A one-of-a-kind, high-tech contemporary work of art located just five minutes from Aspen core has hit the market for $49 million — a price tag that recently caught the attention of the Wall Street Journal. “If it sells for that price, it would be among the most expensive ever to trade in the area,” according to listing agent Carrie Wells of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse.

The award-winning home is the realization of Charles Cunniffe Architects, builder Hansen Construction and Donna Guerra Design. Positioned to enjoy the unobstructed view of morning sunrises and evening sunsets on 5.6 acres of mountainside, the 15,000 square-foot mansion is bordered by national forest on two sides. “It sets a new standard for privacy, luxury and high design with breathtaking vistas and fine craftsmanship at every turn,” says Wells.

The owner directed three “musts” to guide the teams’ planning and execution of this architectural work of art: 1) No detail overlooked, 2) State-of-the-art and 3) No expense spared. The result is a one-of-a-kind, environmentally sensitive, LEED-Silver residence that fuses Art Deco and contemporary mountain-modern design that complements its majestic mountain surroundings.

A wooded driveway and gate provides the first introduction of the property. Once hidden from the road, the residence comes into view. “You are immediately struck by its uniqueness and magnificence, completely enveloped by mountains and trees simultaneously,” describes Wells. “You feel completely enveloped in privacy.”

The architecture offers another moment of awe. A dynamic interplay of varying roof angles, combined with natural stone and wood, give the exterior a monumental presence. A dramatic glass pivot door welcomes you inside. Massive floor-to-ceiling windows frame incredible unobstructed sweeping views from Independence Pass to the east and Aspen Mountain to the west. Your relationship to the outdoors begins just as soon as you cross the threshold. Views unfold through a window wall and clerestory windows in the great room and dining room.

All of the rooms are positioned to connect the viewer to the secluded landscape. Even the home’s two steel and glass elevators with cascading wood staircases are surrounded by walls of glass and ensure the continued connection to nature beyond. Exterior landscaping complements the home in its natural setting and further connects the home to the mountainside.

As the home cascades down the mountainside, nature and architecture merge into complete harmony. An open floorplan creates a sense of volume and serves as an extension of the exterior setting and landscape. The grand room and dining are two such spaces that open the interior of the home to the breathtaking scenery. All of the entertaining spaces balance luxury with a friendly and relaxing ambiance.

The kitchen’s thoughtful design and professional-grade appliances are fitting for all occasions, both large and small functions. The state-of-the-art theatre and performance stage accommodates intimate screenings or larger viewings with the whole family.

Five bedrooms feel private and “tucked away” with appointments on par with a five-star hotel.

The owner’s master suite occupies a private wing of the house, separated by a privacy door with exclusive access to the suite from the exterior, and features its own supplemental oxygen system. The suite encompasses a spacious bedroom and his-and-her baths, allowing the owners to greet the morning with a vista of Independence Pass. An elevator and stairs also access the two owner offices and balconies with ensuite breakfast area and bathroom for total owner privacy even when the house is full of friends and family.

Interior designer Donna Guerra’s artful selection of details and finishes remains one of the home’s most defining characteristics. The design palette seamlessly blends 36-species of wood, custom-designed wood-inlay doors, a Jean DeMerry mosaic mural, custom fireplaces and elegant stone and wood elements, all of which subtly reflect the home’s Art Deco inspiration. Internationally renowned Michael Merritt of Merritt Wood Working executed all of the home’s custom wood and precision millwork throughout the home.

The home has been engineered and designed to take advantage of the latest in-home automation, alarm, security lighting and HVAC systems. The owner can control all lighting, entertainment, security and camera systems on a single iPad in any room of the home. These technological advancements are further appreciated in the master suite, which features a high-tech oxygen system that allows its inhabitants to feel as if they are at sea level while living at altitude.

From inside to outside, this architectural wonder is a place to live and entertain year-round in seclusion, privacy and security. Multiple levels of outdoor terraces, patios and lush lawn create an ideal outdoor entertaining space. The property is also being offered with the adjacent 3-acre lot and pond, adding to its value and privacy. “Every element of this home has been masterfully conceived and realized to ensure that it remains a timeless retreat for multiple generations of family and friends to enjoy,” concludes Wells.