For admirers of classic 1970s and 1980s cinema, Marsha Mason occupies a storied place in Hollywood history. A premier film actress of her era, she earned prestigious Golden Globe Awards for her unforgettable performances in Cinderella Liberty and The Goodbye Girl, solidifying her status as a cinematic powerhouse. On television, newer generations of fans remember her fondly as Martin Crane’s colorful and spirited girlfriend, Sherry Dempsey, on the beloved sitcom Frasier, alongside later memorable guest appearances on popular series like The Middle and Grace and Frankie. Beyond her extensive and celebrated onscreen work, Mason has always commanded profound respect as an accomplished stage actress and a prolific director working across Broadway and regional theater circuits.
Yet, at the height of her cinematic success in the early 1990s—and just a few years after her decade-long marriage to legendary playwright Neil Simon came to an end—Mason made the deliberate choice to step away from Hollywood and the movie career she later admitted she never originally planned for. Seeking a profound change of pace and a deeper connection to nature, the acclaimed actress ventured into rural New Mexico. She invested roughly $1 million to purchase a raw, untouched tract of land, transforming the empty acreage over the years into a sprawling, 228-acre working estate.
On this sweeping property, Mason launched a highly successful, certified-organic medicinal herb business that reflected her personal commitment to holistic living. Appropriately named "Resting in the River," the enterprise specialized in holistic wellness and chemical-free skin-care products, drawing praise for its dedication to sustainable agriculture. After dedicating more than two decades of her life to cultivating the land and nurturing her holistic business, Mason eventually decided to turn a new page. In 2014, she sold the entire spread for $6.2 million and relocated back to the New York area to fully refocus her boundless energy on her enduring passion for the theater.
Now, the remarkable property that Mason built and nurtured has returned to the real estate market. After first hitting the market two years ago with an ambitious $16 million price tag and failing to find a buyer, the historic farm has officially been listed again at a reduced price of $13.5 million. Representing the high-profile listing are Cody Lujan and Chad Dugger of Hall and Hall, working alongside Matt Desmond and Ayden Gramm of Corcoran Plaza Properties.
Hugging the winding banks of the Rio Chama River approximately 53 miles north of Santa Fe, the magnificent Abiquiu Valley Farm is an expansive rural sanctuary. The estate encompasses a stunning 7,300-square-foot main residence designed by the renowned architect Theodore Waddell, complemented by a generous 4,700-square-foot guesthouse. In addition to these primary living quarters, the property features a massive 5,400-square-foot special-events building fully equipped with a commercial-grade kitchen and two separate apartments. This versatile space sits comfortably near elite equestrian facilities, which boast a 10-stall Morton barn and a professional sandy outdoor dressage arena.
What truly sets Abiquiu Valley Farm apart, however, is its agricultural pedigree. It stands as the state of New Mexico’s only Demeter-certified Biodynamic organic farm, maintaining rigorous ecological standards across roughly 70 irrigated acres dedicated to producing medicinal herbs, high-quality alfalfa, and various other vital forage crops. The combination of sustainable farming infrastructure and luxury residential architecture makes the property a rare and unique offering within the American Southwest.
Architecturally and aesthetically, the estate honors the rich heritage of the region while offering modern comforts and refined elegance. The Spanish adobe main dwelling is anchored by an interior courtyard centered on a tranquil, bubbling fountain, creating a private outdoor oasis protected from the elements. Inside, the main house is highlighted by a spacious great room featuring striking stone fireplaces positioned on opposite sides of the room, as well as a handsome, bookshelf-lined library that exudes warmth and intellectual charm. The home’s functional layout includes a kitchen that connects seamlessly to a welcoming dining area, which in turn provides direct access to a breezy screened porch ideal for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Meanwhile, the luxurious primary suite offers a private retreat complete with dual tiled baths.
Guests visiting the property are treated to accommodations that rival the main house in both comfort and authenticity. The authentic Southwestern adobe guesthouse features three well-appointed bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a spacious open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area designed for effortless entertaining. A scenic courtyard separates this primary guest residence from two individual, detached en suite casitas that are nestled privately amid the surrounding gardens.
Beyond the structures themselves, the natural landscape of the estate offers an abundance of recreational and scenic highlights. The grounds feature a peaceful riverfront bosque and a private fly-fishing pond, all while framing sweeping, uninterrupted vistas of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the distance. Through every architectural detail and natural expanse, the property continues to reflect the creative spirit and deep appreciation for the land that Marsha Mason instilled during her decades as its steward.
