Water

The Arroyo Aguaje de la Petaca, runs north south through the center of the property. For part of the year it runs with a significant amount of water resembling a small river.

There is also a drainage entering the Northwest corner of the property that drains two areas west of US 285 and an existing reservoir that is thoroughly described on the Ranch’s web site, www.schwartzranch.com.

Entering the property along the southwest edge of the property is a third smaller drainage that crosses the southern portion of the ranch before entering the Petaca. There are certain harvesting strategies that could dramatically increase moisture retention and agricultural potential within these drainages.

The ranch is served by Tres Piedras Mutual Domestic Water to two points on the ranch. One water line (Service # 130) goes to the Guest House and Main Building. Service #131, a 2” line, runs north along the western property line. The Ranch also has two wells. The South well (350’ deep) fills a 10,000 gallon water storage tank that serves the 4 irrigation system and pond in the compound area. The South well is very productive and appears to be tapped into a substantial underground water flow at a depth of 350 feet. This well was pump-tested for 24 hours at 30 gallons per minute and could easily be shared between up to 6 houses. The well in the compound is 750 deep and produces non-potable
water only.

Hostel (Congregate Living Space) ADA accessible, Coy & Trout Pond

The 5500 sq. ft. main building on the ranch is designated commercial with an occupancy certificate allowing 19 persons to live.  The center solar heated section is presently set-up in a bunkhouse configuration.  Majority of the building is ADA accessible. Entire building meets the State Uniform Building Code standard under the Motel Hotel Section. 

With it's two spacious kitchens, five toilets,  five showers, office, caretaker residence and recreation areas, it makes for a group setting scene many have enjoyed and lavished in.  Hunters, horse back riders, skiers, snowmobilers, hikers and Indian dancers have all enjoyed the finest America can offer here at this New Mexico Ranch.

The ranch’s proximity to world class rock climbing, hiking, hot springs and national forest make this an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts or weary travelers who find themselves at the major crossroads of HWY 285 and 64.  If you're good you can try your hand at catching one of the trout in the pond.

Cottage Industries

The Ranch is the perfect place to run one or more cottage industries. A saw mill, 3,600 square foot workshop, and construction equipment is all in place so that income can be generated immediately. The construction equipment includes a backhoe, forklift, 8 yd. cement mixer, 14 yd. dump truck, small crane truck, and band saw sawmill, as well as many shop tools, planer, drill press, compressor, welder, and saws of all types. They are protected in 2 Rio Grande railroad cars.

All this equipment, old and new, works and can be used to build more structures on the ranch land or for fabricating portable structures to be shipped and sold. There are many vigas (roof rafters), milled lumber and forms already constructed and ready to use.

Currently, Taos County Land Use Regulations allow cottage industries without a Special Land Use (Zoning) permit. A cottage industry must be:

1. located in a generally residential area
2. function without altering the residential character of the neighborhood
3. does not negatively impact the public health, safety or general welfare
4. employ no more than 5 people who aren’t members of the immediate family
5. clearly incidental or secondary to the residential use

These criteria provide considerable latitude for owners of residential properties to open small businesses at their homes. A development that encouraged cottage industries could in fact offer live-work parcels that could encourage a wide variety of people to locate even in a remote area. With the advent of satellite internet and telephone services, many types of services could be provided from such a development.

The sky is the limit for income that could be created on this New Mexico Ranch.

Proximity to Taos, Santa Fe, Ojo Caliente Hot Springs and other destinations

The ranch is located a mile from Tres Piedras and the crossroads of Hwy 64 and Hwy 285. This location is the perfect distance from “civilization” offering peace and quiet for those who like to listen to the sounds of nature, and virtually no light pollution from surrounding cities which makes this a star watcher’s dream! The


81 miles to Santa Fe
143 miles to Albuquerque
65 miles to Chama
32 miles to Ojo Caliente, Hot Springs
33 miles Taos Pueblo
32 miles to Taos
30 miles to Antonito, Colorado

Historic Railroad Property New Mexico

A small-gauge railroad once went across the entire ranch called The Chile Line. A book has been written about it: The Chili Line from Antonito to Tres Piedras by John Comstock. All the railroad track has since been removed.

This is just one of interesting facts about this New Mexico Ranch.

Water Tower on Sustainable Land in NM

The Water Tower was built in the mid-1990s. It was permitted by Taos County. An engineer helped design the structural integrity of the building. It has a 10,000 gallon tank on the top, which is filled by the new 360' deep well. The water from the tower is used for agricultural & construction needs. The municipal water system runs through the water tower. A shut-off is available.