It’s no surprise that one of the Roaring Fork Valley’s first settlers chose this particular piece of paradise to call home. Nestled in the heart of the valley, the historic home was built in 1882. The main house has evolved through improvements and additions from just four subsequent owners. The three bedroom, two bath main house features knotty pine walls, high ceilings, hardwood floors, river rock fireplace, a vintage clawfoot tub and rosette window casings. A private guest house, attached by a breezeway, includes a full kitchen and fireplace, as well as another three bedrooms and two baths.
The spacious master bedroom features a bay window with a window seat and an updated ensuite bath. Upstairs, two bedrooms and a bath are perfect for children or overnight guests who can nod off to the soothing sounds of the stream. An office with a private bath has a separate entrance and showcases views of the adjacent open space and the summit of Mount Sopris.
A sunny breakfast room looks out towards the ponds, and the back patio overlooks the lush lawn and views to the south. Everyone can gather in the large formal dining room or in front of the outdoor fireplace to tell tales about the day’s adventures. Many of those stories may not differ from those told 100 years ago at this endearing homestead.
Originally a cattle ranch on hundreds of acres, most of the surrounding land has been sold, but the four acres that remain (not to mention 300 acres of open space) look like something out of a midsummer mountain dream. Beautiful landscaping—including lawns, fruit trees, and perennial flowers—surrounds the house, but the remaining land has been left to its natural glory and includes two ponds, year-round flowing water, extensive water rights and world-class private fishing right out the back door.
“First and foremost are the water rights,” says listing broker Nancy Emerson with Coldwell Banker Mason Morse. “The property includes tremendous old historic water rights, which are very valuable in Colorado.”
The two ponds on the property, one of which is right outside the back door, are fed by the Roaring Fork River and filled with large, healthy fish. “The water rights are part of this listing as well, and the ponds are not available for fishing for anybody other than the owners and the owners’ guests,” Nancy says. The ponds also attract an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl. “I’ve shown the house several times and have seen a swan and all kinds of ducks and geese. When insects are hatching, the pond surfaces boil with large trout catching dinner.”
“It’s a perfect property for a family compound or a private fishing retreat,” Nancy says. “I can even imagine a group of like-minded buyers purchasing it together because there are so many bedrooms and baths, and the mid-valley location is terrific.”
This private, wild enclave may feel like it’s a world away from today’s conveniences, but Willits Town Center is a six-minute drive, and the charming town of Carbondale is six minutes away in the other direction. Grocery stores, restaurants, shops, galleries, and entertainment venues are within easy reach in either direction. And Aspen, with its world-class skiing, renowned cultural activities, fine dining and airport is 26 miles away.
Interested in learning more? Check out the listing at thenancyemersonteam.com or contact Nancy Emerson at 970-366-1194 or nemerson@masonmorse.com.
Property Highlights
Historic Home
Built in 1882, the original home was one of the first homesteads in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Incredible Location
Situated upon four stunning acres and adjacent to 300 acres of open space, the property is close to shopping, outdoor activities, and world-class skiing.
Water Rights
Extensive water rights are an extremely valuable component of this one-of-a-kind opportunity.
“It's really perfect for a family compound or private fishing retreat,” says listing broker Nancy Emerson. “I can imagine several owners purchasing it together because there's so many bedrooms and baths and the mid-valley location is terrific.”
