Properties

Property Description

The El Cortez Theatre in Ranchos de Taos is more than just a building, it is a portal into one of the most magical and creatively charged chapters of Taos history. Originally reimagined by the community in the 1940s as a neighborhood cinema for Spanish-language films, the adobe structure stood quietly at the corner of the Ranchos de Taos Plaza, evolving alongside the community it served. By 1969, it was recognized as a theatre in the documents that placed the Ranchos Plaza on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1970, fresh off the success of Easy Rider and while editing his groundbreaking film The Last Movie, Dennis Hopper purchased the theatre and infused it with a new purpose. Alongside his brother David Hopper and a talented group of local craftsmen and artists, the El Cortez was transformed into something far greater than a cinema, a place for gathering, dreaming, creating, and sharing ideas. Its hand-plastered adobe walls, intricate woodwork, and design became a reflection of the artistic energy that defined Hopper’s years in Taos. Many other well known talented artist and musicians have played and painted in this incredible space. Today, that same spirit lives on within the 3,290 square foot space. The theatre’s unparalleled acoustics and expansive open floor plan create endless possibilities, whether envisioned as a performance venue, private residence, dance hall, studio, gallery, or event space. Many well known talented artist and musicians have graced it’s halls in recent years. Fifty original theatre seats remain as a tribute to its cinematic roots, while the vast open floor provides room for a substantial dance floor, creative workspace, or gathering area. Upon entering the home, nothing prepares you for the soaring 20′ ceilings and grand space of the theatre once you walk through the double wood doors. No modern amenity is forgotten as the property features a well appointed kitchen, two bathrooms, and an upstairs primary suite overlooking the theatre below. From this unique vantage point, the suite captures the grandeur of the space while offering a private retreat complete with a walk-in closet, private rooftop terrace, and kiva fireplace. The El Cortez has been cemented in history as a meeting place for creativity, conversation, transformation, and beauty. The laughter, music, art, and ideas that once filled the theatre seem to linger within its adobe walls. Rarely does a property come to market that so beautifully blends architectural character and rich history. The El Cortez remains what it has always been: a place where imagination thrives beneath New Mexico’s wide and enchanted sky. For those who are boldly seeking something different, this is your opportunity.

Features
Heating System:
Forced Air, Fireplace(s)
Fireplace:
Living Room, Two, Primary Bedroom
Patio:
Porch, Covered
Parking:
Attached Carport
Laundry Features:
Washer Hookup, Dryer Hookup
Sewer:
Community/Coop Sewer
Utilities:
Electricity Connected, Natural Gas Available
Waterfront Features:
None
Window Features:
Insulated Windows, Skylight(s), Wood Frames
Architectural Style:
Pueblo
Carport Spaces:
1.0
Fireplaces Total:
2
Flooring:
Wood, Tile, Other
Interior Features:
Beamed Ceilings, Other
Appliances
Appliances:
Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Gas Range, Gas Water Heater, Freezer, Gas Oven
Address Map
Country:
US
State:
NM
County:
Taos
City:
Ranchos De Taos
Subdivision:
None
Zipcode:
87557
Street:
NM Highway 68
Street Number:
4136
Mls Area Major:
RANCHOS DE TAOS (36A)
Unit Number:
Unit A
Directions:
This incredible adobe building sits in Ranchos de Taos on NM-68, directly across from the historic San Francisco de Asís Church and right next to the old Martinez Hall. There is limited parking in front of the theatre so please feel free to utilize the dirt parking lot across the street.
MLS Addon
Office Name:
Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
Agent Name:
Gabriel Traister
Additional Information
Levels:
Two
Lot Features:
Xeriscape
Stories:
2
Water Source:
Public
Building Size:
3290
Construction Materials:
Stucco, Adobe
Financial
Tax Annual Amount:
357.8
Association Fee Frequency:
Monthly
Listing Information
List Agent Mls Id:
1038
List Office Mls Id:
10
Mls Status:
Active
Modification Timestamp:
2026-06-01T05:41:01Z
Originating System Name:
TAOS
Co List Agent Mls Id:
1541
Co List Office Mls Id:
10
Co List Office Name:
Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties

Residential For Sale

4136 Nm Highway 68, Ranchos De Taos, New Mexico 87557

1 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
3,290 Sqft
$749,999
Listing ID #115098
Basic Details
Property Type :
Residential
Listing Type :
For Sale
Listing ID :
115098
Price :
$749,999
Bedrooms :
1
Bathrooms :
2
Square Footage :
3,290 Sqft
Lot Area :
0.08 Acre
Status :
Active
Number of Acres :
0.08
Property Sub Type :
Single Family Residence
Roof:
Flat, Bitumen
Full Bathrooms :
2
Agent info
Contact Agent