After nearly 20 years of ownership, Bob and Suzanne Fanch, owners of award-winning mountain retreat Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash, Colorado, are offering 24 custom homesites for purchase at the 6,500-acre luxury guest ranch located just minutes from Winter Park Resort.
The new community known as “The Ranches at Devil’s Thumb” is a private, woodland-and-meadow enclave of homesites, ranging from 11 to 35 acres and spread across 550 acres. Residents of The Ranches will enjoy resort amenities and activities like yoga, cross country skiing, and fly fishing. Homesites are priced from $750,000 to $1.8 million.
“We’ve always felt that we’re merely stewards of this land, and we’re looking for people who share that mindset, who appreciate the openness and wildness of the land and want to enjoy it now, but also preserve it for future generations,” said owner Bob Fanch.
The Ranches are located on a ridge just northwest of the base area of the Orvis-endorsed resort and have 360-degree views. Some sites sit high on the ridge, looking out on protected national forest, and others tuck into the valley near a trout-filled river.
“The homesites are on land that has the best views of the Continental Divide to the east and Byers Peak to the west, and they don’t impact the views from the resort,” said Fanch.
Home size is dependent upon the location and terrain. Most homesites allow 8,000-square-foot homes and the remainder allow 10,000 square foot homes. The minimum home size allowed is 3,000 square feet. There are established design guidelines that allow for a unique vision, while creating an intimate enclave that feels cohesive, true to place, and respectful of natural resources.
“We have seen a cross-section of interest, from retirees seeking a legacy home for their extended family to visit, to people who intend to live there full time, and of course there are people who want to use it as a vacation home,” said Fanch.
Two homes are currently under construction, with one slated to be complete by the end of the year, according to Rob Cyman, president of The Ranches.
“I think families who appreciate what the ranch is about and what it offers, as well as preservation, solitude and also conveniences easily in reach, will find a home here,” Cyman said. “It’s a place where you can feel removed but easily connected.”
Photo courtesy of Devil’s Thumb Ranch
