My father,” Oest said, “a full blooded German whose grandparents emigrated from Germany, was a purple heart recipient in the Korean War, and a grandfather served in WWII. I am also Italian, Irish, Apache, Comanche and Spaniard from my mother’s side. I was born in Taos and raised in Valdez, New Mexico where my ancestors, the Prandis, dug our acequia, the Acequia de los Prados of which my mother is the current majordoma.”
Pablo and Lydia — calling them by their first name helps create the friendly, social, community-oriented atmosphere they value — created Coffee Apothecary to share their interests and themselves with the local community.
You can’t spell Kilborn without kiln, so it’s only fitting that Stephen Kilborn was born to be a prolific potter and painter who’s been hard at work in Pilar for well over 40 years. His business card shows him deeply in the zone of a spirited swing dance session. As with this black and white image on the back of his card, his ceramics and paintings are indicative of an artist and a “bon vivant” with a sense of humor.
Over the last 100 years, this Taos farmhouse has grown organically, with each new owner adding their own touch to create a unique sense of harmony and history. Built in 1909, the house has many features that create a distinctive sense of Taos Style, including ceiling vigas and sculptural fireplaces created by master plaster artist, or enjarradora, Carmen Velarde.
In 2001, Montee Sue Miller bought a vacation home in Angel Fire, New Mexico. Then, she stayed. Today, with nearly 20 years experience as a Remax Resort and Second Home Specialist and over 40 years buying and selling investment properties, she has not only made Angel Fire her home but helped dozens of others do the same.
Despite the dwindling daylight and decidedly colder weather, everything just seems warmer and cozier as the holidays approach. The aroma of piñon fragrances the air; farolitos adorn rooftops and walkways; and at home, pots of stews and ovens of roasts or casseroles are mouthwateringly calling hungry family members to the table.
The home of Patricia and Michael Ninneman glows with warmth, light and the beauty of the holiday season. Each room is full of cherished Christmas decorations shining in the flickering of candlelight and fireplace flames. The adobe wall at the entry is decorated with farolitos that welcome friends and family to the home. Richie the Yorkshire terrier greets visitors wearing his festive Christmas sweater and a tie.
Entering the Benedictine Monk Shop, there is an atmosphere of calm and peace. Soft chanting fills the air and there is a light scent of handmade soap, along with candles and spices. It is a sanctuary amid the hurry and rush of the outside world.
“Your home is typically your biggest investment, and I understand how important that is to you,” said Lisa Harris, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties, and a Premier Luxury Agent. “It is my job to respect who you are; recognize what it is that you’re looking for; and what your emotional reaction to a property says about the importance of the home you seek to buy.”
Enchanted Homes asked three local realtors to offer their insights on the question: Why Taos Now? From pointing out that any time is a good time to come to Taos to saying it is Taos now or never to observing that life here demands that we slow down and pay attention, here is what they said:
This new home on Taeo Loop is light-filled and bright. Floor-to-ceiling windows face south and make the living room come to life. Realtor Ryan Trujillo says the south-facing design helps warm the house in colder weather, though the house also stays cool in the summer months. All the rooms have ceiling fans to add comfort.
As in so many cases, the recent pandemic altered the way we look at our homes and the belongings that populate them.
Realtor April Ralph brings a sense of fun and joy to her work as a buyer’s specialist for Chisum Realty Group. She loves living in Angel Fire and her enthusiasm for high country living is clear. “I came here from Colorado four years ago,” says Ralph. “New Mexico is a lot like Colorado, except we have green chile. I’ve lived in mountain towns since my 20s. I like that smallness and that we take care of each other.”
There is nothing quite like the feeling — the “ahh” moment — when you step across the threshold of your home at the end of a busy day. Whether you’ve been at the office or simply enjoying the great northern New Mexico outdoors, returning to your uniquely personal space signals the transition between your public and private worlds, and it is at moments like this you’re happy to have chosen high country living.
At Henry Architects there is a strong focus on architecture as it relates to natural resources and also a sense of creativity and fun. Alix Henry founded the firm in 2008 with a background of 15 years in sustainable architecture. David Henry joined the firm in 2013. Their first projects included residential remodels and also a renovation of the culinary arts kitchen and café at Taos High School. Now the practice provides design for both new homes and renovations of existing ones, along w…
If you live anywhere south of the Enchanted Circle, chances are you’ve had enough of the summer temperatures. I’ve got to be honest…I don’t envy you. The good news is I have a remedy to your heated predicament. If you want to take advantage of cooler temps and a hot real estate market, keep reading.
It may be his voice that draws you in: after all, Jeff Motsinger spent much of his adult life as a radio DJ, moving through markets in Florida, Colorado and Texas before he landed back in Taos. But what will really hold your attention is his creative approach to real estate and his genuine concern for making clients — buyers and sellers alike — completely satisfied with their transaction.
The notorious spring winds that whip through Northern New Mexico have finally subsided into gentle breezes signaling the approaching summer, so it’s time to take yourself outside and enjoy the natural beauty that makes this region so desirable.
This gracious property set next to the Rio Grande is a soothing retreat – a world apart. The river flows by and the breeze blows gently through the treetops, creating eternal natural rhythms that soothe the spirit and hold the land in a protected embrace.
“No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, no culture comparable to that of the garden.” ~ Thomas Jefferson