Over the next couple of decades, due to distance and busy lifestyles, they refer to themselves as generally being “Christmas card friends”. After the death of Lynette’s husband, fate seemed to nudge the two together once again and they found that their longstanding friendship was the perfect foundation on which to build their now happy marriage. They married in 1995 and decided that Lynette would move her practice to Houston. However, in 1998 they found themselves ready for retirement and all too willing to bid farewell to the hectic, big-city lifestyle for more of a retreat environment to call home.
Thirty-seven states, eighteen thousand miles on the car and six months later they were still not convinced that they’d found their ideal home. At last, in July of 2000, they learned of Ruidoso, New Mexico through a copy of AAA Magazine and decided to take a three-day trip to visit the area. It was Alto Lakes (located just north of Ruidoso) where they both instantly knew they’d hit upon the region for which they had been searching.
The house they finally settled into sits on two prime lots at an elevation of 7,500 feet. It is commanding upon arrival and only becomes more amazing as you stroll from room to room. At 10,000 square feet, the tour is as extensive as it is beautiful. When you see the intricate attention to detail, it is no surprise to find out that this massive residence took over two years to build back in 1982.
The home is made of true adobe, and its substantial 18 inch-thick walls make for incredible soundproofing that lends to a very natural sense of tranquility and calm throughout. The one sound that resonates in the home is that of cascading water. In fact, it is their impressive seventy by eight foot first-floor lap pool rather than a waterfall that produces the sound. People have commented on its soothing effect so often that Lynette turns it on when they have guests over and during parties. Another benefit of the home being adobe is that it resists heat. For this reason, though there is radiant heating in the floor and walls for the colder months, the home has no air conditioning system. The pair says they have never felt a need for one even in the midst of summer. Jim and Lynette spend a lot of time relaxing in a second floor living room, which is remarkable before you ever get to the furnishings. The ceiling is striking; the natural complexities of the locally harvested latillas are set off wonderfully by the commanding vigas that cross them in the opposite direction. Behind a heavy, iron, crank-style door you’ll find wood for the room’s lovely kiva fireplace. Settling into one of the oversized luxurious leather loveseats, this space is the perfect place to read, enjoy the view or simply admire one of the many pieces of art that have been placed methodically about the room. What makes the room additionally enticing is that it manages to strike the very difficult balance between exquisite luxury and sheer comfort.
Just off the living room is one of the two fully functional kitchens the home offers. The custom cabinets were built onsite and are distinct from anything available commercially. They sport inlaid barn wood in a tile pattern with such a wide variation in colors you would think they were stained. The rough texture and palpable grain add character and bring out the natural colors that range from gold, copper and cream to blue, onyx and dark chocolate. The countertop, comprised of burnt orange Mexican tiles, is the perfect counterpart for these one-of-a-kind cabinets.
Stepping across to the dining room, it is hard to decide what is more impressive, the domed, brick, 15-foot ceiling or the deeply carved, cherry wood table that is centered beneath it. Both have their compliments. From the center of the dome hangs a substantial black wrought iron chandelier while the table is ornamented with stately chairs covered in a plaid of burgundy, hunter green, slate and gold.
There are many things in this residence that add to its overall character. Besides the custom made doors (that are matched to the kitchen cabinetry) found throughout the home, there are the front doors that were salvaged from a local mission and the antique, hand-carved doors from Mexico that lead to the master suite. Four distinctive fireplaces, heavily tiled bathrooms and custom stained glass windows depicting Kokopelli all serve to create an environment that is truly singular to this home.
Another notable feature is that virtually every room in the house has an incredible view of the region. And if that was not enough, there is always the fourth floor. That’s right! Though the main part of the home consists of two levels, you can take the elevator up four stories and spend some time on the observation deck of the turret where you will be awed by a breathtaking view of the majestic Sierra Blancas.
So, though it took the Rantons some time to find this incredible house, they would do it all over again. After their seemingly never-ending search, they finally found what they were looking for…not simply a place to call home, but a dwelling and region that truly serve to replenish their spirits.
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