on horses is a popular summer activity.

The town of Red River administers municipal services for residents, visitors and nearly 200

businesses in the community. The town hosts a number of popular summertime events, beginning with the Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally that typically attracts more than 20,000 motorcyclists for the long weekend.

POPULATION Estimated 2012: 475 year-round; approx. 4,000 seasonal Sources: UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research; Red River Comprehensive Plan

TAXES Gross Receipts Tax: 8.4375 percent Lodgers Tax: 5.0 percent Residential Tax Rate: 18.522 mills Source: UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research; N.M. Department of Finance and Administration

SCHOOLS/HIGHER ED Questa Independent School District: Red River Valley Charter School, Questa Elementary, Questa Middle School, Questa High School, Cimarrón School District: Eagle Nest Elementary, Eagle Nest Middle School, Cimarrón High School, Moreno Valley High School

PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES General: Brandenburg Park, Woerndle Park, Mallette Park, Hiking/Biking/ATV-Snowmobiling:

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

Carson

National Forest, www.fs.usda.gov/carson, (575) 758-6200; popular trails including Red River Nature Trail, Columbine Trail, Sawmill Park Trail, Middlefork Trail, Goose Creek Trail Fishing: Red River; Town Ponds

FORM OF GOVERNMENT Mayor/town council and town administrator, with mayor and four councilors serving four-year, staggered terms; www.redriver.org, (575) 754-2277

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Red River Miner’s Transit: free year-round service, with door-to-door service, redriver.org/ public-transit, (575) 770-5959; town-operated heliport

HEALTH SERVICES Main Street Medical Clinic, 421 East Main St., (575) 754-6330: Family health and urgent care.

UltiMed Clinic (winter only), urgent care, in Lift House building of the Red River Ski Area, 200 A Pioneer Road; ultimed.com/pages/red.html, (575) 754-1773

DRIVING DISTANCES Taos: 36 miles Santa Fe: 106 miles Albuquerque: 165 miles Denver: 275 miles Dallas: 648 miles Oklahoma City: 511 miles

64 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

TAOS SKI VALLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE

SCHOOLS/HIGHER ED

Taos Ski Valley sits at the head of the Río Hondo Canyon, surrounded by Carson National Forest in what is known as the La Cal Basin. The state’s highest peak, Wheeler Peak (13,167), rises to the east, and the ridge off Kachina Peak (12,481) sets the western boundary. The climate is montane and alpine, with winter lows below zero and summer highs in the 70s.

None; area within Taos Municipal School District

The economy of the area is dominated by Taos Ski Valley, a world-class winter sports mountain that is known for its steep trails and an average of 300 inches of snowfall. The basin first attracted settlement when gold and copper were discovered in the early 1900s.

Ski valley founder Ernie Blake put up the first ski lift in 1956. The Blake family has recently sold the resort to billionaire conservationist Louis Bacon.

The base area, at 9,200 feet elevation, includes day and overnight facilities. The mountain has 14 lifts and 110 trails, with a vertical drop of 2,612 feet. Typically, about 250,000 skiers and snowboarders (admitted in 2010) hit the slopes every year. Other winter activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country and backcountry skiing, and tubing. In the summer, the main chairlift takes hikers, mountain bikers and sightseers to mid-mountain.

The Village of Taos Ski Valley, incorporated in 1996, encompasses 2.3 square miles in the valley and administers municipal services, such as water, sewer and police.

PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES Hiking/Mountain Biking/X-C: Carson National Forest, www.fs.usda.gov/carson, (575) 758-6200; popular trails include Williams Lake Trail, Bull ‘O The Woods Trail, Gold Hill Trail, Yerba Canyon Trail, Gavilan Canyon Trail Fishing: Rio Hondo, Lake Fork

FORM OF GOVERNMENT Mayor and four-member village council, staggered four-year terms; village administrator

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Taos Chile Line www.taosgov.com (575) 751-4459 (Winter Only)

Your Taos Ski Valley Specialist!

EDELWEISS CONDOMINIUMS DISCOVER THE PEAK OF LUXURY IN TAOS SKI VALLEY!

Taos Ski Valley’s premier ski-in/ski-out property right in the heart of the base area. Underground parking, hot tub, exercise room, sauna, on-site bar & restaurant, boot lockers, ski shop, & game room. Beautiful custom built ins. Furnishings negotiable. Great rental history (available) with on site management and solid HOA with significant capital reserves in place. Dues include everything but property taxes and contents insurance and property has never had an assessment.

MLS# 92692... Unit 201 .........1 bed/1 bath............$329,000 MLS# 94623... Unit 206 .........2 bed/2 bath............$559,000 MLS# 93774... Unit 212 .........2 bed/2 bath............$541,000 MLS# 95141... Unit 303 .........3 bed/3 bath............$859,000 MLS# 92811... Unit 407 .........3 bed/3 bath............$725,000 MLS# 92812... Unit 409 .........2 bed/2 bath............$550,000

Taos Express Winter Shuttle www.TaosExpress.com (575) 751-4459 (Winter Only) TSV daily shuttle to Santa Fe and Albuquerque airports, (800) 776-1111 (Winter Only)

HEALTH SERVICES

POPULATION Estimated Taos Ski Valley 2012: 69 yearround; up to 4,000 seasonal (winter) Source: Village of Taos Ski Valley Master Plan

TAXES Gross Receipts Tax Rate: 8.6875 percent Lodgers Tax Rate: 5.00 percent Residential Property Tax: 21.066 mills Sources: UNM Bureau of Business & Economic Research; N.M. Department of Finance and Administration

Mogul Medical Urgent Care, open during ski season only; www.mogulmedical.com, (575) 776-8421

DRIVING DISTANCES Taos: 19 miles Santa Fe: 87 miles Albuquerque: 149 miles Denver: 297 miles Oklahoma City: 543 miles Dallas: 693 miles

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

www.tsvrealty.com Keith Dowell, Qualifying Broker (575) 776.0600

65 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Courtesy Angel Fire Resort

ANGEL FIRE

COMMUNITY PROFILE Angel Fire is located at an elevation of 8,382 feet above sea level in the high Moreno Valley of Colfax County. The climate mirrors the Rocky Mountain setting that includes some of the highest peaks in New Mexico. About 210 inches of snow typically fall on Angel Fire in the winter, and average temperatures range between zero and 30 degrees F. Summertime highs rarely exceed 80 degrees F., with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that cool off midday temperatures.

Surrounded by U.S. National Forest and private ranches, the incorporated Village of Angel Fire covers 18,450 acres. The village includes the general aviation Colfax County Airport and the Angel Fire Ski & Golf Resort, a private membership community overseen by the Association of Angel Fire Property Owners. The resort includes more than a thousand private homes, a 500-acre ski and snowboard mountain, a championship golf course, country club, fishing lake and other amenities for member-landowners.

Non-members can pay to use most resort facilities.

A favored hunting ground for the Utes, the Moreno Valley grew in the 1860s with the discovery of gold. Ranching dominated the local scene until the 1960s, when the first ski runs of Angel Fire Resort were cut on Aqua Fria Peak.

Tourism fuels the local economy, although several large working ranches still operate in the area.

Trails; Elliott Barker Trail Complex; Greenbelt Trails; Oeste Vista; Lake and Lady Slipper Trails

POPULATION Estimated 2012: 1,181 year-round; approx. 2,000 summer

Fishing: Eagle Nest Lake State Park, (575) 377-1594; Cimarrón State Park, (575) 377-6271; Valle Vidal.

Source: UNM Bureau of Business & Economic Research; local Realtors

Athletics: Angel Fire Sports Complex – soccer, softball, rugby

TAXES

FORM OF GOVERNMENT

Gross Receipts Tax: 7.4375 percent Lodger’s Tax: 5 percent Sports & Recreation Fee: 2.4 percent Residential Tax Rate: 20.272 mills Average Colfax County Property Tax: $458/year on $150,000 property value

Village Council with four members and mayor, four-year, staggered terms: www.angelfirenm.gov

Source: N.M. Dept. of Revenue; N.M. Department of Finance and Administration

Moreno Valley Health Care Clinic 11 Elliott Barker Road No. A (575) 377-3301

SCHOOLS

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION None

HEALTH SERVICES

Cimarrón Municipal School District: Cimarrón Elementary/Middle School; Eagle Nest Elementary/Middle School; Cimarrón High School; Moreno Valley High School

UltiMed Clinic Ski Patrol Building Angel Fire Ski Resort (open in winter only) (575) 377-1805

PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES

DRIVING DISTANCES

Hiking/Biking/Snowmobiling: Carson National Forest, www.fs.usda.gov/carson, (575) 758-6200; Cimarrón State Park, (575) 377-6271; Valle Vidal; popular trails including Sendoro and Bobcat

Santa Fe: 92 miles Albuquerque: 154 miles Denver: 295 miles Dallas: 659 miles

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

66 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

QUESTA

COMMUNITY PROFILE The incorporated area of the Village of Questa encompasses 5.1 square miles around the confluence of the Red River (Río Colorado) and Cabresto Creek – both tributaries of the Río Grande. The area is bounded by the Latir massif of the southern Sangre de Cristo Range to the east -- with Venado Peak (12,734 feet) as the highest – and the Guadalupe Mountains and the Río Grande Gorge to the west.

At 7,461 feet elevation, residents of Questa and the surrounding community experience at highdesert climate, with summer highs in the 80s and winter lows in the single digits.

Located between the San Luis Valley and Taos, Questa has long been a gateway for travelers heading north or south. The ancient trade route Kiowa Trail ran nearby, connecting tribes to the north with Río Grande Pueblos. Later, French fur traders used the route to reach the trading center in Taos and, in the 17th century, Hispanic land grantees settled in the area. Many land grant heirs still live on their original properties.

Agriculture has long been a mainstay of the Questa economy. Irrigation acequias draw water off the rivers and streams, and distribute it to hay, alfalfa and winter wheat fields surrounding the community. Raising sheep once dominated livestock production, but that enterprise has been largely been replaced by cattle ranching. Local forest traditions of wood gathering, piñon nut collection, grazing and hunting still persist.

In 2014, Chevron Mining closed its molybdenum and began reclamation of the Red River. In conjunction, Questa leaders have pushed to increase tourism in the scenic village, promoting fishing along the Red River and hiking in the mountains as the main attractions. The village has opened a hiking trail from the village to the BLM’s Wild Rivers Recreation Area, which sits at the confluence of the Red River and Río Grande, and the downtown area has had a facelift. Passersby often pause in town to eat at a half-dozen restaurants that boast spicy Northern New Mexico cuisine.

Another attraction is the historic San Antonio de Padua church that is undergoing massive renovations, funding by local donations and performed by Questeños, after a wall collapsed and church leaders in Santa Fe considered closing it down.

POPULATION Estimated Questa 2012: 1,760 Source: UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research

TAXES Gross Receipts Tax: 8.1875 percent Residential Tax Rate: 16.108 mills Source: UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research; N.M. Department of Finance and Administration

SCHOOLS/HIGHER ED Alta Vista Elementary and Intermediate School, Questa Junior and Senior High School, Roots & Wings Charter School

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

FORM OF GOVERNMENT Mayor/Village Council, with mayor and four council members, serving 4-year, staggered terms; www.laplaza.org/ government/questa, (575) 586-0694

PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES Hiking/Camping/Fishing: Trails and waterways in the Carson Nat’l Forest, Questa Ranger District, (575) 586-0520, www.fs.usda.gov/carson; hiking and river access to the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, (575) 758-8851, www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/ prog/recreation/taos/wild_rivers_rec_area. html; Río Grande del Norte National Monument, (575) 586-1150, www.blm.gov/nm/ Ríograndedelnorte; Las Vistas de Questa trail

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION North Central Regional Transit District: regional service, (505) 629-4725, www.ncrtd.org; Questa Municipal Airport, general aviation, www.airnav. com/airport/N24; (575) 613-2853

DRIVING DISTANCES Denver: 262 miles Albuquerque: 154 miles Santa Fe: 94 miles Taos: 24 miles Red River: 12 miles

67 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Market share | Harvey Blaustein

Land: ‘Deals are out there’

BY HARVEY BLAUSTEIN

We have all heard the old adage that goes something like – buy land, there will never be any more of it then there is now. There is truth to that saying, as there is with most, but folks seem to have forgotten about that in the last seven years or so.

Before all of the economic mess, most of my practice was in the purchase and sale of land. From a broker’s perspective that is a good thing as the commissions on land are more than on homes — which never made much sense to me. I was more than happy to adjust my thinking. Typically, commissions on homes are 6 percent and on land 10 percent even though there is generally more work in the home transaction that the vacant land one.

Land costs can vary quite a bit. For the most part, almost any building site is likely to be worth at least $20,000 almost wherever it is. But we also see land sell for as much as $175,000 an acre. (Not so much any more but maybe again sometime.) One will pay a premium for trees and surface water in a high desert climate. So land to the east of the main road through town is likely to cost more than to the west.

To the east there are trees and big views to the west and the setting sun. To the west are the mesas with sage, but 360-degree views.

An important lesson to learn is land is valued based on what appraisers call “the highest and best use” Simply put, it means the more money one can make developing a piece of land the more it is worth. So a parcel that allows for the construction of a single-family home doesn’t have the same value as a parcel that is zoned R-14, or 14 units per acre. Similarly, land that can be used for manufacturing is worth more than one that can be used for a farm or ranch.

The value of land can be affected by water rights or the existence of an acequia. Water rights are tangible assets and can be sold separate and apart from land. The market for them isn’t any hotter than the land market itself – and that is pretty pretty cool right now – but we all have hopes for better days. There are bodies of both law and lore around water rights and the person elected mayordomo or head of any particular ditch has much more power than one might expect.

Here, the State Engineer’s Office, the official depository of water rights information, sits second chair to the mayordomo on site. Just the way it is.

The price of land is dependent on what one can do with it as noted above. That could depend on zoning, as we have in the town, or CCRs, meaning covenants, conditions and restrictions – generally just referred to as restrictions where zoning isn’t yet. As in Taos County. Those can and do limit the use of land. People that don’t want a Houston situation, where anything goes, will generally look to zoning to protect them or restrictions where there is no zoning.

Either ought to keep businesses and commerce from residential areas, which is what most folks want.

Land sales have been dismal these last seven years or so. The reason is quite simple. Presently, it is cheaper to buy an existing home than it is to buy land and build. So long as that stays this way, land prices will continue to be low. That presents buying opportunities for those with money and a little patience. But as we started, there will never be more land then there is now, so buy what you can. Deals are out there. And cash remains king. I have seen some land in the Overlook area sell for the value of the improvements, the buyer seemingly getting the land itself for free. Unbelievable to me.

Also key is access or availability to utilities. One would like power, water and phone to be at the subject lot – maybe natural gas, too.

However one might have to dig for water and the cost of a well might meet or exceed the price of the land itself. Wells can cost $35 to $40 a foot and more depending on depth to water and the type of casing one wishes – plastic or metal. And well depths can be less than 100 feet or as much as 1,000 or more.

For years a steady trek of baby boomers came to buy land for the next chapter of their lives. They stopped with the Great Recession but I expect them back. And when they do, prices for land are likely to rise. For now, come and get it while the deals are out there. They won’t last forever.

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

Harvey Blaustein lives in Taos, is a real estate broker and used to be a practicing attorney.

68 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

HOME FOR SALE $499,000

3.26 Acres Gated Community Good Roads Natural Gas Adobe Construction Privacy and Mountain Views

2CG and Separate Studio/Wrkshp A Nona Wesley Open Design Viga Beams and High Covered Ceilings Hard Plaster Walls Drip Irrigation

FOR DETAILS AND MORE PICTURES SEARCH: "CLOSE TO TOWN, CLOSE TO TAOS SKI VALLEY, NOT FARofFROM HEAVEN" North and South Courtyards AND a wraparound portale make the most Southwest Outdoor Living.

Home for Sale

$499,000

OR CALL 575.737.0711

Licensed agents fully commissioned

North and South Courtyards AND a Wraparound Portale Make the Most of Southwest Outdoor Living.

final foto

by Brentley Johnson

“Hippy Sunset”

Interested in seeing your photo here? Call 758-2241 ext.113 or email Julie Osmanski at josmanski@taosnews.com Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

70 • All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

603 Camino de la Placita Taos, NM 87571 www.harveyblaustein.com 575.737.5678

Harvey Blaustein 575-770-2220 hblau4@gmail.com

Premier Commercial Plaza...

On the main road thru town, just two short blocks from the ding an plaza, we proudly offer a center across from Red Willow invento Park with plenty of on site parking. With over 8,000 sq ft under roof, the location is primo and the opportunity is, too. $995,000 mls 95475

A Sweet Investment Property...

In town, and just a short walk to shopping, schools & restaurants, we proudly offer two free standing small homes that have a great rental history & a great location. Come rent them out or live in one and have the tenant in the other pay a good portion of the mortgage. $369,000 mls 95416

A Turn Key Business…

We are proud to offer Poco Loco, the only grocery store in Carson, a turn key operation & a business that makes money!

Situated directly across the road from the post office, everyone passes by Poco Loco. Buy it all: the land, building & business for $279K plus inventory. $279,000 mls 93978

Arroyo Seco on a Budget...

In highly desirable Arroyo Seco, where the demand for housing exceeds the supply & one can walk into the village for food, drink, art or craft, we proudly offer a modest residence that is as cool as the location. Seller financing available to qualified buyers. $139,000 mls 95293

Prime Develoment Property..

Just three short blocks from the plaza, we proudly offer one of the best remaing undeveloped parcels of land in town, 4.89 acres with great options & even better opportunity. Zoned CBD & R-4, this has location, location, location. $499,000 mls 93851

“We get things done on time every time. It’s important to us.”

Harvey Blaustein, Qualifying Broker

Bringing you the Best in Real Estate in Taos & the Enchanted Circle Unique Homes, Land & Ranches EDD UUCCE D D E E RR

D UCE D E R

THE ALOHA HOUSES

TUNE DRIVE ADOBE

2 Earthships. Live in one rent the other. Main is 2BR/1BA w/ chefs kitchen and kiva. Guest 1BD/1BD. 2 view filled acres in a sustainable community.

Designed with Old-World magic, this adobe home near the Rio Grande is the best in craftsmanship. 2 BR/2BA, wide-open views.

MLS 93149 $447,500

MLS 95510 $351,000

ELEGANT MOUNTAIN GETAWAY

2500 sf, 3BR/2.5BA/2CG. 10 gorgeous acres bordering National Forest; snow in the winter, sunrises, sunsets, big sky… sublime.

MLS 95337 $679,000

CED U D RE

TAOS MOTEL

COZY IN TAOS CANYON

26 units+office/support bldg.+1 BD apartment

3BD/2BA, approx. 1500 sf home in the trees with large deck. Fish in the creek or hike the mountains, but only minutes from Taos.

MLS 91440 $550,000

TAOS RV PARK

MLS 93680 $159,000

SERENITY IN TAOS CANYON

6.88 acres of lush meadow, stream and pond.

3BR/2BA, 2558 sf with 1100+/- sf studio/guest house. Simply perfect.

MLS 95377 $449,000

29 hook-ups + clubhouse+ 2019 SF 4BD adobe home MLS 95618 $350,000

Land Listings Weimer Foothills 3 acres, views.

MLS 89723, $325,000

Sandia Canyon 3+ acres, views.

MLS 85196, $189,000

Vista Grande

3.5 acres, Des Montes, stunning views MLS 94619, $169,000

Villa Ventosa

AWARD WINNING DESIGN + QUALITY CONSTRUCTION = MAGNIFICENCE

2.3 acres between Taos & Ski Valley.

Add Location and you get Harmony in the Hills This home has everything....over 4000SF, 3BD, 4BA, atrium with fountains, 2 offices, art studio, meditation room, deck and private patios

MLS 92274, $184,900

Gorge View Estates

MLS 95659 $1,200,000

2.5 to 6-acre home sites from $110,000 WALK TO THE GORGE!

Breathtaking Building Site on Gorge 5 acres. MLS 90964, $150,000

Calle Feliberto

Call one

10 Acres Adjoins Wild & Scenic Rivers

of our

Taos Pines Ranch

Taos

BORDERS NATIONAL FOREST Hidden Lake

Brokers!

MLS 86826, $350,000

10-20 acre parcels starting at $179,000

10-20 acre parcels starting at $84,000

LAKEFRONT AVAILABLE

Paula Madappa

Qualifying Broker 575-770-3306

Ellen Lerner

Associate Broker 575-770-4140

Teri Koss

Associate Broker 575-770-5222

See all TAOS and ANGEL FIRE listings www.HighMountainProperty.com

575-758-5852 • 888-687-5253 72 •• 575-377-2626 All properties can be found at www.enchantedhomeseller.com

Enchanted Homes Vol. XCVIII •

Katheryn Pate

Associate Broker 575-770-5023