There is a temptation among Aspen home shoppers to focus their house hunt on secluded mountain properties huddled off main streets, tucked into mountainsides and hidden from the masses. But another experience exists in Aspens tony West End for homebuyers who want to get away from it all, yet still want to have it all. In fact, its not usual for out-of-towners to start their home search out of the way, only to end up very much in the way, unexpectedly electrified by the West Ends bold parade of historic homes, perfectly groomed lawns, know-your-neighbor friendliness and vibrant cultural attractions. This was the case for a Midwestern couple when they happened upon an exceptionally spacious residence across the street from the Aspen Historical Society more than 20 years ago.

205 N 6th Street, Aspen, CO

5 Beds, 6 Baths, 6,366square feet

Acres: 0.14

Exclusively listed by: Peter Kelley and Tami Word

Initially, I wasnt in favor of buying a house in town because I thought we should buy a place in the mountains, recalls the wife, a former business owner. My husband said, Trust me on this. Living in town will be a blast. You know what? He was right. We could walk to town and the music tents for the Aspen Music Festival. We could take a shuttle to any of the ski slopes and get to the airport in seven minutes. I loved the location.

Set on a corner lot and offering remarkable privacy for an in-town location, the storybook exterior paid homage to the Victorian architectural history in the West Endwhich was an important feature for the traditionally-minded husband, a now-retired business executive. However, the homes volume at over 6,300 square feet felt more contemporary, giving the couple and their large extended family plenty of flexibility as their adult children married and grandchildren became a part of the picture.

Properties of this size simply dont come along every day in the West End, explains Peter Kelley of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse who originally sold the property to the couple and recently listed it with co-listing Broker Tami Word. The combination of square footage, in-town location and the ability to accommodate large families or groups is what sets it apart.

The floorplan is united by an elevator and spread across three levels, creating a dynamic layout that balances public and private spaces. The great room, dining room, kitchen and breakfast nook occupy the upper level, with vaulted ceilings and abundant windows that let in natural light and views of the surrounding pines, cottonwoods and aspens. French doors open out onto a patio, where the couple often entertained family and friends. A soaring brick fireplace and a wall of built-in cabinets provide natural separation between the grand living spaces and the kitchen. A large dining space brings the natural splendor of the outdoors inside with more windows. The highly functional kitchen makes it easy to host large groups with a generous island, professional cooking range, double ovens and adjacent breakfast nook. Five fireplaces infuse many rooms with warmth during the winter, giving everyone a chance to find quiet and intimate moments.

 

The floorplan worked well for our family, says the husband. There are three master suites repeated on each level, and two large guest rooms, each with their own bath.When you have two daughters with husbands and six grandkids that means there are no favoritisms with the bedrooms. A big bunkroom with four beds is great for the kids, plus theres another guest room on the entry level. The house sleeps 14, but weve slept 17 before.

Due to the thoughtful division of the floors, the house is also accommodating when in use by just two people. We can live on the upper level with all of the main living areas and a master bedroom, and it doesnt feel like a huge house that were wandering around in, says the wife.

One of the most unique features of the house is the spectacular entertainment level in the basement, offering endless hours of fun. Flooded with natural light via large window wells, this bright and cheery space has a media lounge, a billiards table and a bar with a beverage center. This size of window wells is not often seen these days, says Kelley. Lower level light is extremely prized in Aspen. For the wife, the light was a defining quality of the home. Sunlight comes through every floor, she says. For me, that was so important. Multiple outdoor spacesincluding a rooftop deck with hot tub and stunning views, as well as lush gardens and landscaping with a small streamoffer a tranquil setting from which to relax and connect with the beauty of Aspen.

For these reasons, Kelley sees the property as an ideal legacy home, in the sense that you can enjoy it with your adult children and your grandchildren and it probably gets passed on to the next generation, he says. ord adds that they could also see the home being used as a fantastic rental home opportunity or corporate retreat.

The prime West End location edges the home closer to landmark status. Considered Aspens cultural and intellectual center, the West End has provided the couples family with two decades worth of memories. Countless New Years Eves. Aspen Food & Wine Classic in June. They walked to concerts at the Aspen Music Festival and events hosted by the Aspen Institute. Downtowns world-class restaurants, shopping and entertainment were also just a short walk or bike ride away. Their family truly did have it all. And now they are poised to pass it all onto the next homeowner.