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Santa Fe HousesBy Christine Mather with Sharon WoodsPhotographs by Jack ParsonsReviewed By Madelyn MillerAt this moment, I am supposed to be at the Santa Fe Wine and Chile event. But as a travel writer, my plans change frequently. Still my heart belongs in Santa Fe. I wish my house did, too. The closest I can come is decorating my new loft with the colors and spirit of Santa Fe. I found a book that sure helps my Santa Fe longings. I put it by my bedside so I can dream of living in Santa Fe,
With over 400 vivid full-color photographs, SANTA FE HOUSES is a gorgeously illustrated guide to some of the most stunning homes in the Southwest, designed by the region’s finest artists and architects. Mather expertly explains the origins and developments of Santa Fe’s architecture—from the materials used in building the houses to the styles that came together to make Santa Fe architecturally distinctive and unique. SANTA FE HOUSES is divided by chapters into the traditional Native American elements: earth, fire, water, and air. In each chapter, Mather shows how these elements have been incorporated into the houses, gardens, and everyday life of Santa Fe. She also illustrates how homeowners integrate remarkable regional works of art and antiques to further accent the design of their homes. The materials employed in Santa Fe design—adobe, tin, iron, and wood—are unusual when compared to materials used in architecture elsewhere in the United States. From the corbels and woodwork to nichos and beam ceilings, Mather shows how every exquisite detail makes Santa Fe style so exclusive. SANTA FE HOUSES truly conveys how the lifestyles and homes of Santa Feans are intimately entwined with their desert environment. The rich colors that fill the homes of Santa Fe can be found by looking out the windows: deep azure blue, fiery blood red, and lush brown clay all reflect the bright desert light that envelops Santa Fe. Many cultures converged to create Santa Fe design—Native American, Iberian, Hispanic, German, and Irish—and their influences are still present today. Santa Feans are extremely proud of their heritage and homes, and they celebrate this in their art and architecture. SANTA FE HOUSES is beautiful and useful. In the back of the book, readers will find a complete resource guide to all things Santa Fe: from construction supplies and antiques to art galleries and food. Mather also includes a listing of the homes featured in the book along with the contact information of designers who worked on them. With Mather and Woods’ wonderful descriptions and Parsons’ brilliant photographs, SANTA FE HOUSES is sure to delight armchair travelers, Santa Fe enthusiasts, and anyone who loves Santa Fe design. ABOUT THE AUTHORS CHRISTINE MATHER, a recognized authority on Spanish colonial art, has worked as a museum curator and helped found and run the Davis Mather Folk Art Gallery. The author of Santa Fe Style, True West, Native America, and Santa Fe Christmas, she has lectured throughout the United States on art and cultural history. SHARON WOODS, the owner of Woods Architects-Builders, Inc. has built and renovated many Santa Fe homes. The coauthor, with Mather, of Santa Fe Style, she has been an active force in preservation and building in Santa Fe. JACK PARSONS, Mather’s longtime collaborator, has worked to document the Southwest in both film and photography for more than 25 years. His photographs appear in countless publications. Z ISBN: 0-609-60647-6 Z Price: $45.00 Z Pages: 252 Z 400 Full-color photographs IF YOU ARE LUCK ENOUGH TO GET TO SANTA FE SOON: WHERE TO STAY Inn of the Anasazi, 505-988-3030, 800-688-8100 Inn at Loretto 505-988-5531 Inn on the Alameda, 505- 984-2121, 800-289-2122 Eldorado Hotel, 505-988-4455, 800-955-4455 La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa, 505-982-5474, 800-5276 Bishop’s Lodge Resort and Spa 800-732-2240 WHERE TO EAT Inn of the Anasazi, 505-988-3236 Geronimo’s 505-988-5531 The Restaurant at the Inn at Loretto 505-988-5531 The Compound Restaurant, 505-982-4353 The Old House, El Dorado Hotel, 505-988-4455 Fuego Restaurant, La Posada Resort, 505-954-9670 SantaCafe, 231 Washington Ave. 800-252-8570 or 505-984-1788. Coyote Cafe, 132 Water St. 505-983-1615 Café Pasquals, 505-983-9340 (if you are traveling alone or in a hurry, ask to sit at the community table) Corn Dance Café at Hotel Santa Fe........Santa Fe's only authentic Native American restaurant. 505.982.1200 or toll free 800.825.9876 BAR WITH THE BEST VIEW Belltower Bar in La Fonda 505-954-3599, 800-523-50002 WHAT TO DO Browse Canyon Road. This gallery row features an amazing assortment of fine art, crafts, antiques, jewelry, clothing and restaurants. Santa Fe School of Cooking,Take the taste of Santa Fe home by enjoying cooking classes featuring Santa Fe’s top chefs whipping up everything from traditional Northern New Mexican cuisine to contemporary Southwest. 505-983-4511 Santa Fe Opera. One of the most famous in the world. In the winter, performances take place at the Lensic theater. www.santafeopera.org. FLEA MARKET. If you are there on a weekend, check out the fleamarket by the Opera. The land it is on is owned by the Indians. 10,000 Waves, 505-982-9304. Indulge in an outdoor massage while nimble fingers soothe out any stress. Call ahead because this is a very popular place. If you are adventurous, have an underwater Watsu massage. GREAT GUIDEBOOKS Hidden Southwest By Richard Harris Ulysses Press Ski America and Canada has the best and most detailed overview of Santa Fe from a winter tourist/skier/snowboarder's perspective. The new edition (15th) will be in bookstores about mid October. Available from most bookstores, Amazon, bn.com and www.worldleisure.com FOR MORE INFORMATION SANTA FE: 800-9849984
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SANTA FE HOUSES