help please in selecting the right location for a holiday home (Durango: new house, buy)

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Come on guys, Shamu asked a reasonable question, no need to rake him over the coals. He's not responsible for raping Colorado!

Anyway, Shamu, I seriously doubt that you can find anything in your price range in the Colorado mountains close to skiing and fishing. That's everyone's dream, and that's why prices (even in this bad economy) are very, very high in the mountains. If you can find something in Granby Ranch, go for it. It's a great location, not far from Winter Park ski area, and close to lots of great golf and fishing.

[Timberwolf232]

Originally Posted by jazzlover

Just what we need, another second-home piece of crap trashing up the Colorado mountains. I happen to know a particular area near one of Colorado's tourist railroads that has been absolutely aesthetically ruined by the proliferation of trophy and second homes. We don't need any more of it.

How's that Timberwolf232? Or, do I need to say how I REALLY feel?

That's what I like about you Jazz... Always well spoken and to the point!

[Shuffler]

Originally Posted by shamu01

Hi, i am flying in to denver for 10 days on 4th july on a fact finder looking for a little property (any style considered) or land to buy as a holiday home anywhere in the state, preferably with a nice view. i'm not certain on budget yet but would consider up to $250,000 for the ideal location.

There is a bewildering amount of info on the net and i wonder if anyone could help point me in the right direction

i am looking for a town or city that has lots of snow in winter but pleasant summers, ideally golf and fishing in summer and my version of skiing in winter

also (and dont ask) but i would love to find a property or land on or near a working railroad
thanking you in anticipation
shamu

250K might get you a little parcel of land at a place like the Melby Ranch, then it's up to you to find the $$$$ to get permitted to bring in utilities and build something, and that's easily another 250k. And then you won't be near any communities or passenger rail service. So, 250k won't get you much of anything in CO these days unless you want a chipboard & vinyl crackerbox Mchouse in the greater Denver metro area....

[Idunn]

While there is a railroad through Hot Sulphur Springs, CO, are you really looking for diesel freight trains and the occasional Am Trak? The hot springs should be lovely.

Something you may wish to consider anywhere near Granby, CO are the changing weather patterns and the present infestation of Mountain Pine Beetle that has literally killed near 100% of the lodgepole on some mountain sides. Any reconaisance in the area would quickly convince you of the magnitude of this unfortunate problem.

Should it matter, Granby and vicinity also tends to be rather cold come winter.

An area you might wish to consider is the area between Durango, CO and Silverton, CO. This precisely because the Durango&Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad follows a very scenic route between these two towns during the summer and fall. Not sure what your preference in railroads are, but this an authentic old style train with wooden cars and steam locomotives.

Durango is expensive, and Silverton becoming so. But it just might be possible to locate something to your liking and budget between these two towns. You might be astounded by some of the prices asked, but if you go off the beaten track and somewhat rustic, maybe.

This area tends to get a lot of snow in the winter, with skiing at Purgatory Ski Area (now Durango Mountain Resort).

Another possibility, and possibly less expensive, would be to locate near the tracks of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. It is similar to the Durango and Silverton railroad in being old fashioned and geared to the tourist trade (also seasonal). You might check as its finances have been sketchy and not near as solid as that of the Durango Silverton line. But it plies some beautiful and largely open country between the towns of Antonito, CO and Chama, NM. You might find a spot kind of in the middle of nowhere, but if a town I'd favor Chama over Antonito.

It's true Colorado doesn't need any more housing. But perhaps what you come up with might even be an asset. Good luck.

[DgoNative]

There is no such thing as cheap once you go north along the tracks outside of Durango into Animas Valley and up into the San Juans. It goes from expensive to incredibly expensive as you move North.

[jazzlover]

Originally Posted by DgoNative

There is no such thing as cheap once you go north along the tracks outside of Durango into Animas Valley and up into the San Juans. It goes from expensive to incredibly expensive as you move North.

And almost all of it in the flood plain of the Animas River. If the river floods again as it did in 1970 (I was there for that one)--well, a good bunch of that McMansion crap will be gone .

[Biopace]

Maybe Fairplay? 250k should be able to buy a small cabin on 1-2 acres. 25-30mi to Breck for golfing/skiing, great fly fishing in the area. No working railroad though.

[DgoNative]

I have been waiting for that Jazzlover! I, for one, will think it will be hilarious. I just want for it to wait until this Cali developer places all these McMansions in the heart of the floodplain and then mother nature can have her way with it.

[froggin4colorado]

That price range really wont get you much in the resort areas where the ski resorts are. You are better off buying away from the ski resorts. You might check Woodland Park where it is relatively a small town atmosphere, golf course, your price range, skiing is a couple of hours away, nice cool summers and wintery winters but not too much.
Good luck!
PS. Keep in mind, a piece of heaven is expensive here in CO...everyone wants the same little piece driving that price up!

[shamu01]

many thanks folks your posts are very helpfull, yes i had been looking at durango but i am such a (sad) fan of the railroad that even the amtrak is appealing...do you have problems with mosquitos in colorado? i was in the shuswap lakes in canada last year and got eaten alive...

Also, regarding the Mountain Pine Beetle - Many thanks for alerting me to that - I'd not heard of it and certainly non of the realtors had mentioned it (but then, is that a surprise!) Is it as bad as the very negative reports on the internet? Are we tlaking, whole areas being clear felled by the bug, or are they mainly mixed forests, and so being more thinned than decimated..

I'll have a look at the other areas you suggested - Many thanks again, I appreciate you spending the time replying

regards shamu