Discover the Largest House in New Mexico And Just How Big 33,339 Square Feet Really Is 

New Mexico is known for its rough terrain and natural beauty. The average size of a house is about 2,000 square feet. However, a few luxury properties currently on the market are about five times larger than that. But what is the largest house in the state? There is one mansion that outdoes all the rest. Read on to discover the largest house in New Mexico and just how big 33,339 square feet is.

What is the Largest House in New Mexico

The largest house in New Mexico is Zorro Ranch, with 33,339 square feet of living space. Zorro Ranch is in the small, unincorporated town of Stanley in Santa Fe County. It’s about 45 minutes south of the city of Santa Fe.

This sprawling mansion is the main home inside of a 7,560-acre complex. The property includes a lodge, a yurt, a separate guesthouse, stables, a caretaker’s residence, a log cabin, a private airstrip with a hangar and helipad, a private firehouse, and several other outbuildings. Also within the ranch is a small village of offices and residences for support staff.

The History of Zorro Ranch

Zorro Ranch has a rather unfortunate history. The property gained notoriety from being a former residence of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein bought the ranch in 1993 from former Governor Bruce King. Epstein then constructed the massive 33,339-square-foot home in the 1990s. The house was designed by the late Paris-based interior designer Alberto Pinto. 

In 2019, the ranch was linked to the investigation against Epstein. In 2020, the property went on the market for $27.5 million. Unable to sell, the price was cut twice and finally sold at $18 million two years later to the cattle ranch, San Rafael Ranch, LLC. Proceeds from the sale went to pay creditors of Epstein’s estate.

What Does 33,339 Square Feet Get You?

The main home is three levels with four bedrooms, including an indoor pool, large outdoor courtyard, private gym, library, and a living room the size of most people’s houses. Despite the luxurious amenities, one of the house’s best features might be the stunning view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

What Wildlife Lives Nearby?

The small town of Stanley sits at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in central New Mexico. The mountains are the southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains and extend from Colorado into New Mexico. Less than an hour away is the Pecos National Historical Park, where a wide variety of wildlife makes their home.

Some of the larger animals in the area include elk, deer, mountain lions, and black bears. Smaller animals include the Colorado chipmunk and rock squirrel. The nearby Pecos River is home to many fish and amphibians, like the Rio Grande chub, woodhouse toad, and the tiger salamander.

There are a variety of reptiles in the desert climate, including lizards such as the short-horned lizard. And, of course, there are many different snakes, including garter snakes, rattlesnakes, and bull snakes. 

Some birds you might spot include bald eagles, mountain bluebirds, and Stellar’s jay.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jim Ekstrand/iStock via Getty Images