1544 County Rd 45, Salida

An 1870's restored barn on 1,000 feet of Arkansas River frontage. This unique real estate opportunity is a combined feature of architecture, luxury, & rustic mountain comfort. The gated property is a spacious 8.72 acres that drops you down to the home strategically built into the side of the hill. Traditional "banked barn" designs like this were classically 2 story structures utilized for efficient agriculture with entries on separate levels. Converting the historic lumber & frame into a high end residence worked perfectly with the layout of the lot & proximity to the river. When you walk into the front door, you immediately understand the craftsmanship & care that went into the original construction, then into the restoration onto this site. The beams & posts are beautifully aged dense oak, the entire floor is covered in wide plank Douglas Fir, & every inch is custom or salvaged. Most of the main living area is open with only a few posts for support. An impressive 33 foot tall stone fireplace is the star of the interior. There are large windows around the room & an entire wall of massive doors leading to the 600sqft cedar deck that overlooks the river. A bathroom on the main level has a walk in shower & double vanity. Another bath is located in the loft bedroom upstairs. It is a dreamy open concept space with a soaking claw foot tub & views of the surrounding mountains. Another private bedroom is downstairs by the attached oversized garage. Entertaining in this spot is easy. The kitchen includes GE Monogram appliances but is all low-profile to not disturb the atmosphere of the open room. This property is expandable into the adjacent 4.54 acres downstream. This parcel has beautiful access to a permitted boat ramp & hot springs that cascade into the river. An exceptional opportunity to own one of the finest homes in this part of Colorado away from crowds, but close to skiing, hiking, biking, dining & amenities.