The Guide: Santa Fe

Emily Ivette Garcia

11/01/2007

Located at the foothills of the Rockies, Santa Fe stands at an elevation of 7,000 feet and is blessed with four temperate seasons because the three surrounding mountains protect the city from extreme temperatures. Adding to the distinctive palette is a cultural richness from the Hispanic, Native and Anglo populations, each contributing different colors and character. "The City Different" is defined by its food, people, architecture, the land itself and its deep history. First an oasis for the Native Americans who originally cultivated the land, the area has been explored by conquistadors, experienced by artists and bohemians, and is now again being discovered by people seeking a better quality of life in distinct style.

Adobe was "green" long before the phrase was coined, and environmentally conscious construction is more prevalent in Santa Fe than in other parts of the country. The area offers a wonderful variety of unique architectural styles within the adobe vernacular, with three classic Santa Fe styles evolving organically from one another. Pueblo style was birthed by Pueblo Indian homes, with their soft rounded features, vigas (ceiling beams) and plastered walls. The Territorial style embodies the Spanish Colonial period, in which porches or portals, brick coping, as well as trim around the windows and doors were added. The Northern New Mexico style resulted from the heavier snowfall, adding pitched roofs and high ceilings. Now, contemporary interpretations have become more fashionable, with cleaner edges, more light and new finishes.

As a longtime resident and Realtor, I am delighted to offer suggestions for professionals in the real estate and home design fields. There are many exceptional options in Santa Fe and I recommend discussing your choices with several tradespeople.

Emily Ivette Garcia is a Santa Fe resident and an agent for Sotheby’s International Realty.

REALTORS/LENDERS
Emily Garcia (Sotheby’s International Realty, 505.955.7963, www.emilygarcia.com). As a top Sotheby’s producer, my priority is manifesting your vision—assisting you not just with the real estate transaction, but building a new life in Santa Fe.

Michael Morgner (Santa Fe Properties, an exclusive Christie’s Great Estates affiliate, 505.995.6494, www.michaelmorgner.com). "I specialize in high-end primary residences, as well as second homes because Santa Fe offers a great quality of life with four gentle seasons and world-class art, dining and cultural experiences," says Morgner. One of his current listings, which is being sold by a football and TV legend and features great outdoor space in a prime location, is offered at $2.55 million. Morgner’s knowledge of the high-end market and love of Santa Fe’s beautiful climate are blended in luxury homes that include outdoor entertaining areas.

Ray Rush and Tim Van Camp (Sotheby’s International Realty, 505.984.5117, www.knowingsantafe.com). Longtime brokers Rush and Van Camp know that Santa Fe both intrigues and mystifies even the most savvy real estate buyers. "Compared to other ‘quality of life’ destinations, Santa Fe offers tremendous value," notes Van Camp. Their listings include houses on historic Upper Canyon Road ($4.8 million) and Bishops Lodge Road ($4.995 million).

Michael Umphrey (Prudential Santa Fe Real Estate, 505.946.2104, www.michaelumphreysantafe.com). Prudential Santa Fe’s top agent, Umphrey’s current listings include a 6,300-square-foot adobe-style home with panoramic views and "smart" house technology on the market for $2.895 million.

Sherry Finney (Wells Fargo, 505.984.0566, www.wellsfargo.com). In light of the recent changes in the mortgage industry, it is in buyers’ best interest to work with a competent lender. Wells Fargo is the only AAA-rated bank. Finney, branch manager and a private mortgage banker with over 25 years’ experience, can confidentially handle your entire loan process, locally or nationally. "My love of Santa Fe is tied to my family’s Native American heritage and the quality of the city," she says.ARCHITECTS/DESIGNERS/BUILDERS
Trey Jordan (Trey Jordan Architecture, 505.983.5624, www.treyjordan.com). Blending a soft contemporary palette with a Santa Fe aesthetic, Jordan’s designs have been showcased in numerous national publications. "My work is about taking a step back and allowing the client’s personality and the beauty of New Mexico to lead," he says. Although Jordan works internationally, he is based in Santa Fe. Jordan outfits homes, ranches and high-end condominiums with a team of talented designers.

Steve Shaw (Shaw Architecture, 505.989.4324). All of Shaw’s work emanates from his philosophy: "Recognizing that a building should be true to its place and knowing the value of not falling into a stylistic rut." He considers himself a "neo-traditionalist" and his designs respect the serenity that is unique to the building world of Santa Fe, utilizing an indoor/outdoor connection and the play of light and shadow.

Wiseman & Gale & Duncan Interiors (505.984.8544, www.wgdinteriors.com). This one-stop shop offers an eclectic presentation of both European and modern approaches to interiors, with a team of designers and an array of fine furnishings. Services range from assisting with remodels to designing a new home and selecting fabrics or furnishings. Founder Pam Duncan’s mission is "to inspire people through the places in which they live or work."

Joann Schilling, Design Consultant (505.466.6121). An award-winning designer with over 20 years’ experience, Schilling provides interior design services for both new construction and remodels, even incorporating existing furnishings. "I like to work with what people have and only recommend new purchases when enhancements are needed," says Schilling, whose passion is green construction. "Every home is a story, and I help the property and client find their voice."

Mike Martinez, Builder (505.992.0846). Santa Fe’s Historic Design Review Board has honored Martinez for his authentic adobe homes, which subtly blend modern conveniences into the design. He guides clients in working with a site, the city, architects and designers. A Santa Fe native, Martinez understands that "historically, homes were built for necessity and not desire, so simplicity with native materials and traditional methods create truly comfortable homes."

LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS/CRAFTSPEOPLE
Santa Fe Greenhouses (505.473.2700, www.santafegreenhouses.com). With the most extensive, mature landscape gardens in the city, the firm offers quality xeriscape and desert-friendly plants. It is a full-service destination, with landscape consultation services, a retail store and thousands of unique plants for the western garden. Owners David and Ava Salman proudly feel they are "rooted here in thousands of gardens throughout Santa Fe."

Ulla Darni (Primavera Gallery, 505.995.8552, www.primaveraart.com). Called "the Tiffany of Tomorrow," these outrageous lighting fixtures are awash with transcendent light. Colorful or peaceful, Darni takes lighting to an extraordinary level. The gallery has many one-of-a-kind pieces.

Jody Norskog (505.660.9346). A true artist and craftsman, Norskog creates both traditional and contemporary wrought iron designs and steel work. Blending art and function in his work, he crafts custom steel and glass doors, handrails, stairways, sculptures and anything else his clients can imagine. With over 30 years of experience, Norskog describes his designs as "the sparkle and refinement of a building."SHOPPING
The Plaza has been the heart of Santa Fe since its inception, serving as a walking village with distinctive historic buildings, shops, restaurants and galleries. The new Santa Fe Railyard Project, located on Guadalupe Street, will be spread along 50 acres and is scheduled to be completed in 2008. Blending contemporary and traditional flavors, the Railyard will have retail stores, artist studios and gathering places, a farmers market and landscaping irrigated by water harvesting. Until then, Things Finer (505.983.5552, www.thingsfiner.com) is the home source for one-of-a-kind decorative accessories and antiques. Stroll Canyon Road (www.canyonroadarts.com) on a Friday evening for fine art, wine and a sense of community, or explore Seret and Sons (505.988.9151, www.seretandsons.com) for a world-class selection of rugs, furniture and home decor. Design Warehouse (866.661.6383, www.designwarehousesantafe.com) has an expansive, ever-changing selection of contemporary furniture, tableware and linens. Cielo (505.992.1960, www.cielohome.com) has three stores offering furniture, luxurious bedding and bath products, tableware and home accessories.

EVENTS
Santa Fe offers pleasures year-round. In the winter, ski season opens Thanksgiving Day, while the Santa Fe Film Festival (505.988.5225, www.santafefilmfestival.com) runs November 28 through December 2—kicking off the lively holiday season. The famous Canyon Road Farolito Walk on Christmas Eve comes alive with farolitos gleaming along home and gallery walls and rooftops. Spring evenings are ideal for a musical event at the Lensic (505.988.1234, www.lensic.com). Summer begins with opera season at the Santa Fe Opera (800.280.4654, www.santafeopera.org), featuring a magnificent open-air stage with the mountains as a backdrop. The Buckaroo Ball (505.992.3700, www.buckarooball.com), a benefit held in June for Santa Fe children’s nonprofit organizations, with a high-end home tour, an auction, dinner, dancing, a golf tournament and much more. The Santa Fe Indian Market (505.983.5220, www.swaia.org) is held on the third weekend of August. A world-class event, it is the largest Native American art show in the world, showcasing pottery, paintings, jewelry, photography and sculptures. Fall is celebrated with the Wine & Chile Fiesta (505.438.8060, www.santafewineandchile.org), bringing chefs and vinos from all over the world each September. And modernism lives during Santa Fe Design Week each October (www.santafedesignweek.com).