Starvation Ghost Ranch
Bernal, NM

Perched high on the mesa in Bernal, Starvation Ghost Ranch is a masterfully crafted historical reconstruction of an Old West settlement—where 1850s frontier spirit meets the comforts of 21st-century living. Designed with an unwavering commitment to authenticity, the architecture and details evoke the rugged elegance of a bygone era, while seamlessly integrating modern essentials such as high-speed connectivity, solar energy, and green, high-performance construction.

Each structure within the compound is a tribute to the past, built with reclaimed materials and period-appropriate craftsmanship. Rustic woodwork, hand-tuned floorboards that creak with character, traditional plaster finishes, mud floors, adobe fireplaces, and hand-hewn beam ceilings all contribute to a setting that feels transported from another time.

The vision took three years to bring to life, with no expense spared in creating a historically immersive environment. The sprawling compound includes a main residence, two private guest casitas, a media and recreation house, and a fully equipped workshop. All are thoughtfully arranged across 520 acres of mesa-top terrain, offering sweeping panoramic views of Starvation Peak and the surrounding mountain ranges a landscape as timeless as the story it tells.

Architect: Caroline Dooley