Wed, 08/17/2011 - 17:26 | 
reed
Beautiful Mountain Ranch with Lots of Extras
Nestled in the small, temperate valley created by the trout-filled waters of New Castle's Main Elk Creek, this ranch is a true gem of the Rockies. With a sprawling luxury home, spacious caretaker's apartment, newly-constructed loafing shed, purpose-built haybarn with horse stalls, large pond, and pressurized underground irrigation system, this property is one of the most desirable ranches in Western Colorado. With easy access to BLM land and walk-up fly fishing in the creek running through the property, this classy ranch has it all! The towering Clinetops overlook the property, providing a stunning view through the house's massive windows. The property is just minutes from town, providing comfortable mountain seclusion with easy grocery shopping and plentiful social opportunities.
The Home
Standing watch over Clinetop Ranch, containing nearly 6000 square feet of floor space, lies the centerpiece of the property. This log and stucco home, designed by architect Patrick Hubbell, repeat winner of both the Denver and Summit County Parade(s) of Homes, is accentuated by high, log-beamed ceilings and stone pillars saturated with beautiful red-veined river rock taken from the creek. Upon entering the home, one immediately notices the massive stone fireplace that makes up the center of the home. Again, water-polished river rock from Main Elk Creek makes up this magnificent structure. The living room lies beyond the see-through fireplace, and the wall-to-wall windows provide a sweeping view of the Clinetops. Knotty cherry cabinets and granite countertops highlight the roomy kitchen and informal dining room/kitchen nook, while a heavy, red mesquite table and elk antler chandelier underscore the formal dining area.
A master suite, complete with walk-in closet and custom full bathroom overlooks Main Elk Creek. The office/den follows the suit of the kitchen with similar and extensive custom cherry cabinets and two permanent desks. The two-car garage has plentiful room for freezers and storage. The lovely walk-out basement boasts a spacious recreation/living room as well as a guest master bedroom suite and an additional bedroom suite and huge storage areas. Even a ping-pong room! Outside, a beautiful, bubbling water feature runs under the porch. The home is surrounded by rock gardens and various shrubs and trees, including aspen, spruce, and even raspberry bushes.
The Property - Irrigation, Fishing, Hunting, and Improvements
Moving outside, the property's 24+ acres roll gently toward Main Elk Creek. A pump house lies at the property's highest point, feeding the underwater pipe network that provides pressurized, sprinkler-based irrigation to the property's hay meadows. Below the home are two major buildings: a barn and a loafing shed for sheltering horses. A roomy 1-bedroom, 2-bath caretaker's apartment makes up the upper story of the barn, while horse stalls, a well-appointed shop area, hay storage, dog kennels, a meat locker, and a utility room with bathroom make up the lower area.
Heading downhill toward the river, there lies a large pond shaded by massive cottonwoods. The river is just feet away, and across the creek lies another meadow frequented by healthy herds of elk and deer. Fishing is plentiful and entertaining, with lively German Browns and Rainbow trout filling the water of Main Elk Creek. 18-inch trout have been hauled out of these waters hooked on dry flies by the flick of a deft wrist, and excellent fishing is the norm. Hunting opportunities abound, with elk, deer, and even wild turkeys inhabiting the ranch and endless adjoining tracts of public U. S. BLM and Forest Service lands. There have been five elk taken on the property in the past three years.
Social Life and Recreation
Just 9 minutes away from the property lies New Castle, with its large City Market, several restaurants, and easy access to I-70. Another 10 minutes' drive to the east and Glenwood Springs appears, with a large, new mall, a thriving business district, and the world-famous Hot Springs Pool. Social opportunities abound while rafting, kayaking and fishing are available in the sometimes-placid, sometimes-thundering waters of the Colorado River - in addition to skiing at Sunlight Mountain Resort. To the west lie Silt and Rifle, with an airport capable of fielding 727-size jets and boating and fishing opportunites on the local reservoirs. Aspen is 1.5 hours to the east; Grand Junction is 1.5 hours to the west.
