The Armandine Estate: An Architectural and Historical Treasure in Decline

Armandine, Carlsbad, Main/South Elevation, Facing North

On the banks of the Pecos River, the Armandine Estate once stood as a shining example of Carlsbad’s early 20th-century elegance and progress. Built in 1906 by Col. Etienne de Pelissier Bujac, a prominent military figure and attorney, the estate embodied the spirit of the time—one of growth, refinement, and influence. Today, however, this once-grand property, which includes a collection of buildings constructed in the regional Bungalow/Craftsman style, sits largely neglected and overlooked by the local community, with many unaware of its rich history and architectural significance.

A Family That Shaped Carlsbad

Col. Bujac’s influence on Carlsbad extended far beyond his estate. A native of Maryland, Bujac’s career included distinguished military service in the Spanish-American War and the Philippines, where he was recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor. After his military service, he settled in Carlsbad, where his legal expertise and civic engagement played a crucial role in the town’s development.

Bujac’s law practice became well-known for its defense of marginalized communities, and his political career, including service on the county commission, marked him as a key figure in local governance. He was a vocal advocate for military preparedness prior to World War I and held a reputation for delivering powerful, patriotic speeches that resonated with his contemporaries. His family, particularly through his wife Julia Armandine Graves Bujac, after whom the estate was named, left a lasting legacy in the region, cementing their place in Carlsbad's history.

Architectural Significance: A Blend of Local Craft and National Trends

The architectural beauty of the Armandine Estate reflects the Bujac family’s prominence. Designed by Col. Bujac himself, the house showcases the Bungalow/Craftsman style popular in the United States during the early 20th century. However, the estate stands out for its regional adaptations, using local adobe and uncoursed limestone, materials that root the estate firmly in the southwestern landscape.

The residence features a nearly symmetrical floor plan, hipped roof, and deep porches that speak to the style’s emphasis on simplicity and craftsmanship. The limestone columns supporting the porch and porte cochere not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also serve practical purposes, offering a stately entrance for visitors arriving by carriage. The combination of wood-framed casement windows and sandstone sills adds further charm and highlights the attention to detail typical of the era.

In addition to the main residence, the estate boasts an array of outbuildings, including a carriage house, saddle barn, and bathhouse. These structures, built with similar care and craftsmanship, reflect the practical needs of rural life at the time. A rustic Adirondack-style gazebo, perched near the river, adds a picturesque element to the estate’s landscape, further connecting the property to its natural surroundings.

Armandine, Carlsbad, Detail, Porte Cochere, Facing N.E.

A Landscape with Historical Depth

The estate’s location along the Pecos River was not only scenic but also strategic. The surrounding five acres, once lush with trees and irrigated fields, represented the prosperity that water brought to the arid lands of southeastern New Mexico. The property’s irrigation ditches, fed by the Carlsbad Irrigation District, sustained the estate’s grounds and reinforced the connection between the region’s agricultural growth and its architectural heritage.

In its prime, the Armandine Estate was not only a home but a symbol of the Bujac family’s role in Carlsbad’s development. It hosted gatherings that influenced local politics and social structures, further cementing the estate’s place as a landmark of cultural and historical importance.

Armandine, Carlsbad, Carriage House & Servants Quarters, Facing West

The Shame of Neglect

Despite its architectural and historical significance, the Armandine Estate now languishes in obscurity. Over time, the property has fallen into disrepair, with many of its outbuildings showing signs of decay. Even more troubling is the fact that most Carlsbad residents are unaware of the estate’s rich history or even its existence. While it remains a registered historic site, efforts to preserve or restore this important piece of Carlsbad’s past have been limited.

The estate's current condition serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of history and the importance of cultural preservation. As it stands today, the Armandine Estate is not only a testament to the achievements of the Bujac family and the early days of Carlsbad but also a reflection of the town’s collective memory, slowly fading with time.

Full Text of the National Register of Historic Places can be found here:

https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail/e2a479a9-bf0a-4d81-9b84-6c9d8e11454e

You may find some Historic Images Archived by the SENM Historical Society here:

https://nearlovingsbend.smugmug.com/search/index.mg#q=Armandine&i=0

The Estate Location Mapped: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vey2JVFAK3MFqbvt5

1910.063 View across the Pecos to Armandine, the Capt.Bujac home, in winter, looking northwest. Built in 1908 1910 approx. New Mexico Carlsbad Collection of Adele Bujac Tucker.

photo credit to senmhs.org & nearlovingsbend.net