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.