111 Monticito , Taos, NM 87571(Taos County)

El Rancho de la Mariposa. Set against the rugged beauty of Taos Mountain, on over 14 verdant acres, this unique property reflects the tranquility and grandeur of a bygone era. With 11 of its acres fully enclosed by over 1,000 linear feet of walls and wrought iron gates, the estate offers privacy and a feeling of secluded removal in a prime situation one half mile from the business heart of Taos. On the grounds, magnificent Douglas Fir trees tower more than 60 feet over a grassy understory, landscaped with perennials and flowering shrubs which are irrigated by an extensive underground system. The 14,669 sf mansion, built in the mid 1930's, is an exquisite time capsule of the era. Beautifully outfitted with classic accoutrements, such as custom, wrought iron window grills, Art Deco light fixtures and hand-carved wooden accents and columns, this grand property includes two indoor swimming pools, an elevator, and a carriage house. Two wells and surface water rights are included. The 14,415 square foot commercial-grade museum, built onto an historic 1929 art studio, was constructed to house and display a rare collection of art work. State-of-the-art at the time of its completion in 1994, the museum offers climate control, specialized lighting and a 3,783 sf basement with sliding art storage. An extraordinary expression of its extraordinary owners, this estate is a rare offering, ripe to be reinvented and re-purposed.