MOUNTAIN LAKE RANCH
La Veta, Colorado
$5,250,000
243.46± Acres
INTRODUCTION
Mountain Lake Ranch checks all the boxes for most discerning Colorado recreational ranch Buyers. The 243.46± acre ranch located near the charming small town of La Veta, Colorado, has an exceptional array of features, including quality luxury improvements, year-round access, stunning views, a 4± acre lake, elk and mule deer hunting, excellent privacy, water and mineral rights, and public land access.
The spectacular 7,200± square foot custom home features four bedroom suites, four and a half baths, a heated three-car garage, two high-efficiency fireplaces, and gas log fireplaces in each bedroom. No detail has been overlooked, from the gourmet kitchen to the in-floor heat with two boilers. And at the end of the day, a beautiful dry sauna awaits you.
The ranch enjoys grid-tied solar power that is net-metered for low electric bills. The house is built as if designed by an aero engineer with redundant systems such as two boilers, two septic systems, three 1,500-gallon cisterns, and a 15kW backup generator. Access is year-round through an inexpensive road maintenance agreement with the neighboring ranch development. A 1,000± square foot greenhouse with an attached workshop is near the house, as is a separate small building that houses the solar electric system components. Elk and mule deer hunting on the ranch is exceptional, with the lake being a significant attractor of all wildlife.
The town of La Veta is only 20± minutes away. It has all the necessities, including Charlie’s, a fantastic hometown grocery with an ice cream bar, several restaurants, a craft brewery, two gas stations, gift shops, and a Big-R Ranch and Hardware Supply Store. One establishment in town is the La Veta Mercantile, a first-rate listening room featuring touring bands and music acts encompassing several genres. On weekends during the summer, it isn’t unusual to have several live music performances at various venues in town. 1
Mountain Lake Ranch | La Veta, Colorado
QUICK FACTS
• 243.46± acres
• 7,200± SF custom home with high-end finishes
• 4± acre lake
• Excellent elk, mule deer, and black bear hunting
• Water and mineral rights
• Grid-tied solar net-metered
• 1,000± SF greenhouse and workshop
• Water well with 4,500± gallons storage
• USFS access
• Roads plowed to the driveway
• Stunning views
Mountain Lake Ranch | La Veta, Colorado
• 243.46± deeded acres
Mountain Lake Ranch sits on a beautiful saddle between two large valleys. It features a small lake, meadows, a hayfield, and 15-20± acres of timber. A large part of the ranch is in a conservation easement, but there is an unencumbered 21± acres with no restrictions.
5 Mountain Lake Ranch | La Veta, Colorado
SCENIC VISTAS
Giant mountain views and a glistening lake are the hallmarks of the Mountain Lake Ranch. The Sangre de Cristos, Spanish Peaks, Mount Maestas, Silver Mountain, Greenhorn Mountain, Goemmers Butte, and the Cuchara River Valley are examples of scenery from the house. To the east, views of the stunning West Spanish Peak and unique stone dike walls radiate from the peak. The East Spanish Peak is off to the side and back of the West Spanish Peak. Mount Maestas is prominent as you look from the house across the lake.
7 Mountain Lake Ranch | La Veta, Colorado
IMPROVEMENTS
The interior of the 7,200± square foot custom home features a massive three-story stone column that is the core of the residence and houses two fireplaces. Two spacious master suites with large windows have views that make you question whether you are inside or outside, and each bedroom has a gas log fireplace.
The entire main floor is handicap accessible, with all essential rooms on that floor. A gourmet kitchen includes upscale appliances and a comfortable breakfast counter. Concrete outdoor decks offer pleasant outdoor living during the temperate months and a great place to watch elk herds and other wildlife visit the lake. A productive well fills 4,500± gallons of storage, and a reverse osmosis system is in place for the entire house.
Solid cherry, hickory, and Brazilian hardwood floors add to the overall beauty of the domicile. A large 1,000± square foot greenhouse/workshop provides enough growing space to supplement the diet of the owners and their families. The stone, stucco exterior, and powder-coated metal roof defend against wildfires and winter weather.
Dining Room and Wood-Burning Stove
Mountain Lake Ranch | La Veta, Colorado
Great Room
Mountain Lake Ranch | La Veta, Colorado
Downstairs Hallway
Downstairs Master Bedroom
Downstairs Bathroom
Main Floor Staircase
Mountain Lake Ranch | La Veta, Colorado
Downstairs
Greenhouse Exterior Greenhouse Greenery
Greenhouse Loft Greenhouse Upper Storage
Mountain Lake Ranch | La Veta, Colorado
RECREATION
La Veta, Colorado, offers a captivating natural landscape rich in wildlife, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The region is blessed with diverse ecosystems, ranging from dark timber forests to picturesque meadows, providing a home to many wildlife species. Elk, mule deer, black bear, turkey, bobcat, and many bird species, including eagles and hawks, visit this property, some more frequently than others. Additionally, the area’s lakes, ponds, and creeks make it an excellent destination for fishing. La Veta is known for its excellent elk and mule deer hunting. With proper licenses and permits, hunters can explore the surrounding mountains and forests and even hunt on this 243.46± acre property. The Mountain Lake Ranch is an excellent elk-hunting property.
Workout Game Room
HUNTING | WILDLIFE
The lake on the Mountain Lake Ranch is a wildlife attractor. Elk, mule deer, black bear, and virtually every other species in the area make their way to the lake to water daily. It is typical to see a dozen elk in or around the lake. The ranch is in GMU 85, which is over-the-counter during some elk seasons. Mule deer require a draw for the entire state of Colorado. The ranch, by virtue of its size, has an entry in the Land Owner Preference Draw, which makes it easier to obtain a mule deer tag. The area is well-known for trophy elk, and the owner and his family hunt the ranch each year. Additionally, there is access to USFS land. The lake could be developed into a nice fishery for the fishermen with stocking and habitat maintenance.
Upstairs Loft Gaming Room
17 Mountain Lake Ranch | La Veta, Colorado
AREA HISTORY
La Veta’s history can be traced back to the late 1800s when the Ute Native American tribe inhabited the area. In the early 1800s, Spanish explorers and trappers, attracted by the region’s natural resources and abundant wildlife, settled the town.
La Veta’s development accelerated in the late 1800s with the arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, which connected the town to other parts of Colorado and facilitated the transportation of goods and people. The town quickly became a bustling center for the surrounding mining communities, providing supplies and services to miners working in nearby coal and silver mines.
During this period, La Veta experienced a significant population increase and established various businesses, including saloons, general stores, and hotels. The town’s economy relied heavily on mining and agriculture, with ranching and farming becoming important industries.
However, like many mining towns, La Veta faced its fair share of challenges. The decline of the mining industry and several devastating fires in the early 1900s led to decreased population and economic activity. The town gradually
transitioned to a more agricultural-based economy, with ranching and farming becoming the community’s primary income sources.
Throughout the 20th century, La Veta maintained its small-town charm and historic character. The surrounding natural beauty of the Spanish Peaks and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains made it an attractive destination for artists and tourists. The town’s historic buildings and architecture have been wellpreserved, and today, La Veta is known for its artistic community, galleries, and annual events such as the Art in the Park festival.
Fort Francisco - courtesy WikiCommons - Jeffrey Beal
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Near La Veta, several top attractions offer diverse experiences:
• Great Sand Dunes National Park: North America’s tallest sand dunes with hiking, sandboarding, and unique ecosystems.
• Spanish Peaks: Iconic “Wahatoya” twin peaks offer breathtaking views and hiking trails through forests and meadows.
• Cuchara Valley: Mountain nestled valley with hiking, biking, fishing, and scenic picnic spots, plus a charming town.
• Lathrop State Park: Colorado’s first state park near Walsenburg features Martin and Horseshoe Lakes for boating, fishing, camping, and picnicking.
• Rio Grande Scenic Railroad: Nostalgic train rides through the San Luis Valley with themed, dinner, and scenic journeys.
• Bishop’s Castle: Jim Bishop’s handcrafted castle in the San Isabel National Forest offers panoramic mountain views and intricate details.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Bishop’s Castle
19 Mountain Lake Ranch | La Veta, Colorado
CLIMATE
The area features a high-altitude, semi-arid climate with distinct seasonal variations. Summers are warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s F, occasionally reaching into the 90s°F during hot spells. This season also brings intermittent thunderstorms, providing much-needed moisture. Autumn brings cooler temperatures, with highs in the 60s to low 70s°F, accompanied by vibrant foliage. Winters are cold and relatively dry, averaging daytime temperatures in the 30s to 40s°F with occasional snowfall totaling 40-50 inches annually, peaking in January.
Climate charts courtesy of https://www.city-data.com/city/La-Veta-Colorado.html
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
Mountain Lake Ranch | La Veta, Colorado
The Mountain Lake Ranch lies just south of the quaint town of La Veta, Colorado, with a permanent population of less than 1,000 at the base of the Spanish Peaks. The town in southern Colorado is ideally situated on the front range of the Rocky Mountains, with equidistance driving time from Denver and Santa Fe (3 hrs) and equidistance driving time from Taos, New Mexico, and Colorado Springs (2 hrs). Traditionally a ranching community, La Veta enjoys a wonderful elevation of 7,000± feet, attracting a large influx of summer visitors, artists, and second homeowners.
GETTING THERE
Mountain Lake Ranch is 15± minutes south of La Veta off the Scenic Highway of Legends CO 12. La Veta is a mere 20 minutes west of I-25 from Walsenburg, south of US Highway 160 on Colorado State Highway 12. There are no mountain passes to cross, and interstate driving south of Colorado Springs offers the feel of the old days in Colorado, with sparse traffic and grand panoramic views.
23 Mountain Lake Ranch | La Veta, Colorado
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP
Two hundred twenty-two of the total 243.46± acres are in a conservation easement. Approximately one acre is unencumbered.
Each of us at Fay loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.
MINERAL RIGHTS
All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing. The sellers believe they own the mineral rights however it is up to the buyer to confirm ownership during due diligence. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.
WATER SOURCES
The ranch enjoys water rights that may be viewed upon request. The lake is filled by snow melt, rain, irrigation overflow and possible spring action.
Mountain Lake Ranch | La Veta, Colorado
Mountain Lake Ranch is a large, finely built custom home on 243.46± gorgeous acres. The home is strategically situated above a small private lake and enjoys expansive views of nearby mountains. The lake on the ranch is a magnet for wildlife, and elk visit the lake almost daily. The ranch is powered by grid-tied solar power and has a water well with large-capacity storage. The ranch is accessible year-round, with roads plowed to the ranch driveway. Nearby is the iconic small Colorado town of La Veta, with shops, restaurants, live music, and a mom-and-pop grocery store. The ranch has it all: ample acreage, a custom home, stunning views, excellent hunting, and near a great small town.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
Mountain Lake Ranch | La Veta, Colorado
Please contact Jim Vidamour at (719) 890-4590 | jvidamour@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties, fly fishing properties, and sporting ranches that we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.
$5,250,000 Cash
Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange
Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.
| 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
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