Bell Mountain Ranch in Castle Rock, CO? (Denver, Castlewood: for sale, work)

[JourneyCC]

Hi there,

Just wondering if anyone has any perils of wisdom about this area for out-of-state investors? Things to look for? THings to watch out for? Thoughts on their Association? Best utilitiy choices? Seasonal issues? Etc.

Thanks!

Journey

[Swampy101]

When I was looking to buy around here, I thought I remembered that area as being extremely windy and real close to the railroad tracks and freeway (noise)...

[formercalifornian]

What drew you to the area?

[JourneyCC]

Former Californian - Well, the land and views for one. And also a CAian, it is very commutable and seems like such a "wholesome" place to raise our children. The area was also recommended to us as an upscale area, and several people have told us that area when the market flips will escalate faster than some other areas because it is highly desired.

Swampy - Yes, there are bugs and snakes there! As with most wildland areas. THe railroad tracks aren't an issue for us, as we have them in audible distance here too in CA (amongst a surplus of noise here LOL).

Thanks for the imput so far!

Journey

[GoPioneers]

I would be worried about water down there. There isn't much of it left and your bills for it will get higher, that and you could be facing water issues when it comes time to resell it.

[frogs4vt]

We were looking at the area in 2006 and found that it had a lot of wildlife - see attachment. Honestly - I dont know if this is an elk or a very large male deer but never the less, its very close to the house as you can see in the picture. We saw lots of snakes on the roads as well. I imagine you'd have to be pretty careful with children in this area as other wildlife is also about. In the end, the reason we didnt buy was the proximity to the railroad tracks - we were looking at a beautiful home when a trained rolled by and shook the whole home. The area has it own water - separate from Castle Rock's water - which you may or may not consider a blessing. We worked with Coldwell Banker and they were very knowledgable of the area (I'm sorry I cannot remember the name of our agent) - I would recommend contacting them.

[formercalifornian]

Are you purchasing property or a house? Will it be a primary residence? How long do you plan to hold? Who has been telling you that the area is a good bet for appreciation? Are you sure their opinion is reputable and bias-free? Perhaps so, but it's still a point worth contemplating.

A note about the railroad tracks: they may not be an issue for you (I like trains, too), but the noise might scare off buyers when it comes time to resell.

[2bindenver]

Bell Mountain is an upscale development on lot sizes large enough for horses; commutable to CS, DTC & Denver. There was one for sale with structural damage for $300k but for the most part houses there go for more than $800k.

[GoPioneers]

Originally Posted by frogs4vt

We were looking at the area in 2006 and found that it had a lot of wildlife - see attachment. Honestly - I dont know if this is an elk or a very large male deer but never the less, its very close to the house as you can see in the picture. We saw lots of snakes on the roads as well. I imagine you'd have to be pretty careful with children in this area as other wildlife is also about. In the end, the reason we didnt buy was the proximity to the railroad tracks - we were looking at a beautiful home when a trained rolled by and shook the whole home. The area has it own water - separate from Castle Rock's water - which you may or may not consider a blessing. We worked with Coldwell Banker and they were very knowledgable of the area (I'm sorry I cannot remember the name of our agent) - I would recommend contacting them.

Bell Mountain and Castle Rock both get their water from the aquifer - they don't have many other water sources at this time. They are working on a diversion at Castlewood Canyon area - but as it stands may not be enough unless Douglas County stops growing. It may not be a pressing problem today - but in 10 years when you go to sell your home it will be.

And even if a solution is found it will be an expensive one - so residents of Douglas county will have to pay dearly for that water.