The De La Pena/Frank Applegate Residence, built in 1650, is a historically significant estate located in Santa Fe’s Historic Eastside. This landmark adobe home, steeped in Spanish Colonial and Pueblo Revival architecture, sits on 1.74 acres near Canyon Road’s renowned galleries. Once belonging to Spanish officer Francisco de la Peña and later artist Frank Applegate, it boasts national historic status. The estate features a 5-bedroom, 7-bath main house with a guest casita, beautiful courtyards, clay tennis court, and modern amenities including a smart home system. Recently restored, its blend of artisanal craftsmanship and luxury is offered at $9,900,000, embodying a distinguished Santa Fe lifestyle.
Adobe Courtyard Entrance
Thick adobe walls with a smooth, rounded finish create the courtyard’s enclosure, showcasing traditional Southwestern architectural style. The entrance features a sturdy, rectangular opening with a heavy wooden lintel above, leading into a paved pathway. Low stone borders frame simple, dry shrubbery and minimal landscaping in front, maintaining a natural, earthy palette of muted browns and tans. Rustic metal lanterns on either side of the entryway add a historic touch. The courtyard inside appears to integrate wooden beams and a shaded overhang, blending adobe and natural materials seamlessly under a clear blue sky.
Courtyard Entrance
The space presents a serene southwestern courtyard with a light stone-paved walkway framed by adobe stucco walls. Above the entrance, rustic wooden beams create a shaded wooden pergola, adding textural warmth. Native desert plants, including grasses and small trees, dot the gravel beds flanking the pathway. The adobe walls are soft beige and appear thick, enclosing the space for privacy. To the right, a wooden balcony with carved beams mirrors the natural wood above, while a dark wooden gate at the far end hints at an enclosed garden or patio beyond. The overall aesthetic combines rustic natural elements with minimalist desert landscaping.
Southwestern Exterior
The home displays traditional Southwestern adobe architecture with smooth, rounded walls and earth-toned stucco in warm beige hues. The two-story structure includes a large wooden garage door with wrought iron hinges and a main entrance highlighted by a wooden door flanked by potted plants. The front yard is sparsely landscaped with dry shrubs, small bushes, and trees without leaves, indicating wintertime or a dry climate. The gravel driveway curves gently toward the entrance, bordered by natural stones that complement the rustic aesthetic. Bare branches and clear blue sky complete the serene, natural setting.
Southwestern Exterior
Low, flat-roofed adobe-style construction defines this southwestern home, blending organically with the natural landscape. Earthy, sunbaked clay tones coat the walls, giving the structure a timeless desert hue that harmonizes with the surrounding bare trees and rugged pine woods. A generous gravel courtyard encircled by a short stone wall creates a welcoming approach. Deep-set wooden-framed windows and doors offer a sturdy, rustic contrast. Curved edges soften the architecture, while large terracotta pots and minimal shrubbery highlight the home’s simplicity and connection to native desert aesthetics under a bright, clear blue sky.
Southwest Exterior
Adobe construction characterizes the earthy, sunbaked appearance, with smooth rounded edges typical of Southwestern architecture. The two-story facade presents natural brown stucco walls accented by dark wooden window frames and exposed wooden beams projecting from the upper section. A rustic stone retaining wall runs along the front, enclosing a well-worn yard with dry grass and leafless trees, including an old twisted tree in the foreground that adds an organic sculptural element. A covered porch supported by sizeable timber posts creates a shaded outdoor area, blending the home harmoniously into its natural desert landscape setting.
Southwest Patio Exterior
Curved adobe walls and thick plaster characterize this two-story Southwestern style exterior, with rounded edges softening the architectural lines. Large, dark-framed windows punctuate the tan-hued facade, adding contrast and inviting natural light indoors. The raised stone foundation with rough-hewn steps introduces a rustic, earthy tone, while wood doors and exposed wooden beams above the porch contribute warm, traditional elements. Mature leafless trees frame the property, hinting at seasonal change, and cushioned outdoor seating in the foreground suggests a cozy area for relaxation blending indoor and outdoor living seamlessly in this tranquil setting.
Southwest Exterior
The home presents a classic Pueblo Revival style with smooth adobe walls in warm earthy tones, reflecting the natural Southwestern landscape. Rounded corners and wooden beams protruding from the façade emphasize traditional adobe construction techniques. Numerous windows with dark wooden frames allow natural light inside while complementing the rustic exterior. A multi-level layout is indicated by varied roof heights. A stone retaining wall with cobblestone texture lines the courtyard, blending seamlessly with the gravel ground. Mature leafless trees grace the outdoor patio, where a cozy seating area with cushioned chairs offers a tranquil place to relax.
Exterior Front View
Low-profile adobe-style structure with smooth, rounded stucco walls in a natural earthy tone. Multiple small windows emit warm yellow light from inside, creating a cozy ambiance. The building edges are soft, with flat roofs and wood accents above the windows and doors, evocative of Southwestern Pueblo architecture. Gravel driveway curves gently past a landscaped area with trimmed shrubs, bare winter trees, and a dry rock garden bordered with stones, blending the natural environment with the home. The sky showcases soft dusk clouds, adding an inviting, tranquil mood to the scene.
Courtyard Entrance
Thick adobe walls in a warm, earthy tone enclose a charming courtyard entrance, epitomizing Southwestern architectural style. A rustic wooden door set into the plastered wall is flanked by short adobe pillars with visible wear, emphasizing the home’s historic character. The entrance pathway is paved with smooth stone, bordered by low stone garden beds filled with vibrant green shrubs that add lushness against the sandy gravel ground. Wrought iron lanterns mounted on posts provide a functional decorative element, while mature trees rise beyond the walls, adding natural height and tranquility to the serene outdoor space under a bright blue sky.
Southwestern Courtyard
The space is an expansive adobe courtyard typical of Southwestern or Pueblo-style architecture. The building structure is made of earth-toned, rounded adobe walls with wooden beams protruding, providing a rustic texture and historic charm. Multiple windows with wooden frames and shutters punctuate the walls, bringing in natural light. The courtyard floor is covered in compacted gravel, bordered by natural stone retaining walls curved to create garden beds with assorted greenery and Bushes. The blue sky and tall trees in the background enhance the natural, earthy aesthetic, combining minimalism with rugged architectural tradition.
Garden Lawn and Stone Wall
A spacious garden area with lush, well-maintained green grass spans the foreground, bordered by a gently curving stone retaining wall made from irregular natural rocks. Mature trees and dense shrubbery with bright green leaves create a serene, inviting landscape with dappled shade covering parts of the lawn. The backdrop reveals a stucco building with earth-toned walls nestled behind the foliage, blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Wooden outdoor chairs provide seating, enhancing the garden’s peaceful charm. Bright blue sky with scattered white clouds uplifts the natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere of this outdoor space.
Backyard Lawn and Seating
A wide, lush green lawn stretches between two earth-toned adobe-style buildings, creating a serene backyard space. Trees with fresh green foliage provide natural shade, while a curved arch of one tree adds organic sculptural interest. Stone retaining walls line the left side, supporting a raised patio area with large terracotta planters. Four simple wooden chairs and a small table are arranged casually on the grass, inviting outdoor relaxation or conversation. On the right, dense shrubbery softens the adobe wall, and a clear blue sky and sunlight enhance the fresh and inviting southwestern ambiance of this outdoor living area.
Southwestern Courtyard Entrance
A broad stone-paved pathway leads through a landscaped courtyard toward the entry of a Southwestern-style adobe home. The walls are thick with rounded, soft edges and finished in warm earthy tones typical of traditional adobe construction. Wooden veranda railings and exposed beams frame small balconies and the porch, adding rustic charm. Desert plants with varying shades of green and spiky textures flank the walkway in the sandy soil, enhancing the arid climate aesthetic. The blue sky brightens the scene, emphasizing natural materials, handcrafted woodwork, and the harmony with the desert environment visible throughout the setting.
Southwestern Courtyard
A wide stone-paved courtyard framed by adobe walls typical of Southwestern architecture. The earthy tones of the stucco walls blend seamlessly with the natural desert landscaping, featuring low-water plants like cacti, succulents, and small shrubs. Wooden accents, such as the balcony rail and door frames, add warmth and character. Steps lead up to a raised platform area with a natural wood pergola opening to more greenery beyond. The courtyard’s open sky reveals vibrant blue, enhancing the serene, sunlit atmosphere and emphasizing the indoor-outdoor harmony central to this architectural style.
Aerial View of Property
A broad aerial perspective reveals a spacious, lush, green landscape interspersed with clusters of adobe-style homes characteristic of southwestern American architecture. The homes display flat roofs and earth-toned exteriors blending into the natural surroundings. A prominent clay-colored tennis court is nestled among tall trees, reflecting recreational amenities on the property. Winding dirt roads and abundant mature trees fill the area, providing a serene, rural atmosphere. Distant mountain ranges under a clear, blue sky add depth and scenic beauty. The setting evokes historic charm with a peaceful, nature-embraced lifestyle in a spacious, well-planned neighborhood.
Kitchen Island and Range
A spacious kitchen with exposed dark wooden ceiling beams contrasts beautifully with white walls and cabinetry. A large light blue stove and oven combination acts as a focal point, accented with brass fixtures and handles. The backsplash and countertop surfaces are marble with subtle veining, adding elegance to the rustic setting. Open white shelves display white dishware and artisanal woven baskets, enhancing the cozy yet refined atmosphere. A light wood island with a marble countertop includes a sink and draped plaid fabric skirt, contributing to the home’s charm and vintage appeal. Blue cabinetry in the background matches the stove for coordinated color balance.
Kitchen Interior Details
Exposed dark wooden ceiling beams contrast with smooth white walls, emphasizing the kitchen’s blend of rustic and modern charm. White cabinetry with simple hardware extends along the left wall, topped by polished marble countertops and open shelving that holds neatly arranged dishes and cookbooks. A light blue vintage-style stove adds subtle color, while a central island with a gingham fabric skirt anchors the space, featuring a built-in sink and classic faucet. Natural light floods in from a large, multi-pane window framed by soft curtains, illuminating the warm wood floors and a cozy window bench in the background, creating a welcoming, airy atmosphere.
Kitchen Sink Area
White cabinetry with clean, recessed panel drawers and doors create a crisp base along the wall, crowned with a smooth white countertop. A central, polished chrome faucet and round sink sit beneath a rustic wooden window frame featuring multiple panes, allowing natural light to brighten the space. The ceiling displays exposed wooden beams contrasting with soft white walls and curves. To the right, a large blue cabinet with vintage brass handles stands out as a focal point, while a modern coffee maker and colorful ceramic kettle add functional charm and subtle pops of color on the counter.
Dining Area and Hearth
Open and inviting dining space with light wooden flooring that enhances the warmth of the room. Exposed wooden beams run across the white ceiling, creating a rustic yet elegant contrast. A round wooden dining table is surrounded by chairs, one with a cozy white fur throw adding softness and texture. To the back right, a distinctive traditional kiva-style fireplace curves upward with a small hearth, paired with a decorative vase set on the floor. The walls and cabinetry are painted in crisp white, while a bright blue door on the left adds a cheerful touch to the neutral palette. Soft natural light filters through, illuminating the space.
Dining Room with Fireplace
Warm wood ceiling beams contrast against smooth white walls, creating a rustic yet clean ambiance. A large wooden dining table is surrounded by wooden chairs adorned with cozy, fluffy white seat covers, enhancing comfort and texture. On one side, a window nook with soft cushions invites relaxation and natural light fills the space from the expansive window. The corner features a charming, rounded fireplace with a black arched cover, accentuated by a worn blue decorative pot nearby. The room’s wooden floors add warmth, and crafted wooden shelving on the right integrates historic character. Arched doorways amplify the traditional Southwestern design.
Cozy Sitting Area
A low ceiling showcases exposed wooden beams with decorative corbels, adding historic charm to the room. The walls are painted in a clean, soft white, enhancing the natural light that floods through a deeply set window framed with rustic wood. Beige and brown striped upholstered armchairs with dark wooden legs encircle a round, dark wooden table, fostering an intimate, conversational atmosphere. A vintage, carved sideboard with spindle details and intricate woodwork sits against the wall, topped with two delicate glass cloches housing ornamental objects. Elegant cream curtains flank the window, complementing the natural, earthy color palette and hardwood flooring beneath a subtle area rug.
Living Room Seating Area
Exposed dark wooden ceiling beams stand out against smooth white plaster walls, creating a rustic yet refined atmosphere. The seating arrangement includes a neutral-toned sofa with brown piping, paired with two black velvet armchairs that add a touch of elegance and contrast. A large, tufted ottoman in the center serves as a focal point and functional element. Accent tables hold small lamps with patterned shades, providing subtle lighting. The hardwood floor complements the natural wood of the beams above, tying the room’s traditional architectural features to its modern, muted color palette and comfortable furnishings.
Dining Room Elements
Rustic wooden ceiling beams span across a clean white plastered room, giving a historic feel. A dark wooden dining table with a row of small glass candle holders sits in the foreground, surrounded by upholstered chairs in a subtle light gray fabric. To the left, an antique green-painted hutch with decorative scalloped edges and intricate patterns stands against the wall, holding a few small items. The arched doorway in the center leads to a similarly styled adjoining room with natural wood floors and another dining area. A unique red and gold chandelier with swirling arms hangs prominently, and small wooden shuttered windows let warm light inside on the right wall.
Cozy Living Room
Exposed wooden ceiling beams add rustic charm to the space, complementing the deep blue textured walls which create an intimate and warm atmosphere. A large wall of traditional wooden-frame windows floods the room with natural light while framing views of an outdoor garden. Comfortable seating includes a plush blue sectional sofa adorned with a mix of solid and plaid pillows, paired with two intricately patterned armchairs. A large tufted tan leather ottoman sits centrally on a blue and brown area rug. Opposite the sofa, a substantial flat-screen TV rests on an ornately carved wooden console, blending modern technology with classic design elements.
Living Room Seating Area
Exposed rustic wooden beams contrast with smooth white plaster walls, emphasizing historic Southwestern architecture. Large windows framed in warm wood fill the room with natural light and offer views of bare trees outside. Plush white upholstered sofas and armchairs are arranged around a small metal side table, creating an intimate seating area. Blue and gray throw pillows introduce cool tones, while a multicolored woven throw adds a splash of vibrant texture. The rounded corner kiva fireplace enhances cozy ambiance. Patterned curtains and a wrought iron chandelier with candle-like fixtures add elegance and old-world charm. The textured dark slate tile floor grounds the room with natural depth and character.
Bedroom with Wooden Ceiling
A serene bedroom with white walls and a polished wooden floor creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The ceiling is made of exposed, rustic wooden beams that contrast beautifully with the softness of the room. A large upholstered headboard with delicate floral patterns and matching white bedding anchors the space under a small grid-style window. Curtains with intricate lace details frame the window elegantly. On either side of the bed, wooden nightstands hold two metal lantern-style hanging lights suspended by chains, adding a unique blend of rustic and sophisticated charm to the overall aesthetic.
Bathroom with Clawfoot Tub
Sunlight filters through tall wooden French doors framed by patterned off-white curtains, casting intricate shadows on the black and white patterned tile floor. A gleaming silver clawfoot bathtub with ornate lion’s paw feet stands as a striking centerpiece next to a smooth white plastered wall featuring a niche with candles. Exposed dark wooden ceiling beams complement the rich wood of the cabinetry on an island with a polished light countertop. The room blends rustic warmth with elegant vintage charm, evoking a peaceful, airy atmosphere.
Laundry Room Storage
Stacked white front-loading washer and dryer units are neatly integrated into rich, dark wooden cabinetry that extends the height of the wall. The cabinetry, featuring a warm walnut finish, includes multiple drawers and large panel doors for ample storage. The floor is tiled with a classic black and white hexagonal pattern, adding a timeless contrast to the dark wood. Adjacent walls are painted in a soft, neutral tone, complementing the wood and tile. A sleek digital thermostat or control panel is mounted next to the cabinetry, contributing a modern touch to the traditional aesthetic.
Children’s Playroom
Exposed wooden beams cross the ceiling, showcasing rustic charm against white walls. The floor is polished wood, complementing the ceiling beams. Central to the room is a large wooden playhouse with a natural, unfinished look, featuring fabric curtains and small steps for entry. Soft, muted pink curtains hang on windows with detailed scalloped valances, adding warmth and texture. A pair of classic upholstered armchairs and a small round table with a textured lamp create a cozy sitting area. Woven baskets and storage units line the far wall beneath windows, offering practical organization while enhancing the room’s inviting, historic ambiance.
Bathroom with Tub and Vanity
A bathroom with a blend of rustic and clean aesthetics. The white walls and cabinetry provide a bright, fresh atmosphere. The ceiling features exposed wooden beams with a natural finish, adding a warm, traditional touch. The bathtub is partially tiled with a subtle patterned design in neutral tones that complement the intricate tile floor with geometric and floral motifs in black and beige hues. The white vanity countertop has a built-in sink and polished silver fixtures. A small window with white curtains offers natural light, and brass double wall sconces add an elegant vintage charm to the space.
Living Room Details
Robust, exposed wooden ceiling beams draw attention upward, contrasting with the smooth white adobe walls that give the room a traditional southwestern feel. A kiva-style fireplace with a simple pottery artwork above anchors one corner, enhancing the rustic charm. Soft, tufted armchairs in muted grey create an inviting seating area around an ornately carved wooden round table with animal head sculptures on its legs. The floor-length drapes feature subtle patterns that echo the natural tones of the space, while a large, bold painting in shades of blue and purple on the far wall adds a modern pop of color, balancing classic and contemporary elements.
Bedroom with Exposed Beams
Rich, warm wooden beams span the ceiling, adding rustic charm to this serene bedroom. The walls are finished in a smooth, clean white, creating a bright contrast against the natural wood tones. A large window with a wooden frame lets in abundant natural light, framed by patterned drapery in muted blue and beige, lending subtle elegance. The bed has a textured light blue quilt with dark piping, complemented by a carved wooden frame and matching bedside table. Dark wood sliding closet doors add depth, while two wall-mounted lamps with patterned shades offer soft lighting. The flooring is a light-toned hardwood, completing the warm, cozy atmosphere.
Outdoor Patio and Facade
A rustic adobe structure with smooth, earthy stucco walls in warm beige tones. The flat roofline and wooden beams supporting a small porch canopy add to the traditional Southwestern aesthetic. Bare, leafless trees and natural stone accents outline the exterior, blending seamlessly with the surrounding garden bed filled with mulch and scattered rocks. The wooden door and window frames in natural finish contrast against the adobe surface, while simple outdoor furniture provides a cozy sitting area beneath the porch. The scene conveys a quiet, rustic charm tied closely to nature and historical building styles.
Kitchen with Breakfast Bar
Warm wooden cabinetry lines the kitchen walls with a matching breakfast bar topped in smooth light-colored stone. Two wooden bar stools with plush black cushions create a cozy seating area. A band of patterned, decorative tiles serves as a backsplash behind the stove and counter, adding intricate charm. Exposed, dark wood ceiling beams contrast with the bright white plaster walls. The terra cotta tiled floor maintains a rustic, Southwestern aesthetic. A small white refrigerator sits nestled between cabinets. Soft natural light filters in from a nearby stairway window, enhancing the homey, earthy atmosphere.
Cozy Bedroom Corner
Exposed wooden ceiling beams add rustic charm, contrasting with the smooth white plaster walls. The room is awash with natural light filtering through large, multi-pane wooden windows framed by simple white curtains. A wooden door with glass panes leads outside or to another room. The terracotta tile floor brings warmth and earthiness. A quilted beige bedspread covers the bed, adorned with colorful, striped accent pillows and a folded blanket running lengthwise. A vibrant floral painting on the wall introduces lively colors, framing the serene yet welcoming ambiance of this Southwestern-style bedroom.
Listing Agent: Darlene L. Streit of Sotheby’s Int. RE/Grant via Zillow