Executive Summary
Saddle Notch Ranch is a classic mountain retreat located about 15 minutes’ drive west of Loveland at the end of a good graveled county road that provides excellent year-round access. It occupies an exceptionally private site completely surrounded by the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Its 367± deeded acres contain some truly dramatic terrain where high mountain meadows are set against steep cliffs, colorful rock formations and timbered hillsides. The centerpiece of the property is the custom designed nearly 11,000 square foot log home that is almost more of a work of art than a house. A large barn and four bedroom guest house make this an ideal retreat for friends and extended family even though the main house is designed to be comfortable for just the owners when they are there on their own. It doubles as a seasonal retreat or a year-round home just a short drive from the extensive social and cultural amenities of Colorado’s Front Range.
Just the Facts
- 367± deeded acres
- 14 miles west and 25 minutes from Loveland, Colorado
- Nearly enveloped by Roosevelt National Forest
- Exceptional primary residence – 10,929± square foot Pioneer log home
- Guest house
- Equipment shop/barn
- Cabin
- Large lake, several drainages and springs
- Excellent views
- Absolute privacy
- Dramatic elevation changes
- Transitional landscape ranging from valley bottom to heavy timber to high elevation rock outcroppings and cliff faces
- Migratory wildlife, small game species and a variety of bird species
- Easy drive and accessibility to Loveland, Berthoud and Front Range
- Year-round county road access
General Description
As the name suggests, the ranch is located in a “notch” in the mountains west of Loveland and is completely encapsulated by the Roosevelt National Forest. The road from Loveland is paved most of the way, turning to gravel for approximately 2.5 miles before it dead-ends at the ranch boundary. The buildings are at the lower end of the ranch and beautifully sited just below a ridge with dramatic and steep hillsides rising above them. The terrain around the building site is primarily open meadows and pastures, located in a valley running east to west, completely enveloped by rugged and visually stunning foothills. The property continues up into the national forest from the building site and is a pleasing combination of timbered hillsides and open rangeland. The main water sources on the property are eight spring fed ponds, and water catchments and seasonal drainages. The national forest surrounding the property is not easily accessed by the public, which provides a heightened sense of being on one’s own private wilderness extending well beyond the ranch’s formal boundaries.
Broker's Comments
Saddle Notch Ranch is an exquisite private retreat with easy year-round access that offers an unusual and unique piece of land lying within the national forest, along with a truly amazing residence. To find something comparable within range of a major international airport and a metropolitan center of the magnitude of Denver represents an extraordinary opportunity to invest in something that offers enduring value, utmost privacy, and livability.
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Location
Located only a 25-minute drive west of Loveland at the end of the road and surrounded by National Forest, Saddle Notch would have to be considered an exceptionally well located recreational property by any standard. One has easy access to basic amenities and a nice community in Loveland, as well as comfortable access to Denver with all its social and cultural amenities. There is a two-hour drive from the ranch to Denver International Airport, and an hour and a half drive to downtown Denver, yet the ranch feels totally private in a dramatically beautiful setting. It is rare to find this combination in a single property.
Locale
Saddle Notch is unique in that its only real neighbor is the national forest and all the wildness, beauty, and wildlife that comes with that. As one moves away from the national forest, the land becomes progressively more developed, ranging from 35-acre home sites to smaller and smaller acreage developments until one reaches the town of Loveland. Loveland is known as the “gateway to the Rockies” and is an appealing city offering a variety of social and cultural amenities. It has grown from a beautiful small agricultural town to a full-fledged city with a very diverse economic base, including a Hewlett-Packard manufacturing facility, an extensive art scene including, one of the largest Bronze sculpture shows in the country, a trendy cultural scene, and a full range of business offerings.
Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are an hour’s drive to the west and feature over 450 square miles of protected wilderness in a wildlife sanctuary. Within 30 minutes of Saddle Notch is a brand new TPC Golf Course located at Berthoud, and El Dora ski resort is an hour’s drive from the property. Northern Colorado Regional Airport provides commercial services and Ft. Collins-Loveland Jet Center provides private services, located just minutes outside of Loveland. all of the amenities and convenient access along the front range of Colorado are just minutes away from the beauty and extreme privacy of Saddle Notch.
Climate
The altitude at the ranch runs from around 6,800 feet to 8,094 feet. Nearby Loveland boasts of having an average of 233 days of sunshine per year. Saddle Notch would likely have a more extreme climate than Loveland as it is truly in the mountains. Growing season would be short with very comfortable summer days and cool nights. Precipitation is typically in the range of 19 inches while snowfall trends around 46 inches annually. The property is considered accessible year around, so snow depths by Colorado standards would not be excessive.
Aesthetic Considerations
Saddle Notch Ranch is an intrinsically beautiful property whose beauty lies in the setting with dramatic mountains, cliffs, and rocks offering their own beauty. There are areas of the property where one can find grand vistas, but the essence of Saddle Notch is the feeling of being secluded and tucked away in a private mountain setting.
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Acreage (Deeded & Leased)
The ranch consists of 367± deeded acres of mountain country. It varies from grassy native pastures on the valley floor to steep rocky hillsides to timbered faces.
Deeded Acres: 367±
Total Leased Acres: 0±
Total Acres: 367±
Additional Information
Conservation Easement
Saddle Notch is unencumbered by any conservation easements. It would unquestionably lend itself to an easement. The tax benefits from such a donation or the proceeds from a sale of an easement would have the effect of significantly reducing the purchase price.
Improvements
Saddle Notch Ranch offers a 10,000± square foot owners home, a four-bedroom guest house, a large barn, and a storage building. These primary structures are described as follows:
Owner's Home
This estimated 10,929 square foot building was designed to accommodate extended family and guests, while at the same time being comfortable for the owners to live there on their own. The husband is a second-generation cabinet maker and he and his wife have made this house a personal statement about their love and appreciation of wood and custom craftsmanship, as well as the dramatically beautiful site location. The 22” average diameter logs are red cedar and sourced in British Columbia. All the interior cabinet work was handcrafted by the owner and is truly exquisite. The log accents are amazing, truly one-of-a-kind and must be seen in person.
Furnishings were sourced primarily in Cody, Wyoming, which is home to some of the West’s best furniture makers, many of whom work in the old Molesworth tradition. We are told, tongue in cheek, that she was given an unlimited budget and she exceeded it! Renowned Peter Fillerup was commissioned by the owners for various bronze works, lighting, chandeliers, and fireplaces. The wood accent carvings and some of the custom cabinetry were created by the visionary Paul Stark. A massive Eagle and Lion, perfectly located above the fourth-floor tower room, overlook the face of the home.
The house contains two wood burning fireplaces and four gas fireplaces, and 3,830± square feet of outdoor patio and deck space. Huge windows specifically built for the home provide spectacular views to an equally and uniquely beautiful setting. The main floor has two bedrooms, including the master and two bathrooms, along with a massive great room that was designed to accommodate up to 30 people if needed. There is also a powder room, a one-bedroom studio with bathroom, and a full kitchen over the garage. The lower floor includes a theater with 16 - person stadium seating, a game room, family room, two more bedrooms, bathrooms, and a powder room.
Guest House
The guest house is a comfortable four-bedroom log house with two bathrooms. It is approximately 1,940± square feet and also includes a 1,160± square foot deck, a living room, and a family room. A recently remodeled kitchen includes new granite countertops with a new sink and faucets. Additionally, a new wood floor and walk-in shower complement the guest home. The guest house allows the ranch to sleep an extended family or large groups of friends.
Furnishings
The buildings are beautifully and comfortably furnished, and the ranch is offered fully furnished and equipped. A list of inclusions and exclusions is available upon request.
Barn
The ranch also includes a 9,280± square foot barn that has been used for entertaining, and features a custom woodworking shop and bathroom. Upstairs offers 2,496± square feet of recreational space including, a full kitchen, bathroom, and wood burning fireplace. This multi-dimensional building also offers 832± square feet of deck space and four 10’ x 12’ stalls, and a tack room.
Storage Building
There is a small storage building offering 900± square feet of additional space.
Landscaping
The building compound is beautifully landscaped with large rocks, vegetation, mature trees, and water features which really set off the main home.
Water Resources
Saddle Notch is a true wilderness ranch and has no cultivated or irrigated land. The main water sources are a spring for the main building compound, and one large spring fed pond and several catch ponds which provide water for livestock and wildlife.
Mineral Rights
All minerals appurtenant to the property and owned by the current owners will be conveyed to the buyer.
Taxes
Based upon past years the real estate taxes are estimated at $13,800. Real property taxes are subject to change.
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Wildlife Resources
Saddle Notch boasts a wide variety of wildlife which resides both on the ranch and in the adjacent public lands. Migratory animals include elk, deer, black bear, Merriam turkey, mountain lions, and many smaller mammals and birds. It is a protected haven for wildlife and, while not large enough to claim status as a “hunting ranch”, it certainly offers a base from which to access big game populations which migrate through the ranch.
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Terms
Price includes equipment and furnishings that are currently on the ranch and owned by Sellers. Sellers plan to remove only their personal items and photos. A formal list will be provided for review and acceptance during the due diligence phase of an accepted offer.
