Executive Summary
Located off the Highway of Legends in the heart of the Cuchara Valley, North Star Ranch is situated in one of the most desirable locations in southern Colorado. Nationally recognized for its spectacular geology, including the Spanish Peaks and the Dakota Wall, this former centennial ranch is an exceptional equine facility. The ranch encompasses 265± acres and is bisected by the Cuchara River. Outstanding improvements are the centerpiece of this offering. Featured is an exquisite Mediterranean-inspired 4,048 sq. ft. home, a professionally designed horse barn, 110’ x 220’ indoor arena, remodeled homestead and a charming guest casita. Unparalleled views of the Spanish Peaks and their majestic granite dikes combined with irrigated meadows along a cottonwood river bottom makes this property one of a kind. Click below for:Interactive Photos (1)Interactive Photos (2)Location
In the heart of southwestern Colorado, North Star Ranch is ideally located four miles south of La Veta, Colorado. A designated scenic byway, Highway 12, provides direct access to the property in two locations. Approximately one mile of road frontage serves as the southeastern boundary of the property. The Grandote Golf Course is a mere three miles from the ranch while fishing, hiking, skiing and numerous other outdoor activities are also within a short drive. The ranch is three hours from Denver and Santa Fe. Locale
Giving one the feeling of being at the base of the Spanish Peaks and nestled on the banks of the Cuchara River, the North Star Ranch is uniquely positioned in the Cuchara Valley and basin amongst massive vertical spires of ancient lava dikes. Immense 100 ft. walls of rock randomly scattered throughout the foothills of the valley stretch up to 13 miles in length fostering a prehistoric feeling adding to the overall appeal and tranquility of the area.
The Comanche Indians appropriately named the area “Wahatoya” meaning “Double Mountain” referencing the infamous twin mountains known as the Spanish Peaks. Dating further back, the “Tarahumare” Indians believed the mighty peaks were the source of life or the place where life emerged on earth. It is said that their prophet Grandote came to the valley in search of water during a severe drought. The Ute and Apache Indian tribes inhabited the area as well. During the 1500’s the Spanish Conquistadors arrived and named the Sangre De Cristos “the blood of Christ” because the mountain peaks turn red at sunrise. Early Spanish settlers also named La Veta, which translated means “the vein.” Following the footsteps of early Spanish settlers, Colonel John M. Francisco settled La Veta in 1862 and stated “this is paradise enough for me.” The original fort that Colonel Francisco founded still stands in the center of town. Early settlers sought their fortunes by mining for gold, agricultural opportunities, developing railroads and La Veta’s early beginnings were like most small Colorado towns. Tales of adventure of Old West icons such as Jesse James, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday frequenting the area are still reflected on at the local coffee shops.
La Veta is small, attractive, filled with diversity, breathtaking scenery and a warm, inviting feel. Offering a pleasant atmosphere and a sense of community, the town encompasses a population of slightly over 900. A medical center, several restaurants, grocery store, post office, hardware store, motel, antique stores, museum, library, art galleries, live theater and colorful local coffee shops add to the ambiance of this truly exceptional small town.
An airstrip a few miles outside of town can accommodate small aircraft. The runway is 60 ft. wide by 5,800 ft. in length. The Spanish Peaks Airfield located in Walsenburg has an asphalt airstrip that is 60 ft. by 4,900 ft. Additionally, commercial air service is available at Pueblo Municipal Airport, Colorado Springs Municipal Airport and the San Luis Valley Regional Airport in Alamosa. Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Taos, Denver and Santa Fe offer the amenities of larger towns and are all within three hours. Climate
La Veta and the Cuchara Valley is known for its abundant sunshine, four-season climate, mild year-round weather conditions and is considered by many to be one of the “banana belts” in the south-central region of Colorado.
Annual precipitation ranges from 15” to 25” with approximately 30% to 50% of it accumulating during the growing season lasting an estimated 75 to 100 days. The valley can experience heavy snows in the winter, strong winds during seasonal changes and very pleasant summer days, typically averaging between the high 80s to low 90s. The average annual temperature ranges from 48 to 52 degrees. General Description
The Cuchara Valley is truly the last undiscovered jewel in Colorado. Centered in the heart of it is the North Star Ranch, a classic equestrian property. The diversity of the property includes irrigated hay meadows, a tree-lined river bottom and oak and juniper hillsides which combine in an intimate, private setting. The tremendous southern views lend themselves to breathtaking sunsets over the Spanish Peaks which tower over the property. Massive vertical spires of ancient lava dikes punctuate the foothills in the surrounding Cuchara Valley and are visible from nearly anywhere on the property. Other captivating views from various locations on the ranch include Silver Mountain, Raspberry Mountain and the Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range.
The main residence is located in the middle of the property and lies within a stone’s throw of the Cuchara River which traverses the property for approximately one-and-a-half miles. The barn and indoor arena are nicely located close to one another yet set back far enough from the home to ensure a high level of privacy. The caretaker home and guest cabin are positioned at the entrance of the property. Improvements
Main Residence:
Located in the heart of the property with commanding views in all directions near the Cuchara River, this masterfully crafted, custom 4,000 sq. ft. Mediterranean-inspired home is truly exquisite. Completed in 2008, the home is designed with exceptional detail combining old world charm with modern convenience. A graceful entry with a large walk-in closet and wine room leads to the expansive great room which features a beautiful articulated, vaulted ceiling. The strength of the old hand-hewn beams provides a framework for the exquisite plaster walls of the living, dining and kitchen area, a space which accommodates a multiplicity of uses from small, intimate gatherings to larger social events. French doors access a central outdoor patio giving continuity to outdoor and indoor entertaining especially in the summer months when the outdoor fire pit and Viking grill are the perfect combination for entertaining. Large windows frame still-life compositions of nature in every direction while the fireplaces at either end of the room provide intimate areas.
The master suite ensures the utmost privacy while being graced with sensational views of the Spanish Peaks. A fireplace and French doors leading to the patio add warmth, accessibility and charm. The master bath is a masterpiece unto itself with beautiful Moroccan tile, a step down double shower, hand carved vanity and a private outdoor shower. A large walk-in closet off the master bath is both functional and beautifully built from all reclaimed materials. An office is located adjacent to the master suite.
On the far side of the living room are the library and guest rooms. With ceiling-to-floor bookshelves and corner fireplace the library is the ultimate space in which to retreat. Above the library is one guest room, with another at ground level with an adjoining bath.
Attention to detail is at the heart of this house from the hand-crafted doors, reclaimed white oak rafters, trusses and flooring, hand-carved mesquite cabinets and vanities combined with top-of-the-line appliances, including an AGA range and Subzero refrigerator. The flagstone floors mirror the warmth of the exterior geology. Moroccan influences are visible from the interior arches to the doors and lighting. Rastra block construction, stucco exterior, clay tile roof, reclaimed exterior beams and Dynamic windows complete the exterior.
Miller Architects, PC
Southern Wood Imports
Horse Barn:
• Built in 2007
• Metal building with cinder block interior
• 10 stalls, each 12 ft. x 16 ft.
• Each stall is furnished with Nelson waterers, feeders and rubber mats on top of a gravel base
• Front porch with awning
• Office with full bath and partial kitchen
• Half bathroom including washer and dryer
• Tack room
• Breeding lab
• Breeding stocks (breeding area is lined with pavers on the floor)
• Enclosed wash bay, with over-head heater and lights
• Two foaling stalls with video and window monitoring
• Halogen lights - all stalls on timers
• Electric baseboard heat throughout
• Utility room
• Three electric bay doors with keypad access panels
• Two outside water hydrants
Indoor Arena:
• Built in 2007
• Metal building
• 110 ft. x 220 ft.
• Nine electric bay doors
• Cutting Critter (personal property of seller; may be purchased separately)
• Halogen lights
• Two outside water hydrants and two inside water hydrants
• Equipment storage area
• Hay storage area with concrete floor
Caretaker/Manager's Residence:
• Original homestead house built in 1930
• 2,790± sq. ft.
• Five bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Living room
• Finished basement
• Patio
• Enclosed porch
• Hot tub
• Unattached garage/equipment storage area
Guest Casita:
• Completely refurbished in 2006
• One loft-style bedroom
• One bathroom
• Living room
• Kitchen
• Deck and patio areas
• Utility room
Miscellaneous:
• Eight paddocks each are separated by an alley
• Six paddocks are furnished with frost-free hydrants
• Each paddock is furnished with Nelson waterers and woven wire (no climb) fencing
• Seven loafing sheds
• High tensile fencing
• Two 1,000-gallon propane tanks (main residence and caretaker home)
• Two 1,500-gallon cisterns Wildlife Resources
Located in Game Management Unit 85, the North Star Ranch is in an area noted for its abundance of wildlife. Strictly migratory in nature, elk, deer, black bear, brown bear, mountain lions, coyotes, and Merriman turkeys move through the property and neighboring ranches during seasonal transitions.
La Veta and the Cuchara Valley is sought after for its wildlife and access to the San Isabel National Forest and Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area. Fishery Resources
The Cuchara River runs through the center of the property encompassing both sides of the river for approximately one mile. One-half mile of additional river frontage completes the northwest boundary. Spring runoff brings increased flows while in the late summer months the volume of water will decrease. The river’s CFS (cubic feet per second) flow is relatively consistent on a year-round basis and offers fishing opportunities for brook trout ranging from 8 to 12 inches, and smaller rainbow and brown trout can also be found inhabiting the river. There is ample opportunity to further develop the fishery habitat on the river and there is potential for the development of stream ponds and/or a lake in the southeast corner of the property. Additional Information
Elevation
The lowest point on the property is in the southeast corner along the river and is approximately 7,600 feet. The highest point is a ridge centered in the property and is approximately 7,885 feet.
Utilities
● Electricity is provided by San Isabel Rural Electric Association
● Phone service is provided by McLeod USA, Inc.
● Propane is provided by La Veta Propane
Cuchara River Property Owner's Association
A portion of land in the North Star Ranch is a member of the Cuchara River Property Owner’s Association. The 2008 annual dues were $1,185.00. Acreage
265± Acreage Breakdown
The property consists of 265± deeded acres. There is approximately 140± acres of irrigated meadows and sub-irrigated areas. The balance of the acreage is cottonwood river bottom, grassland and rolling hillsides interspersed with gamble oak and native shrubbery.
Broker Comments
The North Star Ranch represents an opportunity to acquire a turn-key, state-of-the-art equestrian property in one of the most beautiful areas of Colorado. The improvements are of the highest quality and the primary residence is one-of-a-kind. Attention to detail and a combination of years of experience in the equine industry have been the cornerstone in developing this estate. The equestrian facilities’ functionality and design are unparalleled. Incorporating the paddocks, pastures, fencing, watering systems and irrigation is instrumental to the day-to-day use of the ranch. Additionally, the views of Spanish Peaks, surrounding mountains and prehistoric rock outcroppings are inspiring to say the least. The Cuchara River running through the center of the property adds the final touch, offering tranquility and exemplary scenery. Mineral Rights
Seller will convey all mineral rights owned by seller, if any, to buyer at closing. Recreational Considerations
The San Isabel National Forest offers over one million acres, a multitude of year-round recreational opportunities and is easily accessible from the ranch. The Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area was added to the National Wilderness Preservation Program by the United States Congress in 2000 and offers an additional 19,200 acres of protected land. The Great Sand Dunes National Monument, Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area, Green Horn Mountain Wilderness Area located in the Wet Mountains and access to the Rio Grande and Arkansas River are within an hour’s drive of the property.
One of the best public golf courses in southern Colorado is located less than five minutes from the ranch. Grandote Peaks Golf Club, with layout design by Weiskopf and Morrish, is open April 1st and ends the season October 31st. Golf Digest awarded the course the “Four Star Award Winner,” with four sets of tees and over 7,000 yards of playable fairways. Within minutes of the ranch, this resource gives one an opportunity to, spend a great afternoon golfing finished off by relaxing on the clubhouse deck watching the sun set over the Sangre De Cristos. Water Rights
The North Star Ranch has ample water rights to irrigate approximately 140± acres. The property is allocated 67 shares in the Cuchara River Ditch Company which represents 67% of the ownership offering a controlling interest in the ditch company. The 2008 annual dues were $800.00. Surface irrigation water rights are as follows:
• McCaskill Ditch No. 11 for 2.0 cfs, appropriation date December 30, 1868
• Cucharas Ditch No. 30 for 0.5 cfs, appropriation date June 15, 1872
• Cucharas Ditch No. 34 for 1.5 cfs, appropriation date April 25, 1873
• John G. Cozad Ditch No. 45 for 1.4 cfs, appropriation date June 26, 1875
Three domestic wells provide water to all residences, horse barn and indoor arena. Two 1,500-gallon cisterns assure a constant supply of water to the main residence and caretaker home. (Copies of water rights, water stock certificates and well permits are available upon request). Taxes
The 2008 property taxes were $3,500.00. Additional Services
MANAGEMENT SERVICES – Hall and Hall’s Management Division has a very clear mission – To represent the owner and to ensure that his or her experience is a positive one. Services are customized to suit the owner’s needs. They often begin with the recruiting and hiring of a suitable ranch manager or caretaker and are followed by the development of a management or operating plan along with appropriate budgets. Ongoing services include bill paying, ranch oversight, and consulting services as needed. Even the most sophisticated and experienced ranch owners appreciate the value of a management firm representing them and providing advice on local area practices and costs. Wes Oja and Jerome Chvilicek at (406) 656-7500 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (406) 656-7500 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (406) 656-7500 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (406) 656-7500 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or Randy Clavel at (303) 861-8282 are available to describe and discuss these services in detail and welcome your call.
RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT SERVICES – Increasingly the value of a ranch is measured by the quality of each and every one of its resources. Coincidentally the enhancement of a ranch’s resources also increases the pleasure that one derives from the ownership of a ranch. Our management services have included the assessment of everything from wildlife habitat to bird habitat to water resources and fisheries and the subsequent oversight of the process involved with the enhancement of these resources. Wes Oja or Jerome Chvilicek at (406) 656-7500 are available to describe and discuss these services in detail and welcome your call.
SPECIALIZED LENDING - Over the past 59 years Hall and Hall has created a legacy by efficiently providing capital to the intermountain west. In addition to traditional farm and ranch loans, we specialize in understanding the unique aspects of placing loans on ranches where value may be influenced by recreational features, location and improvements and repayment may come from outside sources. Our extensive experience and strong relationships with our lenders allows us to quickly tell you whether we can provide the required financing.
Competitive Pricing ● Flexible Terms ● Efficient Processing
In-House Appraisals ● Common Sense Underwriting
Dave Roddy ● (406) 656-7500
Mike Hall, Judy Chirila, or Randy Clavel ● (303) 861-8282
Monte Lyons ● (806) 698-6882 Email Broker - Jeff Buerger Return to Top | Return to List
Hall and Hall is acting as a Seller’s Agent and will cooperate with other agents acting as a Transaction Broker or Buyer Agent only.
NOTICE: Offering is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classifications, acreages, carrying capacities, potential profits, etc., are intended only as general guidelines and have been provided by sources deemed reliable, but whose accuracy we cannot guarantee. Prospective buyers should verify all information to their satisfaction. Prospective buyers should also be aware that the photographs in this brochure may have been digitally enhanced.
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