Among the finest examples of mountain luxury lifestyle, with over 197-gently-rolling acres, Ute Junction Ranch is exceptionally private, enabling unobstructed views of the La Plata Mountain Range. The ranch borders over 1,500 acres of Ute Mountain Tribe lands, protecting the quiet and intimate setting, and includes multiple ponds, mixed terrain, including lush meadows, tall pines, and oak brush. Wildlife across the ranch consists of elk, mule deer, duck, geese, and wild turkey. The gated entry leads through tall pines to a stunning French chateau. Upon arrival, the cobbled courtyard - stones reclaimed from Chicago's famous State and McKinzie Streets - welcomes guests and leads to the grand entry of the 16,000-square-foot beautiful primary residence, suited to host any occasion. Understated yet sophisticated vaulted interiors were perfectly implemented to savor the natural light and act as the ultimate backdrop for a stunning natural setting. Featuring five-bedroom suites, two additional bedrooms, six fireplaces, large common areas, and patios - all thoughtfully located to accommodate festive gatherings while showcasing sweeping views of the majestic La Plata mountains. Other features include Venetian plaster walls, exquisite tile and marble flooring, custom-milled baseboards and crown molding, hardwood, and unique stonework details. The spacious master suite is located on the home's north wing. It includes a fireplace, access to the hot tub, his & her private dressing rooms with Luxe-wardrobe carousels, separate bathrooms with steam shower and large soaking tub, and a kitchenette with laundry. A private Steptoe Canadian metal spiral staircase leads to the dual offices with a refreshment area and clay-throwing tub. On the south wing of the main level, you will find the kitchen, provisioned with the finest appliance package, cabinetry, and counters. A butler's pantry supports the kitchen for additional storage and workspace. A breakfast nook separates the kitchen and the outside veranda. The grand family room features exposed timber frame beams, a fireplace with multiple sitting areas, a bar with a refrigerator, a separate ice maker, and dishwasher. One of the unique rooms in the house is the bright conservatory that showcases a copper roof and offers a beautiful indoor green space with a lovely library adjacent to this area. An elevator provides access to the upper and lower floors, or multiple staircases add easy access to each level. The upper floor offers four guest suites with laundry and kitchenette service. The lower level features a storage room with a safe, temperature-controlled wine room, wet bar, media room, exercise room, 2-bedrooms and multiple bathrooms, large cedar closet, laundry/mud room, gift wrapping room, and two mechanical rooms that house all utilities as well as the water treatment system with three 1,700-gallon storage tanks. The home stays heated with in-floor radiant heat and cools with partial air-conditioning. The driveway and terraces have snowmelt. The generator and heating systems are all powered by natural gas. The outdoor living is perfect for entertaining, with two levels of stone terraces, a fireplace, speakers, thoughtful landscaping, and sunsets that will take your breath away. In addition, there is a 2,700-square-foot guest home and a 1,700-square-foot guest cottage. All three houses have complete security systems. Two heated barns/shops provide ample storage for cars, toys, and equipment. Plus, there is a horse barn with a fenced pasture. A haven for the senses where you can rediscover yourself and is ideally located less than a fifteen-minute drive to the heart of downtown Durango. Skiing can be found minutes from the ranch at the quaint Hesperus Ski Area & fine dining at the Kennebec Cafe. Purgatory Ski Area is less than an hour away, and Telluride and Wolf Creek are less than two hours from this exquisite ranch!
