There’s an exotic feel to Santa Fe, due in part to the desert and melding of cultures. But a large part of what makes the city so unique is its architectural landscape. “Santa Fe’s low and linear architecture is defined by its materials -- earth and timber,” says Elaine Bergman, executive director of The Historic Santa Fe Foundation (505/983-2567, www.historicsantafe.org). “We are a remote mountain town, so we built with local material.”
Adobe bricks were made from dirt, sand, straw, and water, and lumber came from local forests. To view some of the region’s most primitive ruins, visit Pecos National Monument (505/757-7200, www.nps.gov/peco). Today, Santa Fe strives to balance historic preservation efforts with new development. Here’s a look at some of the most popular areas.
Historic Eastside
“The Eastside is the most expensive, old, traditional area,” says Susan Trowbridge. The historic district -- one of five in
Santa Fe -- is made up of traditional adobe homes, such as the Borrego House, built in 1756. Winding through the neighborhood
is the Acequia Madre, or “mother ditch,” a means of irrigation in the city’s agrarian past. Contributing to the Eastside’s
appeal is its proximity to town. “Canyon Road, running east to west through the Eastside, is lined with art galleries and
restaurants,” says Bergman. “It’s attractive to be able to walk to dinner or turn the corner and find a vibrant, peopled road.”
Museum Hill
Lying south of Eastside, Museum Hill gets its name from its four renowned museums: the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, the
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Museum of International Folk Art, and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian.
“Largely established in the ’60s, the area is becoming esteemed for larger, older lots with old-growth landscaping, breathing
space, and amazing views,” says Coles-Christensen.
Railyard District and Downtown
For the last several years, the buzz around town has been the redevelopment of the once-blighted Railyard District. “The Santa
Fe Railyard project is emerging as a magnet for contemporary art, providing a live/work environment for artists,” says Gayle
Maxon-Edgerton. The mixed-use facility will incorporate restaurants and parklands and will be home to the Santa Fe Farmers
Market. Because the area isn’t bound by historic-district restrictions, development has a more modern feel. The extension
of the Rail Runner Express train line into the area means an easier commute between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Nearby, a surge
of growth is also happening downtown. The Santa Fe Convention Center, a 72,000-square-foot space, is set to open in October.
Construction on a new New Mexico History Museum is under way, and other retail/residential combinations are also on tap.
WHERE TO STAY
Dunshee’s B & B and Casita
“It’s a warm, hospitable, and comfortable place to center your stay in Santa Fe,” says Maxon-Edgerton. 986 Acequia Madre,
505/982-0988, www.dunshees.com.
Inn of the Anasazi
“I suggest the hotel for its ambience and location near the Plaza,” says Maxon-Edgerton. 113 Washington Ave., 505/988-3030,
www.innoftheanasazi.com.
The Inn of the Five Graces
Trowbridge likes the “upscale funky” vibe. “It’s in old buildings that have been renovated,” she says. 150 East DeVargas
St., 505/992-0957, www.fivegraces.com.
La Posada
“It’s one of the oldest hotels in town and has a very nice spa and good restaurants,” says Coles-Christensen. 330 East Palace
Ave., 505/986-0000, www.laposada.rockresorts.com.
Ten Thousand Waves
It’s best-known for its day spa, and the 13 rooms and cottages are built into the landscape. 3415 Hyde Park Rd., 505/992-5025,
www.tenthousandwaves.com.
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