Sotheby’s International Realty

With some homes dating back centuries, the historic eastside neighborhood boasts some of the most photographed adobe Santa Fe homes and gardens. Hosting a mix of multi-generational families and newcomers, the historic eastside homes, often hidden behind high walls and accessed by narrow dirt lanes, recall the city’s early history and lend Santa Fe a unique style. Views can be scarce here, but authenticity and atmosphere dominate. Long famous for its galleries, restaurants and specialty shops, Canyon Road has become one of Santa Fe’s most popular attractions. Special zoning called Residential Arts and Crafts describes the homes which also serve as galleries, open to the public. If traveling to Santa Fe during the holidays, try walking Canyon Road and Acequia Madre on Christmas Eve. The luminarias and farolitos line the walks and lanes while impromptu singing breaks out into old favorite carols of the season. The alleys and lanes off Acequia Madre invite exploration of the quintessential and historic family compounds and neighborhoods of this area of Santa Fe. Upper Canyon Road chases the Santa Fe River upstream to the city’s highly protected watershed area. Access to the Randall Davey Audubon Center and the Dale Ball Trails are both available at the upper end of the road.