Historic Settlement On Old La Veta

Land Description

Presenting an Historic Settlement, called Uptop, a 300 +/- acre ranch property on Old La Veta Pass, near La Veta, Colorado. The possibilities are endless with this exclusive offering. The property boasts 9 historic buildings of which 6 have been restored, including an historic 2 bedroom log home and 1 1/2 bedroom guest quarters. The views are spectacular in all directions and the feeling of peace and quiet, privacy and history comes over you as you reach the property. This historic property would make a wonderful family, corporate or group retreat center, but the possibilities are endless. Dream your dream. A few details of the property. History - Established in 1877, when General Jackson Palmer built the D&Rg narrow gauge Railroad Above the Clouds over La Veta Pass. Only lasting 22 years until 1899 before the current standard gauge tracks were built 7 miles south of the settlement. Loggers homesteaded the settlement in 1917 and made use of the old railroad-bed to wagon their timber to nearby coal mines. By 1920 there were over 100 people living in the settlement. When the coal industry collapsed in the 1940'S the logging business also came to a close. But around the same time the road was paved as a part of the new Highway 160 and the settlement became a hotbed for automobile travelers, who stopped to eat lunch, grab a drink, a game of poker or a dance in the dance hall. When Highway 160 was re-routed in 1962, life at the pass settlement came to an end. It wasn't until the year 2000, that the settlement came back to life again when the current owners purchased the property as a labor of love. They've spent hours upon hours restoring most of the buildings to their original glory, gaining a National Historic District designation, and protecting the land from future development by donating a conservation easement on part of the land and welcomed sight seers, musicians, skiers, hikers and historians. Main Home - The main home is a restored comfortable log structure with 2 bedrooms and one bathroom with a country kitchen, 2 small living rooms, a large great room, deck and covered porch. This is the cabin you dream about. Buildings Included - The vintage 1877 Railroad Depot has been lovingly restored as the train museum. All artifacts and displays are included. The restored Tavern and Dance Hall looks like it's right out of the early 1900'S and would make an excellent venue for weddings, music festivals, or family or corporate gatherings. Its attached 1 1/2 bedroom apartment, which is also restored, is ready for your guests. The restored historic Chapel, built by the logging community, is still in use for weddings and memorial services. The original School House is in process of restoration, but weather tight and ready for your touches. Additionally, there is an old bunk house, old cabins and barns. The property even has an old historic ski lift not functioning from days gone by. Venue/Retreat/Ranch -This property would make the perfect family retreat, corporate retreat, business venue, hunting lodge or health retreat with its carefully restored tavern and dance hall complete with a stage area for bands and its unique s-curved bar. It would also make an incredible hunting retreat or private ranch. With added cabins or bunk space, the site could make an excellent dude ranch with existing buildings. The next era of history for this storied property is up to the future discriminating buyer. Hunting- The hunting and wildlife characteristics are second to none. There are Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Coyote, Turkey and various varmints on the property, including an Elk calving grounds. Located in Colorado GMU 85. Conservation- 260 of the 300 acres have been conserved from future development to protect the property and safeguard its history and beauty for generations to come. However, there are 2 separate, beautifully located building envelopes for future private residences. The 40 acre settlement, with its historic buildings is not within the easement and thus additional structures can be added. Terrain - The gentle mountain terrain includes heavy pine forested areas, open meadows and pockets of Aspen, Lodgepole and Bristlecone Pines. Elevations range from 9,200 ft. to 10,200 ft. There are several springs and one small stream. The property is zoned agricultural and maintains agricultural use through a grazing lease. Accessibility - The historic settlement is easily reachable year-round via County Road 443, which has two entrances off of Highway 160. The county conscientiously maintains and plows the road in the winter. Local Attractions - Spanish Peaks Country offers superb hiking and camping, fishing, horseback riding, bird watching and rafting. Nearby are the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Lathrop State Park and several natural hot springs. Year-round activities in La Veta and Fort Garland include museums, art galleries, antique shops, inns, B&B's, restaurants, music events, and train rides. Climate - The climate at this Historic Settlement is warmer in winter than Colorado's mountainous interior and cooler in summer than the scorching plains. Temperatures fall below freezing only for short spells in winter and daytime temperatures are most often in the 50's and 60's. The area's big snows come mostly in late spring but melt quickly. Local Services- The area has excellent medical services, including the Spanish Peaks Regional Hospital, Veteran's Nursing Home, and three Medical Clinics and outstanding Fire and EMS services. Contact us to schedule your private showing. You will not be disappointed.