There are estates — and then there are legacies.
Originally commissioned in 1931 by Governor John Dempsey, Casa Alegre stands as one of Santa Fe’s most storied residential compounds. Just minutes from the Plaza yet unfolding across 11 private acres, the property represents a rare intersection of political history, architectural integrity, and enduring Southwest elegance.
The six-bedroom adobe main residence remains grounded in its original character — thick adobe walls, hand-finished details, and fireplaces that anchor gathering spaces with warmth and permanence. A meticulous four-and-a-half-year restoration in the early 2000s revitalized the estate with extraordinary care, enlisting master artisans to preserve its authenticity while discreetly integrating modern systems and comfort. The result is not renovation, but stewardship.
Three independent guest houses create a true compound — allowing the estate to function as both intimate family retreat and gracious host to distinguished guests.
Beyond the residences, the grounds unfold as a private sanctuary: mature trees, curated gardens, orchard, stone walking paths, a tennis court, and a heated pool — each element placed with intention. The scale is rare. The privacy is complete. The proximity to Santa Fe’s cultural center is immediate.
Over the decades, Casa Alegre has quietly passed through the hands of notable stewards, each contributing to its preservation. Today, it stands as one of the Southwest’s most significant legacy offerings.
Private. Historic. Irreplaceable.
For sale
$12,750,000
196 Circle Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87501
10beds
12,208sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1930
11.3 Acres Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$1,044/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
- 122 days |
- 1,716 |
- 76 |
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Stephanie Duran 505-204-2491,
Barker Realty, LLC 505-982-9836,
Amanda Godlove Erwin 505-372-5500,
Sotheby's Int. RE/Washington
Source: SFARMLS,MLS#: 202600528
Originating MLS: Santa Fe Association of REALTORS
Originating MLS: Santa Fe Association of REALTORSLoading...
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 10
- Bathrooms: 11
- Full bathrooms: 3
- 3/4 bathrooms: 4
- 1/2 bathrooms: 4
Heating
- Forced Air, Fireplace(s), Natural Gas, Radiant Floor
Cooling
- Central Air, Refrigerated, Separate Meters
Appliances
- Included: Dryer, Dishwasher, Gas Cooktop, Disposal, Gas Water Heater, Microwave, Oven, Range, Refrigerator, Water Softener, Water Heater, Water Purifier, Washer, TanklessWater Heater
Features
- Beamed Ceilings, Interior Steps, Wine Cellar
- Flooring: Brick, Stone, Vinyl, Wood
- Windows: Insulated Windows
- Basement: Crawl Space
- Number of fireplaces: 20
- Fireplace features: Kiva, Wood Burning
Interior area
- Total structure area: 12,208
- Total interior livable area: 12,208 sqft
Video & virtual tour
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 6
- Parking features: Detached, Garage
- Garage spaces: 6
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: Not ADA Compliant
Features
- Levels: Two
- Stories: 2
- Pool features: Fenced, Filtered, Gunite, Gas Heat, Heated, In Ground, Outdoor Pool, Other, Pool, See Remarks, Association
Lot
- Size: 11.3 Acres
- Features: Drip Irrigation/Bubblers
Details
- Additional structures: Guest House Detached, Outbuilding, Storage
- Parcel number: 010637184
- Special conditions: Standard
- Other equipment: Irrigation Equipment
- Horses can be raised: Yes
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Pueblo
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Adobe, Frame, Stucco
- Foundation: Basement
- Roof: Flat,Foam
Condition
- Year built: 1930
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer, Septic Tank
- Water: Cistern, Public, Private, Well
- Utilities for property: High Speed Internet Available, Electricity Available
Green energy
- Energy efficient items: Water Heater
- Water conservation: Low-Flow Fixtures, Rain Water Collection
Community & HOA
Community
- Security: Security System, Fire Alarm, Security Gate, Heat Detector, Smoke Detector(s), Surveillance System
HOA
- Has HOA: No
- Amenities included: Gated, Pool, RV Parking, Spa/Hot Tub, Storage, Tennis Court(s), Trail(s)
Location
- Region: Santa Fe
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $1,044/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $7,341,227
- Annual tax amount: $40,293
- Date on market: 3/3/2026
- Listing terms: Cash,Conventional,1031 Exchange,New Loan
- Electric utility on property: Yes
Estimated market value
Not available
Estimated sales range
Not available
Not available
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3/3/2026 | Price change | $12,750,000-15%$1,044/sqft |
Source:  SFARMLS #202600528 Report a problem | ||
| 4/1/2025 | Listed for sale | $15,000,000$1,229/sqft |
Source: SFARMLS #202501197 Report a problem | ||
| 2/13/2019 | Sold | -- |
Source: Agent Provided Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $40,293 0% | $5,287,583 +3% |
| 2023 | $40,293 +2.3% | $5,133,576 +3% |
| 2022 | $39,402 +1.6% | $4,984,056 +3% |
| 2021 | $38,793 -0.5% | $4,838,890 +198.1% |
| 2020 | $39,001 +26.6% | $1,623,027 +28.6% |
| 2019 | $30,812 +2.3% | $1,262,539 +3% |
| 2018 | $30,133 | $1,225,766 +3% |
| 2017 | $30,133 +2.6% | $1,190,064 +3% |
| 2016 | $29,377 | $1,155,402 +3% |
| 2015 | $29,377 +8.6% | $1,121,750 -48.7% |
| 2014 | $27,055 -40.4% | $2,187,241 |
| 2013 | $45,402 +3.2% | -- |
| 2012 | $43,988 +0.9% | -- |
| 2011 | $43,603 +4.5% | -- |
| 2010 | $41,744 +5.7% | -- |
| 2009 | $39,495 +1.2% | -- |
| 2008 | $39,022 +116% | -- |
| 2005 | $18,070 +9% | -- |
| 2004 | $16,584 -7% | -- |
| 2003 | $17,834 -16.6% | -- |
| 2002 | $21,381 +51.1% | -- |
| 2001 | $14,152 +3.5% | -- |
| 2000 | $13,676 | $760,000 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Monthly payment
Est. payment$--/mo
Payment breakdown
Explore the cost of this home by adjusting the details. Changes won't be saved.All calculations are estimates and provided by Zillow, Inc. for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.
HOA fees may include property taxes on listings classified as Co-Ops. Contact the listing agent and/or owner for fee details.
Mortgage interest rates are dependent on a number of factors, including credit score, down payment, and repayment length. Interest rate data provided by Zillow Group Marketplace, Inc. as of 1/1/1970 from various mortgage lenders with which we have lead or other similar arrangements; the Estimated Payment is an average of those rates.
See how much you could borrow to make a competitive offer.
Climate risks
Neighborhood: 87501
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 9/10Carlos Gilbert Elementary SchoolGrades: K-6Distance: 2.4 mi
- 6/10Milagro Middle SchoolGrades: 7-8Distance: 5.5 mi
- NASanta Fe EngageGrades: 9-12Distance: 8.1 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Carlos Gilbert
- Middle: Milagro
- High: Santa Fe
Source: SFARMLS. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
A local agent can set up tours, give advice and negotiate with sellers.
- New Mexico
- Santa Fe County
- Santa Fe
- 87501
- 196 Circle Dr
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