An exceedingly rare piece of property has hit the market 15 miles north of Aspen, Colorado and while there are plenty of wealthy individuals that could afford its $150,000,000 price tag, there is clause about building a mega-mansion compound may limit the potential buyer pool.
The land was purchased in 1956 by the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, a Roman Catholic religious order known as the Trappists, who built the original monastery in 1958. Many more buildings were added over the decades. Trappists supported themselves cattle ranching, making candy, and selling eggs to local restaurants. Later, they contracted local rancher to work the livestock.
The property is stunning and the location is prime but if you think you’re going to move in and toss up some gaudy hotel-sized mega-mansion you better slow your roll. The Pitkin County has caucuses that approve land uses and uphold its laws. In Snowmass the caucus has enacted 5,750-square-foot limit on homes. While this may seem more than adequate to normal folk, it could be a sticking point to someone looking to build a family compound. Exceeding the square-foot limit is non-negotiable and is not up for discussion.
Take a video tour of the property and find the complete listing HERE. This place is incredible.
St. Benedict’s Monastery Listing:
Located just outside Aspen, Colorado, the 3,720 +/- acre St. Benedict’s Monastery represents the largest holding in the immediate Snowmass/Aspen area. The property sits in a picturesque ranching valley surrounded by the lofty peaks of the Elk Mountain Range. Known for its peace and privacy, the Trappist monks have lived and managed this idyllic ranch for over 68 years.
Wildlife and cattle have co-existed for years, and the ranch and adjoining protected lands have retained the same natural habitat and rural characteristics today as they did when the monks first arrived. – 30 minutes from Aspen – Situated in a private mountain valley in the – pristine Capitol Creek Valley – The largest property of its kind near Aspen – Three creeks meander through the ranch for over 5 miles – Irrigated meadows with historic water rights irrigating 1,200 acres – Features three main characteristics:
1. The 2,780 +\- acre main headquarters, including the monastery and retreat center
2. The 437 +/- acre West Meadow, an irrigated mesa that adjoins the Headquarters to the west
3. The 567 +/- acre McCartney Mesa to the south that towers over the entire property – Excellent hunting opportunity as the property sits in Colorado Game Management Unit 43 – Small stream fishing on Capitol Creek – Exquisite and tranquil lands perfect for hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and more – Excellent opportunity for conservation
