The 2012 tour was a big success, again, thanks to the homeowners who generously open their gardens and homes for the enjoyment of our enthusiastic supporters.

This spacious home, built in the 1880s, was remodeled by owners Robert and Nancy Mitchell into three elegantly appointed vacation rentals managed by Premiere Properties. The oldest portion of the building was originally a granary built in the 1860s.  Residents have included artists Agnes Martin and Ted Egri as well as a toymaker. 

The 3-foot thick adobe walls, five kiva fireplaces, and first-floor vigas are original to the building. Decorative elements include leaded glass windows, hand-made tile, Navajo rugs, weavings, and paintings by local artists. The naturalized garden includes antique iris over 100 years old. Enjoy the works of Ken Daggett and Lorraine Alexander, Artists in the Garden.    

The adobe built in 1924 is known as the distillery because the original owner operated a distillery supplying beer and moonshine to the La Fonda Hotel on the Plaza. After the distillery exploded the building became a private residence. 

The current owners, Sonja and Lee Lee Leonard, remodeled to include a 900 sq. ft. greenhouse-style casita beside the acequia. Landscape designer Peter Leonard followed permaculture design principles such as cover crops, water reclamation, and 6 cisterns. The terraced garden, watered by the acequia, includes fruit trees, berry bushes, organic vegetables, and a chicken coop. The interior features hand-made glass and tile, antique furnishings, art work, and charred beams in the family room dating back to the exploding distillery.  Lee Lee Leonard is sharing her work as the Artist in her own gardens.

This contemporary Pueblo style home, built in 2003, was designed with many green elements. The floor-to-ceiling windows frame a stunning view of Taos Mountain. Efficiency and gracious entertaining are the theme of the kitchen and extensive pantry. Decorative features include Persian rugs and examples of flintknapping by Bud Quimby. 

The owner-designed xeriscape landscape includes a rock garden with pathways lined by native plants.  Raised beds in the courtyard are irrigated by drip system.  Michelle Chrisman is the Artist in the Garden at this residence.

      Don’t miss the Garden Club Boutique located in the portal. Shop for garden and home accessories, many of which are the creations of local artisans.

Both homes on the property were built by owner/artist Pat Woodall from recycled materials. The older of the two is now the artist's studio and guest quarters. The family residence features split-level living spaces, loft spaces, and built-in furniture. Interior design focuses on handmade textiles and antique kitchenware. The gardens, designed and cared for by Pat's wife Carmen, ramble over several acres with majestic views of mountains and mesa. Irrigation ditches provide water from a natural spring for vegetable and patio gardens, lawns, and fruit trees.  Visit with Pat who is painting in his own garden

Visit with the artists:

Ken Daggett at Casa Artesia

Lorraine Alexander at Casa Artesia

Lee Lee Leonard at Abundance on the Acequia

Michelle Crisman at Water-Wise and Wonderful

Pat Woodall  at Casa Carmen

Click on artist's name for link to their website