Old adobes in Tesuque
Caring for the windows in Tesuque's old village adobes
Some of Tesuque's adobes have stood along the river for generations, with mud-plastered walls, small deep windows and doors that have been rehung more than once. Because Tesuque sits outside Santa Fe's city historic districts, how carefully these houses are treated is largely up to their owners, and to whoever they hire.
Preservation by choice
Without city historic review, there's nothing stopping a quick swap to whatever window is cheapest. We'd rather help you choose units that respect the house: wood or clad frames, traditional proportions, and the same deep setback in the wall.
Santa Fe County rules may still apply depending on the scope of the work, and we'll help you check.
What earthen walls need from us
- Inspection of the wood lintel before the old frame comes out
- Fastening methods suited to adobe rather than framed walls
- Mud or lime plaster repairs that match and can breathe
- Flashing and sills that shed water away from the wall base
Repair, replace, or a bit of both
- 1
Look closely
We check each window and door for rot, movement and how well it's anchored to the wall.
- 2
Sort them
Some will be worth repairing, some won't. You'll see which and why, with photos.
- 3
Match the old house
Where replacement wins, we choose units that look at home in an old village adobe.
Tesuque adobe questions
Do we need city historic approval to change windows in Tesuque?
Generally no, because Tesuque is outside Santa Fe's city limits and its historic districts. County requirements and any HOA or deed restrictions can still apply, so it's worth checking before work starts.
The wall around one window is crumbling. Can you still install there?
We'll look at it first. Minor damage can be repaired as part of the job, but if the adobe or lintel needs structural work, that should be addressed before a new window goes in, and we'll tell you so.
Will new windows look out of place in our old adobe?
Not if they're chosen with care. Wood or clad frames, traditional lite patterns and keeping the original depth in the wall help new windows blend in with the house.
Keep exploring
More services in Tesuque
Historic & Adobe Home Windows nearby
Give your Tesuque adobe the care it deserves.
We'll look at every opening with you and recommend what to repair, what to replace and how to make it fit.