The Mountains Are Calling: This Is What Log Cabin Dreams Are Made Of

Few mountain retreats compare to the stunningly crafted, third-generation log builder’s estate at Stowell Ranch, currently listed for $2.295 million. Nestled on 20 pristine acres in the lush and mountainous valley of Fraser, Colo., this log-built beauty is ideally situated between two sparkling ponds – with water rights – surrounded by towering Aspen and Colorado Pine trees with views that go on for miles.

“This is a very unique and beautiful community,” says listing agent Melinda Lee of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. “We are more of a second home community, but this property would be great as a private residence as well. The current owners originally built the estate for a vacation home but ended up turning into their primary residence.”

With six fenced pastures, a four-stall horse barn, triple-bay work/storage shed, heated/detached four-plus-car garage, and large shop with storage room and loft, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more amenity-rich retreat. Not to mention the warm and inviting main house with custom upgrades galore. And the location – unbeatable!

“It’s a great in-town location, just minutes from ski resorts and Grand Lake, plus we have an amazing YMCA, and we’re close to Devil’s Thumb Ranch, which is a high-end luxury resort and spa,” adds Lee.

In fact, if you get a hankering for fresh seafood – flown in daily – or a mouthwatering steak, Devil’s Thumb Ranch is but a 12-minute car ride out. Nearby Devil’s Thumb is also home to a fabulous 18,000-square-foot-spa tucked away in a quiet corner meadow overlooking the gorgeous Rocky Mountain landscape.

Head 11 minutes south of Stowell Ranch and you’ll land at the award-winning Winter Park Ski Resort, renowned for its 3,081 acres of groomed terrain and 75-year history as Colorado’s longest continually operated ski resort.

After a long day on the slopes, nothing beats coming home to your own private retreat and getting toasty by the fire. This one-of-a-kind home comes with five bedrooms, three full and two half baths, plus 5,506 square feet of luxury living space.

Unwind on the expansive outdoor deck with hot tub/spa, take a walk on the stone patio alongside tranquil ponds, or gather around the fire pit for cocktails and conversation – there’s no shortage of nature-filled areas to relax and entertain.

“This is a great place to host family and friends, and enjoy all the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer,” shares Lee. “It could also be used for small corporate retreats, or as a vacation home to get away from it all.”

The interior is equally impressive with rich wood beams, vaulted ceilings, gorgeous hardwood floors, and ample windows streaming an abundance of natural light. The feel of the home is open and airy, with a special warmth and focus on bringing the outdoors in.

Get swept away in the woodsy craftsmanship of the great room with floor-to-ceiling windows, stone fireplace, and hand-carved staircase leading to a billiards room/loft space.

A giant eat-in gourmet kitchen with Viking range, stainless steel appliances, and center island with breakfast bar seating is perfection. French doors open to an outdoor terrace with unbelievable scenery, taking indoor/outdoor entertaining to the next level.

In addition, each bedroom is unique and filled with special details. From the oversized master with attached study and spa-like bath, to the see-through fireplace above a garden tub, to the comfortable and cozy guest rooms with exceptional views and baths, you and your guests may never want to leave.

Positioned just minutes from world-class snow skiing and boarding with wooded hiking and biking trails, plus fishing on the headwaters of Fraser and Colorado Rivers, Stowell Ranch is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

If you’re in the market for a turn-key mountain retreat this one is worth a look.