From the Editor: Location, Location, Location

A note from Colorado Homes & Lifestyles' Editor in Chief, Darla Worden.

10 hours ago

Darla Worden,

Photo: Courtesy Darla Worden

The maxim about the “three things” that matter most in real estate has become famous for a reason—and in this issue we visit mountain homes across Colorado chosen for locations that are key to the homeowners’ lifestyles. A rancher who became a widower looks for a fresh start away from the ranch where he can be closer to community, golf, tennis and social events. With the help of his designer daughter, he builds a duplex with his friend (and architect) near Crested Butte’s golf club to launch his next chapter.

In Vail, a married couple who love to ski and purchased a condo on Bridge Street years ago tire of its 1990s decor. With no intention of leaving their fabulous Vail Village location, they decide to update. The result? They spend even more time there after the refresh, with a bonus for their relationship: “When we are out there alone, it proves to us why we are still happily married,” the husband says.

Photo: David Patterson

When it comes to a slopeside location, opportunities are rare in Snowmass Village. However, one lucky couple found a ski-in, ski-out home situated a third of the way up the mountain, just a five-minute walk to the lift. While the existing home came with issues that required a teardown, the homeowners were able to realize their vision of a contemporary, low-maintenance home designed to embrace its surroundings.

An active family with 9- and 11-year-old boys, looking for a mountain retreat, was introduced to Red Sky Ranch and Golf Club near Wolcott. Although they love winter sports, they are also a golfing family, and the club’s many amenities are an added bonus. Not only is there golf and access to skiing, there’s biking and exploring the region. “We live our best life outdoors,” the homeowner says. That sentiment is one so many of us living in Colorado share. As we enter the holiday season, which hopefully brings ample snow across the state, I wish you first tracks, lots of powder and bluebird skies.