79.36 Acres in Bayfield, CO - $3,185,000

There are 2 parcels that total approximately 79.36 acres. The owner has spent considerable time and money to improve the soils and hay quality since they purchased it in 2018. The Brome & Timothy grass hay has been tested and scores an excellent rating. The property has an exceptional amount of irrigation and a side-roll sprinkler system supplied by a 3-phase electric pump. There is approximately 29 acres irrigated with the side-roll sprinkler and 17 additional acres irrigated with gated pipe flood irrigation. The property has great grass hay production with 2 cuttings each year and yields 3-4 tons per acre. The Seller has made a commitment with their contractor for the hay production in 2024. The large pond is spring fed and stays full year around. It is stocked with Trout and has aerators to allow for good fish habitat year around. The property is fenced and cross fenced for rotating grazing pastures and hay production. The owners planted a new orchard with a variety of fruit trees and a high fence to protect the fruit trees from the big game animals.

The mineral rights owned by the Sellers are negotiable.

Improvements

Parcel 1 is 77.35 acres and has the beautiful southwest style Main Home that is 3,665+- sq ft and has 3 bedrooms, 2-1/2 bathrooms, a large family room/game room, breakfast nook and 2 fireplaces. The home is heated with a propane fired boiler with in-floor hot water heat. The Main Home has free propane. There is a nice patio with stunning views overlooking the large pond and the beautiful Pine River Valley. Envision yourself having your morning coffee on the patio, enjoying the beauty and serenity, while birds sing, squirrels scamper about and deer or elk feed in the meadows below!

There is also a very nice Guest Home on Parcel 1. The Guest Home is 1,292+- sq ft and has (2) bedrooms, 1-1/2 bathrooms and 2 covered patios. Parcel 1 also has a nearly new 2,000 sq ft equine barn, a 422 sq ft loafing shed and a 2,250 sq work shop with covered storage on one side plus 1,120 sq ft of covered equipment parking along one side and in the rear of the shop. The 2 homes and horse barn on Parcel 1 share and electric meter, a good producing water well. Each home has its own septic system and propane tank.

Parcel 2 is 2.01 acres and has it own water well, septic system and electric meter. This property has a guest home they call the Gate House on it. The home has had extensive remodeling completed from 2019 to the present. The home is 1,725 sq ft and has 3 bedrooms plus finished attic bonus room, 3 bathrooms, fireplace, wet bar and a 2-car garage. The home is heated with baseboard hot water heat and a new boiler and water heater were installed a few years ago. It has a large private back deck overlooking the beautiful Pine River Valley river bottom and has a fenced back yard.

Recreation

Although this may not be considered your typical Hunting Property, you can probably fill your elk and deer tags each fall. There is a wide variety of wildlife that you can enjoy. You will see deer, elk, turkeys, rabbits, squirrels, many species of birds, coyotes, an occasional bear and maybe even a bobcat. The owners have harvested elk and deer from the property in the fall during their 6+ years of ownership. Deer and elk are abundant and are seen on or near the property almost daily. The spring fed pond is stocked with Trout and is a wonderful place to wet a line and ruminate on things that you have to be grateful for. Owning and spending time on a beautiful Colorado ranch like this, building unforgettable memories with family and friends would certainly be something to be cherished.

Agriculture

The property has an exceptional amount of irrigation and a side-roll sprinkler system supplied by a 3-phase electric pump. There is approximately 29 acres irrigated with a side-roll system and 17 acres irrigated with gated pipe flood irrigation. There is ample irrigation for additional acreage to be developed into irrigated acreage. The property has excellent Brome & Timothy grass hay production with 2 cuttings per year yielding 3-4 tons per acre. The Seller has made a commitment with their contractor for the hay production in 2024. The large pond is spring fed and stays full year around. It is stocked with Trout and has aerators to allow for good fish habitat year around. The property is fenced and cross fenced for rotating grazing pastures and hay production. The hay production is currently contracted out to a very competent contractor that could continue with new ownership if desired. The owners planted a new orchard with a variety of fruit trees and a high fence to protect them from the big game animals.

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

The property owner gets free propane for the Main Home and this transfers to the new Buyer. Additionally, the Seller has minerals rights that they are willing to transfer with the sale for an additional negotiable price.

The property has an abundance of water rights that consist of 77.35 acre feet of allocated Project Water(Stored Water) from Pine River Irrigation District at $157 annually, 6 shares/1.71 CFS of adjudicated water from the Thompson-Epperson Ditch at $1,520 annually and 1/2 CFS adjudicated water from the Sullivan Ditch t $803 annually.

General Operations

There are several income streams that the property currently has or has potential to create.

1. Excellent hay production of Brome & Timothy grass hay. The Seller has made a commitment with their contractor for the hay production in 2024. The hay yields have been 3-4 tons per acre annually.

2. Free propane to Main Home. Plus, Seller has mineral rights that can be purchased at a negotiable price.

3. Rental opportunities for Gate House if not used by the owners, estimated long term rental $24,000-$30,000, estimated short term VRBO potential $72,000+- yr .

4. The Guest Home could create great rental income as well.

Region & Climate

Bayfield, Colorado, is a picturesque town situated in the Pine River Valley in southwestern Colorado, just east of Durango. This charming community is surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, offering stunning natural scenery and a peaceful, rural atmosphere. Bayfield’s climate is characterized as semi-arid with four distinct seasons, providing a diverse weather experience throughout the year.

Summers in Bayfield are warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. The region receives moderate rainfall during the summer, keeping the landscape lush and green. Autumn brings cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage, creating a picturesque setting. Winters are cold, with temperatures averaging in the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit, accompanied by occasional snowfall, making it a great spot for winter sports enthusiasts. Springtime sees mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, signaling the rejuvenation of nature. Bayfield’s elevation at around 6,900 feet ensures crisp, clean mountain air.

Location

Conveniently located about 7 minutes north of Bayfield, which is a smaller farming community that has most of your necessities with numerous restaurants, hardware store, several gas stations, 2 banks and other miscellaneous businesses. Durango lies 18 miles to the east and the La Plata County regional airport is about 25 minutes away. Durango is well know for its many fantastic dining choices, historic downtown and almost unending recreational opportunities. The area has multiple options for skiing within an easy drive, including Purgatory Ski Resort and Wolf Creek Ski Area that boasts some of the best snow conditions in the US. There is an abundance of recreational activities nearby including hunting, fishing, boating, kayaking, mountain biking, Jeep Trails, ATV trails, golfing and the list goes on.