16.4 Acres in Howard, CO - $1,399,000
Ark West River Ranch
ARK WEST RIVER RANCHThis may be the most beautiful home site on the upper Arkansas River. Situated at the confluence of the Arkansas River and West Creek, Ark West River Ranch offers endless possibilities for fishing, hunting, hiking, bird-watching and rafting on one of America’s most iconic rivers. Spend time on the quiet and very private expansive deck overlooking the river as it flows through the back yard while enjoying frequent visits by all manner of birds and wildlife drawn to the river, including deer, turkeys, geese, ducks, herons, osprey and, over the winter, bald eagles that nest nearby.THE RIVER AND THE CREEK The Arkansas River is a Gold Medal Trout Fishery teeming with brown trout and enlivened annually by the famous late spring Caddis Hatch. Because the river at this point is bounded by private property for miles in each direction, there are very few fishermen on these “pri...
ARK WEST RIVER RANCHThis may be the most beautiful home site on the upper Arkansas River. Situated at the confluence of the Arkansas River and West Creek, Ark West River Ranch offers endless possibilities for fishing, hunting, hiking, bird-watching and rafting on one of America’s most iconic rivers. Spend time on the quiet and very private expansive deck overlooking the river as it flows through the back yard while enjoying frequent visits by all manner of birds and wildlife drawn to the river, including deer, turkeys, geese, ducks, herons, osprey and, over the winter, bald eagles that nest nearby.THE RIVER AND THE CREEK The Arkansas River is a Gold Medal Trout Fishery teeming with brown trout and enlivened annually by the famous late spring Caddis Hatch. Because the river at this point is bounded by private property for miles in each direction, there are very few fishermen on these “private waters.” This property enjoys about 400 feet of river frontage along the south bank and actually crosses the Arkansas River to its north bank, including hundreds of feet of river frontage on both sides of a large portion of an island in the middle of the river. The confluence of West Creek and “the Ark” is an especially promising fishing spot. In addition to fishing, Arkansas boasts some of the best rafting in America... with more recreational rafters annually than any other American river. However, commercial rafting companies are not permitted on this section of the river; it is reserved by state and federal regulators for quiet float fishermen and the occasional private rafter or kayaker. West Creek is a year-round creek that forms the western boundary of the property and enters the Arkansas River at the corner of the back yard.THE LAND The total ranch property is 16.4 acres, including about 10 acres of irrigated hay meadow, about 3 acres of sub-irrigated river-side pasture, and a creek-side pasture of about an acre. The balance of the property consists of the home site, river, and creek. The property lies at an elevation of about 6,700 feet in what is known as “Pleasant Valley” and enjoys a moderate four-season climate surrounded by mountains, with a spectacular view of nearby Hunt’s Peak (13,071 feet). The home has excellent year-round access down a long tree-lined paved private driveway from US Highway 50 and is only 12 miles by highway from all of the services, festivals, shops, restaurants, hospitals, library and other amenities of historic Salida, Colorado. This property includes irrigation water rights allowing diversion from West Creek for irrigation of the main hay meadow when the water rights are “in priority.” Irrigation run-off feeds a small pond in the lower pasture, which in turn is used to supply water to a 7-zone sprinkler system covering the front and back yards.THE HOMEThe custom-built 2600 sq. ft. the all-electric home was built in 1990 and expanded in 2003. Virtually all interior walls and ceilings feature Colorado aspen wood paneling. The great room has a high vaulted ceiling, ceiling fan, loft, built-in bookcases, and stunning wood-burning fireplace made of specially selected fieldstone from the property. A separate library/entertainment room has built-in bookcases, a wine closet, and an expansive view of the river. The kitchen was remodeled in 2017 with new quartz countertops and new appliances while preserving the original knotty pine custom cabinetry. The adjacent dining area overlooks the river through large plate-glass windows. The main-floor master bedroom suite includes a vaulted ceiling, 4-piece master bath, and a separate sitting area that opens to the back deck through large glass doors. The home also includes two additional bedrooms (one a 2-room suite) and an additional full bath. The home is surrounded and shaded by numerous mature pine, spruce, fir, cottonwood, elm, and other trees. The front yard and adjacent corral/garden area are protected by a deer-proof fence, allowing for both floral and vegetable gardens while enjoying the ever-present deer and their annual brood of fawns. Next to the home is a 576 sq. ft. heated garage and workshop with an equal amount of second-level storage. A large garden tool shed is adjacent to the garage. A 52’ x 20’ shed at the edge of the main field has 320 sq. ft. of enclosed equipment storage (tack room?) and 640 sq. ft. of 3- sided loafing shed. With these outbuildings, the property has the immediate potential to be an excellent horse property (the original owner kept llamas).
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