Angler’sparadise

by Hunter Harrell

hen passing through the valley of the Animas, travelers see its beauty, and realize it’s glamorous. In the Four Corners, opportunities to own a waterfront property are few and far between. Yet, a regal riverfront property on 7.85 acres is waiting for the right individual to realize its potential.

Located south of downtown Durango at 478 Kiva Road, an extraordinary two-story custom home offers owners access to remarkable views of the Animas River, not to mention recreational activities, such as fishing and floating.

Lifestyle

The property is situated on the Animas River, which flows through the heart of Durango. The waters provide exceptional fishing with a deeded fishing easement, and are stocked with brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout. The town’s proximity to both the mountains and desert landscape is ideal for year-round recreation, from cycling and hiking, to off-roading and rock climbing. There are so many ways to explore the San Juans. Since the home is located less than 10 minutes from downtown, owners can easily access everyday essentials from local retailers.

Living Space

The 4311-square-foot property in the Adobe Cliffs subdivision, built by the late Kurt Geary, includes four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms and two offices in addition to a wine cellar and a heated three-car garage.

Large, river-rock pillars support the grand porte-cochere near the eight-foot, knotty alder door. Guests are greeted by 19-foot vaulted ceilings through the main entrance, and there are two large private offices on each side.

With the warm alder tongue and groove ceilings and large windows that flood the space with natural light, the expansive great room is a welcoming living area with striking views of the river. As a focal point in the living space, a riverrock gas fireplace is surrounded by custom alder cabinets with an abundance of storage.

Kitchen

The open floor plan leads from the great room directly into the spacious kitchen with a bar seating area. This kitchen is a perfect place to prepare gourmet dinners and host gatherings, designed with high-quality materials and topnotch appliances.

The granite countertops offer three sinks and faucets, punctuated by a decorative granite and marble backsplash. The appliances include a large, stainless, GE Monogram refrigerator with cherry door panels, Dacor stainless double oven and warming drawer with six-burner gas top, pop up hood and sink, a Bosh dishwasher, and built-in Kitchen-Aid microwave and trash compactor. The walk-in pantry provides plenty of storage, and lighted cherry cabinets keep dinnerware organized.

Outdoor Space

Glass doors from both the great room and dining area open to the 900-square-foot deck. This outdoor entertaining oasis is complete with a wood-burning river-rock fireplace. Once you open the door the sound of the river flows into the room.

Property Details

built: 2002 bedrooms: 4 bathrooms: 4.5 square footage: 4,311 feet asking price: $2.5 million hoa fees: $1,200 annually taxes: $5,305.68

Master Suite

There’s a subtle and earthy elegance to the 576-square-foot, secluded master bedroom on the main level. Vaulted ceilings, a private deck and gas fireplace make this area of the home feel like a luxurious retreat. A large walk-in closet offers built-in dresser drawers and shelving, plus a built-in safe to secure possessions.

Carefully crafted with relaxation in mind, the master bathroom is a tempting place to spend extra time. Whether stepping into the walk-in waterfall shower or soaking in the whirlpool tub surrounded by travertine tiles, enjoy a steamy spa experience. The double vanity includes storage for beauty products and the sinks are surrounded by smooth, but durable and non-slip travertine countertops. Two powder rooms and a private bidet are adjoining.

Guest Suite

The guest suite is located at the opposite end of the main level of the home for additional privacy. It features unobstructed river views with access to a private patio. The suite has a walk-in closet, and a well-appointed, full bath that includes a

More Amenities

n central humidifier n central air-conditioner n a Culligan soft water system n two high-efficiency forced air furnaces n surround sound system n security system travertine vanity top with two sinks, and a walkin shower with a frameless glass door.

Near the garage entrance is a pleasant hallway and mudroom with three closets. The laundry room is generously sized with plenty of additional storage, a laundry sink, washer and dryer. A guest bath in the hallway is equipped with an antique vanity and copper vessel sink. At the end of the hallway is a 23-foot by 38-foot heated garage, which stores up to three vehicles.

Lower Level

The downstairs area includes two bedrooms, a storage room with a wine rack, and a water filtration system. Each of these two bedrooms has a private bathroom, walk-in closet, and sliding doors that lead to a flagstone pathway in the spacious yard.

With a beautiful ecosystem beyond the backdoor, residential waterfront properties, like this one, are a flexible asset. In addition to the property on 7.85 acres, the buyer has the option to add the 11.04-acre lot bordering upriver for $900,000. For more information about this angler’s paradise, contact Thad Trujillo or Joe Bob McGuire at The Wells Group.