Rancho San Ignacio - San Miguel County, Sapello, NM

Rancho San Ignacio is a historic jewel in the heart of northern New Mexico. The property consists of 2,039± deeded acres at the base of the iconic Hermit’s Peak. The adobe hacienda compound frames a spectacular backdrop. The Sapello River runs for 1.7± miles through the property, providing habitat for brown trout. The Rito Colorado and other creeks and springs supply water for abundant wildlife, including elk, mule deer, and black bears.

Initially purchased by Richard Pritzlaff in 1935, the ranch was the headquarters of Mr. Pritzlaff’s world-renowned Arabian horse breeding program and his extensive art collection. The ranch was often a gathering place for area socialites and artists, including Georgia O’Keefe. The walls of the 1,300± square-foot bunkhouse are adorned with spectacular murals painted in the 1940s by the famous native American artist Ma Pe Wi and meticulously restored in 2008.

Mr. Pritzlaff was one of the first landowners in the area to recognize the need to protect the beauty and value of the natural environment. He donated the ranch to The Nature Conservancy, which subsequently sold it to the non-profit Biophilia Foundation. Under Biophilia’s stewardship, the ranch has been managed for conservation and demonstration of forest, meadow, and watershed management practices. Projects include forest thinning, prescribed fire, and riparian and stream enhancements to restore the land’s natural ecosystem processes. The thinning and prescribed burning projects were highly effective in limiting the effects of the 2022 wildfires, and the small portions affected are recovering nicely.

The compound consists of the  4,400± square-foot hacienda, 1,700± square-foot guest house, and the mural-adorned bunkhouse, each over 100 years old. The improvements were extensively renovated in 2005. There’s also a large shop/garage and carport. Three old wooden barns add charm to the setting under the dramatic backdrop of Hermit’s Peak.