LOCATION
The ranch is located eight miles northwest of the historic city of Golden – a mere 12-minute drive away. Downtown Denver is a 30-minute commute, and downtown Boulder is only a 40-minute drive. Lookout Ranch is generally eastward sloping, which allows for abundant native pastureland. This is a unique sanctuary from the stress of the city with views of the Front Range and of city lights below. From this 8,000 ft. location, one can see eastward 85 miles, with a 240-mile horizon over White Ranch Open Space through Ralston Creek Canyon. From the archway entrance, the Continental Divide can be seen 30 miles to the west.
ACREAGE
This ranch is a superb horse property and can also run a small cattle herd in summers. It is cross-fenced with 4 large pastures and 2 small paddocks, which allows seasonal pasture rotation. Included in the 35 acres is a small spring-fed pond that can be enlarged and which draws abundant wildlife to the area. There are 2 additional springs on the property that also enhance plant diversity – including groves of Aspen Trees, Douglas Fur, and Mountain Cedar. Multiple unique rock outcroppings exist throughout the property. This acreage is zoned agricultural with No covenants and No homeowners association. A sloping hill to the immediate west allows the home to cool faster in the summer, and it serves as a year-round wind block as well. A new fire hall is located within a quarter mile of the ranch.
IMPROVEMENTS
An 800’ driveway to the home site enhances complete privacy and quietness. After entering the ranch by driving over an 8’ x 12’ cattle guard which is framed by a 15’ Ponderosa Pine Archway, the gravel driveway continues on with a lined 2-rail lodge-pole pine fence on both sides. This same lodge-pole pine fencing encircles the building site and borders the entire road frontage. The ranch includes a comfortable 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with an abundance of warm, natural light, 10’ ceilings, a gravel driveway, detached, oversized 3-car garage, 40’ x 48’ barn with a built-in office, electric and water, 8 stalls, 4 large pastures, 2 small paddocks, and a small spring-fed pond. The 8-stall Port-a-Stall Barn has an outside corral with a 200’switchback allowing horses access to multiple pastures. Four of the stalls are equipped with individual waterers. In addition, there are two frost-proof water hydrants inside of the barn and one frost-proof hydrant outside by the house. Besides the detached 3-car garage, there is an 8’ x 12’ tack room building. The home includes two decks that encompass approximately 500 square feet – perfect for entertaining.
RECREATION
Rolling green mountain meadows covered with horses and cattle decorate the countryside on the drive up Crawford Gulch to Lookout Ranch. A gateway to the city or the mountains, one can watch the wildlife or hunt without ever leaving the ranch. Abundant camping, hiking, and horse riding trails are a short distance away, and the mountains to the west have unlimited recreational opportunities. There are six ski areas within 1 ½ hour’s drive of the ranch, and the river rafting, fishing, mountain climbing, biking, skiing, and four-wheeling opportunities are endless. Instead of always having to trailer horses to another location, this horse-friendly community and property affords the luxury of abundant riding opportunities right out of the front gate.
SUMMARY
Lookout Ranch is the crown jewel property of Crawford Gulch and provides a view unmatched in its beauty. This gorgeous mountain setting is truly a rare luxury location situated close to the metropolitan areas and yet is very private and protected in its views.
Owners are giving a $10,000 allowance at closing off the purchase price for new blinds and carpeting before occupancy. Viewing requires a 48-hour notice. Qualified buyers need to be documented before showings.
TAXES 2010 $1,509 (agricultural zoning)