Nestled within the luxurious grounds of La Posada de Santa Fe, A Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa, lies the historic Staab House, a building steeped in history, elegance, and even ghostly lore. Its story begins in 1882 when Abraham Staab, a highly successful German-Jewish merchant who made his fortune along the Santa Fe Trail, fulfilled a promise he made to his wife, Julia Schuster Staab.
He constructed a magnificent, three-story brick mansion in the French Second Empire style – a stark contrast to the surrounding adobe architecture and one of the very first brick homes in Santa Fe. Furnished lavishly with European imports, the Staab mansion quickly became a hub for Santa Fe's high society, hosting grand parties and important figures while Abraham and Julia raised their family there.
Tragedy struck the family after the death of their eighth child shortly after birth. This loss plunged Julia into a deep depression from which she reportedly never recovered. She passed away in 1896 at the age of 52, often confined to her room in her later years. Abraham continued living in the mansion until his death in 1913.
The mansion later passed through different hands. In the 1930s, new owners R.H. and Eulalia Nason built charming Pueblo Revival-style casitas around the original home. They named their new venture La Posada, Spanish for "the inn" or "resting place," creating the foundation for the resort we know today. The historic Staab House now forms the heart of the resort, housing the acclaimed Staab House Bar and the restaurant, Julia, A Spirited Restaurant & Bar.
Visiting the Staab House offers a unique window into a significant era of Santa Fe's past. It's a must-see for history buffs interested in the city's architectural evolution and the influential figures who shaped its society.
Stepping inside the Staab House Bar, often lauded as one of Santa Fe's coziest spots, allows you to soak in the 19th-century ambiance while enjoying expertly crafted cocktails in a truly historic setting.
Beyond the history and atmosphere, the house draws visitors fascinated by the paranormal. It is widely considered one of Santa Fe's most famous haunted locations, with tales of Julia Staab's lingering spirit adding an intriguing layer to its story.
Whether you're seeking history, a sophisticated drink, or a brush with the spectral side of Santa Fe, the Staab House delivers a memorable experience as the centerpiece of the beautiful La Posada resort.
Here are 5 things most people don't know about the Staab House:
- A Wedding Promise: The grand mansion wasn't just a display of wealth; Abraham Staab built it specifically to fulfill a vow he made to Julia on their wedding day – to build her the finest house money could buy.
- Historic but Not Listed: Despite its age and historical importance, a fire destroyed the original third-floor ballroom in the early 1900s. Because it wasn't restored to its exact original state, the house isn't formally listed on city or state historic property registers.
- Julia's Apricot Legacy: An apricot tree planted by Julia herself back in the 1880s still thrives on the La Posada grounds. The resort bar, The Staab House, uses apricots from this very tree to make a unique, house-infused apricot liqueur for their signature "Juliarita" margarita.
- Delayed Ghost Sightings: Although Julia died in 1896, the first documented sightings of her ghost weren't reported until 1979. Staff and guests have described seeing a woman in Victorian attire, often near the fireplace or staircase, accompanied by unexplained phenomena like flickering lights or the scent of roses.
- A Descendant's Story: Julia Staab's great-great-granddaughter, Hannah Nordhaus, researched and wrote a book titled "American Ghost: A Family's Haunted Past in the Desert Southwest," delving into Julia's real life, family history, and the famous haunting legend.
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