The large entrance door was created by Mr. Gilbertson

Donaciano Vigil House
518 Alto Street

In 1832 this house, with orchard and farmland extending north to the Santa Fe River, was the residence of city official Juan Cristobal Vigil and family. Vigil's son, Donaciano, served as military secretary to Governor Manuel Armijo during the Mexican rule from 1821 to 1846, and went on to serve as secretary of the territory under American occupation. The Vigil House was purchased by Charlotte White and sculptor Boris Gilbertson in 1958. The facade is one of very few in Santa Fe with real mud plaster. The large entrance door was created by Mr. Gilbertson, and the Territorial style windows are from the original Loretto Academy. Charlotte White donated this property to the Foundation in 1996. (Private residence)

The remodeling of this house is chronicled in Within Adobe Walls: A Santa Fe Journal edited by Corinne Sze. Based on Charlotte White’s personal journals, it tells of her fascinating life with sculptor Boris Gilbertson and their work to restore the Donaciano Vigil House in Barrio de Guadalupe. The book ($16.95) is available at local bookstores and the Foundation office.

The facade is one of very few in Santa Fe with real mud plaster.