The main house of Heritage House was built in 1904 by Candido Gonzales, a prominent Corrales landowner, farmer, and former county sheriff. Gonzales was a descendant of Juan Gonzales Bas, one of the founders of Corrales.

The two-story frame home is unique not only within Corrales, but throughout New Mexico. Because Gonzales frequently traveled to the East Coast, it is believed he may have drawn inspiration from the popular American residential styles of the era, creating a home unlike most others in the region.

Over the years, the property became known locally as “The Sears House.” While the home incorporates architectural components sold through the Sears Roebuck Company—including window frames, decorative wood trim, and the original pulley-operated windows that remain downstairs today—it predates Sears’ famous mail-order house kits, which were not introduced until 1908.

For more than a century, the property has served many purposes. It has been a family residence surrounded by farmland, a winery, a sleep research clinic, and even an antique store known as Heritage House. Each chapter added to the rich story of the property while preserving its place within the Corrales community.

Beyond its architectural significance, the house has also earned a place in New Mexico’s cultural history. Over the years, it has been home to notable residents, including author Lucia Berlin, who is believed to reference life in the big white house and walks to the river behind it in several of her short stories. More recently, the property served as a recurring filming location for ABC’s television series Big Sky. The Dining Room has also found its way into New Mexico’s creative landscape, having been photographed and featured as part of a Meow Wolf installation. 

Throughout its long history, the home evolved with the times, gaining electricity, a permanent foundation, the Sun Room, porches and decks, stained-glass features, the Carriage House, and other improvements. These additions helped shape the distinctive character that visitors enjoy today.

In 2019, the Robinson family purchased the property and began an extensive seven-year restoration and renovation effort. Their goal was to honor the home’s historic character while creating a welcoming destination for the community. In January 2026, Heritage House opened its doors as a café, inn, and event venue, beginning a new chapter while preserving one of Corrales’ most distinctive historic properties.