Garlands' Alpine Lodge: Panoramic RMNP Views, Hot Tub, Pool Table, Wildlife

“Windcliff Estates” is a name that resonates with all who appreciate mountain homes and mountain-view real estate. Garlands’ Alpine Lodge is a premier residence at Windcliff. It is a duplex town house of extraordinary character. Designed by the noted mountain architect Ron Ruegge and built by Windcliff’s own Don Darling in 2009, Garlands’ Alpine Lodge graces a pristine site near the south end of Windcliff. The Lodge stands less than 300 feet from a common boundary with Roosevelt National Forest, and a similar distance from the boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park that adjoins Windcliff. And, the view to the west from Garlands’ Alpine Lodge encompasses the towering grandeur of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park within what seems to be arm’s reach! Step inside this mountain masterpiece to be greeted by a symphony of etched glass, slate, rock, tile, wood, and modern hues --- all in perfect harmony. The living area boasts west windows focused directly on the mountains. Towering walls resonate with art indicative of your surroundings. A limited-edition print by Sherry Steele portrays a magnificent male mule deer in a snowstorm. Across the room is an oil on canvas bringing an aspen grove to life. Heavy bronze castings of the wildlife indigenous to these parts frequent the house and give you a hint of what to expect out on the trails that await you at Windcliff and in the National Park. A half-scale statue of St. Francis and his animal sidekicks speak volumes of the love of the Garland family for the animals that co-habitate with their lodge in its forest surroundings. And, please take note --- at Garlands’ Alpine Lodge bears roam throughout the house. [They are neither alive nor stuffed specimens of these magnificent creatures. But, they are so life-size and realistic that you will wonder about their feeding schedule.] Over-sized couches await your moments of shared “debriefing” after every outing. A pair of hob-nail recliners is focused directly at the mountains. A fireplace stands at the ready. Its massive mantel is a giant beam of time-weathered wood salvaged from some earlier story of these mountains. The west deck is outfitted with a gas grill and tables and seating for all. The Lodge’s kitchen is the kitchen of your dreams. Bosch appliances and every essential tool of the culinary trade are at your disposal for whatever your appetite and imagination can envision and prepare. An “onlooker’s” bar is supplied with swiveling bar stools so comfortable that you could spend eternity in them without complaining. Set the dining room table with the luminous white porcelain dinner ware at hand, tune the Bose Wave music system to “background level,” and welcome the stunning view of the Continental Divide as your guest at every meal. And, by the way, the powder room near the front entrance is worthy of a picture in any architectural review. The master bedroom is designed on a massive scale. The space is massive. The over-sized king bed is massive. The walk-in closet is big enough to live in. And, the view from the west windows is the most-massive of all. The raised, see-through fireplace is positioned for enjoyment whether you are abed or adrift in the Jacuzzi bath. Artistic tile work creating a Rocky Mountain motif surrounds the tub and the shower such that the tub appears to be a “lake” nestled amidst the mountains. Downstairs at Garlands’ Alpine Lodge is a “family room” that does honor to the concept. It features seating and reclining for a wonderful cadre of family and friends, a large-screen HDTV home theater, a library, a curio gallery, a wet bar complete with wine cooler, games, and a full-sized pool table. And, just outside on the lower deck resides a hot tub focused on the views all around. An ensuite queen bedroom welcomes a woodland view at morning’s first light. Yet another bedroom with over-sized twins and a full bath round out the sleeping accommodations. Take a dramatically-designed mountain residence, imbue it with love and with every refined element --- and you have Garlands’ Alpine Lodge. Condominium Home 3 bedroom 3 1/2 bath Bedding -­-1 King, 1 King, 1 Queen and Double Bunk Bed Hot Tub, Jetted Tub in Master Bath, Gas Grill 2 Fireplaces, Wi-Fi, Satellite TV, 3 HDTVs Free Domestic Long Distance Maximum Number of Cars: 3 Base Rates vary by season. All pricing is for 2 persons. Each additional person is $25 per person per night over the base rate. Minimum Night Stays: vary by season.