Inn of the Turquoise Bear

he Inn of the Turquoise Bear was originally the home of Witter Bynner (1881-1968), who for decades was a prominent citizen of Santa Fe, actively participating in the cultural and political life of the city. Noted as a poet, translator, and essayist, Bynner was a staunch advocate of human rights, supporting with words and deeds the suffrage movement and the rights of Native Americans and other minorities.*

Bynner's rambling adobe house, constructed in Spanish-Pueblo Revival style from a core of rooms that date to the mid-1800's, is considered one of Santa Fe's most important historical buildings. With its signature portico, tall pine trees, magnificent rock terraces, and gardens filled with lilacs, wild roses, and other flowers, the Inn offers guests a bucolic retreat close the center of Santa Fe. Bynner and Robert Hunt, his companion of more than 30 years, were famous - or infamous - for the riotous parties they hosted in this house, referred to by Ansel Adams as 'Bynner's bashes.'

Ralph Bolton and Robert Frost, the owners of the Witter Bynner Estate, have faithfully restored the property. Their goals - as innkeepers and custodians of the home and land that Bynner loved - are to rekindle the spirit of excitement, creativity and hospitality for which this home was renowned in the past, to protect, restore and extend the legacy of its famous creator, and to provide their guests with the experience of a unique setting that captures the essence of traditional Santa Fe.

Guest Rooms and Availability

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES:

• Walk to Santa Fe's Plaza, museums, galleries, shops, fine dining, nightlife
• Downtown Santa Fe's only gay-owned, gay-managed, and gay-oriented B&B
• Honored by the City of Santa Fe with its prestigious Heritage Preservation Award for 1999
• Kiva fireplaces (free firewood)
• Popular venue for commitment ceremonies
• Ample off-street parking
• Pets welcome (some rooms only)
• Concierge services
• Popular wine-and-cheese social hour
• Superb breakfasts with homemade breads and pastries, gourmet coffees
• Friendly and knowledgeable hosts and staff
• Close to skiing, hiking, and horseback riding
• Proud supporter of Santa Fe Pride, Santa Fe Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Santa Fe & Albuquerque AIDS Walks, PFLAG, and other local, regional and national gay and lesbian organizations
• Featured in Out & About, Our World, New Mexico Magazine, Gay American Business Directory ("Business of the Month"), Greenwich Village Gazette, Gay Today (Badpuppy.com), Santa Fean Magazine
• Recommended in Sunset, Los Angeles Times, Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA, Hidden New Mexico, Albuquerque Journal
• National Register of Historic Places
• Historic Santa Fe Foundation Registry
• State of New Mexico Registered Cultural Property
• 2000 Winner of the State of New Mexico's Heritage Preservation Award

* "Bynner, in my sights, produced the greatest English translation of The Way of Life According to Lao Tzu. Discovering the translator's old stomping grounds provides me with this welcome opportunity to celebrate his genius and to encourage pilgrimages to what now must surely be the ultimate gay bed and breakfast site." -- Jack Nichols, "Gay Today" (Badpuppy.com)