New Mexico Oasis Expands Horizons for 2 Generations
As a kid, Cindy Thomas dreamed of one day owning a house with a yard. She had always lived in apartments with her mother, Francine Pisani, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia soon after Cindy was born. “I really can’t imagine what that must have been like for her,” Cindy says. “She worked really hard for not very much, but we always had what we needed. We didn’t have a lot, and consequently we never had a house.” But Cindy kept dreaming.
Years later, Cindy and her husband, David, realized part of her dream when they built a custom home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They also created an attached one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit for her mom so they could all live together. Once settled, they turned their attention to the bare backyard in hopes of creating a healing garden for themselves and Pisani. “There was nothing there but dirt and weeds and a fence,” Cindy says.
What a wonderful family story and a great accomplishment by the designer and the homeowners. The views are amazing!
Wow!! Absolutely amazing to see how significant the change was. Great job everyone.
Very nice job. So nice that Mum can enjoy it too.
What a heartwarming story. Love the design and the view is incredible!
What a caring loving daughter and son in law to their sweet mother. Wow. They richly deserve such a stunning oasis. The blessings of New Mexico and deep love.
Great story, incredible home, and beautiful design! Well done.
such a lovely story! Cindy, you are an amazing daughter and your mom is lucky to have you!
Beautiful when family is integral to design.
What a great story to start my day off with. Thank you.
I second ker9's idea, that you return to this story in a couple of years, (with the lovely landscaper) when the plants have filled in.
Beautiful, restful landscaping of a large area! Enjoyed your story.. Interesting thermometer!
Beautiful story. Lovely yard & views. The colorful ceramic pots are a nice addition! Hopefully no one will be building behind them taking away that beautiful New Mexico horizon!
Love that Cindy and her husband are taking care of her precious mom, their house and yard are gorgeous, what nice family.
What a great transformation and loving family. Is this $100,000 to do?
Not only do I love how this project turned out, I am extremely touched by how this wonderful couple is taking care of her Mom. Thank you for this article!
Love the outdoor kitchen. Wonder if that was from Houzz shop
All three of you are so lovely. Your mother is just adorable and has such a nice attitude. Just great for everyone. Beautiful.
It's stunning and perfect & love that you call it your healing garden. The metal mountain goat is a work of art, did you find that on Houzz or did you buy it locally?
Anita, yes that kitchen is from the Houzz Shop too. You can click on the photo to see the product tags, or find them in this roundup: https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/97095191
Beautiful!
Wow! I love this family! One of my deepest hopes and biggest dream is to find a cure -- or a way to prevent -- schizophrenia.
Very nice. Both the story and the project. Does the soil in NM have to be amended to grow plants? Looks as though it would. The surrounding growth looked quite sparse. It sure isn't New Jersey!
Just lovely. My daughter and son in love are treating me the same way and I am so grateful. Just moving in together on lovely Bainbridge Island. Restoring a 120 yr. old home and I am living in the old garden shed. Mid 60's and I have a cool loft bed! Fun!
What a beautiful story and transformation. Would love to see more stories of landscape transformations. Nice job by all!
What a pleasant story about a lovely family. Oh, and the yard turned out great, too! ;)
Beautiful people of good feelings and big heart! Beautiful home!
nice landscape
That dang goat, got me...... fabulous desert outdoors and a wonderful family.
David, Cindy and Francine... So beautiful and inspiring, brought tears to my eyes at several points. Having had the pleasure to work with you, I know what kind, loving people you all are... Thank You for sharing your story! Tracy
one of my top Fave Houzz stories
Such a wonderful story and the design was beautiful!