The Enclave at Oak Ridge in Colorado's Snowmass Village

Privacy is one of those qualities that can elude us in our search for the perfect home, because it is so personal, intangible and often hard to quantify. But you know it when you experience it. Like the first time you turn onto a secluded paved driveway at the end of a cul-de-sac huddled above Snowmass Village, and you realize you’re surrounded by nothing but trees, boulders and the Rocky Mountains for miles. You feel as if this is your own personal world. This is one’s first encounter with The Enclave at Oak Ridge. “It’s completely private with unobstructed views for over 60 miles,” explains agent Boone Schweitzer, who has co-listed the property with Matt Tate, both of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse. “You don’t see anything but mountains. The Enclave is the best word to describe this property.” A sense of arrival begins when you ascend the driveway. The wood and stone exterior blends seamlessly into the landscape — a feat made possible by renowned local architect T. Michael Manchester and builder Dan Johns, who made sure to take full advantage of the expansive 5.3-acre site and its commanding views. Your first introduction to their thoughtful treatment of the view begins in the living room, where an 18-foot timber beamed ceiling and large picture windows powered by electric shades frame panoramas of Snowmass Mountain and the Continental Divide. Each room on the main level subsequently provides a new sliver of a view. The kitchen and casual dining area is one example, while the formal dining area captures its own scene. Heated decks wrap around the main level, allowing for easy indoor-outdoor flow and more opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of Colorado’s natural world. The floor plan they devised also manages to feel warm and intimate, despite its spaciousness with nearly 7,000 square feet. “The main living and dining areas are open, with a full wet bar,” says Tate. “You could easily accommodate 20 people in this space.” The idea is that you can entertain in the main living areas yet retreat into smaller breakout spaces when you want a moment of quiet. There are two master suites in the house — one on the main level and one downstairs — giving the home an enduring flexibility when hosting friends and family. Downstairs, there are three other bedrooms and a media room, which could be converted into another bedroom. A caretaker’s apartment above the three-car garage has its own private entry. Both the architect and builder spared no expense when it came to quality construction and authentic materials. State-of-the-art mechanical and heating systems, a security system, 150-gallon hot water heater, radiant in-floor heating, heated decks and a heated carport are among the many thoughtful additions made to the home. Perhaps more noticeably is the attention they paid to the architectural details. They fused mountain style with Southwestern flair in a timeless and natural palette, expressed in details such as structural timbers, arched doorways, curved staircase, and a mix of wood, stone and ironwork. The home’s four fireplaces, including one on the outdoor patio and a large wood-burning fireplace in the living room that can accommodate four-foot logs, give the house extra warmth. By design, the interiors enhance the Rocky Mountain setting, reminding inhabitants that nature is never far from their reach at The Enclave at Oak Ridge. In fact, don’t be surprised if you see fox, deer or elk wandering past the property. Watching the magic of Colorado wildlife just beyond the property is a favorite pastime. Adding to the allure of The Enclave at Oak Ridge, biking and hiking trails are accessible just off the property, connecting to a well-known trail called “The Rim,” meandering through Horse Ranch that leads directly to town. In recent years, Snowmass Base Village has experienced a massive renaissance and capital investment. New luxury hotels, ski-in/ski-out residences, a public events plaza with an ice-skating rink, new restaurants and bars, and a community center make up the first phase of the $600 million project. Considered Aspen’s quieter sister town, Snowmass has matured as an upscale destination for those who are looking for a mountain experience away from the spotlight. “The buyer of The Enclave will be someone who is looking for privacy, solitude and views,” concludes Schweitzer. “It’s someone who is looking for an enclave — a place where you don’t see other homes and you savor that sense of seclusion.”