Any history lesson about Aspen, Colorado, should include at least one story about the old ghost town of Ashcroft. In the summer of 1882, Ashcroft––then far more “on the map” than Aspen––had two main streets, three hotels, a jail, and a newspaper. One notorious resident, Horace Tabor, invested millions in Ashcroft’s Tam o’ Shanter and Montezuma mines, with only modest success. The transport of silver ore from Aspen, due to its location in the Roaring Fork Valley, proved far easier than from Ashcroft, where the only route was over Pearl Pass on a rough road to Crested Butte. And when the D&RG Railroad came into Aspen in 1887, Ashcroft’s popularity––and Tabor’s dreams––officially faded into the shadows of the surrounding Elk Mountains. Things have remained fairly quiet in Ashcroft ever since.

Along the banks of Castle Creek not far from Ashcroft is a spectacular retreat of more than 50 acres bordering national forest lands. Built in 1986 and renovated a decade later, Elk Mountain Lodge was conceived as a venue for commercial events; however, as a private residential compound, it is unsurpassed. At more than 17,000 square feet, the main lodge offers a fabulous backdrop for entertaining amid massive antler chandeliers, rugged rock walls, and huge woodburning fireplaces. The rooms are amply proportioned and taking full advantage of the vistas of Castle Creek, the mountains, two private ponds, and towering trees.

To the back of the lodge, a large stone patio and terrace add to the home’s grand dimension. Beyond are six cabins, which offer additional space for accommodating guests and a resident caretaker. Two of these structures are historic, and one includes a state-of-the-art exercise center. A superb equestrian property, Elk Mountain lodge also encompasses a barn with stables and abundant grazing lands.

While life in downtown Aspen, nine miles to the north, continues to revolve around downhill skiing, Ashcroft has its own ski touring center with approximately 30 kilometers of groomed trails crowned by the peaks of the Elk Mountains. Life here is a bit more remote and lacking any real sense of urgency. The fact that Ashcroft has been relatively overlooked for the past 100 years is precisely why certain people choose to live here. Offered at $24,500,000. Inquiries to Joshua Saslove.