66500 State Highway 69, Westcliffe, Colorado

Description

Five Star Ranch near Westcliffe, Colorado is exceptional in every regard. Carefully designed to blend perfectly with its environment. Including 71.6± deeded acres and 490± acres of leased State Land (buyer will have to apply for), the ranch is situated at about 8000 feet in southern Colorado’s Wet Mountain Valley, considered by many to be one of Colorado’s most scenic undiscovered locations. The ranch is a mix of grassy meadows, rugged rock outcroppings and a mature forest estimated to contain 30,000 ponderosa pines. This large tract of undisturbed habitat is ideal for wildlife, and herds of mule and elk are frequently seen on the property. Birds and small game are also abundant, making Five Star Ranch a quiet sanctuary for all. The views of the great Sangre de Cristo Range to the west dominate the property, offering ever-changing scenery. Five Star Ranch is exceptional in the artistry and architecture of its award-winning lodge-like ranch house. This exquisite timber frame residence is built with “Free of Heart” timbers all connected by “Mortise and Tenon”, which is oak dowels, no nails, screws or bolts. Featured as Timber Home Living’s “Home of the Year” in 2009., this custom-designed timber frame home is 13,568± square feet of unmatched mountain luxury. Its lodge-like feel begins with its unique 42-foot arched canopy marking its main entrance. This entrance leads to a vast great room with 22-foot high ceilings with a walk-around natural stone fireplace, large dining area, and open kitchen. The kitchen at 370± sq. ft. and will be the envy of any chef. Designed by Smallbone of Devizes out of London. The full-grain maple and birch burr cabinets by Irpinia, out of Toronto, Canada, accompanied with beautiful granite countertops. Equipped with high-end appliances, such as Thermador, Miele, Wolf, Viking, Pisher-Pakel, and Bosch, giving a true gourmet kitchen experience. Overall this space spreads a vaulted, open beam ceiling that completes the blend of rustic/modern styling that captures the best of the surrounding environment. In-floor heating throughout keeps the main house very comfortable twelve months of the year. A master suite is accessed off the great room, which includes its own fireplace. Completing the main level is a five-car garage. Upstairs via an open spiral staircase lies a reading room and a unique observation room that creates a space that captures 360 degrees of mountain views. The lower level is fully finished, and has a private office, gym, and bathroom. Five Star Ranch includes even more amenities, including an attached guest house with four bedrooms, three baths, and a two-car garage. A short hike into the woods leads to a refurbished rustic cabin, perfect for stargazing. Two large metal shops with overhead garage doors complete the improvements at Five Star Ranch and allow plenty of workspace for vehicles and other equipment. The Ranch’s location is optimal for serenity and convenience. To the south, only five minutes away on Highway 69, lies Westcliffe, the Custer County seat. A community of 4000 residents, Westcliffe retains a small-town feel but has many amenities close at hand. Its art community, historic buildings, shops, and restaurants are worth exploring year-round. Several churches and a medical center add to Westcliffe’s vibrancy as the hub of the Wet Mountain Valley. To the north, Highway 69 gives easy access to the Arkansas River valley and ultimately the cultural mecca of Colorado Springs, only 90 minutes away. Recreational activities are available within a short drive from the ranch’s borders. Elk and deer hunting are possible on the ranch itself and the nearby San Isabel National Forest. Trout fishing and boating are only minutes away at Deweese Reservoir and Grape Creek. Only a bit further, over 100 miles of Gold Medal Water is available on the Arkansas River, beloved by fly fishermen worldwide. Hiking, horseback riding, OHV riding, and jeeping are excellent on the nearby forest.