Durango, CO 81301(La Plata County)

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).