top of page

Santa Fe’s high regard for its cultural and artistic history has magnetised a community devoted to celebrating its treasures. A century ago, a group of artists, artisans, and historians sparked a movement to honour and preserve new Mexico’s unique Spanish Pueblo architecture.
 

Their restoration of adobe churches and homes all over the state set forth standards still in place. Thanks to their devotion to form and detail, the city has retained its cherished character as the third-largest art market in the U.S. and home to many artists. Travellers from all over the world have made Santa Fe their favourite cultural destination, with its world-renowned opera, mountain air, aspen groves, and winter sports.
 

It’s a rare event when a period masterpiece like the De la Peña/Applegate estate becomes available. Spanish officer Francisco De la Peña bought the spread in 1845, but earlier records suggest the property dates back to the 1600’s. In 1925, one of the leaders of the Spanish Pueblo revival bought it from the De la Peña family. A well-known artist and writer with a background in architecture, Frank Applegate realised his vision to restore and expand the structure as a perfect showcase for New Mexico’s artisanal traditions. The property was a favourite destination of, and extensively photographed by American photographer Ansel Adams. Documented by the Library of Congress in 1937, the home was recognised as one of only eight local buildings of national importance in 1941.
 

Today, the magnificent 1.74-acre estate’s main residence has 24-rooms, tucked away down a private lane in the heart of the historic Eastside, just steps away from the famed Canyon Road fine art galleries and five-star restaurants. The winner of the 2022 Historic Preservation Award, the exhaustive renovation has just been completed with all-new infrastructure to match the meticulous preservation of the home’s authentic artistic details.
 

Surrounded by lush, irrigated landscaping on a rare private well, and a clay tennis court, the residence and guest casita are shaded by serene portals. The vigas, wood-carvings, windows, and timeless adobe walls carry the sensation of old Santa Fe inside. The grand salas on each floor provide space for large-scale yet intimate entertaining. There are 11 fireplaces on the property, all rebuilt, including the authentic shepherd’s fireplace.
 

With luxury finishes throughout, the chef’s kitchen features high-end appliances, including the gorgeous Lacanche French range. Four of the six bedrooms have ensuite baths, with multiple options for primary bedrooms, upstairs and down. There is a dedicated guest wing in addition to the detached guest casita. The Control 4 smart home offers modern comfort and technology, complemented by the climate-controlled wine cellar, spacious dressing rooms, and study/library with a view. The museum-quality Spanish Pueblo furnishings –– antiques, traditional textiles, and exquisite tin-work –– were specifically curated for De la Peña residence by longtime historians and collectors Coulter & Brooks, and are also available.

One of Berkshire’s Hathaway’s top brokers in the region, Kendra Henington is a lifelong equestrian who specialises in finding homes for buyers seeking luxury properties and legacy ranches all across the American Southwest.   EG 

bottom of page