Inside A Modern Masterpiece In The Southwest
The majestic Sandia Mountains—named for the vibrant watermelon-red hue cast on their rugged terrain by the glow of New Mexico’s dramatic sunsets—stand stalwart above the thriving metropolis of Albuquerque. Where the far northeastern heights of the city meet the base of those alpine slopes is the Tanoan Country Club community, a bastion of superlative amenities and services, for which it has been heralded as one of the finest private clubs in the state. Amid Tanoan’s lush acreage, this singular residence—conceived by longtime area builder Michael Sivage and his wife, Jill, an esteemed designer—occupies a generous 2.76-acre estate site that benefits from a unique combination of a secure, gated location and proximity to the attractions of its enveloping environs—including Tanoan’s emerald fairways.
Albuquerque, New Mexico | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe – Main Downtown Brokerage
In the manifestation of their home, the Sivages dedicated remarkable attention to detail, working with a leading regional architectural firm to create a residential work of art that unites indigenous, Southwestern, and modern elements in stylish harmony. The 13,000-square-foot floor plan accommodates festive entertaining while making day-to-day living effortless—as Michael says, the intention was to be sure the home offered “a little bit of everything.” Accordingly, then, the home features grand living and dining areas but also boasts a bar; a chef’s showplace kitchen with pairs of dishwasher, refrigerators, and commercial-grade ovens as well as hibachi grills; a catering kitchen; a billiards and game room; a driving range; a spacious gym with a steamshower; a secluded office for the busy professional; a second office with versatile shelves originally designed to accommodate Jill’s extensive cookbook collection; a home theater; an airy 1,000-bottle wine room with dedicated tasting space; a hobby and gift-wrapping room; heated oversized garages; and small convenient refrigerators throughout. Chief among the five bedrooms is a primary suite perched at the top of the residence for consummate privacy and enviable views from its windows and covered balcony. The Sivages saw that every space—from the stunning spiral staircase to the powder room—is finished in eye-catching materials and striking details. The property is being sold furnished, as most of the décor was custom-chosen and -made under Jill’s watchful purview.
Given New Mexico’s ideal climate—with crisp air, impossibly blue skies, and four distinct seasons—the home required ample areas for alfresco enjoyment. The nexus of open-air living is the zero-edge swimming pool, which is accompanied by a spa, multiple fire features, and an outdoor kitchen. Every vantage affords spectacular vistas of Albuquerque’s city lights as they unfold toward the horizon.
This article was originally published in Sotheby’s International Realty’s Extraordinary Living Blog in November 2021.
