Santa Fe Treasure: The $12.5M De la Pena-Frank Applegate Estate Still Needs a Buyer

The historic Santa Fe, NM, home at 831 El Caminito St. has been on the market for a year—which is surprising, given its standout location and rich history.

The place was listed last August for $14 million, but the price was recently reduced to $12.5 million.

This 10,180-square-foot estate is tucked away on a 1.7-acre lot, down a private lane, just steps from the prized Canyon Road fine art galleries and restaurants.

It’s a classic example of an early 19th-century Spanish Pueblo adobe farmhouse. And to a number of celebrated artists, it was also a home and source of inspiration.

Historic home

In some circles, the property is known as the De la Pena House. While the exact year of construction is unknown, parts of the estate date back to at least 1845, when it was purchased by Spanish officer Francisco De la Pena. The De la Pena family lived there until 1925, when the home was sold to artist Frank Applegate.

Applegate and his family were visiting Santa Fe during the annual fiesta and fell in love with the vibrant culture and Southwestern landscapes. After settling in, he went on to establish and join several local artist collectives. Applegate’s work in watercolors, oils, and ceramics are still part of the permanent collections at The Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe.

At some point during Applegate’s decade-long stay in Santa Fe, Ansel Adams began photographing the artist alongside his family. The De la Pena-Applegate residence also became a favorite destination and subject matter for the renowned photographer. In 1937, the home was documented by the Library of Congress as one of only eight New Mexico buildings of national importance.

The property consists of a five-bedroom, seven-bath main house, along with a guest casita and two-car garage. A courtyard and clay tennis court round out the acreage.

In 2022, the home underwent extensive renovations that were recognized by the city’s historic board as the finest restoration of a historic property.

A number of museum-quality antiques in the home are also available for purchase.

The post Santa Fe Treasure: The $12.5M De la Pena-Frank Applegate Estate Still Needs a Buyer appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.