$16M Abiquiu equestrian estate once belonged to Golden Globe-winning actress

If properties had personalities, real estate professional Laurie Hilton said Abiquiu Valley Farm would be considered “gracious.”

“It’s gracious Northern New Mexico living,” she said.

Located in Abiquiu at 245 County Road 155, the “gracious” property encompasses a 15,700-square-foot compound sitting on a little more than 228 acres. The owners are looking to sell the property for $16 million after a little more than a decade of ownership.

Built in 1994, the property has 10 bedrooms, as well as 12 full and six partial bathrooms. The main house spans 6,500 square feet and features a fountain, art gallery, floor-to-ceiling study and chef’s kitchen, according to the listing, overseen by Sotheby’s International Realty.

The house was designed by the late architect and artist Theodore Waddell. An unknown local artist designed the property’s 3,500-square-foot guest house, which includes three bedrooms and five bathrooms. Two additional casitas are attached to the guest house.

The property has multiple barns, one of which is referred to as the “Art Barn.” It is a cathedral-style adobe structure that comes with a kitchen, two full apartments and 5,700 square feet of space for hosting special events.

With a 10-stall equestrian facility, there is plenty of room for horses. The facility has a laundry space and a horse spa for washing and bathing. The property is also home to wildlife including peacocks, elk, deer and eagles.

The property — situated near riding trails that lead into Carson National Forest and right alongside the Rio Chama — offers views of the same land and terrain that inspired the artist Georgia O’Keeffe, whose former studio is located nearby.

“It’s probably the most beautiful place in New Mexico. And that’s where she chose to paint,” said Hilton, the property’s listing agent. “This property is a part of that view that was outside her window.”

The property was once home to actress Marsha Mason before Hilton — a Sotheby’s International Realty agent of 15 years — sold it to the current owners, Sarah and Peter Solmssen, in 2014.

The Solmssens added the equestrian facility, solar power and an equestrian sport arena. They were also active stewards of the property’s Demeter-certified biodynamic organic farm — which does not use any pesticides or herbicides and focuses on the health of the soil and growing conditions.

The property has been producing medicinal herbs, alfalfa and other crops for two decades, the property listing said. The Solmssens had been feeding the alfalfa to their horses while also selling the produce to others, Hilton said.

The property went on the market in July of last year. Hilton said properties within this price range typically take about two to three years to sell. The property has garnered international interest, she said.

“The beautiful setting, the sound of the water running, the cottonwood trees... It’s just a very special place,” Hilton said.