LOCATION & AREA
The ranch is located just 20 minutes from the Interstate 25 and Highway 56 exit. It is also located within 30 minutes of several major Northern Colorado cities, including the Metro Denver Area, Longmont, Loveland and Ft. Collins. Dry Creek Ranch is privately tucked into the foothills just eight miles west of Berthoud, Colorado.
Berthoud, known as “the garden spot of Colorado” is a small, quaint and historic community of approximately 5,000 people. There are numerous restaurants, shopping centers and conveniences. Ft. Collins, to the north is the county seat of Larimer County and has a population of over 130,000 and is the home of Colorado State University. Along with the schools’ well known academic aspects, it boasts the state of the art Equine Sciences Program, Hospital and breeding facilities. Within an easy 30 minute drive of the ranch there is variety of fine shopping, dining and entertainment amenities. Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park is just a scenic 30 minute drive up the canyon to the west, where year round activities and diverse wildlife abound.
ACREAGE
The approximate 62 acres of Dry Creek ranch is diverse in terrain. It ranges from approximately 5,200 feet to 5,600 feet in elevation. The property has numerous rock ridges and outcroppings, along with nice open pastures for grazing. In addition to Dry Creek that runs year round along the entire north side, there is a spring fed seasonal creek that flows down a small valley behind the arenas, which occasionally forms ponds. The land is home to Ponderosa Pine, Mountain Mahogany, Wild Plum, Choke Cherry and Cottonwoods along the riparian areas. Native prairie grass, blue stem gramma and buffalo grass cover the land. It is a true wildlife retreat.
WATER
There is one known spring on the property, which has been improved to water livestock and it also feeds the landscaped water feature near the entrance. The spring also feeds a water storage tank near the residence that waters the vineyard, orchard and landscaping.
IMPROVEMENTS
Home:
The 3,560 square foot, two level home, built in 1992, has many unique features and awesome views. On the exterior, native moss rock has been used on the walls and also the distinctive and inviting patio area, surrounded by mature aspens, spruce and pines. There is a small established vineyard complete with an enchanting walk through trellis tunnel. There are also several fruit trees around the vineyard. On the interior, native moss rock has been used in several areas, tying it to the outdoor landscape. The kitchen, dining, living and master retreat overlook the ridges and valleys with a nice southern exposure. The floors in the main living areas are random width oak plank and all cabinets are oak. The kitchen countertops are Brazilian Gold granite containing deep red garnets. The spacious master suite has a stunning, yet private view, with a hot tub on the deck. The lower level has three bedrooms, and two recreation areas with a separate entrance. There is also an oversized two vehicle garage attached to the main level.
Barn and Horse Facilities:
The 48’ x 48’ barn has two 12’ x 12’ stalls and one 12’ x 16’ stall, all with rubber mats. There is a 12’ x 24’ tack room. Two electric overhead doors that are 12’ x 12’ allow drive through access along the concrete alleyway. There is also a large storage area for hay and equipment. On the south side of the barn there is an overhang for horse shelter, outside the stalls. The barn is attached to a five rail pipe and rod fenced corral with five 10’ x 10’ covered pens with feeders. There is a second corral, which has a three sided shed row with three 12’ X 12’ stalls. The entire barn, corral and pasture system feeds into the outdoor arenas via an alleyway.
Both arenas are five rail pipe and rod, set in concrete and covered with 8’high pine planking. The main arena is 104’ x 175’, with a holding area for cattle. The second working area is irregular shaped 104’ x 140’. The working areas are ideal for most any equestrian interest. There is a viewing stand, along with electricity and water at all areas.
WILDLIFE & RECREATION
Dry Creek Ranch has an abundance of wildlife year round. Most frequent and numerous are mule deer, coyotes and rabbits. There are also elk, pheasant, quail, bobcats, eagles and occasionally moose. Birds of all kinds are abundant on this mountain ranch.
Minutes away to the west of the ranch is Carter Lake, an 1,100 acre reservoir that has full recreational facilities, including moorings, boat docks, a sail boat yacht club and a new visitor’s center. Primary activities at the lake are sailing, fishing, camping, hiking and power boating. Fishing opportunities include trout, walleye and kokanee.
In addition, there are currently over 20 golf courses within 30 miles of Dry Creek Ranch.
RANCHING OPERATION
A small number of cattle can be managed on the ranch, but it is better suited to grazing horses. The entire ranch is fenced, with steel gates where necessary. Dry land and native grass abound on the property. There are no crop lands; however the front pasture could easily be developed for hay.
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
The Dry Creek Ranch adjoins the Sanctuary Ridge Ranch, which is a 212+/- undeveloped parcel with an unobstructed view of the entire Front Range Cities and the Rocky Mountains. With large valleys and rocky ridges, the parcel would make an ideal private estate or a multimillion dollar pristine and exclusive residential community for a very select few.
SUMMARY
The Dry Creek Ranch is a unique property that offers seclusion, wildlife viewing, ranching and horse operations, but is close in to all modern conveniences. It is private, picturesque, out of the city, quiet and yet an easy daily escape. The night sky, sunrise and sunsets are enchanting.
TAXES for 2007 $ 1,452.31