Inn of the Turquoise Bear occupies the home of Witter Bynner (1881-1968), who for almost 50 years was a prominent citizen of Santa Fe, New Mexico, actively participating in the cultural, artistic, and political life of the city. Noted as a poet, translator and essayist, Bynner was a staunch advocate of human rights, especially of Native Americans, women, and other minorities. Bynner created his rambling adobe villa, constructed in Spanish-Pueblo Revival style, from a core of rooms that date to the early 1800’s. It is now considered one of Santa Fe’s most important historical estates. With its signature portico, towering pine trees, magnificent rock terraces, and lush gardens filled with lilacs, wild roses, and other flowers, the inn offers guests a bucolic retreat close to the center of Santa Fe. Bynner and Robert Hunt, his companion of almost 40 years, were famous – or infamous – for the riotous parties they hosted in this estate, referred to by Ansel Adams as ‘Bynner’s bashes.’ Their home was regarded as the center for the gathering of the creative and fun loving elite of Santa Fe and visitors from New York and around the world.