Santa Fe Summer Weather:
Santa Fe is at 7,000 feet elevation above sea level which makes for 30 degree or more temperature swings between day and night. The summer temperature is in the 70s during the day and 50s at night. A hot day is 92 and will occur early in July. The monsoons start in July and can go till September. These violent lightning and rain storms can dump up to an inch of water in 20 minutes. Like Hawaii, these storms pass quickly. The storms are concentrated and sometimes are only 1/2 mile in diameter. Clouds, rain, and lightning up to 30 miles away can be viewed as they traverse the region from almost any room in the house.
The wind speed on our ridgetop is almost always a minimum of 5 miles an hour. This makes the house self-cooling just by opening windows. Supplementary mechanical cooling is available for the late afternoons.
Additional living area description:
The main floor has a master suite with bedroom with king bed, TV, kiva fireplace, a master bathroom with large circular Jacuzzi, and walk-in closet. The rest of the main floor has a den with stereo/TV, weather station, and kiva fireplace; a library/office set-up for two workstations, reading chair; a gentle waterfall and indoor fish pond providing humidity; a living room with kiva fireplace and coved ceilings; a dining room with chandelier and massive carved dining table seating six to ten; and a full kitchen with stone counter tops, built in appliances, and space to multiple cooks working simultaneously.
The guest suite is on the lower floor with a separate bedroom with queen bed and bathroom (the guest suite is reached by a dramatic sweeping staircase).
The outdoor hot tub has a dramatic night view of Santa Fe's lights and the stars can be seen clearly in the night sky without light pollution.
Outdoor, off-street parking is provided at the front entrance.
Outdoor Spaces, Caretaker Apt, and Casita:
Outdoor spaces include a winding driveway with parking for up to fifteen cars, a graceful multi-level outdoor greeting area with panoramic views of Santa Fe and the Sangre de Cristo, Ortiz, Sandia and Jemez Mountains (aircraft landing lights from the Santa Fe airport, or in the far distance, the Albuquerque Sunport, can be seen at night). Decks facing to the East, South, West, and North provide entertainment spaces for mornings or evenings. Outdoor radiant heaters take the chill off at night. An outdoor hot tub provides relaxation under the evening stars. Extensive landscaping and mature plantings provide a rich contrast of foliage and colors.
Also located on the property are a casita which houses the owner's office which is used weekdays by one person. The office has fax, copying, and printing equipment. The property also has a caretaker's apartment with a separate entrance.
Other Activities:
art, opera, museums, restaurants, history, hiking, natural beauty
marks the location of the property in New Mexico
