Welcome to a truly enchanting historic artists home, nestled next to La Loma Plaza and walking distance to the Taos Plaza-an area rich in history dating back to its Spanish settlement in 1795. This property beautifully marries charm with a storied past. As you enter through the custom iron gates, crafted by talented artisan Jeff Rzepecki from Taos, you are greeted by an atmosphere that feels both inviting and artistically inspired. Step inside, and you will find unique antique light fixtures that tell their own stories. In the dining room, an exquisite Bradley & Hubbard light fixture adds a touch of elegance, while an antique painted tin chandelier by renowned metalsmith Robert Earl Woodman graces the stair landing. Woodmans craftsmanship has adorned many buildings designed by the celebrated Santa Fe architect John Gaw Meem, and these fixtures are cherished pieces from the sellers personal collection. This home carries the legacy of Louis Ribak, who purchased it in the 1940s from the talented artist and writer, Blanche Chloe Grant. A key figure in the Taos Art Colony since 1920, Grant left her creative mark on the house, with her paintings adorning windows and a beautifully painted beam in the kitchen. Her artwork is celebrated at the Harwood Museum, and her influence remains woven into the fabric of this home. The property has been featured in notable publications, including Modernists in Taos, From Dasburg To Martin and Taos Landmarks & Legends. It served as the studio and home of Ribak and his wife, Beatrice Mandelman, who ran the Taos Valley Art School from what is now the living room during the late 1940s. This space has witnessed late-night conversations with modernist Agnes Martin, who often dropped by to share ideas and inspiration. Ribak passed away in 1979, but Beatrice continued to create, receiving national recognition just before her passing in 1998. In 1997, the Mandelman-Ribak Foundation made a generous contribution of their artwork to the University of New Mexico, with proceeds from sales supporting art programs. They also funded the Mandelman-Ribak wing at the Harwood Museum, ensuring their artistic legacy lives on. Architecturally significant, this home is recognized by the state for its Pueblo Revival Style, showcasing intricate details like viga and latilla ceilings, four cozy fireplaces, nichos, and beautifully carved corbels. Though the house appears on the 1929 town survey, its origins may date back to 1910-1920, revealed through its exquisite craftsmanship. In 2006, the three bedroom, 3 bath home underwent a meticulous rebuild, featuring modern upgrades such as new wiring, radiant floor heating, double-pane windows, and custom screen doors added in 2018. The adobe structure has mud plaster walls on the ground floor, complemented by flagstone, reclaimed wood, and Saltillo tile flooring. The property is thoughtfully equipped with two cisterns for water collection, a gardening sprinkler system, and an air exchanger in the laundry room for more efficient heating. The gated wall surrounding the property received a fresh stucco finish in September 2023, while solar panels on the apartment roof provide hot water, with a natural gas backup for reliability. The impressive solar setup includes twelve panels on the bell tower, ensuring electric backup for up to eight hours, with all batteries replaced by PPC Solar in 2021. A new Polaris boiler was installed in March 2024, and thermostats were updated in January 2024 by Valverde Energy, enhancing energy efficiency with Hunter Douglas blinds. The main kitchen boasts a Viking stove, and the apartment kitchen is fully equipped with a stove and refrigerator. The sellers have further enhanced the property with barbwire fencing and rock landscaping, creating an inviting outdoor space filled with spruce, pines, and fruit trees like apricot, pear, apple, and peach. Come experience the unique blend of history, artistry, and warmth that this exceptional home offer!
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