Land Baron Alert! You Can Buy a Whole Block of History in New Mexico

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You can create a commune or just live out your Airbnb proprietor dreams with the purchase of an entire city block of historic downtown in Silver City, NM, for $1,382,500.

The most distinctive structure on the property is 315 Pinos Altos, a two-story Victorian built in 1890 with a wraparound balcony. Many of the home’s original features are still intact down to the basement, though it could use a loving hand to gently usher it into modernity.

A breezeway leads to a one-bedroom apartment at 409 Market. Constructed in 1910, the 850-square-foot apartment was once known as the Cracker House. Neighboring 301 Pinos Altos, a 1,610-square-foot, three-bedroom brick house, was built in the same year.

Side of the main house

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Additional house

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And there’s more! Twenty years later, 314 Bayard and 305 Pinos Altos joined the block. They’re both two-bedroom, one-bath homes of around 1,300 square feet, and they boast updated kitchens and sunrooms. There’s also an open space on the block that currently contains a small orchard, garage, and carport.

That’s a total of five homes—which means the buyer will automatically be bestowed with the title of land baron.

All of the homes other than 315 Pinos Altos are currently occupied. As for 315, you may have to deal with occupants of a less corporeal nature. Rumor has it that the building is haunted, though it’s uncertain by whom or why.

Another residence

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Back of the house

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Pioneers Stefan and Suzanna Uhli, the home’s original occupants, seem like the most likely ghost suspects. Stefan was a German immigrant who was one of the town’s first settlers during the mining boom.

He opened the Cave Saloon and became known for his brickwork. Many of the town’s adobe buildings were replaced with “Uhli brick”—and some of these buildings are still standing, possibly including these houses. A block in town was once known as the “Uhli block,” and the Cave Saloon building is now part of an antique mall.

The land was originally occupied by the Mimbres Mogollon group of prehistoric American Indians, and their former dwelling sites are scattered around the area. It was later Apache land until the discovery of silver ore brought colonizers to the area in 1870. The town of Silver City itself started as a mining tent city visited by such famous outlaws as Billy the Kid and Butch Cassidy, and eventually evolved into a permanent settlement.

Today Silver City is better known as the gateway to the Gila National Forest and home of Western New Mexico University. The area is home to an extensive set of hiking trails and other outdoor activities, archaeological sites, historic attractions, and art galleries for that distinctive desert community lifestyle. If you’re on the hunt for a unique opportunity to unlock value, this cool compound might be just the vein you’re looking for.

The post Land Baron Alert! You Can Buy a Whole Block of History in New Mexico appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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