xx El Salto

Comfortably tucked beneath the towering El Salto Mountain, sits this special 5.25 acre estate alongside the Arroyo Seco stream. This green oasis is defined by water, tall trees, birdsong and woodland gardens, by clear light, forever views and cool, starry nights. From its origins in the early 1970's, generously expanded over several decades, the home is built in harmony with the land. Each level flows naturally from the last, echoing the cascading waters just outside, with terraces, nooks, and rooms unfolding like the curves of the Creek itself. Both informal and refined, the house feels completely welcoming and comfortable. Gorgeous Idaho quartzite flagstone moves seamlessly from the broad front portal draped with Wisteria into the kitchen. The principal living space has a dreamy kitchen with a fantastic 1954 red enamel Chambers stove, a wonderful creek-side sitting area, a living room with wide plank reclaimed heart pine floors, a dry-stack stone fireplace, a library nook, a dining area, and three sets of French doors leading out onto a wrap-around patio that follows the banks of the winding creek. Salvaged and repurposed cypress shutters from New Orleans became beautiful wainscot paneling and doors. The home is anchored by a spectacular second story glass sunroom, made and installed by Pennsylvania Mennonite and Amish craftsmen from Renaissance Conservatories. The magical room with a warm quartzite floor is bathed in natural light that invites the outdoors in- perfect for morning coffee, quiet reflection, reading, writing, or entertaining under the stars. From here, a short rise of stairs leads to a landing off of which radiate two large, private suites. The western facing suite has a cozy sitting area with a large fireplace and a patio overlooking the stream and endless views to the Rio Grande Gorge and beyond. The corresponding suite is bathed in beautiful natural light from the large windows, vaulted ceilings and skylights. It feels like a cozy nest tucked into the treed canopy surrounding it. The third bedroom suite is can be accessed from the main living level or via a private door from the gardens. A delightful guesthouse with a complete kitchen sits at the base of a grassy lawn. Under the same roof, yet with it's own entrances from the lawn or garage is an additional light-filled room currently used as a home gym/office, and has a half bathroom. Versatile spaces amongst a verdant landscape. The stream brings the music of water to your daily rhythms. In the evening a cool breeze comes down the creek, and with it the gift of sleeping under a light blanket...windows wide open, stream trickling along. Natural springs feed native plants and perennials that bloom spring and summer. Golden Aspens shimmer and quake in the fall. Over 60 varieties of flowering trees, shrub sand perennials make for a true botanical delight. This is northern New Mexico at its most magical. Simply stroll out the door to hike and bike. No bike racks and drives to a trailhead necessary. Contiguous with quiet Taos Pueblo lands. Hiking trails lead to the El Salto waterfall and Carson National Forest. It's an easy 12 mile/20 minute drive to Taos Ski Valley. The location is secluded, yet sneaky-convenient. Meticulously maintained by one Owner for over 50 years, this is the first opportunity for another lucky soul to call this Home. This one-of-a-kind mountain sanctuary blends privacy, luxury and natural beauty in a way that simply can't be replicated. It is a truly special spot- Private Luxury at the Edge of Wild.