PHOTOS: 1930s Catholic school for sale in Ranchos de Taos

*Editor’s note: This article reflects the state of the listing at the publish date; the following property may have sold or changed in value since then.

TAOS COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – A property that reflects the deep roots of Catholicism in Taos has been listed for sale. The $895,000 land is home to the former San Francisco de Asís Catholic School, which was founded in 1935 and operated as Ranchos de Taos’ primary Catholic school until its closure in 2006.

In the early 1900s, the land was donated by Jesus and Feloniz Martinez so that a Catholic school could be built on the plot. That objective was realized, and from the school’s initial run from 1935 to 1968 through its reopening under the care of Sister Grace Aufderbeck from 1979 to 2006, the San Francisco de Asís Catholic School fostered the education of many children who grew up in Ranchos de Taos.

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The 3.08-acre property features various buildings totaling approximately 14,400 square feet. Most of the structures reflect the classic adobe style of New Mexico. The property includes classrooms, a gymnasium/auditorium, offices, and other multi-use areas. The convent area has bedrooms, bathrooms, gathering rooms, and a kitchen.

  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
  • Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
    Courtesy of Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties

Conveniently nestled in the heart of Ranchos de Taos, the property has the potential to be used as either a residential or commercial space. The lot has a serene backdrop of nearby mountains and is situated just southeast of the San Francisco de Asís Catholic Mission Church, a National Historic Landmark and one of the few remaining original buildings in Taos. Acequia rights are included with the purchase of the land, allowing for easy maintenance of the land’s fertility.

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The multi-use property, zoned for both retail and residential uses, would make for a great film set, artist enclave, bed and breakfast, or local plaza and can accommodate guests with ease in its 50-space parking lot. The area would also be an ideal site for a family estate or peaceful retreat. With plentiful space and structures, the opportunities for the site are limitless.

The former school property captures the rich culture of Ranchos de Taos. “Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of history and embark on a new chapter of possibilities,” says the listing.

Broker Associate and Global Luxury Specialist Lisa Harris with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties has the full listing of 36 Espinoza Road. To find out more about purchasing the property, call 212-534-2282 or visit www.taosinvestmentproperty.com.

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