For Sale

Land of Enchantment Ranch

$15,250,000 Las Vegas, NM 12,700± Deeded Acres

Sections

Overview

Executive Summary

Located just an hour’s drive from Santa Fe, New Mexico, Land of Enchantment Ranch offers a stunning piece of land comprising 12,700± deeded acres near the small village of Tecolote, easily accessible from Interstate 25. Meticulously managed by the same ownership group and ranch managers since 1996, this ranch features migratory wildlife, abundant water enhancement work, and thoughtful forestry management, as well as boundless recreational opportunities. With plentiful pine forests, grassy meadows, and canyons throughout, this land is enchanting and captivating.

Part of this ranch’s appeal is its location. It is exceptionally rare to find a contiguous, fully fenced ranch of this size so close to major metropolises. Santa Fe and Santa Fe Regional Airport are only an hour’s drive from the property; Albuquerque and the Albuquerque International Sunport are merely two hours away. Santa Fe National Forest borders the ranch for nearly the entirety of its western boundary, providing immediate access to several hundred thousand acres of public land.

Current building improvements include a stone residence and shop constructed almost entirely from materials sourced on the land, representing the local culture and era of the area. An abundance of premier building sites are located throughout the property.

Tres Hermanos Creek runs through this well-watered property, which also includes wells, springs, stock ponds, small seasonal lakes, and seasonal creeks flowing through the numerous drainages and canyons. Situated in Game Management Unit 46, the ranch is ideally located for migrating wildlife populations, including elk, deer, bear, mountain lion, turkey, and small game species. The ranch participates in New Mexico’s EPlus system and is currently allocated unlimited elk tags annually.

The previous owners have been individually recognized as the preeminent conservation experts in the area for the past several decades. Their focus on forestry management and water development practices has made a significant impact in terms of attracting wildlife to this property.

Land of Enchantment Ranch appeals to a buyer interested in furthering its foundational land stewardship practices while enhancing the wildlife habitat and developing water projects — all in an easily accessible location. New Mexico typically has a short supply of available large acreage ranches, and this ranch presents exceptional privacy and inspiring views, all just an hour from Santa Fe.

Just the Facts

  • 12,700± deeded acres
  • Adjacent to Tecolote and ten miles southwest of Las Vegas, New Mexico
  • Approximately one hour's drive from Santa Fe and Santa Fe Regional Airport
  • About a two-hour drive to Albuquerque and Albuquerque International Sunport
  • Traditionally inspired 2,172± square foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom primary residence, constructed from local rock sourced on the ranch and stucco originally built in 1925 and remodeled in 1997
  • Stone-constructed shop/storage outbuilding
  • Three-sided lean-to for equipment and supply storage
  • Nearly the entire western boundary is adjacent to the Santa Fe National Forest
  • Located in Game Management Unit 46
  • Receives elk tags allocated through EPlus
  • Eleven wells, four-solar powered, and one windmill powered with 8,000 gallons of storage
  • Seven springs
  • Thirteen man-made reservoirs have also been cleaned and lined with bentonite to facilitate better storage
  • Several miles of frontage and both banks of Tres Hermanos Creek
  • Tres Hermanos and Pino Real Canyon provide seasonal water flows
  • Terrific views of several local landmarks, including Hermits Peak and Tecolote Peak, as well as extensive viewsheds in nearly every direction
  • Numerous stock ponds, small seasonal lakes, and numerous seasonal drainages
  • Diverse topography and elevation change across the ranch, which includes abundant arroyos, small canyons, long drainages, and large mesas that transition into plains on the east side of the ranch
  • Evidence of Native American artifacts, petroglyphs, and remnants of rock buildings from early settlers are throughout the ranch
  • Abundant ponderosa pine trees cover over 70± percent of the ranch
  • Open meadows, pasture, hillside, and drainages comprise the balance of the land
  • An ongoing and long-standing forestry management program is in place
  • Selective thinning has been accomplished through the use of a masticator to enrich the soil, create more forage for wildlife and seasonal livestock grazing
  • Migrating wildlife includes elk, deer, bear, mountain lions, turkey, seasonal waterfowl, and a variety of small game and bird species
  • Alfalfa and perennial food plots have been planted in strategic locations
  • Seasonal and purposely understocked grazing is managed with conservation in mind
  • An excellent internal road system and easy access throughout the ranch 
  • Shooting range featuring a covered shooting bench and targets from 25 to 400 yards
  • 2022 property taxes were $2,322.84
  • The ranch manager has been with the ranch for nearly a decade and has an intimate knowledge of the property and community

General Description

Land of Enchantment Ranch comprises 12,700± deeded acres of exceptionally private contiguous land in a stunning stretch of Northern New Mexico. This ranch lies just west of Interstate 25 and borders the eastern edge of Santa Fe National Forest.  

The ranch is situated northeast of Santa Fe and southwest of Las Vegas, New Mexico, near the small village of Tecolote and easily accessible from Interstate 25. Santa Fe and Santa Fe Regional Airport are only an hour’s drive from the property. Additionally, Albuquerque and the Albuquerque International Sunport are roughly two hours away. Well-maintained roads run throughout the fully fenced property. The proximity to untouched public lands, as well as access to supplies and amenities, mean this ranch is primed for immediate enjoyment. 

The ranch features superior water resources, especially considering the region and climate. Tres Hermanos Creek runs through the western side of this property. Additionally, the land includes wells, springs, stock ponds, small seasonal lakes, and seasonal creeks flowing through the numerous drainages and canyons throughout the landscape. All this water supports Ponderosa pine forests throughout the property, piñon pine and intermittent tall grasses, and many varieties of flowering and towering cacti. With elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet, the topography offers a significant amount of pastureland and forested land alike, with terrain that varies from high mesas to valleys to low canyons and creeks. 

The previous ownership group’s focus on forestry management, as well as their thoughtful water development practices, have made a significant impact in terms of attracting wildlife to this property. Migrating wildlife adds intrigue and activity to this wild land, and there have been numerous bear and mountain lion sightings over the years. What’s more, the ranch participates in New Mexico’s EPlus system and is currently allocated unlimited elk tags annually. 

Current building improvements include a stone residence and outbuildings constructed almost entirely from materials sourced on the land itself, representing the local culture and era of the region. Abundant premier building sites are located throughout the property. 

Land of Enchantment Ranch offers the opportunity to take ownership of an exceptionally private parcel of land larger than Manhattan, situated in a charming area of northern New Mexico. 

Broker's Comments

Land of Enchantment Ranch is aptly named after New Mexico’s state motto, “The Land of Enchantment.” The size, location, proximity to Santa Fe, adjacency to Santa Fe National Forest, and the land's contiguous nature make this ranch very appealing. It is fair to say that nearly any ranch that is an hour’s drive from a destination location and private FBO is highly desirable. This ranch presents a unique opportunity to acquire a private, large, deeded acreage land mass with good internal road infrastructure, suitable wildlife habitat, good internal water resources, and not overdeveloped in terms of buildings. Additionally, the land is a good combination of grasslands, canyons, drainages, tree cover, strategically positioned surface water, and is easily accessible. While large acreage ranches, coupled with a short supply of inventory, remain a challenge in the ranch real estate market, New Mexico is a state that still presents good value on a per acre basis comparatively speaking to other western states. 

Locale

Location

Land of Enchantment Ranch is located in north-central New Mexico in San Miguel County just 10 miles south of Las Vegas, New Mexico, and bordered to the west by public lands. Santa Fe and Santa Fe Regional Airport are only an hour away. The closest commercial airport is Albuquerque International Sunport. 

Locale

Land of Enchantment Ranch lies in a private, scenic part of northern New Mexico that offers excellent access to some of the region’s most incredible scenery and historic places.

AREA ATTRACTIONS:

Santa Fe

Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a destination for anyone interested in historic sites, centuries-old adobe churches, Spanish-Colonial architecture, and Native American ruins. Santa Fe also offers world-class spas and wellness centers, countless art galleries and museums, and incredible cultural experiences like the Santa Fe Opera.

Taos Ski Valley

Just over two hours away lies Taos Ski Valley. This world-class New Mexico resort has some of the country’s best alpine skiing, summer hiking and biking, and top-notch lodging for year-round recreation and relaxation. 

Albuquerque

As the largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque features a blend of modern culture, Spanish traditions, and Native American tribal history. Old Town Albuquerque, with its many historic adobe buildings, hearkens back to 1706 when the city was founded as a Spanish colony. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center keeps the area’s tribal history alive. Here you can experience world-class museums, larger-than-life hot air balloon experiences, and skiing on Sandia Peak.

Pecos River Valley

The Pecos River Valley is a popular summer recreation area with summer cabins, fishing, hiking, and camping. Summer camps and resorts, a fish hatchery, and several summer home areas are easily accessible along a scenic 20-mile stretch of New Mexico 63 between Pecos and the terminus at Cowles. Additionally, the eastern portions of the Santa Fe National Forest and Pecos Wilderness are accessed by road within the property lines.

Climate

Land of Enchantment Ranch receives a pleasant combination of warm sunny days and cool, rainy weather. Summer temperatures can rise into the 80s, while winter temps dip into the 20s. The elevation ranges from 1,000 feet to over 3,000 feet.

Nearby, Las Vegas, New Mexico, reports approximately 17 inches of annual precipitation yearly. Because the property abuts the Santa Fe National Forest, summer storm clouds move from west to east and pour a disproportionate amount of rain onto the Land of Enchantment Ranch. Thus, the area bursts with vibrant green vegetation throughout the spring and summer. 

Property Details

Acreage (Deeded & Leased)

The Land of Enchantment Ranch comprises 12,700± deeded acres. The property lies in a scenic area of northern New Mexico, where hills and peaks are balanced by canyons and meadows, thick with Ponderosa and pinyon pine forests, as well as pastureland primed for grazing wildlife.

Deeded Acres: 12,700±
Total Leased Acres:
Total Acres: 12,700±

Improvements

The ranch includes an eye-catching residential headquarters. Constructed from stone and lumber sourced on the property itself, the residence represents the culture and beauty of the surrounding area. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence occupies 2,172± square feet. Originally built in 1925, the home was remodeled in 1997. 

Today, the original home and the remodeled addition are connected by a breezeway and surrounded by an enclosed flagstone courtyard complete with a fire pit and a whirlpool hot tub. The house features new gutters, and a backup generator provides power to the entire compound. Nearby, a garage matches the residence in style and material. Additional buildings include a secure storage house, a barn, and a shop. It’s all move-in ready, with plenty of flexibility for enhancement. Ranch hands currently live just five minutes outside the property lines.

All improvements have been exceptionally well-maintained, from the residence to the outbuildings to the nearby dog run. A new owner can move right in and even continue building on the many prime building sites with exceptional views of Hermit’s Peak to the north. 

Water Rights

Any and all seller-owned water rights appurtenant to the property are included in the sale.

Mineral Rights

Any and all seller-owned mineral rights appurtenant to the property are included in the sale.

Recreational Amenities

Wildlife Resources

Located in Game Management Unit 46, the ranch is a haven for migrating wildlife populations, including elk, deer, bear, mountain lion, turkey, and small game species, along with a tremendous amount of migratory bird species. The ranch participates in New Mexico’s EPlus system and currently offers unlimited elk tags annually. 

Migratory wildlife populations are prevalent throughout the ranch in later seasons. Selective thinning has been accomplished through the use of a masticator to enrich the soil and create more forage for wildlife and seasonal livestock grazing. In addition, alfalfa and perennial food plots have been planted in strategic locations. The current ownership group and management have prioritized thoughtful forest and wildlife management, along with savvy water development practices, in order to enhance the natural habitat and attract wildlife to the property.

Recreational Considerations

Recreational opportunities abound on the Land of Enchantment Ranch. With well-maintained roads throughout the property, it’s possible to explore every corner of the ranch. The pleasantly varied terrain is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and even camping out on the property’s established campground. For hunters, this property (located in GMU 46) currently offers unlimited elk permits.

Closer to Las Vegas, Storrie Lake provides summer boating and fishing recreational attractions, with its location just northwest of the city. Just southeast of the city of Las Vegas, the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge and the State-owned McAllister Lake within the refuge provide significant open space and recreational benefits.