Luxury Homes and Real Estate - Sotheby’s International Realty

By Angela Gutierrez, Associate Broker, E-PRO/Admin. ABR, Sotheby’s International Realty

In 1949, Santa Fe had a population of 27,000, but had 68 grocery stores operating in the city, of which one was Padilla Store on Camino Don Miguel, a crooked street winding north from San Acacio to Acequia Madre. Over 60 years later, the memories of that tiendita still remain, but the structure has been lovingly transformed into one of two guesthouses on this historic Eastside compound.

The other structure, now a guesthouse, was the primary home for Mrs. Padilla and her abundant family. One can still imagine Mrs. Padilla warming tortillas on her stove in the early, dewy spring mornings looking out onto the lush courtyards, getting lost in thought. Lilacs, perennial gardens and 80-year-old apricot trees embrace this magical, adobe compound adding natural touches of color in spring, fall and summer complementing the earthen adobe structures.

It was with an artist’s eye that during 1968 and 1971, Ted Rose, best known for his love of watercolors and steam railroading, purchased and added to the property; hand building, with the help of local artists and craftsmen, a main house and studio
encompassing many traditional and handmade elements. Natural strawbound adobe walls, studded handmade doors, kiva fireplaces, even adobe floors scored to look like flagstone, pay homage to the beauty that is quintessentially Santa Fe style. The studio, built as Rose’s private retreat, utilizes his love of light with clerestory windows inducing an energetic force for creativity.

The guesthouses still capture the heart of those in love with a true Santa Fe adobe, but it is the sweet craftsmanship found in the main house and studio which remind us of art and beauty.  Rose demonstrated that the love of art holds no boundaries to paper or canvas; but can reach into the nichos, vigas and latillas of one’s home, his realm of everyday beauty.

Listed by
Ashley Margetson
505.920.2300 ashley.margetson@sothebyshomes.com