8800 Valmont Rd. Boulder

Pastoral Old World Farmhouse in East Boulder

$6,500,000 | Currently Off Market

Old world sensibility and extraordinary lifestyle are the hallmarks of this breathtaking County property surrounded by hundreds of acres of City open space with a year round running creek and stunning views of the Flatirons and Continental Divide.

Set on 3 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, including a thriving vegetable garden, the stone and timber farmhouse was designed by esteemed Denver based architect Jeff Sheppard and constructed, in 2000, by one of Boulder’s finest builders, Rosewood Construction. Horse barn with 3 stalls, and adjoining runs, outdoor arena, irrigated green pastures and acres of abutting open space, also make this an extraordinary horse property.

A long, maple tree-lined driveway crosses open space from the main road to a circular drive with center island, abundantly planted with abundant flowers and trees that give the impression of a country house in the South of France. Framing the front door are espalier apple trees and large outdoor planters, overflowing with flowers. The door opens to an entryway marked by a large timber beams and interior stone wall in the forefront and mural covered dining room in the distance, providing the first glimpse of the understated elegance and extraordinary quality of this comfortable home. At all times, and in every direction, the gardens and grounds that surround the home are ever present through abundant windows, admitting magnificent light and views. Most rooms in the house have access to the outdoors, either patio or balcony space.

To the left of the entryway, the well-equipped kitchen and great room spill out to the inviting patio that runs along the west facing main living areas of the home, ending in a sanctuary-like stone pergola outside the study, currently used as an artist’s studio. The swing that hangs outside the family room affords a view of the creek, pastures and panoramic vistas that gives a hint of the extraordinary life this property offers.

In between the great room and study is a family room with double sided fireplace. Opposite the family room is a large mudroom with separate sink and washer/dryer with access to a side patio and the garage. Above the garage is a large office or studio space that could also be used as a bunk room for kids or overflow guests.

To the south of the main living area is a main floor bedroom with en suite bath, walk-in closet, and access to a private patio that faces west. The charming window seat affords views of gardens, pastures and barn.

Upstairs are two well-appointed bedrooms, including the thoughtfully designed master suite with large walk-in closet and his and hers bathrooms – his with shower, facing east and hers, with large soaking tub, offering splendid views to the west. The balcony off the master is yet another private spot to enjoy the ever changing light and ever present views. The second upstairs bedroom is similar to the one of the main floor with walk-in closet and en suite bathroom. The most creatively charming and surprising use of space is the sleeping nook tucked in behind closing doors, off the upper floor landing, with a discreet window looking east.

The basement level houses the gym space, 1000+ bottle wine cellar and mechanical room, in which a state of the art reverse osmosis water filtration system was recently installed.

aerial-property-wide

From the main house, it’s a short walk to the vegetable and herb gardens. Nearby are the horse arena and the barn. The 3-stall barn is perfect for the hobby equestrian. The current owners have it set up for ease of maintenance and maximum enjoyment. Each stall connects to runs that lead to alternating pastures for grazing. 10 shares of ditch rights provide ample water for irrigating the pastures and gardens. Beyond the pastures, acres of open space beckon a riding adventure.

The picturesque barn building could also be used for other purposes and the abutting open space is great for walking and hiking, not just riding. The current owners frequently travel on foot to recreate on the abutting land, whether to watch the full moon rise or to picnic on the prairie.

In sum, this is a property that offers a Boulder lifestyle that has been mindfully tended and nurtured by the present owners. The grounds, the gardens and all the systems were created to allow carefree tending. The property and surrounding land are big enough to provide enormous pleasure but not so big as to be a burden. On the contrary, being stewards of such an awe-inspiring and rare property only adds to the countless gifts this property provides.