Focusing on Las Estrellas

Some of our readers are familiar with Las Estrellas. Reach out to the stars (las estrellas) with us and learn more about this superlative place to live. Rising northwest above downtown, Las Estrellas offers a range of options for residents to live, with majestic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and still just minutes from the Plaza. The subdivision comprises several residential areas— Ridge Pointe, The Villas, The Hills (custom Chapman homes), and Piñon Ridge (Homewise environmentally responsible, energy-efficient homes).

There are walking trails, a park, and more than 150 acres of open space hugely enjoyed by a wide diversity of residents. Included in the original master plan are a village center (small shops and social amenities) and a senior village, to offer independent and assisted-living residences. The housing recession resulted in the delay of the development of the village and senior centers. Check out the master plan map on www.las-estrellas.com for a great visual of current and future goals of the comprehensive community.

Thornburg Investment Management, a well-respected, successful, locally based company, moved its corporate headquarters to Las Estrellas and constructed a handsome, contemporary office campus designed by award-winning architect Ricardo Legorreta. (For architecture buffs, here’s an interesting link— http:// legorretalegorreta.com/en/proyectos/ oficinas-thornburg%e2%80%a8/) As a base anchor of Las Estrellas’ mixed-used designated areas, the office building is a testament to the value people find in living and working in an area that is both integrated with nature and close to the city center.

Las Estrellas resident Mary Ellen Richardson shared her love of the neighborhood: “Whenwe first decided on our home in Las Estrellas, we were looking to be close to town, particularly so that we could take advantage of all the great dining and entertainment opportunities that exist. The drive into town is literally five minutes, which we love, and about 40 minutes to the ski area, which we also love inwinter. We also wanted a neighborhood where there were places to walk and even ride bikes and Las Estrellas has a nice paved walkway as well as several dirt trails that surround the development. What we didn’t realize until after we moved here was that the La Tierra trails are right next door with miles of hiking and biking trails that are easy to access. We’ve also found that it’s easy to walk or bicycle into town, about a two to two-and-a-half-mile walk, and when the weather is nice I ride my bike to the rec center at Fort Marcy.

“Our great neighbors have also proved to be a big plus. Las Estrellas is a mix of full-time, part-time, and long-term Santa Feans and more recent transplants. One of our neighbors down the street started a regular monthly lunch group as a way for residents on the neighboring streets to get to know each other and it has really helped to create a sense of friendship among the group and the neighborhood feels friendlier as a result.”

We bring a new look to real estate to help integrate you within our community. A profound love and knowledge of Santa Fe combine with a fresh outlook, vitality, experience, local insight and fun make Penelope and Drew your trusted real-estate advisors. Contact Penelope at 505-690-