Wheatley Homestead on the Roaring Fork ASPEN, COLORADO Hunting Ranching Fly Fishing Conservation
Wheatley Homestead on the Roaring Fork ASPEN, COLORADO Introduction: Stepping onto this idyllic ranchland is like stepping back in time claiming a slice of Old Aspen. This picturesque property and improvements are part of the original Wheatley Homestead that was established in 1891. Located in the most prestigious resort valley in the scenic Rocky Mountains, the 159-acre retreat 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, and county open space this Aspen Valley property represents a rare ownership opportunity for the serious outdoor enthusiast. Brian Hartley, Broker Toll Free: 866.734.6100 Office: 303.542-2008
History: Since John Wheatley settled the ranch in 1882 and claimed homestead in 1891, there have been only two other family lines staking ownership of this site. The property is a rare representation of what the Aspen Valley provided in a much earlier time: open land with little development, an extensive variety of roaming wildlife, untouched flora, an untamed river teeming with wild trout and private access to vast tracts of pristine forest lands. The original log structures, red brick Wheatley Schoolhouse and other historic structures still stand today. In 1997, the Dart Family together with Pitkin County and the Aspen Valley Land Trust in association with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, created one of the single most important and largest conservation easements in the area. The agreement preserves the original character of the land and protects critical winter elk and mule deer habitat, including the rich riparian corridor and associated wetlands.
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 scenic Snowmass Canyon, the ranch enjoys 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, and for those who prefer the summer seasons, the area abounds with recreational pursuits such as hiking, biking, fishing and horseback riding. Commercial and private jet service is available at nearby Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, a 7,000-foot airstrip that is serviced by four well-known national airlines.
Acreage: The Wheatley Homestead on the Roaring Fork is comprised of approximately 159 acres of variable terrain, ranging from the rich riparian habitat on the Roaring Fork River and three spring-fed trout ponds, to the vibrant pinion and juniper covered red hills on the elevated northern boundary. This unspoiled land spans the second largest privately-held river frontage between Old Snowmass and Aspen. The property abuts county open space and features irrigated pastures that allow numerous horses, as well as convenient, adjacent access to national forest and BLM lands, bordered along the northern boundary. Home to clusters of dark pine, thick Gambol oak and old growth cottonwoods, the trees provide excellent cover and habitat for the extensive wildlife that frequent the ranch. Throughout the year, wildlife roam on a pressure-free range extending into thousands of acres of BLM and Forest Service land. A conservation easement has been placed to preserve the integrity of the ranch, wildlife habitat and aesthetic values of the landscape. The elevation of the Wheatley Homestead on the Roaring Fork is 6,900 feet, and is easily accessed year-round from CO Highway 82 and county-maintained Lower River Road.
Live Water: With private access to approximately 1,670 feet of the Gold Medal designated Roaring Fork River flowing through the ranch and three spring-fed trout ponds, the retreat 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; 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 species enjoy a consistent midge hatch year round, and a strong caddis population in the warmer months. By far the most popular hatch on the Roaring Fork is the green drake emergence, which typically occurs in early July (late in the day). Avid anglers travel to the area specifically to target hungry trout during this mid-summer frenzy.
Live Water (continued): 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. The spring-fed ponds offer an incoming owner an excellent opportunity to further enhance this tremendous sporting property by creating deeper holes for trophy trout to winter and escape predation from above. The spring creek resource that fuels these tranquil ponds with consistent cold water also presents an excellent enhancement candidate to establish more productive holding water for the resident trout population.
Water Rights: As documented in the Declaration of Covenants for the Wheatley Ditch Operations, this ranch includes half of the interest in the Wheatley Ditch water rights which includes at least 3.7 cubic feet per second (cfs) and as many as 5.41 cfs. The water right is listed as the 33rd and 34th senior right on the Roaring Fork River, which is extremely senior and historically has never been diverted. The water may not be severed from the land. The status of Wheatley Ditch includes a modern concrete headgate and weir located upstream from the eastern property line. The ditch is seasonally cleaned and runs the entire length of the property from east to west. Two cutouts deliver water to the pastures below Lower River Road. Broadcast irrigation was installed in April of 2005. A 20 horsepower water pump is located on the irrigation ditch above the farmhouse, which supplies a 4-inch pipe at 85 pounds per square inch (psi). This system supplies irrigation piping that runs the length of the property above the Rio Grande Trail, with risers placed every 600 feet. The riser system is designed to supply a 600-foot line of sprinklers spaced 25 feet apart, each covering 50-foot circles. Additional water rights documentation is available upon request.
Nearby Live Water: There is an abundance of fish-filled waters in the famed Roaring Fork Valley to keep anglers happily casting to a variety of trout species. The Frying Pan River is known for its oversized trout and the buffet of consistent bug life that fatten these trophy fish. Flowing through a picturesque valley lined with sandstone and shale, the Pan offers the serious angler the opportunity to land the trophy trout of a lifetime. The 14-mile stretch of the Frying Pan from Ruedi Reservoir downstream has been Gold Medal designated due to its high concentration of trophy-sized trout, excellent aquatic habitat and sheer quantity of fish. The Colorado River offers big water fishing for the unsuspecting trout. Although intimidating in many rights due to the magnitude of water and its murky appearance, the Colorado is home to healthy resident populations of rainbow and brown trout. Depending on the water level, the river is characterized by large swirling eddies, long, slow pools and excellent pocket water near the banks. Numerous other area fisheries, such as the Crystal River, Avalanche Creek, Maroon Creek and several other excellent live water opportunities offer premier fishing for the adventurous angler. Additionally, Ruedi Reservoir and Maroon Lake present excellent options for the stillwater fishing enthusiast.
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. Historic Wheatley Schoolhouse - Built as a schoolhouse in 1911, the building was converted to a guest cabin in the early 1960s. This two-bedroom, 1-bath structure is the ideal guest cottage with charming finishes and quaint décor of yesteryear. The cabin includes a full kitchen with a natural gas stove, furnace, electric water heater, wood-burning stove and full water and septic systems in place. Historic Arbaney Ranch House - This residence is currently used as a caretaker s home. The two-story home is well maintained, offering approximately 1,530 sqft with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths with an unfinished basement. The house was refurbished and remodeled in 1986 and offers hot water, radiant heat, a metal roof and a modern concrete foundation that replaced the original rock foundation. Metal Hay Barn - The barn is a large covered equipment and hay storage shed with 2,000 sqft of heated indoor space. Gazebo - This structure is ideal for outdoor entertaining. Historic Wheatley Homestead - This historic log structure was originally built in the late 1800s. Historic Arbaney Homestead - This historic log structure was originally built in the 1930s.
Conservation Easement: While the easement preserves the property s natural aesthetics and insures against significant future development, the owners have reserved a building site for the construction of a future residential home of up to 8,250 sqft in size. The homesite is pre-approved for a residential dwelling of up to 5,750 sqft through secured entitlements with the county that are valid until the year 2026. The property is pre-approved for the purchase of an additional Transferable Development Right (TDR), which gives an incoming owner the ability to increase the maximum allowed square footage to 8,250 sqft. The multi-year entitlement is valuable in its own right as Pitkin County entitlements are normally approved for periods of 3 years. (The pre-approved TDR is not included in the sale.) The ranch is offered as a 159-acre tract with a building site. Mature cottonwood trees overlooking the spring-fed trout ponds and the Roaring Fork River surround the homesite. Incorporated in the development approvals, an incoming owner may elect to donate the homesite in the form of a conservation easement and receive the associated tax benefits. The conservation easement allows the continuation of historic farming and ranching operations including grazing or pasturing of horses and other domestic livestock. Additional historic uses include hiking, horseback riding, hunting, shooting, archery, fishing and cross-country skiing. A public trail easement for the Rio Grande Trail runs through the ranch along
Summary A unique property 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, rich history and exceptional value all in close proximity to one of the most celebrated resort communities in the world. The ownership opportunity for this 1891 homestead is preserving the bounty of the past, embracing authentic land stewardship for the future, and establishing the sanctuary of a lifetime. PRICE: $3,750,000 Reduced! TAXES: $5,160 in 2014 CONTACT: Brian Hartley, Broker Toll Free: 866.734.6100 Office: 303.542-2008 Notes: 1) This is an exclusive listing of Live Water Properties LLC; an agent of Live Water Properties must be present to conduct a showing. The owners respectfully request that other agents and/or prospective buyers contact Live Water Properties in advance to schedule a proper showing and do not attempt to tour or trespass the property on their own. Thank you. 2) Offering subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information provided herein is intended as a general guideline and has been provided by sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy of which we cannot guarantee. 3) Live Water Properties LLC represents the Seller as a Seller s Agent.
Wheatley Homestead on the Roaring Fork Aerial Map Public land shown in green Maps are for visual aid only ~ accuracy is not guaranteed.
Wheatley Homestead on the Roaring Fork Public Lands Map Public land shown in green Maps are for visual aid only ~ accuracy is not guaranteed.
Wheatley Homestead on the Roaring Fork Location Map Public land shown in green Maps are for visual aid only ~ accuracy is not guaranteed.
Wheatley Homestead on the Roaring Fork To pographical Map Public land shown in green Maps are for visual aid only ~ accuracy is not guaranteed.
Wheatley Homestead on the Roaring Fork Terrain Map Public land shown in green Maps are for visual aid only ~ accuracy is not guaranteed.