Mountain Homes in Ouray, Colorado: Splurge or Steal?

Ouray is a charming mountain town in southwest Colorado with scenic Rocky Mountain views, hot springs, and a historic downtown.

Just on the other side of a towering ridge of San Juan Mountains peaks, Ouray shares the very same stunning scenery, though perhaps less of the media and celebrity attention that Telluride is known to receive. The towns are only nine miles apart as the crow flies, but it will take you about an hour to drive the 50 miles of roads required to liaise in between– unless you’re willing to brave the precipitous four-wheeler drive up through Imogene Pass, that is.

Splurge for $1.079 Million

Newly remodeled, this spacious Splurge comes with all the trimmings and details you’d expect of a modern dwelling, like Kitchenaid stainless appliances, raised granite breakfast bar and Hickory soft close cabinets. Other gizmos include certain smart home elements like a Nest smart system, Lutron smart switches, and custom recessed lighting.

The general vibe of the finishes are light and bright– white walls, white, gray-veined marble in the bathrooms. Depending on your perspective, you could either see it as a bit bland stylistically or the perfect, blank canvas to add your own style. 

From the listing:

“This fabulous home was completely remodeled with efficiency and comfort in mind.  Work from home? Not a problem, fiber optics is available and high speed internet is at your fingertips with 2 office set-ups. Like to entertain and have plenty of room for guests? It’s covered with 4 large bedrooms and 5 bathrooms all with new granite counters, showers, sinks and fixtures.”

Steal for $725,0003

This home may be about half the square footage, but it’s in the same exact area and shaves $354,000 off the asking price. This home gives you the sense of a bona fide mountain abode, with wood paneling everywhere and a space for gardening outside. 

“Cozy” is certainly the foremost word that comes to mind. You can imagine being curled up in front of the stone chimney with a grated fireplace on a cold, wintery day or sitting amongst the evergreens in the peaceful neighborhood on a sunny, summer one.

From the listing:

“Property is 1 mile to the Ouray Hot Springs and a 5 minute walk to the 2 mile circular Uncompahgre River Trail. The home has been rented in the past as a short-term vacation rental but most recently has been owner occupied.”