Looking for the Perfect Home?

Well, MAM, it is very nice to end my stay in Silver City talking with you, another person I believe is dedicated to making Grant County a better place. 

When we arrived in Silver City in 2010, right after retirement from thirty eight years of owning and operating broadcast properties in the Gulf South, we followed a long time friend who had recently purchased property near Mangas Valley. We were impressed with the University, the Western Institute of Life Long Learning, the regional hospital, the small town ambiance and the magnificent beauty of the Gila National Forest and Wilderness.

The first year was spent looking for a house to purchase and we were a bit depressed at not finding anything suitable. Then the unexpected happened. The home of our dreams became available in Country Canyon Estates off Rosedale Road. It was and is one of the most beautiful homes we have ever seen and provided the space for my husband's music restoration hobby and my photography. In fact the house was built by a photographer and art collector. 

Aerial view of house

Immediately, my studio was established in a room large enough to house my 44-inch printer and both my computers. Additionally, there was wall space for mounting a proper proofing board below track lighting balanced for museum standards of brightness and color. Next I started building a spray booth in the oversized north garage. The garage also allowed room for a miter saw and wood crib for canvas stretcher bars. Next, I set up a big table there to assemble the frames I was building and then to assist with attaching and stretching the canvas on those frames. There was room left over to park the car! 

Ann Looking down at a Canvas

With the move in completed, I went full time with my photography, joining the Silver City Art Association, hosting multiple Red Dot tours at my home, showing my photographic art on my walls. This proved very effective because it enable visitors to see how a print would fit in with decor. Additionally, the New Mexico True television crew filmed in my house while the host and I discussed the beauty of a true land of enchantment. 

Living Room at Night

One morning, out for my walk along Country Road, I was joined by a coyote. He came up the embankment casually matching my pace in front of me and looking back with an expression that indicated I should pay closer attention. Because of his body language, I was not all threatened. As we continued for the approximate mile remaining, he chose to walk to my left, paralleling me on the road berm and staying with me until I neared my house. He then stood on the hill making sure I saw him, sank down in the grass disappearing with his camouflage fur.

It was this incident with the coyote that gave me an idea. Why not create a museum exhibit featuring the coyote tales of the Zuni, Navajo and Apache of New Mexico accompanied by my New Mexico wildlife prints? That exhibit came to fruition and was a big success at the Branigan Museum in Las Cruces in 2015, later moving to the Farmington Museum. 

Museum exhibit poster

I am a project photographer. By education and training a journalist and my photography has always been my constant tool. It did not take long to see another project area – the tremendous history of mining in Grant County. I was joined over the nine years of this effort by a cadre of geologists, hydrologists and mining history historians. Again, my house facilitated numerous meetings. There is room for a big dining table for dinners. The connected living areas allows a large crowd freedom of movement to wander and perhaps join a colleague in a corner to chat. All the while, of course, enjoying art on the walls and in the numerous nichos.

West-facing House Detail

Unfortunately, Mary Alice, as all things eventually come to an end, circumstances are forcing us to leave Silver City and New Mexico. Our beautiful home at 125 Country Road is now waiting for its next owner to cherish the beauty and comfort. To see the details of this special place, please view this superb video produced by photographer Mitchell Clinton of Silver City.

123 Country Road with Rainbow

Those interested in viewing the house can contact Mimbres Realty in Silver City at 575-538-3789 or mimbresrealty.com .