Getting Away from it All: Five Blissful Mountaintop Escapes You Can Snag for $2 Million and Up
Brett Schreckengost
Seeking a remote spot to reconnect with nature, revel in stunning scenery and partake in year-round activities from hiking to skiing? Mountain living just might be the ideal option, whether for a primary residence or vacation home. Outdoor space has proven to be a hot commodity during COVID times, with city dwellers escaping to show-stopping homes in spots like California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado in droves in search of additional room, access to the great outdoors and an overall better quality of life.
“I think more people are choosing to move to the mountains, because at this time, we are all seeking a place where we (and especially for our children) can feel safe, free and normal again — a place where there is less stress and anxiety; a place to breathe again and enjoy life safely in mask-free zones,” says Lisa Hatem in The Agency’s Aspen office, which officially opened in December 2019 and had a whopping $55 million-plus in transactions during its first year in business.
“That place is called nature, and Aspen is surrounded by it, which is why real estate here is more desirable than ever,” she adds. “It’s also just easier and more fun to live in a mountain town during a pandemic. When you’re skiing, horseback riding, fly-fishing, mountain-biking, hiking or kayaking, keeping a safe 6-foot distance comes naturally. Social distancing is a way of life here, always has been.”
So, without any further ado, here are five mountain properties for your viewing pleasure — from a charming mini-estate in Sierra Madre, Calif., listed for $1.9 million to an over-the-top retreat in the Colorado village of Telluride on the market for $36.8 million, each of these places includes spectacular views, spacious outdoor environs and much more.
668 Mount Wilson Trail, Sierra Madre, Calif., $1.995 million
Coming in at the bottom of the price-range scale is this mini-estate situated on almost an acre of land atop a promontory at the end of a private, winding cul-de-sac in the small town of Sierra Madre, in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains between Pasadena and Arcadia.
Photo : Michael MacNamara
Built in 1941 and redone by the current owner — who purchased the property in 2006 for $1.36 million — this charming four-bedroom, four-bath dwelling is wrapped by romantic gardens, patios and stone walkways leading to mountain trails.
Photo : Michael MacNamara
“You feel like you are in a chic mountain retreat, but there is the quaint village of Sierra Madre just a moment away,” says Greg Holcomb, who is co-listing the property with Cassandra Petersen, both of Compass. “Sierra Madre has a great history and community feel, as well as restaurants, coffeehouses and shops.”
Photo : Michael MacNamara
Inside is 2,682 square feet of bright and eclectic living space highlighted by living and dining rooms with large windows; a colorful updated kitchen sporting a marble-topped center island; and primary suite with a fireplace, seating area, walk-in closet, and an inviting bath with a soaking tub and separate shower.
Photo : Michael MacNamara
Photo : Michael MacNamara
There’s also a den with fireplace, game room, two more bedrooms and an office space that could be easily converted into a fourth bedroom.
Photo : Michael MacNamara
Thinking of retaining the numerous interesting artifacts found throughout the house? Some of those can be negotiated as part of the sales price. Among them: an ornately carved, Italian bureau circa-1900 that was stolen from a German family during WWII and later recovered from a consulate’s office by the same family in East Berlin in the 1960s, as well as an ancient bronze Buddhist gong from Japan, a Murano chandelier from Italy and rare French deco torchieres.
Photo : Michael MacNamara
This house is great for a family who wants a beautiful home and to enjoy the village,” says Holcomb. “But it is also a great vacation home/mountain getaway, or a home for anyone who appreciates nature and values privacy.”
via Dirt.