Turnkey mastercraftsman stunner ready for full or part time living! Tucked away in the best-kept secret Latir neighborhood, this enchanting frame and chinked-log home is nestled in the foothills of Latir Peak and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering a rare blend of craftsmanship, serenity, and storybook charm. The original portion of the home, built in 1980 by well-reputed Taos builder, Barry Cook and his wife, was lovingly constructed with logs hand-harvested and peeled, showcasing authentic viga ceilings and beautiful interior woodwork throughout. The warm, inviting kitchen features custom-built oak countertops, handcrafted cabinetry, and a cozy dining nook, while a custom staircase—also built from hand-harvested lumber—leads to an upstairs loft bedroom. A thoughtfully designed modern addition completed in 2005 seamlessly complements the original log structure, continuing the fairytale aesthetic with high vaulted ceilings, decorative wood accents, and an ingeniously engineered spiral staircase. This addition includes an elegant primary suite, plus an additional upstairs bedroom, bathroom, and deck boasting unmatched panoramic views. Comfort meets efficiency with solar in-floorradiant heat and propane backup for snowy days, as well as a classic kiva wood-burning fireplace. Outside, the property is equally captivating, featuring spectacular gardens, fruit trees, piñon trees, and a lush green lawn perfect for unwinding in nature, all fully fenced. An outdoor carport with an attached art studio/workshop with new Heat/AC mini split, new 200 amp electric meter and tract lighting provides ideal environment for woodworking, ceramics or artistic pursuits, while a former horse stable area now offers additional storage or room for animals. This magical house in the woods transports you to a simpler time—where resources are sacred, wildlife is abundant, and life feels blissfully removed from civilization. Trees on this property have been thinned in cooperation with Taos Soil & Water Firewise program, and Latir is a recognized Firewise community. Latir/El Rito is Taos' best kept secret, a community among the piñon and juniper trees nestled beneath the Latir Mountains just outside of Taos and ten miles north of Questa. With hiking and horse trails nearby in Carson National Forest, and 30 minutes from Red River Ski Resort, it’s a scenic community of nature-lovers, artists, writers, ranchers and professionals working remotely. Questa is an up-and-coming village with a revamped grocery store for organic items and produce, a nearby medical clinic, and the town center Lumber & Hardware Store where one can find many resources. In the summertime, check out the Sunday farmer's market for artisanal items, live music and fun.
