Though it appears to be a fairly normal, albeit somewhat quirky Swiss chalet-meets-Southwestern-pueblo house from the outside, this landmarked Taos, N.M., compound is the residential equivalent of the Ludacris lyric “a lady in the street, a freak in the sheets.” Currently listed at $1.895 million, the historic and fantastically eccentric compound offers an attractive New Mexican-style main house, an artist studio/guesthouse that’s been dubbed the “Chicken Coop,” and two vibrantly and uniquely decorated one-bedroom/one-bath casitas.
The charming property measures in at 3,250 square feet, and is located in a quiet neighborhood dominated by adobe buildings near Taos’ main plaza, where a bevy of shopping and dining options await. Unlike many traditional adobe houses, this one offers a large front porch that’s been painted an eye-popping shade of turquoise with matching trim and shutters. A sign that reads “Taos Territorial House circa 1875″ hangs from the porch’s roof.
Since the home was constructed in the late 1800s, it sports a number of desirable vintage details including 18-inch adobe bricks, handblown beveled windows and a total of four kiva fireplaces. However, Casa Romero, as the house is known, was thoroughly and lovingly updated in 2000. Some of the contemporary improvements include the addition of soft plaster walls, a raised seam metal roof and updates to the kitchens and bathrooms. The compound offers the perfect blend of Old West charm and modern creature comforts — and some untamed artistic expression as well.
The listing is held by John Cancro of Taos Properties Real Estate Investments.