11771 E Smith Road , Elbert, CO 80106(Douglas County)

Escape to A Bar Ranch, a 315-acre legacy property in the sought-after Cherry Creek Valley of Douglas County, Colorado. This private, protected valley offers a serene and secluded lifestyle with the convenience of being just an hour from both Denver and Colorado Springs. The varied terrain of the ranch features pine-covered ridges, rolling hills, and level hay meadows, all with incredible views of the Douglas County hills and the majestic Rocky Mountains. This private ranch is situated on 315 plus gorgeous acres in the coveted Cherry Creek Valley along East Cherry Creek. The terrain varies from pine covered ridges to level sub-irrigated hay meadows to creek bottom to rolling hills and meadows. The views are incredible in each direction of the rolling hills of Douglas County and the Rocky Mountains to the west. East Cherry Creek runs the length of the ranch for 3/4 of a mile. Grasses range from native grass species such as Blue Grama and Buffalo grass to improved grasses, such as Brome. The creek bottom is lined with Cottonwood trees and the hills with mature Ponderosa Pines. The hills have natural rock outcroppings. The location is very private yet it boasts easy access to both Denver Metro and Colorado Springs Colorado. The land is a haven for outdoor recreation and wildlife. With East Cherry Creek running the length of the property, live water is a key feature, supporting a rich ecosystem.

Improvements

The main home is a fabulous custom built Santa Fe style stucco and log accent home overlooking the ranch, that boasts 4,480 finished square feet of living area. The home has four large bedrooms and four bathrooms. The main level features a large custom kitchen with a Subzero refrigerator, a Thermador 6 burner gas stove top and a double oven, granite counter tops, and a custom granite sink. The main floor living room features a custom Santa Fe style fireplace and walks out to an enormous western facing deck with log accents. The large master suite wing of the house has a Kiva style fireplace and an incredible custom 5 piece master bathroom and a spacious walk-in closet. The laundry is on the main level as well as the attached oversized 4 car garage. The fully finished basement features three large bedrooms and two full bathrooms, a family entertainment room with a wet bar. The basement family room walk out onto a large patio and wonderfully landscaped yard. The home boasts numerous custom touches, such as custom Santa Fe interior and exterior doors, custom handmade granite sinks created by Richard Pankrazt Pottery, log accents and custom flooring. The manicured yard includes over a quarter acre of underground automatic sprinklers, extensive landscaping, and a Koi Pond with fish. The home is heated with in-floor radiant heat.

Buildings that accompany the main home include a 3648 six stall heated and insulated horse barn with six 1212 stalls along with 6 Priefert turnout runs and 2 Priefert dog runs. Also included is a 72X42 shop building with high ceilings and 4 overhead doors of 8 ft, 12 ft and 14ft in height. The shop includes a loft storage area and a heated and cooled exercise workout room. The shop offers plenty space for your projects, equipment and toys.

The homestead area of the ranch includes a lovingly maintained turn of the century farm house with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Other functional buildings included near the farm house include two shop buildings including a 66x 24 building with 10 ft overhead doors and a 4050 building with 12 ft overhead doors, a kitchen, bathroom and loft , a historic 4848 dairy barn that has been partially converted to comfortable office space, a 3080 equipment shed and a hay storage barn. There are plenty of corrals and pens to livestock.

Recreation

A Bar Ranch boasts Trophy Mule Deer, Elk, Antelope, Turkey and various small game, birds and predators. Elk tags are over the counter plains elk tags. The elk sign on the ranch at the time of listing may be the most sign per acre of any property that I’ve had the privilege of touring. This makes the fall of the year a slam dunk for Elk hunters. The ranch is in Game Management Unit 104 and its a draw area for Deer and Pronghorn. The ranch has the facilities for equine recreation and would make a great destination for any equine discipline.

Agriculture

The ranch harvests hay on 200 acres of dryland and sub-irrigated meadows. The balance is grazing land. The ranch holds rights on the East Cherry Creek Alluvium to irrigate and has an irrigation pond and irrigation equipment, though not currently in use.

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

Water rights include irrigation rights to the alluvium of East Cherry Creek. The rights are an 1881 water right from Alderman Ditch, 2.5 cfs diverted from East Cherry Creek , Priority number 132, with an average annual diversion of 86 to 131.5 acre feet.

The ranch also hold the deep water rights from 5 aquifers totaling 697.6 acre feet per year. Mineral rights are to be included, if any are held by the owners.

Region & Climate

Douglas County averages about 19 acres of rain annually and has fairly mild winters, though it can snow 60+ inches annually, but with an average of 245 annual days of sunshine and varying winter temperatures, the snow doesn’t stay for long.

History

The area is rich in ranching history and was highly desired for large ranchers due to its good high protein grazing and favorable climate. Feed was plentiful and markets were near. This ranch echoes the past and is like a step back in time with its lush pastures, good winter protection and access to good and plentiful water resources. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a ranch that perfectly balances seclusion, convenience, and luxury. Whether you are drawn to the land for its exceptional wildlife and hunting, the productive hay meadows, or the custom home for its refined comfort and breathtaking views, A Bar Ranch offers a rare and complete package.

Location

Located in the highly sought after East Cherry Creek valley in Douglas County Colorado, the ranch is conveniently located within one hour of both Denver and Colorado Springs. Denver International Airport is 58 miles door to gate or, if you prefer, Colorado Springs Airport is 32 miles south and serves many major cities. The ranches location is 9 miles west of Elbert Colorado and is centrally located between the small communities of Franktown, Elizabeth, Larkspur, Castle Rock and Monument Colorado. Each with its own services and unique culture. Douglas County is popular for its front range mountain views, wide open spaces, outdoor recreation and hiking trails.