237 Acres in Durango, CO - $2,200,000
This ranch represents the last large parcel near Lemon Reservoir in the upper portion of the Florida River Valley. A 237 acre mountain ranch with exquisite 5,050 SF custom home, just 20 minutes from downtown Durango, Colorado. This recreational retreat boasts exceptional trout fishing along 1200 feet of the Florida River and borders the San Juan National Forest. The elegant 3-level home has 4/5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, gourmet kitchen, game room, office, and wine room, all with high-end finishes/fixtures; all levels accessible by elevator.
This ranch has all the qualities desiredincluding water rights, river frontage, lush meadows, woodlands, expansive views, natural springs, National Forest access, privacy and securityall within a short drive to the historic downtown area of Durango.
Location and Area
Perched on a picturesque mountaintop, overlooking a tree lined river valley, a convenient...
Perched on a picturesque mountaintop, overlooking a tree lined river valley, a convenient 20 minutes northeast of Durango, the ranch is accessed from County Road 243. The property is just 1/4 mile north of Helens Storea historic landmarkon the west side of the road.
Durango is a town of rural mountain charm and character, and has many big city conveniences, including a state-of-the-art new hospital, many fine restaurants, hotels, shopping, a four-year college, and many cultural activities. There are endless activities for the outdoor sports enthusiast. The town is located 6,700 ft. above sea level, surrounded by scenic mountain views, with over 300 days of sunshine each year. Comfortable summer temperatures reach the upper 80s, while the autumn days are clear, cool and full of vibrant foliage colors. The crisp and sunny winter days often feature abundant, light powdery snow.
The La Plata County area including Durango and Bayfield has a population of 44,000. La Plata County Airport runs daily commercial air service to Denver, Albuquerque and Phoenix, with seasonal service from Houston and Dallas including facilities for full service general aviation. The property is 120 miles from Telluride, 170 miles from Grand Junction, 210 miles from Albuquerque and Santa Fe, about 300 miles from Denver and Colorado Springs and 450 miles from Phoenix.
Property Details
A 237 acre mountain ranch with exquisite 5,050 SF custom home, just 20 minutes from historic downtown Durango, CO. This recreational retreat boasts exceptional trout fishing along 1400 feet of the Florida River and borders the San Juan National Forest. The elegant 3-level home has 4/5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, gourmet kitchen, game room, office, and wine room, all with high-end finishes/fixtures. All levels are accessible by an elevator. Very private and cozy with plenty of natural light that streams from expansive windows, capturing views of the mountains and surrounding woodlands. Designed as a private home yet could easily serve as a very comfortable bed and breakfast or corporate retreat.
Outside and Grounds
Gravel driveway climbs from valley floor through a mixed Alpine forest, arriving to expansive views from the mountaintop retreat
Great care has been taken to preserve this pristine environment and not disturb the ecosystem and the myriad of wildlife that call Medicine Bear Ranch their home
House is surrounded by aspen, fir and pine trees with brook running through the outer lawn
Property borders San Juan National Forest
1,400 feet of Florida River frontage
The water well produces an abundance of delicious cool water at 20 gpm; production is considered enough to be a commercial well
Large drive-through, circular entry with arched wood porte-cochere; cultivated river stone corner for supports
Iron outdoor light fixtures
Large front porch with oversized steps
The exterior of the home is a combination of cultivated river stone and wood planks blend beautifully with the surrounding natural environment
Double Septic system
One thousand gallon buried Propane Tank
Large buried cistern
A portion of the woodlands were burned during the Missionary Ridge fire in 2002, creating open meadow areas that have now re-seeded and offer a mecca for wildlife
Home Features
Architect and Interior Designer, Houston-based Russell and Margaret King
Very open and spacious floor plan designed for easy entertaining of large numbers; great flow inside and to outside deck
Numerous windows throughout home let in abundant natural light
Elevator accesses all 3 levels; opens to garage for convenient transport of groceries
Security system; smoke, fire and low temperature alarm
Master suite on main level
4 bedrooms, 5 baths, game room/studio or caretakers quarters, wine room, office, library, separate dining
Separate lock-off caretakers area which includes laundry room - kitchenette walk-in closet, private outside entrance.
Each of the bedrooms has ensuite baths; oversized walk-in closets; individual thermostats, fans with light fixtures
Phone jacks
Timed heating in bath area
Private locks on each bedroom suite
Built in master electronic and surround sound system with main control from Master Suite and individual controls in office, dining room and downstairs studio.
Advanced phone system for at least 6 separate lines
Cultured river stone wall at entry goes from lower level, main floor to upper level
Hardwood oak floors in entry, great room and dining room; carpet in Master bedroom and tile in kitchen/walk-in pantry
Cathedral, beamed ceiling rises 32 in main living area with beautiful windows from floor to ceiling
10 ceilings in rest of the house
Crown molding in some areas
Radiant floor heating downstairs and main level; individual room controlled baseboard heat on third level
Recessed lighting throughout home
Outside deck for entertaining off dining room/kitchen; exterior table with built-in gas grill and/or ice storage well
MAIN LEVEL
Living Room/Great Room/Foyer
Large foyer opens to cathedral ceiling upon entering spacious living/great room; total area 1,056 SQ FT; perfect for oversized furniture
Extra large wood-burning fireplace has slate border accent and massive single beam mantle; propane start
Wood storage alcove and large, fully wired TV alcove on either side of fireplace TV alcove connected to electronics system in master bedroom
Beautiful Oak plank floors
Floor to ceiling cultured river rock wall
5 ft. tall Elk antler chandelier hangs from 32 ceiling
Magnificent floor to ceiling molded windows, looking out to NE mountains
Recessed lighting
Cross support beams
Dining Room
Huge separate dining room is open to the great room allowing for easy access.
Multiple windows with views to the NE let light stream in
Easily houses an English Oak banquet table and 10 oversized chairs (available for purchase)
Hardwood oak floors
Beautiful hardwood crown molding
Chandelier and recessed lighting
In ceiling speakers for surround sound
Double French doors access oversized deck and exterior stairs to the lawn below
Kitchen
Spacious gourmet kitchen
Tile counters and floors
Counter and wet bar seating includes built-in wine rack
Spacious counter tops
Hickory cabinets offer wonderful storage both above and below with adjustable shelves and full extension drawers
Under cabinet low voltage lighting and electrical plugs under the full length of the upper cabinets
Free standing work table is positioned in the center of the kitchen
Stainless double sinks with copper plumbing fixtures
Garbage disposal rated for septic system
Kitchen-aid trash compactor
Kitchen-aid dishwasher
Two full-sized side-by-side Amana refrigerators each with freezer below and ice makers
Thermador combination convection/microwave double ovens
Warming drawer with high heat warming capacity
5-burner gas cook top with down-draft exhaust
Beamed 10 ceiling add charm to this fabulous kitchen
Large walk-in pantry with fully adjustable pull-out cabinet drawers is so charming with its cypress green cabinets that you will never want to close the double shutter doors
Master Suite
Plenty of windows looking out to the NE woodlands and mountains
Wood-burning fireplace with single beam mantle and cultivated river stone wall from floor hearth to ceiling
Double French doors access the spa area and back deck
Master electronic, satellite and sound system housed in built-in cabinet next to fireplace; individual controls for master bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen and game room on lower level; phone system has 6 separate phone lines pulled; phone jacks in all rooms
Carpet
Ceiling fan with light fixture
Recessed accent lighting
Master Bath and Walk-in closet
Double sinks with spacious, ceramic tile counters; mirrored from counter to ceiling
Separate built-in vanity
Large walk-in tile shower w/ decorative tile accent; seamless glass
Oversized tub capable of being plumbed for a Jacuzzi
Heated towel racks
Ceramic tile floors
Top of line plumbing fixtures
Hickory cabinets and linen storage
Timed heating elements for extra warmth
Large walk-in master closet with built in drawers and shelving
Powder Room
Extra large; off foyer
Separate water closet
Hand sponged designer wall paper on walls and ceiling very cool!
Hammered Brass basin is installed in woven rattan Bombay style chest with water-proof top
Lighted sconces
UPPER LEVEL
Office
Large office area over looks great room and fireplace below
Built in file drawers
Windows galore looking out to NE mountains
Carpet
Library
Built-in bookcase with adjustable shelving
Floor and bookcase electrical plugs; phone jack
Overlooks foyer with vaulted ceiling
Second Master Suite
Oversized bedroom with beautiful views; lots of windows looking to NE
Walk-in closet
Private access down exterior steps to the back lawn
Ensuite bathroom with combination tub/shower
Timed Heating in bath area
Ceiling fan with light fixture
Recessed lighting
Phone jack
Individual thermostat for baseboard heat
Privacy lock on door
Carpet
Second Bedroom Suite
Large ensuite bathroom with extra-large soaking tub
Beautiful arched windows
Walk-in closet
Ceiling fan with light fixture
Recessed lighting
Phone jack
Individual thermostat for baseboard heat
Privacy lock on door
Carpet
Third Bedroom Suite
Ensuite bathroom with shower/tub combination
Walk-in closet
Beautiful arched windows
Ceiling fan with light fixture
Recessed lighting
Phone jack
Individual thermostat for baseboard heat
Privacy lock on door
Carpet
LOWER LEVEL
Wine Room
Naturally cooled and humidified; maintains a 55 to 56 degrees year around temperature
This room is insulated from the rest of the house but not the cool underground walls which allows for the naturally controlled temperature and humidity.
Candlelight fixtures; recessed and accent lighting for wine and artwork; mirrored wall; beamed ceiling and supports
This room is large enough to seat 4 for an intimate candlelight dining experience
Built-in Hickory cabinets and wine storage take up one full wall
Bolt lock to wine room
Game Room/Laundry room
Separate key-lock door from lower hallway
Private entrance from the outside
Area includes laundry room/kitchenette including sink and mini refrigerator
Ensuite bathroom with shower/tub
Pop open door accesses hidden 11 x 13 tongue and groove cedar storage room with further access to crawl space under house
Indoor outdoor carpet
Radiant in-floor heat
Recessed lighting
Walk-in closet
Phone Jack
Individual Thermostat
Garage
2 car garage 3 door entrance
Boiler area and storage located here
Wildlife and Recreation
The property has an ideal combination of wildlife habitat, open meadows, trails and rock outcroppings, creating a very private setting that supports a myriad of activities. The property has equestrian and pedestrian access to the National Forest to the northwest and the terrain on the ranch is great for hiking, horseback riding and climbing. The ranch is also home to an array of wildlife. Commonly seen are elk, mule deer, black bear, wild turkey, grouse, coyote, great horned owls and eagles including many other small animals and song birds. The ranch has 5 springs which support the wildlife in the area. The Florida River provides a wonderful trout fishing experience, and the Animas and Pine Rivers are a short distance away along with Lemon Reservoir that is a quick 5 minutes away.
For downhill skiing, Durango Mountain Resort is a 40 minute drive from the ranch, while Wolf Creek and Silverton Mountain Ski Areas are an hour and 20 minutes away. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snow-mobiling are also available throughout the area and on the ranch. Summertime is filled with opportunities for riding, hiking, fishing, boating, golfing and visiting the local Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Mesa Verde National Park and the Four Corners National Monument. Excellent golf can be found at Dalton Ranch Golf Club, Hillcrest Community Club, the private Glacier Club (memberships available), and a top-rated public course at Pinion Hills in Farmington, NM (approximately 40 miles).
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