12547 County Road 43 , Drake, CO 80515(Larimer County)

The 3.12-acre parcel sits above the North Fork of the Big Thompson River, offering dramatic views, excellent sun exposure, and a true sense of mountain solitude. The land features a blend of rugged rock outcroppings, timbered hillsides, and open, usable ground around the home and outbuildings. Native grasses, wildflowers, and evergreen trees dot the landscape, attracting frequent visits from deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Soils are characteristic of the Front Range foothillswell-drained and rocky in places, ideal for low-maintenance, natural landscaping.

Improvements

The main residence is a 1,440 square foot custom log home, built in 2001 with classic mountain character and thoughtful craftsmanship. Designed for full-time or seasonal use, the home features vaulted ceilings, a covered wraparound deck, and an open floor plan, a propane stove and panoramic mountain views.

In addition to the main home, the property includes several functional outbuildings:

A detached 320 sq ft studio building with power, ideal for use as an art studio, office, or guest space

A 1416 two-car garage with overhead doors and a storage loft, built in 2020

A 2023 finished wood shop with electricity, perfect for tools, projects, or hobby use

A permitted shipping container, installed in 2018, offering secure storage for equipment or supplies

Recreation

This property offers a true Colorado lifestyle, with recreation beginning the moment you step outside. Hike directly from the property into the surrounding foothills, explore nearby rock formations, or simply watch wildlife wander through the area including mule deer, elk, wild turkeys, and the occasional bighorn sheep. The wraparound deck and elevated setting provide the perfect perch for birdwatching, stargazing, or soaking up the peace and quiet.

Just minutes away, the Big Thompson River provides year-round fly fishing with healthy populations of brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. The nearby corridor is popular for road cycling and scenic drives, while surrounding public lands offer hiking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, and backcountry camping.

Located between Loveland and Estes Park, this property places you within easy reach of Rocky Mountain National Park, Roosevelt National Forest, and numerous trailheads. In every direction, you’ll find lakes, rivers, and wilderness access all within about an hour of Boulder and Denver. Whether you’re an angler, hiker, artist,, hunter or someone seeking a private mountain retreat, this location delivers the best of Colorado recreation.

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

This property is served by a permitted domestic well (Permit #0419646), drilled to a depth of 460 feet with a static water level of 135 feet and an estimated yield of 6 gallons per minute. The well is approved for typical household use and has historically provided reliable service for full-time occupancy. A well house contains the pressure tank and seasonal access to the system for basic maintenance.

Sewer is handled via a private septic system, properly sized for the 2-bedroom residence.

Region & Climate

Located in the foothills of Larimer County near the North Fork of the Big Thompson River, the Drake area offers a true four-season mountain experience. Summers are warm and sunny with low humidityperfect for hiking, fishing, and exploring nearby Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park. Winters bring light to moderate snowfall, ideal for snowshoeing and enjoying quiet alpine landscapes. The area sees around 1620 inches of annual precipitation, mostly in spring and late summer. At approximately 6,500 feet in elevation, the air is crisp, wildlife is abundant, and the views stretch for miles. All of this lies within an hour’s drive of Loveland, Boulder, and Denveroffering a rare combination of accessibility and mountain serenity.

The property sits alongside State and County-maintained roads, providing reliable year-round access.

History

Built in 2001, this custom log home has been a cherished full-time residence for over 20 years. Every structure on the propertyfrom the home to the studio and outbuildingswas thoughtfully added to support a creative, self-sufficient mountain lifestyle. The elevated setting above the North Fork of the Big Thompson River provides exceptional views, privacy, and a deep sense of connection to the land.

The Drake area is known for its scenic beauty, friendly mountain community, and access to endless outdoor opportunity. Whether you’re seeking a basecamp for adventure or a quiet escape with year-round access, this property reflects the kind of ownership that values simplicity, solitude, and the spirit of Colorado.

Location

Located just off County Road 43 near the North Fork of the Big Thompson River, this property offers the perfect balance of solitude and accessibility. It’s situated between Loveland (25 minutes) and Estes Park (20 minutes), with easy access to Lyons, Boulder, and Denver via Highway 34. The property is less than an hour and a half from Denver International Airport (DIA), and just under an hour from Fort CollinsLoveland Regional Airport.

Nearby amenities include grocery stores, medical facilities, and restaurants in Loveland, along with boutique shopping and mountain-town charm in Estes Park. The area also provides quick access to Rocky Mountain National Park, Roosevelt National Forest, and numerous trailheads and fishing spots within minutes.

Despite its private setting, this home remains well-connected to major servicesmaking it ideal as a full-time residence, weekend getaway, or creative retreat.