Perched atop a ridge on 32 juniper filled acres, Hilltop offers one of Santa Fe’s finest views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and splendid sunsets over the Jemez Mountains to the west. In summer, enjoy the large saltwater swimming pool while taking in views of the desert and the mountains. In winter, lounge in the hot tub, admiring the snowcapped vistas. Year round, use any of the home’s five patios to take in New Mexico’s brilliant sunlight during the day and the stars at night.

The owners, a photographer and writer from New York, use Hilltop to display art from their collection that is appropriate for New Mexico’s culture and history. The works include paintings by 16th Century Roman and Florentine Renaissance Old Masters, plus 19th Century portraits of distinguished Spanish women. There are also works from the Cuzco School of the Spanish Colonial period. Among the contemporary items are works by noted Santa Fe artists. In honor of the Santa Fe Opera, Hilltop displays objects from the estate of Beverly Sills, the late coloratura soprano of the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Opera. The Persian rugs are about 100 years old.

Sleeping eight, the interior of this elegant three bedroom home and its rustic one bedroom casita was created by a prominent designer from Austin. Centrally air conditioned and heated, the 2600 sq. ft. house and detached 560 sq. ft. casita abound in Spanish colonial furniture, along with antiques from around the world. The home is partially adobe, with plaster walls, wood and travertine floors in the main living areas, and new luxurious carpet in the bedroom suites. The two foot thick walls were designed to use energy sparingly, summer and winter.

The formal living room with vaulted ceilings, oak floors and fireplace captures the glorious Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Also overlooking the Sangres and perched above the living space, the dining room has beams and access to a delightful dining deck with majestic mountain vistas.

The fully equipped kitchen with center island has a breakfast area with seated banco, and coved ceilings. Adjoining the kitchen you have an intimate sitting area to watch TV.

The bedrooms are separate from one another, affording everyone maximum privacy. The master bedroom suite sports a king bed, TV, sitting area and large bathroom with walk-in shower, separate bath, and walk-in closet with built-in dresser. The second bedroom, near the pool, also has a king bed, TV, and bath. The whimsically furnished third bedroom has a queen bed and nearby bath with shower that doubles as a powder room. To assure maximum comfort, all bedrooms are equipped with the same mattresses, pillows, and linens as the Four Seasons Resorts.

The multiple outdoor spaces with saltwater pool, hot tub and decks are unparalleled in Santa Fe. The pool area includes a large covered portal, gas grill, outdoor dining and chaises to relax or entertain in peaceful tranquility. Plenty of pool towels and pool accessories are provided. (The pool is open from sometime in May-September, weather permitting.) It is truly a secluded oasis combining water, desert, hills, and vistas.

From the kitchen, a path takes you to the casita, providing privacy from the main home and the perfect spot for friends or staff. The Texas-themed casita has an open floor plan with vigas, Saltillo tiled floors, and powerful mountain views from both the living and sleeping areas. The deck off the casita also has majestic views, just like the main house. The casita has its own kitchen and bath.

Although the location is remote, private and serene, the home is only 16 minutes from the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Unlike similar homes in Santa Fe, there is a paved road right up to the driveway, assuring easy access any time of year.

Two car garage available for parking. The home has central air conditioning and heating, and Wi-Fi. Please, no pets or smokers.

STR Permit # 24-6009