Base-Of-Canyon Lot With Utilities Close To Abiquiu Lake And Plaza Blanca

Location & Size: The subject property is a 7.87 acre lot located in a rural residential subdivision situated among the canyons, foothills and white sandstone cliffs of Plaza Blanca. This property boasts stunning views of the Pedernal, Polvadera Peak, the Chama River Valley and Sangre De Cristo Mountains. It is located just north of US Highway 84 and only five minutes from the shores of Abiquiu Lake.

When we speak of property we typically use an address -- 123 Main Street for instance. 

As most vacant land does not have a physical address, however, county governments will identify it in other ways, such as a "legal description", a parcel number or a tax code. The information provided in the table to the right are the ways in which the various state and county agencies will identify this specific parcel of land. These signifiers are important to have when speaking with these agencies - whether they be the assessor, the zoning office, or even the local utilities - and may prove invaluable when initiating conversations about whatever research a buyer intends to do.

Whenever one exists or has been assigned to the land, the physical address will be included in this table.

Roads & Access: The subject property consists of an area of land both flat and at the base of a canyon, as well as all the land climbing the slope of the canyon up to flatter mesa area up top. Per the plat, the property has legal access along both the top portion - where County Roads 156 and 158 converge - and at the bottom of the canyon along a road not named on plats, Google Maps or even local street signs. While the top of the property will be very easy to access along the County-maintained roads, the lower portion of the land will require anyone scouting to drive down into the canyon. It is here where the roads become less maintained and more challenging, especially as you reach the final unnamed road which makes up the legal access to the parcel. Because of this, anyone looking to scout the land is advised to take a larger truck or off-road capable vehicle with them.

Power & Utilities: Despite its location at the base of the canyon, the subject property boasts power, phone lines and underground telecom along its northern property boundary, where these utilities can be found servicing a neighboring home site. In addition, there are a number of other home sites built in this region, all of which also have these utilities. Because of this, it should be easier and more affordable to get power connected to whatever you decide to develop on the land. Anyone looking to investigate the cost of getting connected to the grid is encouraged to contact the Jemez Mountain Electric Co-op, the utility company servicing this region.

Utilities, Cont'd: It should be noted that while there are no city utilities such as water or sewer lines in this region, we were surprised to learn that the North Central Solid Waste Authority performs regular garbage collection here, even servicing the homes at the base of the canyon.

Zoning: While Rio Arriba County has fairly undefined and lax zoning, and designates this parcel with the same catch-all term it designates most of the land in its County ("Rural Residential") the property is part of a formal subdivision known as Plaza Blanca. When this subdivision was first created, the developer drew up a set of covenants and restrictions to run with the land. While most of these are what we like to refer to as "reasonable, good neighbor restrictions" dealing primarily with the disposal of trash and prohibitions on excess noise, there are a few covenants that deal with acceptable structures for the region and minimum square footage of those structures. Because of this, anyone considering purchasing the land is encouraged to review the Plaza Blanca Covenants & Restrictions document found here.

No HOA: While Plaza Blanca does feature the aforementioned covenants, it should be noted that the subdivision has no formal HOA nor are they any annual dues associated with land ownership here.

The Hemingway Land Company does our best to represent the properties we list as accurately as possible. Our research, however, will always be limited. 

Because of this, included in the table to the right is a list of the relevant state and county governments, agencies and authorities as well as local utilities (and all their respective websites and contact information) which should help to answer any questions a buyer may have about developing this specific property.

Whenever possible it is best to speak with these agencies first as they will always be a far greater source of information about the local region and the regulations which govern it. 

Topography: As noted, the subject property has a diverse topography featuring flat land, sloping terrain, rocky cliffs and even some arroyos. While much of this property may be beautiful to look at, it may present challenges for anyone looking to develop the land. That said, we at Hemingway Land believe that anyone who takes on those challenges will be rewarded with a truly unique home site in a captivating and majestic setting.

Abiquiu Volunteer Fire Department: The Abiquiu Volunteer Fire Department sits a short ten minute drive from this land as well as the fair grounds where Rio Arriba County hosts their annual county fair.

Nearby Towns: While the subject property is located in Abiquiu, a small town with much to see and do, it is ultimately limited in its commercial resources. In fact, the presence of a Family Dollar and a convenience store aside, there are not many stores for groceries and supplies. Fortunately, the town of Espanola (population roughly 10,000) is located just twenty minutes southeast along Highway 84. There you'll be able to find a number of big box stores including a Walmart Super Center and Lowe's Home Improvement as well as fast food restaurants, pharmacies, schools and churches. In addition, the Presbyterian Hospital of Espanola is there along with the Santa Claran Hotel and Casino.

Abiquiu Lake: Abiquiu Lake, situated just a few miles down the road from the subject property, offers an assortment of great recreation activities, from boating and fishing to jet skiing, wind surfing and kayaking. You may bring your own boat or, if you don't have one, rent one at the marina and spend a leisurely day on the lake. It should also be noted that if you ever become tired of exploring Abiquiu Lake, El Vado and Heron Lakes are less than an hour north of the subject property and the Navajo Marina is two hours away in nearby San Juan County.

Rio Chama: Ideal for the outdoor enthusiast, this property also sits within one mile of the Rio Chama River. Rio Chama is known as a great river to fish and is stocked with Walleye, Small Mouth Bass, Rainbow and Brown Trout.

Taos Ski Valley: One of the other nice things about this property is that it sits in close proximity to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in America in the nearby Taos Ski Valley. This means that this property is not just a seasonal retreat best enjoyed only in the summer months, but rather will provide year 'round activities and adventure.

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum: In addition to Plaza Blanca, you may explore all the famous art this region inspired at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, located only a short five minute drive from the subject property.