Farming has been an integral part of New Mexico history and culture, with farmers and ranchers cultivating their land for centuries.
This history began 2,500 years ago with native Pueblo cultures who were sustained by growing corn, beans and squash.
In the 18th century, small farms in the valleys of northern New Mexico were called “ranchos.” A few of these farms still exist today and are evidence of how ranchers and farmers have maintained this tradition while also embracing change.
Perfectly nestled in the verdant valley between Santa Fe and Taos, El Charro Ranch Estate provides not only refuge from city life, but also a plethora of possibilities for a farming lifestyle.
Approximately 25 acres of grasses, oak and fruit trees with the life blood of the Tusas River pulsing through, is the optimum palette for organic farming, growing hops for a growing microbrewery industry or wine vineyard for the wine industry, as well as a riparian paradise for any array of wildlife: birds, deer, elk, wild turkey, fishing and beaver ponds.
Ideal for horses and livestock for a ranchers lifestyle or perhaps a peaceful reclusive homestead for artists, writers, philosophers, and craftsmen, El Charro Ranch Estate consists of a traditional adobe main house built in the early 1940s, a rehabilitated adobe studio tracing back to the 1830s when it was first erected.
The Estate includes a two-car garage 24’x28’; a workshop 36’ x 40’ and a metal barn 36’ x 36’ for equipment/storage or for keeping alfalfa out of the elements.
Escape to the azure and clear air, fertile meadows, and poetic calm that only this slice of heaven can provide. Experience a preserved and untouched portion of New Mexico’s rich historical tradition.
As I look at the collection of photographs, the video with soft background music that captures the beauty of El Charro Estate, I cannot help but get emotional since my siblings spent much of our childhood with Grandma and Grandpa. I can still smell the aroma of fresh tortillas being prepared on the wood stove by my Grandma in preparation for the 8-man laborers to take a lunch break after working from the early morning hours to finish the harvest before the monsoon rains arrive in early July.
Photos of the attic remind me of the tables my Grandma set-up to dry apples with white cheese cloth and tied twine from one roof rafter to another drying beef or deer jerky that my uncles had prepared. As we slept in the attic we were never hungry as we had dried apples, apricots and other fruits from our orchard and, of course savory jerky.
My father was a hard-working businessman who served in the military and purchased El Charro Ranch from his uncle in the 1940s to provide a permanent home for his parents and four of his younger siblings. He drilled a domestic well, installed in-door plumbing and water to the house where his parents lived until their passing.
Following my grandparents passing, the house remained unchanged until my wife and I remodeled the house and lived in it through the early 1980s with other family members having lived there until I purchased the estate from my siblings in 2016.
We all experience unanticipated events that alter or change the course of our lives. Ours is no different--as we are raising our first great-grandson (18-months) after recently retiring from our careers in health care and law that requires our time to be spent at our home in Albuquerque.
While it is emotional to close this chapter in our life’s journey, we are somewhat relieved of not having the responsibility of maintain El Charro Estate, we find pleasure in having another family make their own memories in our own slice of heaven that we have cherished.
Some Highlights of the House/Property:
1. Approximately 1300 square foot two-story adobe house with an additional 1300 square feet of attic space. The roofing system is fully insulated with drywall ceilings and new floor.
2. Adobe bricks made of rich clay and straw are an excellent insulator to keep the house warm in the winter and cooler in the summer with an average temperature of 70 degrees in the summertime.
3. Equipped with an 8-camera security system with remote monitoring from your electronic device when you are not home.
4. All water supply has been upgraded with PVC piping---no lead pipes.
5. 5 black angus livestock and 2 calves come with the property along with 5 grazing permits for your livestock to graze in the Carson National Forest.
6. Lease for agriculture portion is in place and is subject to renewal each year. $2,000/per year. Lessee is fully responsible for managing the agricultural portion or lease and can be easily terminated in the Spring.
7. Location is everything: 45-minute drive to Taos, 60 minute drive to Santa Fe, 130 minutes to Albuquerque, 30 minutes to Espanola, 15 minutes to Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs with local pueblos that host traditional feasts located closeby.