Plaza Blanca Ranch | Fay Ranches

Abiquiú, New Mexico

$17,400,000

7,451± Acres

INTRODUCTION

Shirley MacLaine’s Plaza Blanca Ranch, set in the stunning landscapes of Abiquiú, New Mexico, is where the beauty of the natural world and spiritual peace converge. The ranch, spanning 7,451± acres, is tucked into the dramatic, otherworldly scenery of northern New Mexico’s high desert, and it is surrounded by the kind of striking geological features that have inspired artists, photographers, and writers for generations.

Plaza Blanca is perhaps best known for its unique white sandstone formations at the ranch’s entrance, which rise sharply from the earth to evoke both the surreal and the sublime. These striking “white place” cliffs were immortalized by the painter Georgia O’Keeffe, who was deeply inspired by the area. This legendary ranch also has thousands of acres of piñion/ juniper forest interspersed with native grasses. The ranch offers sweeping views of the surrounding Chama River Valley, with its red rock mesas, distant mountains, and vivid sunsets that fill the sky with a spectrum of colors.

The large 9,000+ square foot hacienda-style home, originally completely off-grid, now features grid-tied solar and wind power, a courtyard, and water supplied from an artesian water well. A caretaker’s home, barn, and workshop are all conveniently situated near the hacienda.

The expansive ranch shares a 7± mile border with the Carson National Forest, and the terrain features a variety of geologically significant elements with elk, mule deer, and a variety of wildlife cruising the property. The ranch offers the chance to explore thousands of acres for geological anomalies and Native American petroglyphs, several of which have been discovered on the property. Plaza Blanca Ranch has been held since 1990 by Ms. MacLaine, making this a rare opportunity to acquire an iconic property.

1 Plaza Blanca Ranch | Abiquiú, New Mexico

QUICK FACTS

• 7,451± acres

• 9,000± square foot hacienda-style home

• Caretaker’s house, barn, workshop

• 7± mile border with Carson National Forest

• Elk, mule deer, and other wildlife

• Stunning geological features

• Spectacular views

• One± hour drive to Santa Fe

• 2± hour drive to Albuquerque Airport

• 15± minutes to Abiquiú restaurants, museums, and galleries

A SPECIAL PLACE

For the owner, MacLaine, the ranch holds a deeply personal connection. Here, she found healing, reflection, and the kind of peace that comes from the land itself. The ranch is not just a physical retreat but a spiritual one, offering an atmosphere conducive to meditation, introspection, and personal growth. The energy of the place, MacLaine has said, draws her back time and again, making it a sanctuary for both mind and body. Visitors to Plaza Blanca are often struck by the quiet, almost otherworldly sense of serenity that pervades the land, making it a place that offers both inspiration and profound tranquility. Plaza Blanca was also the subject of two of Georgia O’Keeffe’s most famous paintings, The White Place and The White Place in the Sun.

CLIMATE

Abiquiú, New Mexico, has a semi-arid climate characterized by hot, dry summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures often reach the high 80s to low 90s °F, while winter highs average in the 40s and 50s °F, with occasional snowfall. The area sees low annual rainfall, mainly during summer monsoon storms, and enjoys plenty of sunshine year-round, making it ideal for outdoor activities in all seasons. 7

SCENIC VISTAS

Premium scenic vistas abound on and from the ranch, including views of Plaza Blanca, Copper Canyon, Pedernal, the Chama River Valley, Wheeler Peak, Taos Mountain, and the neighboring Plaza Colorado.

IMPROVEMENTS

The seven-bedroom, six-bath main house is built in the style of a Spanish hacienda and was originally designed to function completely off-grid with solar and wind power. In recent years, grid power was brought in, and solar power is now tied to the grid. The main living area is on one floor, and the three-bedroom basement apartment is reminiscent of the Native American Kiva style. The apartment has several unique features. A two-bedroom caretaker’s house, barn, and workshop are conveniently located near the main house.

RECREATION

The ranch offers the opportunity to mountain bike, hike, ride horses, ride ATVs, target shoot, and explore endlessly. Unique ranch explorations include searching for Native American petroglyphs, fossil hunting, and rockhounding. For some years, an abundant pinon pine nut crop can be harvested on the ranch. River rafting and visiting nearby hot springs are favorite day trips off the ranch. Amateur astronomers will relish some of the darkest skies in the country.

HUNTING | WILDLIFE

Large elk herds and mule deer reside in the area, and both rely on the ranch resources at various times. The owner recognizes that much can be done to attract and support more wildlife on a ranch of this magnitude. With that vision, a Wildlife Enhancement Plan designed explicitly for Plaza Blanca by a reputable large mammal biologist is being developed and included in the ranch sale.

FISHING

Plaza Blanca Ranch is minutes from the Chama River and Abiquiú Lake. Walleye, bass, and trout are popular species targeted at the lake, and boating is also permitted.

INCOME OPPORTUNITY

Plaza Blanca Ranch has an already developed subdivision plan that can be implemented or used as a starting point for a conservation easement. The plan delineates 48 parcels. Plaza Blanca has no restrictions or covenants and would be well-suited for a resort, dude ranch, or retreat destination with the plethora of outdoor recreation options. The serenity and spiritual nature of the landscape would lend itself well to that type of endeavor or as an exclusive artist’s retreat.

AREA HISTORY

Abiquiú, New Mexico, has a rich and layered history shaped by indigenous Tewa roots, Spanish colonialism, and later, artistic influence. It became a Genízaro land grant community in 1754, blending Native and Hispanic cultures, and served as a strategic frontier settlement in New Spain. Spanish missionaries built lasting religious sites, like the Santo Tomás El Apóstol Church. Over time, Abiquiú grew into a cultural crossroads for indigenous, Spanish, and American settlers. In the 20th century, artist Georgia O’Keeffe brought new attention to the area’s dramatic landscapes, turning it into an artistic and spiritual destination. Today, Abiquiú reflects its diverse past through its architecture, traditions, and natural beauty.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

Abiquiú offers a mosaic of captivating attractions and activities amid New Mexico’s dramatic high-desert terrain. The Ghost Ranch is a standout experience, a 21,000± acre retreat blending hiking, horseback riding, workshops, and museums showcasing paleontology and anthropology. Cultural immersion awaits at the Georgia O’Keeffe Home and Studio, a historic adobe residence where the artist lived and painted, now open for guided tours by reservation. You can also explore the local village, including the charming Bosshard Gallery, which showcases tribal artifacts and Western antiques, and St. Thomas Church, an architectural and spiritual landmark. For those seeking tranquility, the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, tucked deep in the Chama River Canyon Wilderness, offers a peaceful escape and an opportunity to attend services or explore the grounds. The monastery operates Abbey Brewing Company, the well-known brewer of Monk’s Ale. Additional attractions include the Ojo Caliente Hot Springs Resort and Spa, picking lavender at the Purple Adobe Lavender Farm, and stargazing under exceptionally dark skies.

LOCATION

Abiquiu, New Mexico, rests along the Rio Chama, where red sandstone cliffs meet high desert mesas and cottonwoodlined river valleys. The village carries layers of history—first home to ancient Pueblo peoples, later a Spanish frontier outpost, and today a place where culture and landscape are inseparable. The surrounding terrain has long drawn artists, most famously Georgia O’Keeffe, who captured its stark beauty in paint. Just beyond town lie the storied canyons of Ghost Ranch and the remote Monastery of Christ in the Desert, reminders that Abiquiu is as much a spiritual refuge as it is a physical landmark.

AIRPORT SERVICES

The Albuquerque International Sunport is approximately a two-hour drive from Plaza Blanca Ranch, offering extensive domestic service as well as international connections. For closer access, the Santa Fe Regional Airport is just one± hour away, providing daily flights to major hubs. Private aviation is well-served by both Santa Fe and Taos airports, each about an hour from the ranch. These airports offer convenient options for charter or personal aircraft. Together, these airports ensure efficient travel to and from Abiquiu, whether arriving from across the country or internationally.

MINERAL RIGHTS

All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.

CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP

Each of us at Fay loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.

SUMMARY

Shirley MacLaine’s Plaza Blanca Ranch is a 7,451± acre iconic property set in the high desert of Northern New Mexico with a 9,000± square foot hacienda-style main home. The ranch is characterized by dramatic geologic formations, expansive views, abundant wildlife, and unlimited recreational opportunities. It is a one± hour drive to Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Regional Airport, and a two± hour drive to Albuquerque Sunport International. Minutes away, the quaint village of Abiquiú is steeped in history and offers restaurants and other retail establishments. This is a rare opportunity to own one of the most revered properties in New Mexico.

Please contact Jim Vidamour, ALC, at (719) 890-4590 | jvidamour@fayranches. com or Robert Martin at (505) 603-9140 | rmartin@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay Ranches, Inc. must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties we have listed, please visit our web page at www. fayranches.com.

$17,400,000 Cash

Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange

Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.

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