Jim & Deb have been vacationing outside Albuquerque, New Mexico their entire marriage. Embracing the slower pace, along with the beautiful views, pleasant weather and green chilies, this is where they hoped to retire. This story is a testament to living THE DREAM.
While vacationing last year, they looked at homes with a realtor (on a whim). One home that caught their eye was built by a couple who created an oasis. Built with a tennis court, guest cottage, party terrace, space for a donkey and a view to die for. As a musician, Jim couldn't find a place more inspirational to write & play music.
Deb, a professional organizer, looked at this deteriorated property as her ultimate challenge. There were built-in planters inside & out. The heating system happened to be fireplaces in each room and a swamp cooler was their air conditioning. Quirky & dated -- indeed!
A stained glass window adjacent to the door had a "C" in it. That is the first letter of their last name. It truly was love at first sight! They took the leap of faith, made an offer and it was theirs.
They sold their historic McKinney home in a flash, so Deb organized local NM craftsmen and enlisted McKinney talent to undertake their "Rehab Project".
While I was there, she must have had a dozen people working simultaneously on 12 different tasks. Her excitement & urgency was contagious. There were friends, a designer, carpenters, painters (home painters & furniture painters), restorers & refinishers, a seamstress and handymen that contributed to help Deb & Jim get their dream casa in order. Her generosity to all her craft folk was amazing. For everyone there, it was an experience of a lifetime.
They created a space to share with friends and family. They love their home and area so much, they just want everyone else to feel the love they have. This could not have happened to a nicer couple and in the process of moving, they created a vacation destination for everyone they know.
Thanks for the photos -- Deb, Diane & Paul
While vacationing last year, they looked at homes with a realtor (on a whim). One home that caught their eye was built by a couple who created an oasis. Built with a tennis court, guest cottage, party terrace, space for a donkey and a view to die for. As a musician, Jim couldn't find a place more inspirational to write & play music.
Deb, a professional organizer, looked at this deteriorated property as her ultimate challenge. There were built-in planters inside & out. The heating system happened to be fireplaces in each room and a swamp cooler was their air conditioning. Quirky & dated -- indeed!
A stained glass window adjacent to the door had a "C" in it. That is the first letter of their last name. It truly was love at first sight! They took the leap of faith, made an offer and it was theirs.
They sold their historic McKinney home in a flash, so Deb organized local NM craftsmen and enlisted McKinney talent to undertake their "Rehab Project".
While I was there, she must have had a dozen people working simultaneously on 12 different tasks. Her excitement & urgency was contagious. There were friends, a designer, carpenters, painters (home painters & furniture painters), restorers & refinishers, a seamstress and handymen that contributed to help Deb & Jim get their dream casa in order. Her generosity to all her craft folk was amazing. For everyone there, it was an experience of a lifetime.
They created a space to share with friends and family. They love their home and area so much, they just want everyone else to feel the love they have. This could not have happened to a nicer couple and in the process of moving, they created a vacation destination for everyone they know.
Thanks for the photos -- Deb, Diane & Paul
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Courtyard
 Before: Note missing tiles, corbels and colorful accessories |  Everything is painted to unite entire outdoor space |
 After: Railing removed & space opened up while corbels, color & style updated |  Religious icons fill nooks |
 Banquette, ottoman, coffee table & over create outdoor retreat |  Ever changing light and shadows draw you outside |
Succulents are a theme that continues throughout the house
Living Room
  Original brick tile was refinished. |  Corbels match inside & out |
Kitchen
 Before: The original eighties style!  Banquette replaces table in the middle |  The original owners built-in custom stained glass throughout the home. El Capitan is a natural view too. |
 |  Photo of kitchen prior to gutting  Starting over in the kitchen |
 80's gold globe lighting replaced with old world style  Pantry Perfect  Cupboard taped for painting Dining   Cats make everything look better! |  Open shelving adds depth and color  Naturally New Mexico  Pantry before, a pass through limited storage space  Faux finish creates depth to cupboard doors   Sconces taken from outside had gold glass globes...upcycled! |
Sunroom
 Sunken porch floor is leveled with house |  Before: Sunken sunporch |
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Master Bedroom & Bath
 |  Hate to move cats to make bed  |
 After: Modern rustic master bath |  Before: Bulky bath  |
Guest House
 Succulents greet guests
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Music Studio
Path From Tennis Court
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