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PROTECT YOUR HOME AND DISCOVER WHY SO MANY NEW MEXICANS TRUST THEIR HOMES TO WANDA LUCERO
WELCOME FROM THE TAOS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
¡Bienvenidos!
The Taos community celebrates design as it is found in our beautiful scenery, homes, businesses and communities! Our unique, historic adobe buildings act as a backdrop for designs from our creative community who create paintings, photographs, pottery, wall coverings and embellished windows and doors. This design issue of Enchanted Homes will inspire homeowners and business owners to explore how they can design their lives in Taos! Share in our community events. Join the Chamber each Thursday evening at 5:30 – 8:00 pm from May 31 – August 23 for Taos Plaza Live, our free community concert by local musicians. Bring your chairs or blankets and a picnic dinner to enjoy during an evening on the plaza with friends and neighbors. The Taos County Chamber of Commerce invites you into the Enchanted Circle in the pages of this magazine and on the 87-mile loop that encompasses our communities of Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, Angel Fire, Taos, Taos Pueblo and the Taos Ski Valley. See the beautiful views of the mountains in summer. The members of the Taos County Chamber of Commerce include our local shops, banks, service providers, hotels, B & B’s, restaurants, galleries and museums, medical and legal professionals, town and county employees and individuals all work together to “Keep Taos Local.” The Chamber supports these efforts with our “Keep Taos Local, put your money where your heart is!” campaign that encompasses and expands on national efforts to be mindful of your small, independent businesses. Please visit our stores, galleries, restaurants and museums to ensure this unique community is here for generations to come!
Wanda Lucero 211 Kit Carson Road 575-737-5433 wandalucero.com
The Taos County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to creating a community of possibilities and opportunities for those new to Taos and lifelong Taoseños. Our slogan of “Taos County Chamber of Commerce Makes Business Better” guides our efforts to include all businesses and individuals in an enhanced life in Taos County. Please feel free to contact us for more information. Please visit our website at taoschamber.com for member events and current information. Welcome and enjoy our wonderful Taos County!
Executive Director Taos County Chamber of Commerce ENCHANTEDHOMESELLER.COM
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GOT WATER RIGHTS?
83 acres near the historic Martinez Hacienda in Taos, 67.9ac irrigated for an impressive 169 ac ft of water rights. One of the last large parcels available near Taos Plaza. $3.5 million.
VIEWS
2.5 ac parcel at La Canada in Des Montes, easy access to Taos Ski Valley and Town of Taos. $275K
GEORGE J. CHAVEZ REALTY/505-250-3883 ENCHANTEDHOMESELLER.COM
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LOTA REALTY, INC.
JUDY BUCK 575-758-8673 judy@cblotataos.com
GRACIOUS LIVING ON UPPER RANCHITOS ROAD Lovely old adobe surrounded by big cottonwoods, fruit trees and lawn with mature gardens plus frontage on the Rio Pueblo across the road from the main house. The house features a perfect office or extra bedroom, guest bedroom and master suite with remodeled bath en suite. The guest house is a studio with kitchen and bath and a bonus as a rental or for all your friends and family to visit. Located close to the center of Taos and very convenient to shopping or zipping north to Taos Ski Valley. MLS #100630 $659,000 CALL JUDY BUCK
EXCELLENT RENTAL INCOME PROPERTY This triplex, conveniently located just north of the Ranchos Plaza boasts three well appointed units with ample parking surrounded by a tall latilla fence for privacy and road noise reduction. Many possibilities for residential, gallery space, live/ work or office usage. Each unit has kitchen and bath and two are 1 bedroom---one is a studio. Lovely marble floors throughout. Tons of potential! MLS #101228 $349,900 CALL JUDY BUCK View All Taos MLS Listings at www.cblotataos.com
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SANDIA CANYON You can see forever from this 6.61 acre parcel in Sandia Canyon with excellent residential restrictions and easy acess to town and Taos Ski Valley. Protected views from this outstanding ridgetop site. MLS #100012 $139,900 CALL JUDY BUCK Corner of Paseo del Pueblo Norte & Civic Plaza Drive 800-829-8673
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JAN RADER, CRS, GRI 575-770-2012 jan@janrader.com
LOTA REALTY, INC. NEW
JanRader.com NEW
Great family home on 1.28 acre lot. Beautifully maintained, 3BR/2BA, open living area with cozy woodstove and panoramic mountain views! MLS 101275 $215,000 CALL JAN!
Stunning 2BR/2BA condo in historic district, only blocks from Taos Plaza.Private courtyard, beautiful finishes throughout. Walk to galleries, shopping, restaurants. MLS 101566 $355,000 CALL JAN!
NEW
Big beautiful home on Rio Pueblo, over 300’ of river frontage! Only a mile from Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort. Borders national forest; many special features. MLS 101577 $349,000 CALL JAN! D UCE RED
NEW
Prime 4.26 acre building site in prestigious Vista Grande. Endless views, great neighborhood, underground utilities including shared well. Thoughtful covenants. MLS 101274 $162,000 CALL JAN!
Spacious home in Tres Ritos, 3BR/2BA, Great family retreat, 2BR/2BA, large open open floor plan, great kitchen, close to living spaces. Fully furnished. includes fishing, hiking, skiing, sledding. Bring workshop/garage and snowmobiles! MLS 99412 $250,000 CALL JAN! the family! MLS 100325 $274,000 CALL JAN! NEW
Three treed acres near Carson National Forest with trailer onsite. Live here while you plan your new home. Lovely location with big views & privacy. MLS 100557 $73,500 CALL JAN!
One of the best building sites on Blueberry Hill! This 1.6 acre lot is well located with beautiful mountain views. Easy access... convenient to town and Taos Ski Valley. MLS 101578 $85,000 CALL JAN!
Two fabulous 5 acre lots on the Hondo Mesa, close to the Rio Grande, fishing, hiking, rock climbing. Great views, easy access. MLS 99810 & 101077 $80,000 CALL JAN!
View All Taos MLS Listings at www.janrader.com Corner of Paseo del Pueblo Norte & Civic Plaza Drive 800-829-8673
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Red Arrow Emporium, Inc.
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Peter A. Lora
225 Kit Carson Road
575-758-3275 peter@theloraco.com
www.realestatetaos.com
Read our current Taos Real Estate Market Report with sales, price and inventory data, and prior year comparisons on our website.
4-BR/4.5-BA NEAR TAOS PLAZA - Beautifully remodeled 2,900 sq. ft. home has 2 wings, each with kitchen, ample living space. Classic southwestern style, 5 fireplaces, in-floor radiant heat, 2 evaporative cooling systems. Gardens, trees, 2 separate yards. Deck with hot tub. A short walk to Historic District, galleries, shops, restaurants, museums, etc. $725,000 MLS #100548 http://view.paradym.com/4069668
FINE HOME IN EL SALTO - Terrific views in all directions at this like-new 3BR/2BA home. True adobe with beautiful stained concrete floors, vigas, tongue & groove ceilings. Living room features big windows with lots of light, mountain views, kiva fireplace and wood-burning stove. Walled courtyard and 2 patios provide pleasant outdoor living spaces. Meticulously-maintained home on 1.5 acres of prime El Salto land, with surface water rights. Only 0.75 mile from charming Arroyo Seco village, 15 min from Town, 20 min from Ski Valley. $579,000 MLS #101391 http://view.paradym.com/4173653
3BR/3BA CLOSE TO TOWN – Less than a mile from Taos Plaza, this remodeled 1,967 sq. ft. home features cozy living room with vigas, coved plaster ceiling & fireplace. Saltillo tile & hardwood floors. Air conditioning. Private back yard w/ deck & hot tub, trees, gardens. Walking distance to historic district, this home offers classic in-town living! $439,000 MLS #100635 http://view.paradym.com/4078434
FOOTHILLS ADOBE - Classic Taos style in secluded setting with gardens & trees. 2,422 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms/2 baths. Thick real adobe walls, vigas with coved plaster, saltillo tile floors, 3 fireplaces. Gorgeous kitchen connects to dining room with kiva fireplace. Large living room has fireplace and adjacent office space. Spacious den/library. Large master suite with big windows, lots of light and its own fireplace. Detached 574-sq. ft. heated studio. On manicured 1-acre site with variety of trees, gardens, lawn, fountains. Less than 2 miles from Taos Plaza but in a private world of its own! $659,000 MLS #101499 http://view.paradym.com/4182280
BEAUTIFUL DES MONTES LAND - 4-acre home site, with quality surroundings, underground utilities, shared well. Fine views of sunsets and mountains. Surface water irrigation rights. Sensible restrictions. In one of Taos’s most preferred areas, nearing charming Arroyo Seco, just 15 minutes from Town and 25 minutes to Taos Ski Valley. $275,000 MLS #100317 http:// view.paradym.com/4046416
See All Taos MLS Listings At
INCOME PROPERTY – Excellent 3-unit property about 5 miles south of Taos center. All three units are 1BR/1BA, 640 sq. ft. with washer/dryer, deck with wonderful views. Well-maintained. Stable occupancy. Attractive return on investment. $250,000 MLS #98471 http://view.paradym.com/3835972
www.realestatetaos.com
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Casa Raja
Architectural antiques collected from world travels are featured in this custom-designed regal home with majestic views. Breathtaking details abound , from 15th century pillars to the many sets of antique doors and lustrous plaster walls. The kitchen, with it’s eight burner stove and reclaimed teak floors is built for a chef. A hand constructed wooden stairway leads up to a large master suite with its own covered portal and more magnificent views. This estate like home has a very warm and welcoming ambiance. The inner courtyard is a tranquil retreat where you can relax or graciously entertain. ENCHANTEDHOMESELLER.COM E N C creates HANTED HO ES VOL. CXXI Enveloping the residence is a hand built stone-terraced garden that aMprivate sanctuary in the Weimer area.
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linoleum, cabinets, and shutters. We do it all. There is also have a cash and carry side of our business, so if you do the job yourself, we can assist there too.
PHOTO BY MORGAN TIMMS
IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIFIC TO THE AREA (CLIMATE, ALTITUDE, SUSTAINABILITY, ETC.) THAT PEOPLE SHOULD THINK ABOUT BEFORE INSTALLING A FLOOR? We have a dry arid climate here, so there are not the challenges of humidity which affect many floorings. Saltillo tiles, common in adobe homes, are difficult to remove. We have a process that levels the floor with a resin-like material creating a uniform platform. All this can be done without removing the tiles.
DAN’S FLOORING DANIEL, CHRISTINA AND JEREMIAH GONZALES
INTERIOR FLOORING IS AS OLD AS HISTORY AND THE LAYMAN MAY NOT THINK OF IT AS A BUSINESS THAT SEES MUCH CHANGE. CAN YOU BRING US UP TO SPEED ON THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND TRENDS? Cork flooring. Green consumers love it; there are no trees killed in the process and it is a two- in-one kinda thing. It’s warmer to the touch than tile, with shock absorption qualities, is a great insulator and keeps heat well. Vinyl has evolved since its market introduction in the 1930s. There are now options that look and feel so real. Many think they are hardwood. Luxury vinyl tiles and planks offer design and durability. With wood-style planks, you can enjoy the wood classics like walnut, maple, and jatoba, or go with a trendy weathered barn wood look or exotics like amendoim.
BY T.L. TESTERMAN
“Old, sad homes … run down and beat up. We beautified the soul of the house, we made someone’s day and bettered their life.” These are the words of Daniel Gonzales who said he fell in love with the flooring business as a young man. Gonzales and wife Christina celebrate his birthday and the 30th anniversary of Dan’s Carpet, Tile and Window Coverings (7237 Highway 518 in Ranchos de Taos) on August 1. Jeremiah is the son of Dan and Christina and was part of this interview. CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR RELATION TO TAOS? I am from Clovis. I moved to Taos 40 years ago. My wife was born and raised here in Taos; we’ve been married for 38 years and are blessed with five wonderful children. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS AND WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR LATEST PROJECTS? This year we will celebrate 30 years in business. It has been quite an experience. We have repeat customers that shop with us, and some who have been with us from the beginning. They do one project a year, from carpet to wood, to window coverings, and custom area rugs. Because we are versatile, we stay busy. Our customer base extends beyond the community of Taos County to Angel Fire, Red River Santa Fe and Albuquerque. We do a lot of residential and commercial projects and work with many contractors. They appreciate the convenience of our stocked showroom to send their clients to. We completed a flooring installation at the Taos Living Center and have many projects scheduled for the rest of the year. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT THE WAY YOU DO BUSINESS? WHY SHOULD TAOS LOOK TO YOU AS OPPOSED TO A BOX STORE OR ANYWHERE ELSE? One word. Experience. We have worked with every type of floor, cabinet and window installation imaginable. We know how to work with you or your interior decorator and find what you are looking for: carpet, tile, stone, luxury vinyl, 24
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HOW SHOULD WE BE THINKING ABOUT FLOORING IN THE GREATER CONTEXT OF DESIGN? Light, space, color, texture, pattern, feeling, functionality. Floors lay the foundation for the look of the space. You need a surface underfoot that reflects the activity the room will see. If you’re a gourmet cook who spends hours standing at a stove, tile may not be the most comfortable choice. If you practice yoga in the study, pick a material comfortable and durable. Unless you plan on redecorating you’ll want to choose floors that complement the furniture and accessories you own. Other considerations for material choice are children and pets, consider a waterproof more durable flooring like tile or a luxury vinyl in high traffic areas. Your floor choice is about balancing lifestyle with aesthetics. HOW CAN FLOORING AND WINDOW COVERINGS CHANGE THE MOOD OR FEELING OF A SPACE? Flooring can warm up space or cool it down depending on the materials texture color, shape and pattern. Wood flooring adds a natural beauty, and there are many types of wood to choose from depending on what you’re going for. Oak, pine, birch, cherry, and maple are popular. Luxury vinyl offers a wood experience without the maintenance issues. Carpet provides soundproofing, warmth, and is a good choice in bedrooms or places where you are barefoot. Tile can add a dramatic creative feel. Shutters and window coverings enhance the space with dramatic lighting and energy saving options. We have a beautiful light in Northern New Mexico which can be hard on home interiors. Custom window coverings offer protection from the elements. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE OR MOST MEMORABLE PROJECTS? We worked on a home in Angel Fire a few years ago, the client used solid cherry on the floor and Hunter Douglas brand shutters. I love the look and feel of cherry… It was beautiful to see so much of it on one project. A more recent project is Annabelle Medina’s family home, of Robert Medina and Sons Concrete and Sand. We used an engineered floor with a cypress veneer on solid plywood. It matched the vigas and transformed the space.
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SMART TECHNOLOGY WILL BRING YOUR HOME TO THE TOP OF ITS CLASS
BY T.L. TESTERMAN PHOTOS BY JANE PHILLIPS
Imagine driving to your home, the serpentine pathway lights
twinkle
as you arrive.
The garage door opens, and the surrounding space illuminates for your evening arrival. The foyer shines, the living room and master bedroom brighten, and the rest of the house remains dark. As you step through the door, your favorite music is wafting at the right volume detailed by the room acoustics and your designer home audio system. A fire strikes beneath the mantle, the shades are drawn automatically, radiant floors warm to the right temperature, and all is cozy after a day’s work. Dave Mount was traveling in the Galapagos when he left the construction business to create Darwin Electrical Solutions, named after Charles Darwin, the English scientist. Mount said the name fit because his company is evolving with the smart home technology industry. Mount was born and raised in the construction industry. He moved to Taos in 1988 with aspirations to become a full-time ski bum in the winter and river guide during summer months. He worked at the Ski Valley for 20 seasons, skiing and doing electrical work. After he and his wife welcomed twin boys and purchased a home, Mount took a more lucrative job with Taosnet, building high-speed internet systems. In the spring of 2006, he formed DES to provide Taos with quality electrical service. Because of his experience in the tech sector, Mount branched further with DES Technologies dedicated to home automation. It is the only company with the full spectrum of smart building technologies in Taos and the surrounding areas. DES designs systems that can integrate security, shading, lighting and sensors for energy savings and comfort. Mount said the goal is to create a “symbiotic relationship between you and your home.” Starting with shading solutions, you can optimize daylight in your home or business and provide a reduction in heating and cooling costs. An excellent adjunct to light and shade control is temperature regulation, which allows you to monitor and balance heating and cooling systems remotely. Converting one’s home can vary in price, depending on the scale of the conversion. DES can transform a basic on/off switch into a 3-way dimmer with efficient LED bulbs for around $200. Most installations economize on energy by reducing electrical consumption. A simple smart modification of the dimmer switch can extend lamp life, lower electric bills, and reduce the environmental impacts associated with manufacturing. Investment in energy saving technology may also qualify owners for federal and state rebate incentives. After a conversion, one can expect fewer exposed wires with sleek screwless faceplates and improved light quality. Wireless technology systems are installed with no additional wiring requirements. This means less invasive installs and a more cost-effective approach. DES designs systems and uses products that are beautiful and easy to use.
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One challenge for older adobes in Taos is obsolete electrical circuitry. The old configurations are often
unappealing and can be a fire and safety hazard. DES has experience working around structures built with materials, such as adobe, straw bale, earthbag and even Earthships. DES can find a creative solution to remedy your building’s electrical challenges. Any structure with an outdated electric system should be upgraded for the safety of the resident. DES is a licensed electrical contractor and can provide the services required to bring your system up to code. Adding smart technology to a home or business can enhance the property value and upgrading a property already listed on the market is suggested. DES offers an “experience package” to assist home and business owners, and realtors interested in exploring the benefits. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SMART TECHNOLOGY FOR THE HOME CONTACT: DARWIN ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS 1506 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, EL PRADO, NM 87529 5 7 5 . 7 7 6 . 5 5 2 4
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Today’s “Smart technologies” have little in common these days with Hal, the overzealous computer from the 1960’s Sci-fi thriller “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Fast forward 50 years using wireless internet and a smartphone, one can tweak and control multiple systems in one’s home or business from anywhere in the world. It is all about evolving your space using simple technologies that can save energy, and enhance your quality of life.
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STORY BY YVONNE PESQUERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN TIMMS
THE LIGHT IS EVERYWHERE JUDITH KENDALL CURATES A PRIVATE RETREAT WITH BREATHTAKING VIEWS
The light here is so incredible. It’s like you’re outside when you’re inside, said homeowner Judith Kendall. She would know about the importance of light around here. For many years, she owned the former Fenix Gallery and has experienced firsthand how the famous Taos light inspires artists who come here from all around the world. Kendall arrived in Taos in 1974. At that time, the area was largely rural and few urban amenities existed. “Taos attracts people with a maverick sensibility, an independent sense of self. That’s the creative aspect of Taos. You can’t live here without being asked to be who you are,” she said. Though she regrets leaving, the time has come for this longtime Taoseña to relocate to another part of the country to be closer to her family. Kendall acknowledged that the past 44 years have brought many changes to Taos but added, “What hasn’t changed is the expansiveness of space that people can experience.” Her gallery’s first location was on the main road across from the Fechin House, and then she moved to Ranchitos Road near the Harwood Museum of Art. Kendall had an
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eye for contemporary art, and the simple, clean lines of her home captures that vision. “The home isn’t complicated. If you’re retired, it’s a place where you can age well. Or it’s great if you’re a millennial who likes clean lines and simple places,” said Kendall. The Fenix Gallery was a busy, active social space. So she purposefully designed her home to be somewhat of a sanctuary, a private retreat. “The house has a bit of a treehouse effect. You’re perched up above the valley. You’re not immediately surrounded by houses,” she said. Located at 28 Los Rios Road, this 1,770 square foot home has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The lot is 6.7 acres of piñon and juniper. The home is listed at $575,000 (MLS #101177). The modern home was custom designed by Taos artist Jim Mason. Douglas Kaufman did the construction in 2002. Several architectural and design features stand out. First, the house is visible from the road, most notably because of its two-story atrium tower. But when you are in the home, you cannot see the road or hear any passing car. That’s because the house is not directly linked to the road. Instead, a meandering driveway swoops visitors into
a valley of sage and piñon and then elevates them to the higher level of the home. Another outstanding feature of the home is the advantage of key window placements. For example, a large window anchors the foot of the master bathroom tub. Similarly, in the open living room, a series of windows serve as picture frames of the Hondo Valley views below. The home’s most dramatic statement is its atrium tower, which soars above its single-floor level. Kendall spoke about the incredible feeling of having an enclosed atrium right in the middle of her house. “I can sit at my kitchen counter and watch the snow fall here in the same room. It’s wonderful,” she said. The windows throughout the house are not homogenous. Particular attention was paid to the spacing and placements of Thermopane® windows, all of which demonstrates the homeowner’s thoughtful curation of capturing light. “I had this experience when I first moved here: the moon was full and just coming into this space. It was breathtaking,” said Kendall. A towering, semi-enclosed porch is the home’s entry, and again, we see stacked glass windows placed in the porch wall. Visitors are swept through the home’s double-glass door front entrance, which leads one into the lightfilled open room of kitchen, living and dining areas. The emphasis here is on simplicity, abundant light and breathtaking views. The open-air atrium encompasses one end of the great room while a Rumford® fireplace counters with warmth on the opposite end. “This is a very wonderful space for indoor plants even if you don’t have a green thumb. The light is everywhere,” said Kendall. Situated in the middle is the open kitchen. With a woodblock countertop and seating, it is the perfect set-up for entertaining or watching the sunset as you prepare dinner. Modern appliances blend in with the minimal design; abundant storage space keeps clutter out of sight. The master bedroom is en suite; the second bedroom has an adjacent full bath. The second bedroom is presently used as a study with the morning light inspiring early risers with daybreak creativity. “We are tucked away here, so there is an enormous sense of privacy. People have expressed to me: ‘Your home has very nice energy,’” said Kendall.
M A R K E T S N A P S H O T : $575,000 (MLS #101177) • 28 Los Rios Road, Arroyo Hondo, NM 87513 • 2-bd/2-bath, 1,770 s.f., 6.7-acre lot T O U R T H E H O M E : Paula Madappa, New Mexico Mountain Properties, (575) 377-2626 highmountainproperty.com
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Buy, Build, or Improve Your Home, with experienced lenders who make local decisions. We’ve been making dreams reality since 1969. Let’s dream together.
BEST BANK EQUAL HOUSING
LENDER
www.centinelbank.com EQUAL HOUSING
LENDER
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photo by Kirsten Jacobsen
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site-specific and environmentally responsive JED MAGEE, jedmagee.com, is a Taos designer-builder of residential buildings who enjoys incorporating contemporary design into his approach. Magee is a lifelong Taos resident, and grew up in the building industry alongside his father Vishu and his brother Aaron. Magee earned his bachelor’s in architecture from the University of New Mexico.
JED MAGEE
Asked about local design trends, Magee commented, “Locally, what’s happening is people are still intrigued and interested in what we all would consider Taos style, but compared to years past, people are more interested in using steel, concrete, straighter lines, crisper corners, and an open airiness that you don’t find in the old style of Taos.” Magee said he always uses the site as a starting point for designing a home. In Taos, this includes topography that can be challenging because it’s rocky, sloped or mountainous. In addition, Taos’ extreme temperature fluctuations and wind need to be considered. “My designs are site-specific and environmentally responsive,” said Magee. Another high priority for Magee’s clients is to incorporate Taos’ views into their home design. Magee said he is careful to provide people with the views they want without overexposing them to light, heat and heat loss. Aesthetically, Magee works with color and texture to reference natural site conditions. “I try to blend in and not be too obtrusive,” said Magee. Recently, Magee has been working with European passive house concepts, using extremely high levels of insulation to achieve a highly energy-efficient home that maintains an even indoor climate through all ranges of temperature swings. He also often incorporates active solar systems. Magee’s homes are following the building trend of moving towards combustion-free buildings, reducing or eliminating the need for fossilfuel energy. CONTINUES PAGE 56
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DOUG PATTERSON, President of Living Designs Group, has developed his architectural firm to be a leader in sustainable design and green building in Northern New Mexico. Living Designs Group, ldgtaos.com, designs and builds municipal, commercial and residential buildings. Patterson is a member of the American Institute of Architects and a licensed New Mexico architect. While working as a foreman for Earthship creator Mike Reynolds, Patterson learned sustainability concepts that he now applies to large-scale architectural projects. Light, water, orientation and energy efficiency were all factors Patterson considered in redesigning a building on Civic Plaza Drive into the modern, efficient, hightech UNM-Taos Health Sciences building. “Adaptive reuse of existing buildings is one of the most sustainable sound decisions we can make,” said Patterson. “This was a project where we basically rehabilitated an old structure in the heart of downtown, and gave it a new use and a new life.”
DOUG PATTERSON, LIVING DESIGN GROUP
The renovation included revamping what is called the building envelope, that is, the way the building interacts with the environment around it: how it breathes, insulates and functions. The entire building was reinsulated with new air and vapor barriers, new windows and doors were installed, and lighting
light, water, orientation and energy
throughout the entire facility was changed to lowefficiency LED lighting. In addition, the mechanical units controlling heating and cooling were optimized with direct digital control software. As a result, Patterson said the building’s energy efficiency is exponentially greater than it was originally.
COURTESY PHOTOS
At Ranchos Elementary School, sunlight provides lighting for the building’s main corridor. Indirect light from windows and skylights and low-energy LED lights illuminate classrooms. Landscaping is passively irrigated by directing storm water to aspen trees planted to provide shade to the building in the summer.
Living Design Group also designs residential spaces using sustainability principles. A home in Des Montes includes systems for solar-powered electricity, solarheated hot water and an open interior design that allows ample growing space for houseplants that naturally clean and humidify the air.
Aesthetic appeal is also important. When designing Taos’ new bowling alley, Living Design Group broke up the visual mass of the large steel building by using two different colors for the exterior. Inside, Gutters’ open ceiling creates a spacious feeling. Ben Curry of Living Design Group was the project designer for Gutters.
Living Design Groups has designed affordable housing projects including the Sueños del Canon condominium complex behind the Youth & Family Center and more recently a project for a private developer behind the Taos High School. Sustainability principles informed both projects.
TAOS HOMES PARADE OF
To Benefit Habitat for Humanity of Taos
WELCOME TO THE TAOS PARADE OF HOMES! Saturday, July 14, 2018 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Cost: $20.00
We are proud to offer beautiful homes of distinction peppered throughout Taos. Whether it’s your goal to be inspired, find a new home, be up on the latest trends, or you just have a passion for architecture and interior design then we believe you will find this year’s tour to be exceptional. From spectacular villas, to a classic Pueblo style tucked away off the beaten path, this tour has it all. And remember, every home on the tour is currently on the market to be sold. Plus, throughout the tour, you can enjoy wonderful culinary delights from Taos’ finest restaurants.
Tickets are available at all the Taos Real Estate offices, The Taos News and Habitat for Humanity of Taos office and the Habitat ReStore. Call 758.7827 for more information.
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Concerts, festivals, movies, dining and alabama Shakes FIND THE BEST THINGS TO DO ALL YEAR LONG WITH TAOS’ OFFICIAL EVENT CALENDAR. WITH ONE SIMPLE CLICK YOU’LL FIND IT CHOCK-FULL OF THE BEST CONCERTS, FILMS AND ART EXHIBITS NAVIGATE WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO
TAOSNEWS.COM/CALENDAR
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R
REALTOR PROFILE
MEET
RACHEL SINGER BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES BY CINDY BROWN
A glimpse of a starry sky during a visit to Taos convinced Rachel Singer that this was her true home. PHOTO BY JA NE PHILLIPS
She had read about a family living in in an earthship and wanted to see the home. While visiting, she bought some land west of the gorge. The many opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as skiing, hiking and mountain biking kept Taos on her mind. She was attracted by the opportunities for art, live music and culture and thought Taos would be a great place to raise her young children. “I visited a few times over the following years, but I didn’t move here until May of 2009. At that time, I came up with some friends from Tucson to cater brunches for hot-air balloon passengers, just for the summer. We were staying in a house out at the golf course. I went outside the night we arrived, looked up at the vast starlit sky and decided right then that I would figure out how to make the move to Taos a permanent one,” she says.
FOR MORE INFORMATION 314A Paseo del Pueblo Norte (575) 613-3027, rachels@taosnet.com taoslocal.com
JOINING THE REAL ESTATE COMMUNITY Singer met Joel Schantz of Berkshire Hathaway, and he hired her as his assistant. Schantz encouraged her to become a qualifying broker. She received her QB license last year and still works at Berkshire Hathaway. Singer helps clients deal with any issues that arise during the process of buying and selling a home. She says, “Most transactions come with challenges these days. My persistence and dedication are crucial in helping my clients through to a successful closing.” Her clients have expressed appreciation for the way that Singer communicates with them throughout the transaction. She prides herself on always being there to answer questions and help keep her clients calm and reassured during such a major event in their lives. One of her clients says, “Rachel helped us buy our house in Taos and it was a wonderfully easy and delightful process. She is knowledgeable and extremely well-connected in Taos--an expert not only on the real estate market, but she has her finger on the pulse of the town and businesses, as well. Even several years after buying our house through her, she’s the one we contact with questions, because she always has a referral or answers for us.” 62
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MARKET PREVIEW Based on the dynamics in the market right now, Singer says that it is shaping up to be an active summer selling season. Inventory is low and has been for some time now. “I would love to see some affordable new construction happen to address the housing crisis we’re facing here,” she says. When asked about the design features that buyers are seeking, she points out that energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important for financial and ecological reasons. Tankless water heaters, low-flow toilets and faucets, solar panels and LED lighting are major selling points for new and existing homes. TAOS AS A STATE OF MIND In exploring ways to better serve her clients, Singer partnered with longtime Taos realtor and native Taoseña Dawn Grainger. “Our partnership has allowed us to increase the quality of service we offer to buyers and sellers. As we say on our website, Taos is a state of mind. Let us introduce you. If you’ve been here, you get it. With over thirty years of combined local real estate experience, we are the team to help make your Taos dream come true.”
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TAOS IN FIVE GLIMPSES BY DANIEL HAYES
THE PEAKS There is no image of Taos as characteristic and unmistakable as the summits of Pueblo, Kachina and Wheeler reaching skyward to tower over the Taos mesa. From the south they frame the whole community, crowning it with a silhouette that itself has become an icon used by businesses and civic concerns, artists and entrepreneurs to claim this 64
place as their home. The Zia represents all things New Mexico, but the peaks are strictly Taos. When people first settled here the base of these slopes made a sheltering alcove from the stark brutality of a high desert winter. The overlap between sparse dusty grasslands and the green alpine heights were a perfect mix of resources,
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remoteness, and protection to those who made it their home. Their beauty alone is enough to draw people here from all over the world, but the peaks are such an ingrained part of life, culture, of recognizing our small part in a much more complex and delicate environment that almost no one sees them and remains unaffected on a much deeper level.
THE GORGE By far one of the most grand features of the region, it also manages to remain fairly hidden. So many angles of approach would give you almost no visual cues that a gaping chasm has sliced its way across over fifty miles of the mesa until you were almost careening into it. The gorge is massive, beautiful and starkly surreal. State road 68 from Santa Fe
winds into it from the south, to emerge onto the mesa and a spectacular view of it just 3 miles outside of Pilar. The Taos Gorge Bridge, located about 10 miles northwest of Taos on State Road 64 is probably the most popular place to view it though. A monument, parking and a rest are are available on the western edge, as well as the trailhead for a ten mile
multi use hike and bike path called The West Rim Trail. One can drive deeper into the gorge through Pilar from the south or from the west rim to the north on NM 570, but there is a steep section of gravel connecting the two locations that would be best attempted in a vehicle with sufficient clearance and four wheel drive. Inside the gorge you’ll find places for camping, ENCHANTEDHOMESELLER.COM
rafting, hiking, fishing and any number of other outdoor activities. For a truly spectacular perspective, several companies offer hot air balloon tours as well.
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THE CHURCH Nestled in a quiet plaza in Ranchos de Taos, south of Taos proper, stands the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church. Followers of Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keefe
will undoubtedly recognize this iconic structure. Dating from the late 18th century, the church is one of very few remaining colonial Spanish mission churches and is of course
a historical monument. Its adobe buttresses and twin bell towers make it one of the most distinctive, unique and beautiful structures found in all of the Southwest.
THE PLAZA A quaint setting of adobe buildings, cottonwood and willow trees welcomes guests to stroll and relax, to window shop and dine in the heart of downtown. Countless galleries, boutiques and restaurants are within short distance of this verdant town center. During the warmer months hardly a day goes by that there isn’t a musical act, art display, market or other event taking place in the cooling shade of its trees.
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THE PUEBLO There is no doubt when you enter the site and stand in the silent dusty courtyard that you are in a place of deep historic and cultural significance. The Taos Pueblo is the oldest continuously inhabited community in all of the United States. For close to 1000 years people have built, farmed, hunted and and lived their lives
as residents of the beautiful and ancient structures nestled at the base of the peaks. These mud and timber dwellings that seem to defy their own gravity as they rise astoundingly four and five stories high are a living testament to the tenacity and perseverance of a culture that extends over the breadth and depth of recorded
history, to reach beyond it, into a past deeper than many of us can even fathom. A millennium: the first half of this community’s life has taken place before Francisco Våsquez de Coronado even embarked on his expedition to find those fabled seven cities. Here within the confines of the community traditional methods of living and ENCHANTEDHOMESELLER.COM
tribal culture is still upheld as fundamental. The Pueblo retains its own sovereign government and the maintenance of these buildings requires a tremendous conservational effort. One has not seen Taos without seeing the pueblo. One cannot understand the beauty and complexity of its history without feeling its age firsthand.
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The Taos News FIND THE ONLINE EDITION AT WWW.TAOSNEWS.COM/LANDWATERPEOPLETIME 68
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CERRO
To Costilla & Colorado CERRO
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To Costilla & Colorado
El Norte
RED RIVER
QUESTA
SAN CRISTÓBAL
SAN CRISTÓBAL To Tres Piedras & Chama
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ANGEL FIRE
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 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: $254,896
BLUEBERRY HILL An area of sagebrush mesas, which is a popular area for houses. Average home sale price: $288,125
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: $337,265
ARROYO HONDO, HONDO MESA 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. Average home sale price: $240,481
ARROYO SECO, EL SALTO, DES MONTES 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: $375,181 El Salto average home sale price: $415,600 Des Montes average home sale price: $399,358
TAOS SKI VALLEY, VALDEZ Taos Ski Valley is world renowned with both national and international clientele. Most of the businesses are open year-round 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: $410,666 TSV average condo sale price: $315,620 Valdez average home sale price: $236,633
TAOS CANYON, CAÑÓN This area is replete with hiking trails and campgrounds. Picturesque views of the mountainsides and the Río Fernando combine to form a lush, green landscape. Taos Canyon average home sale price: $167,777 Cañón average home sale price: $287,200
TAOS COUNTRY CLUB, STAKEOUT AREA 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: $342,444
RANCHOS DE TAOS, TALPA, LLANO QUEMADO 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. Average home sale price: $199,684
WEIMER FOOTHILLS 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: $354,163
EL PRADO, RANCHITOS, CÓRDOVAS 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: $256,666 Ranchitos average home sale price: $350,400 Los Córdovas average home sale price: $245,452
VALLE ESCONDIDO Nestled in the mountains only 20 minutes east of Taos, Valle Escondido offers spectacular views, USGA golf, stocked fishing lakes, swimming pool and playground and community social life at the historic log clubhouse, all enjoyed by full-and part-time homeowners, with community water and household trash removal included. Valle Escondido is surrounded by the Carson National Forest, offering year-round recreation: hiking, hunting, camping, mountain biking, ATV trails and winter sports. A wide variety of homes can be found in Valle Escondido with an approximate starting price of $200,000.
ANGEL FIRE 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: $381,170
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. Average home sale price: $310,350
QUESTA An agricultural 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: $176,375
Joel Schantz, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Taos Real Estate (www.BHHSTaosRealEstate.com), provided the information. DISCLAIMER: Statistics are based on MLS information for the period Jan. 1, 2014 through Dec. 31, 2014. Neither the REALTORS Association of New Mexico nor Taos County Association of REALTORS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data is maintained by Taos County Association of REALTORS and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
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Keith Dowell Qualifying Broker
Your Taos Ski Valley Specialist!
ST. MORITZ CONDOMINIUMS LUXURIOUS NEW CONDOS IN TAOS SKI VALLEY!
Beautiful architecture featuring scenic balconies with OUTSTANDING VIEWS. GREAT LOCATION! Only two minutes from the slopes, shops, restaurants, and other establishments while at the same time TUCKED AWAY from the hustle and bustle. Quality construction with granite counter tops, beautiful stone-work, custom cabinets, and gas fireplaces. Low HOA dues make this new project very attractive. MLS# 99428 .......Unit 101 ..........$384,000 ...........1BR MLS# 99430 .......Unit 102 ..........$384,000 ...........1BR MLS# 99714 .......Unit 202 ..........$469,00 .............2BR MLS# 99431 .......Unit 302 .........$482,000 ............2BR MLS# 99429 .......Unit 402 .........$438,900 ............1BR
Engel & Völkers Taos Real Estate www.tsvrealty.com 5 Ernie Blake Road • Taos Ski Valley • NM, 87525 • USA Phone +1-575-776-0600 Keith Dowell, Qualifying Broker www.taos.evusa.com (575) 776.0600
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Just Another Day
Custom designed and built 3,000 sqft, 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with stunning, unobstructed, deep valley views of Monte Verde Lake, Baldy Mountain and Wheeler Peak from this prestigious Lakeview Park Drive location. With its close-in access and numerous new upgrades, this home’s tastefully designed interior makes it a must-see on your list! Tastefully furnished and accessorized. MLS 101372 $747,800
Kicked up! This custom built chalet in the woods has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths & lots of attention to detail. Nicely furnished and decorated. Large wrap around deck with Hot tub! MLS 100274 $344,000
Custom built 6 bedroom, 3.5 bath on 1.35 acres in great location. Open floor plan with soaring ceilings, hot tub & fully furnished. MLS 99886 $479,000
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3655 Hwy 434, Angel Fire, NM 87710 ENCHANTEDHOMESELLER.COM
800-873-5268
Montee Sue Miller, Associate Broker
In Paradise
Wow! High end finishes on this 2383 sqft, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths on .83 acres. 2 fireplaces with granite slab finishes. This is a stunning house in a beautiful location. This property is being sold fully furnished and ready to enjoy. MLS 101369 $599,000
Resort & Second Home Property Specialist RE/MAX Platinum Club 2017 RE/MAX All Star 2017
575-595-3030
Super floor plan with master on the main living level. Lower level has den/man cave. 3 bedroom/2.5 bath 2823 sqft on 2 lots with views of the ski slopes. Newly updated with new stainless steel appliances. Fully furnished. MLS 101349 $439,000
Custom built 2202 sqft 3 bedroom, 2 bath on 1.58 acre corner lot. Sweet little 3 bedroom, 2 bath cabin in the woods on Great floor plan....Mancave.....fully furnished....super location. 1.25 acres. Lots of windows to take in the MLS 101309 $374,900 view of the forest. Fully furnished. MLS 101306 $249,000
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M
MARKETSHARE
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO LIVE? In what kind of climate? If you want to live in a warm climate there would be no point in designing an igloo, but there might be in designing a palapa, as they call them in Mexico. This one doesn’t require must explanation. So think about how much clothing you like to wear at any given time. Do you like hauling firewood rather than making ice tea, or do you like water sports or snow sports. Well, you get the idea. HOW DO YOU WANT TO LIVE? Some folks care about such things as a formal dining room or a music room or entertainment center. Others would likely have no idea what the heck you are talking about. Some want grand. Others want simple and easy. HOW DO YOU WANT TO MOVE ABOUT FROM WHERE YOU LIVE? How important is it to not jump in your car to get every place? In town allows one to actually walk – something not everyone does enough of. And, then, if we are discussing Taos as the place, how important is it to you to have views? Most in-town homes don’t have them. Those that are willing to live without them find the trade-offs of access to desired destinations worth the visual loss. (I parenthetically note that we lived in the foothills and had fabulous views. But we needed to get in our car for everything. We now live in town and can walk to the plaza and shops and we love that as much even without the huge views.)
THINKING ABOUT
DESIGN... BY HARVEY BLAUSTEIN
WHAT IS DESIGN? If you look at any number of sources it boils down to a plan or drawing that shows the look and function of the workings of a building. But, how does one begin thinking about design? And what ought one consider in the process? Without further ado, here are questions that I think one ought to ask oneself if one is about to design a home. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, and you can pick it up from here. My goal is to get you pondering and maybe provide that window that lets the light in for you:
HOW MUCH MONEY ARE YOU WILLING TO PUT OUT EACH MONTH TO DEVOTE TO WHERE YOU LIVE? We all know of folks who are house poor, whose monthly nut does not allow for much discretionary spending. It isn’t a good thing to resent your house which is something that does happen. I lived in that culture for a while. A good thing to consider. HOW MUCH TIME ARE YOU WILLING TO DEVOTE TO CLEANING AND MAINTAINING YOUR HOME? This consideration has caused many folks to consider small homes, some less than 200 square feet. Those folks are not slaves to their residences. HOW IMPORTANT IS GOING GREEN TO YOU? Does your home have to meet its own energy needs? Do you care if your utility bills are greater than your food bill plus your car payment? In my experience green is cool for folks till it costs them money. Then their enthusiasm wanes. No judgment here, but do think about that. I am an analytical thinker. To me if one goes through this process, the design will be obvious at the end. But to me there is no point in starting by making pretty drawings without really understanding what you want to achieve. Designing and building a home can be stressful but also so very rewarding. Not everyone gets the freedom to design and construct what he or she wants. And those that do ought to enjoy the process rather than dreading it. One gets out of life what one puts in, so have a go at design and create the world you want. It is possible that you end up with a very different home than you first thought or planned if you do go thru this process. Harvey Blaustein is a retired attorney and local real estate broker.
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603 Camino da la Placita Taos, NM 87571 575-737-5678 hblau4@gmail.com www.taospremierproperties.com
SMASHING HOUSE, OFF THE 3RD TEE… We proudly offer this
3 bedroom, 3 full bath home that speaks of casual elegance, with a huge 2 tier patio with hot tub overlooking the 3rd Tee at the Taos Country Club.. The great room has 16 foot ceilings, the circular master shower will tickle your fancy & the wall of windows will tickle your eyes. And the landscaping is awesome. $549,000
THE PRETTIEST OFFICE IN TAOS… In the historic district, in an R-14 zone, with all the options and flexibility that provides, we proudly offer a light and bright unique office space in a great location.With plenty of visibility on Camino de la Placita, with plenty parking, wood floors & stone fireplace in the reception area, this 2175 sq ft building is gracious, filled with skylights, and ready for occupancy as a business or live/work space. Perfect for any type of professional office as it is. And plenty of parking. $498,000 MLS#101587
TREES AND WATER RIGHTS APLENTY... On Trujillo Lane,
just off Valverde Street, and just a short walk to the plaza, galleries, restaurants, and museums, we proudly offer a 3 acre parcel that is perfect for those that want to live in town but feel away.. With trees galore, this land also has double water rights which can be sold separate and apart from the land, or used for irrigation or other agricultural purposes. $249,000 MLS#98474
AN IMPORTANT COMMERCIAL CORNER…
If you do business with locals and are looking for the perfect location, we proudly offer the very prominent corner of Salazar and Ranchitos Roads. This is one of the most desirable commercial locations in town, which most residents drive by daily. It consists of .64 acres and is zoned CBD with more land possible. Owner/Broker $329,000 MLS #99026
“I AM A STRATEGIC THINKER, PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS, AND GET THINGS DONE.” HARVEY BLAUSTEIN, QUALIFYING BROKER
PRIME COMMERCIAL LAND WITH HIGHWAY FRONTAGE… We proudly offer 11.28 acres of C-2 land along the highway that leads into Taos. Surrounding the Visitor’s Center, the traffic count at this location is high, the visibility great, and there is frontage on both State Highway 68 and Gusdorf Rd. $2,450,000 MLS# 99743 ENCHANTEDHOMESELLER.COM
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