Wheatley Homestead on the Roaring Fork

Details & Features

Stepping into this idyllic ranchland is like stepping back into time…claiming a slice of “Old Aspen.” The picturesque property and improvements are part of the original Wheatley Homestead that has been ranched since 1899. In the most prestigious resort valley in the scenic Rocky Mountains, the 159-acre ranch controls exclusive access to approximately 1,670 feet of river frontage on the “Gold Medal” designated Roaring Fork River. The ranch is lined with a mature cottonwood forest, a spring creek, and three spring-fed trout ponds. Encompassing a half-mile of shared boundary with forested Federal lands, this Aspen Valley property represents a rare ownership opportunity for the serious outdoor enthusiast.

Location: Situated minutes from the world-class resort towns of Aspen and Snowmass, the Wheatley Homestead on the Roaring Fork offers convenient proximity to an array of fine dining restaurants, art galleries, cultural activities, shopping and medical facilities. Located at the western mouth of the picturesque Snowmass Canyon, the ranch offers exclusive access to the tightly-held Roaring Fork River. The ranch enjoys both the intimate seclusion of a private retreat coupled with opportune access to numerous recreational and social endeavors. Fifteen minutes up the valley are the resort communities of Aspen and Snowmass – both heavenly escapes for winter sports enthusiasts, with four world-famous ski areas. For those who prefer the summer seasons, the area abounds with recreational pursuits such as hiking, fishing and horseback riding.

Live Water: With access to 1,670 feet of the “Gold Medal” designated Roaring Fork River flowing through the ranch and three spring-fed trout ponds, the ranch is a haven for the seasoned angling enthusiast or the occasional fisherman. The Roaring Fork is one of Colorado’s premier rivers for trout fishing. Running from the top of 12,095-foot Independence Pass, the river flows unobstructed throughout its 70-mile journey to the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. This private section of the Roaring Fork is the second largest privately held river frontage on the river, inhabiting a classic freestone fishery with prime pocket water, riffle-run structures and typical pool drops. The brown and rainbow trout populations through this stretch of river is staggering. The resident trout enjoy a consistent midge hatch year round, and a strong caddis population in the warmer months. By far the Roaring Fork’s most popular hatch is the green drake emergence, which typically occurs late in the day beginning in early July. Avid anglers travel to the area specifically to target hungry trout during this mid-summer frenzy.

The three spring-fed ponds offer excellent stillwater fishing for subtly rising trout and the hefty resident fish that dwell in the depths. Additionally, these tranquil waters are home to a host of seasonal birds and waterfowl and are a valuable resource to the extensive local wildlife.

Improvements: The ranch features several historic improvements that add tremendous character to the property while providing guest housing and a temporary residence to an incoming owner while building a new home. The ranch is offered as a 159-acre tract with a building site. The homesite is surrounded by mature cottonwood trees overlooking the spring-fed trout ponds and the Roaring Fork River. The conservation easement allows the continuation of historic farming and ranching operations including grazing or pasturing of horses and other domestic livestock. Additional uses include hiking, horseback riding, hunting, shooting, archery, fishing and cross-country skiing.

Summary: A rich retreat with a history unlike any other in the Aspen Valley, the Wheatley Homestead on the Roaring Fork is a true gem with extensive recreational amenities, deep history, exceptional value-all in close proximity to one of the most revered resort communities in the world. The ownership opportunity for this historic homestead includes preserving the bounty of the past, embracing authentic land stewardship for the future, and establishing the sanctuary of a lifetime.

• Schoolhouse
• Manager’s residence
• 12 miles from Aspen
• 8,250 sqft building site
• 3 spring-fed ponds