For some, moving to Taos means renovating an old adobe house falling to ruin, and lovingly (and expensively), restoring it to all its former glory, bringing in custom cement colors and finishes, restoring floorboards, repainting walls, and all else involved with bringing a home back from the brink.
That “glory” might include three-foot thick mud and straw walls fit for a fortress, with small french windows set deep into the mud brick – leaving little light to penetrate the house, and no expansive views from inside to speak of. The romance of the Adobe dream tends to fade after a few dark winters spent indoors while the sun continues to shine brightly outside!
Others come here, seeing everything from another, more modern point of view; harnessing views and sunshine, bringing the outdoors in with a modern sensibility that cares little for nostalgia, while embracing the romance of the vast open spaces, the endless horizon and big skies of the Wild West, with a build that nods to traditional vernacular while eschewing the confines of traditional building here in Taos.
This Southwest contemporary house is an artist’s dream, with several spaces that could be used either as studio, spare bedrooms/office and/or guest quarters. The great aspect of this build, is the fluidity of space coupled with streamlined, modern amenities which make for a minimalist, efficient space that serves its owners on every level, from work to play.
Imagine the mountain in your backyard? Seen from all the main spaces within the home, there’s no need to find a focal point in design terms, it’s been organically included and made part of the interior.
The bright accent colors used inside and out bring to mind the brilliant modernist designs of the Mexican architect Luis Baraggan, who boldly applied colour to contrast with the brilliance of the azure skies he saw around him. Here too, in this great light, there’s no need to shy away from it. By adding a few delicate touches like a luxury rug (such as these top rug collections – Bazaar Velvet), you can use the light and decor to bring life to the room
The house sits in a pastoral setting on the Seco Stream, and although it is in a neighborhood, close to other homes, the feeling of expansiveness is all-pervading. I drove out to take a look at it yesterday, and was impressed at how it sat comfortably in the landscape, yet gave of a sense of peaceful solitude, even while being part of a built up residential area.
This truly would be the ideal home for a couple coming here to escape an urban life, while still wanting a few of the modern amenities that life has afforded them, without the constant assault to the senses.
At 2,450 sq. ft., this house is large enough to convey that sense of expansive spaciousness, yet small enough that it’s easy to maintain on a daily basis. It features 2 master suites, library/den, an adjoining office with its own exterior entrance, a 2-car garage with enough room left over to include a workshop thanks to the garage space being similar to that of this 20×24 prefab garage as an example. I know quite a few residents in the area require space for their cars, ATVs and even boats (as Eagle Nest Lake is quite a popular local boating spot) and so it’s no surprise that I’ve seen them house their vehicles in these types of prefab garages; strong and sturdy, these structures seem to be popping up all over town, no, the country! (The flexible floor plan would also allow for a mother-in-law or guest quarters.) The living room boasts lofty ceilings, a kiva fireplace, and lots of wall space for your art.
The newly remodeled kitchen features new stainless appliances, granite detail, and adjoins the beautiful open dining area with more mountain views. Located on 1.4 ac. at the end of a dead-end road, this is a place to get-a-way from the real world and enjoy the beauty of nature and the peace and quiet of a retreat yet you’re only minutes to town, Taos Ski Valley, USFS and a myriad of outdoor activities.
The listing agent for this house is none other than taoStyle fav, Diane Enright who also took these great shots you see here. These pictures were taken during warmer months and really show the beauty of the setting. Right now, the trees have shed their leaves and everything looks much different, but the house itself has an almost Bauhaus simplicity that reads well, even during this stripped down, bare bones season.
For more information (and photographs) on this fabulously chic shack, please contact Diane at her website linked below.
All images thanks to Diane Enright
