I've lived in Santa Fe for over 23 years, and consider myself a true "local" now, and sometimes I even feel like a native!

I grew up in the Midwest and longed to live in the mountains, especially after taking a few ski trips in my early 20s. After having experienced the west, I decided to begin my search for the perfect place to live. On one of my exploratory western trips I visited Santa Fe and knew the moment I arrived that I was home.

I enjoy traveling and visiting places that are much different culturally than America. Some places I've visited include India, Mexico, Canada, France, Italy, Honduras and Indonesia. A perfect vacation to me is one involving physical activities and cultural immersion, spending time with locals and learning about their culinary and cultural traditions and way of life. I enjoy most outdoor activities: most frequently mountain biking, hiking and downhill skiing. I taught skiing for a couple of years up at Ski Santa Fe, and look forward to teaching again.

I take great pride in creating beauty indoors and outdoors, and love the peaceful satisfaction that comes from creating and living in these spaces. I also appreciate and greatly respect the flora and fauna that inhabit the land and believe in being a good steward and caregiver to the land.

Currently I live in Santa Fe in a guest house that is near the vacation rental, close enough so I may respond quickly if you have any needs, but far enough away that we both are able to enjoy our own space and privacy.

When I found this home and the fruit trees, the beautiful architectural features and gorgeous patio area and gardens, I simply fell in love. It feels like a retreat here, especially in the summertime. The home had everything that was important to me: beauty, views, convenient location to downtown and restaurants, and has a 5-minute easy access to route 25 which makes trips to Albuquerque painless.

I also enjoy the peaceful drive along Old Santa Fe Trail that leads to most areas in town that I frequent.

Sun and Moon mountains are nearby, and there is a nice hiking trail that leads up Sun Mountain, the trail head is only 1/2 mile away and is a great hike to take before starting the day. Once at the top, on one side you look down into the valley where St. Johns College is located, the other side has expansive views to Santa Fe and beyond to the Sandia mountains in Albuquerque.

The home is minutes from town and because of the location it is a lovely and easy drive on Old Santa Fe Trail along Pinon studded hills on the way to downtown, the plaza, restaurants, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.

Situated on acreage in the Santa Fe foothills, the home is surrounded by native flora and fauna, and has numerous fruit trees on the property. Occasionally you'll see a herd of deer wander through, hawks soaring above or humming birds visiting the flower garden. You feel like you are far out in the country, as the home is on a gated dirt road, yet you are less than 1/8 mile from the pavement of Old Santa Fe Trail and only 8 minutes from downtown and the plaza.

Numerous outdoor sitting areas, including a large curved deck accessed by an 8' sliding door from the living room wraps around the home and overlooks western mountain sunsets and views of the northern mountains. A smaller, more intimate patio provides shade and is immersed in honeysuckle and wisteria with a backdrop that includes a beautiful flower garden, Ponderosa pines and deciduous trees.

Unique architectural details in the home that add to your Santa Fe experience include: large, louvered La Puerta doors that invite in a beautiful flower garden just beyond; a heavy, mesquite front door greets you with a Mexican rod iron window insert and solid iron fixtures; soaring high ceilings in the great room and kitchen with vigas and split cedar ceilings; a lovely kiva fireplace accessed from two sides: the kitchen, and opposite the kitchen, in front of a romantic loveseat in the great room.

Living room has HD 4K 50" smart TV, with a bluetooth sound bar system that you can connect to using a device or computer. Television options include Directv offering all local stations, and most channels offered on a cable service including CNN, AMC and sports channels, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO accounts.