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Cascade Ranch

$3,950,000 Idaho Springs, CO 260± Deeded Acres

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Overview

Executive Summary

Cascade Ranch is the archetypal “gentleman’s” property and/or executive retreat. The property is the ideal model of a smaller acreage, well improved getaway, immersed in the Arapaho National Forest yet easily accessible from downtown Denver and located only 8.5± miles from Idaho Springs. Features include a newly remodeled primary residence completed in 2016, recently constructed manager/caretaker home and two fully restored turn of the century log cabins. Located at the end of a private drive, the property is nestled in the heart of a massive southern facing, heavily timbered valley showcasing jaw-dropping views of Mt. Evans, Goliath and Bierstadt. Privacy, exclusivity, accessibility, wildlife, views, turn-key improvements, and all centrally located within close proximity to Denver, ski resorts, and air travel.

Just the Facts

  • 260± deeded acres
  • 8.5± miles from Idaho Springs
  • 45 minutes to downtown Denver and approximately 1 hour to DIA
  • Within a 1.5 hour drive of Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and Vail
  • Under same ownership since 1969
  • 2,376± sq. ft. completely remodeled in 2016 – 3 beds, 2.5 baths
  • 768± sq. ft. detached 3 car garage, greenhouse, small storage
  • 2,940± sq. ft. completed in 2017 – 2 beds, 2 baths
  • 2 fully restored turn of the century cabins
  • Shooting range
  • Located in GMU 39
  • Southern exposure over most of the property
  • Exceptional views include Mt. Goliath, Mt. Evans, Mt. Bierstadt
  • 1.8± mile private drive
  • Accessed off Cascade Creek Road No. 116
  • Nearly enveloped by Arapaho National Forest
  • Heavy mix of timber and open meadows, small pond

General Description

Cascade Ranch is a completely turnkey opportunity to own a 260± acre gentleman’s ranch surrounded by miles of pristine Arapaho National Forest. Outfitted with a number of renovated and restored structures, the property is nestled in an area renown for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. 

Broker's Comments

Cascade Ranch is the archetypal “gentleman’s” property and/or executive retreat. It is the ideal model of a smaller acreage, well-improved getaway, immersed in the Arapaho National Forest. Built for those who take pleasure in the undeniable natural beauty and history of a preserved alpine setting, Cascade Ranch offers turnkey living amidst a heavy mix of timber and open meadows, expansive views and complete privacy. 

Locale

Location

Ideally positioned just southwest of Idaho Springs, CO, Cascade Ranch is located just 45 minutes from downtown Denver, and one hour to Denver International Airport. The property is in GMU 39 and can be accessed off Cascade Creek Road No. 116 via a private 1.8-mile driveway secured by gated entrance.

Locale

Idaho Springs is a Colorado mountain town, diverse in adventure sports, outdoor attractions, and entertainment. Nowhere in Colorado is the state’s mining history richer than in Idaho Springs. Gold was first discovered here in 1859, and several mining tours will guide you through the town’s local mining history. With unrivaled natural beauty, including the natural hot springs for which the area is named, Idaho Springs presents an unbeatable locale for those who appreciate the outdoors.


The town is a popular stop off for folks traveling up and down the mountain via I-70. It’s home to the Charlie Taylor Waterwheel which you can see from the highway on the eastbound side. Local eateries such as Tommyknocker Brewery and Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza are charming spots to stop in for a bite.


Adjacent to Idaho Springs, just west of Denver, sits Mount Evans, an iconic mountain peak with a 14-mile ascent recognized as the highest paved road in North America. The summit rests atop the Mount Evans Scenic and Historic Byway for an incredible scenic drive or hike.


Nearby gambling towns of Black Hawk and Central City are a short distance, in addition to the towns of Dumont, Empire, Georgetown, Nederland, Silver Plume, and Ward – each offering their own unique attractions and charms. Top ski areas include Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Vail, plus world-class golf are within a 1.5-hour drive.

Climate

Idaho Springs has an average of 19 inches of rainfall per year, with an average annual snowfall of 146 inches. Residents enjoy over 249 sunny days per year, with peak summer highs around 78 degrees in July, and winter lows around 13 degrees in January.

Property Details

Acreage (Deeded & Leased)

Deeded Acres: 260±
Total Leased Acres:
Total Acres: 260±

Additional Information

Utilities

  • Propane: 1,200-gallon tank
  • Electrical: Grid upgraded by Xcel Energy  in 2017 
  • Security: ADT Pulse system (ADT remote monitoring of home, video cameras (2), remote on/off of lights, remote management of Nest thermostat)
  • Phone: CenturyLink, Cellular: AT&T M-Cell, Internet: HughesNet, TV: DishHD 


Facts at a Glance

  • Extraordinary views with southern exposure facing Mt. Goliath, Mt. Evans, Mt. Bierstadt 
  • Surrounded by national forest Arapaho National Forest with direct access to hundreds of thousands of acres including the 73,000-acre Mount Evans Wilderness area
  • Colorado Game Management Unit (GMU) 39 – one of Colorado’s best big game hunting & fishing destinations close to Denver (45 minutes)
  • Private 1.8-mile driveway secured by gated entrance accessed off Cascade Creek Road No.116 
  • Property includes all improvements thereon, including water rights and mineral rights
  • Equestrian facilities
  • Shooting range, stream, pond


Cascade Lodge (See Detail sheet)

  • 2,376± square feet completely rebuilt in 2016
  • Three bedrooms, two and a half baths
  • 768± square foot detached three car garage, greenhouse, shop


Guest House (See Detail sheet)

  • 2,940± square feet completed in 2017
  • First level - 1,470± square feet, two bedrooms, two baths, large great room
  • Ground level – 1,470± including 600± square feet air conditioned, two car garage


Homestead Cabin 1906

  • Fully restored
  • Antique wood burning cook stove


Prospector Cabin

  • Cascade lodge prospector cabin 1880s (est)
  • Fully restored
  • Antique wood burning cook stove


Property Infrastructure

  • Domestic well (Permit #95040) Lodge and Guest house
  • Well (Permit #98168) for livestock
  • Well (Permit #95044) original well
  • Road – Year-round access off Cascade Creek Road (CR #116)
  • Electrical – Grid upgraded by Xcel Energy in 2017

Improvements

Cascade Lodge

A spectacular 2,376± square foot mountain lodge completely rebuilt and finished in 2016. The lodge’s open floor plan is designed for entertaining family and guests or quiet solitude. With vaulted ceilings throughout and a functional layout that centers around the great room, it makes highly efficient use of space. A number of patios and outdoor areas are ideal for grilling or taking in the views. The home includes:

Gourmet chef’s kitchen

  • Granite counters
  • Custom cabinetry
  • High-end appliances
  • Large chef’s island seats five
  • Built-in bar and wine storage

Dining room

Great room

  • Massive stone wood burning fireplace

Billiards and Library

Solarium

  • Wine & beverage refrigerator
  • Serving counter

Master bedroom

  • Stacked stone wall with beautiful wood burning fireplace
  • Master bath with double vanity
  • Separate room for jetted tub and shower, separate toilet room

Bunk room

  • Two sets of extra-long bunk beds, sleeps four
  • Attaches to master bath

Guest suite

  • Separate guest suite shower
  • Attaches through to second bathroom for privacy

Linen closet

Laundry room

Interior Design Attributes - 

  • All materials, design, craftsmanship, and labor (Orlando Construction, Evergreen) was sourced from only the best craftsmen in the Evergreen and Denver area(s).
  • Granite was sourced, measured, cut, delivered and installed by Cornerstone Granite, Denver 
  • Cabinets: Design, build and installation by Cress Kitchen and Bath, Wheat Ridge
  • Windows – Pella Architect Series manufactured for high altitude installations; providing outstanding resistance to extreme weather
  • Furniture: Most of the furniture and fixtures are Restoration Hardware. The billiards / ping-pong table is American Billiards. The room furnishings were purchased through Mountain Home of Evergreen and were custom built.
  • Doors, Trim and basboards: Custom made, knotty alder, Sun Mountain, Loveland
  • Floors: White oak procured through Guys Flooring, Denver; Carpet: Caraway
  • Electrical: All new
  • Water System: GeoWater Services, Evergreen
  • Insulation: The entire home is enclosed in spray foam insulation providing an air-tight,    moisture barrier seal. Spray foam insulation is throughout the entire exterior structure     including the ceiling, walls, and floor above the crawl space. Spray foam also adds to the structural strength and integrity, is mold proof, rodent proof, and quiet which adds    to the quiet tranquility of the lodge. All spray foam R-values and depths meet or exceed building code specifications. The spray foam also significantly reduces energy consumption to maintain the house at desired temperatures. Rocky Mountain Insulation, Denver.
  • Crawl Space: Crawl space is completely moisture barrier lined and the entire space is very accessible. Americover. Crawl space lighting is switched near the hydro pump. Temperature is also monitored in the crawl space at a warning threshold of 34 degrees
  • ADT Security: Two Security cameras, ALL doors, motion detectors, fire, smoke and O2 sensors.
  • Thermostat: Nest

Exterior Improvements:

Detached three car garage

  • Storage for cars, ATVs, gear

Greenhouse, Shop

Exterior Design Attributes - 

  • All rock for solid stone exterior and rockwork was sourced locally on the property
  • Exterior design blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings
  • Roof: Standing seam mechanically seamed roofing system with full ice and tater shield underlayment
  • Exterior Painting: Liberty Painting, Evergreen
  • Tree/Fire safety mitigation: All trees and major vegetation have been cleared at least 100 feet from the house and structures for fire safety. The metal roof and rock exterior are also fire safety considerations
  • Property Markers: Almost all original property markers located and remarked

Guest House / Manager’s House

A spectacular mountain home completed in 2017. The two-story home (ground and first floor) centers around the great room and is designed for entertaining family and guests and/or quiet solitude – perfect for corporate retreats, hunting trips, or social gatherings. Built in 2017, it comes complete with a 1,470± square foot main level that houses two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large great room. The 1,470± square foot ground level includes 600± square feet and a two car garage. The home includes:

Gourmet kitchen

  • GE Profile appliances
  • Large island for food preparation which also seats three

Dining room

Great room

Master bedroom

  • Large master bath with separate shower/toilet room
  • Large walk-in closet
  • Linen closet

Laundry/utility room

Structural Attributes and Utilities:

  • Water: Supplied directly by the domestic well
  • Septic: 1,200 gallon
  • Propane: 1,000-gallon propane tank in ground
  • Electrical lines underground
  • Roof: Standing seem metal roof by CraftCorp
  • Phone: CenturyLink; Cellular: Verizon network extender
  • TV: DishHD
  • Internet: HughesNet

Prospector Cabin

Established in 1886. Original prospector cabin located on the property near the gate. Was physically taken apart log by log and rebuilt as the centerpiece of the gun range meadow. Metal roof installed in 2016 to preserve and maintain the integrity of the cabin. 

Homestead Cabin

Established 1906. This was the original homestead cabin on the “Francis Ranch”; a 160± acre parcel. In the full restoration (1972) most of the original cabin was retained. The structure was re-leveled; a new roof with porch overhang was built, and new floorboards. Furnishings are consistent with large homestead cabins of the early 1900s. Metal roof installed in 2016 to preserve and maintain the integrity of the cabin.

Water Rights

Cascade Ranch has three wells: one domestic well for the lodge and guest house; a well for livestock; and an original well. A 1,000-gallon storage tank is supplied by the domestic well. Property includes all improvements thereon, including water rights and mineral rights thereunto.

  • Water: 1,000-gallon storage tank supplied by the domestic well
  • Septic: 1,200 gallon

Taxes

Annual taxes are estimated at $2,643.

Recreational Amenities

Wildlife Resources

The property is situated in Colorado Game Management Unit (GMU) 39 – one of Colorado’s best big game hunting and fishing destinations within close proximity to Denver.

Recreational Considerations

Within the private confines of Cascade Ranch are a variety of impressive recreation sites for hunting, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking. Several world-class ski resorts are within a one to two-hour drive, including Echo Mountain Resort, Loveland Ski Area, Winter Park Resort, Arapaho Basin Ski Area, Eldora Mountain Resort, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Copper Mountain Resort, Vail Resort, Beaver Creek Resort and Keystone Ski Resort.