After the closure of La Garita Club, we spent several summers without the Rockies. And, I soon had it in my mind that our family would like to once again own a second home in these mountains.
I decided to consider all the higher elevations of Colorado, as well as, parts of the Enchanted Circle in northeastern New Mexico, including Taos, Red River, Angel Fire.
After several driving trips over a two-year period, I came to realize that, for me, there was nothing quite so visually spectacular as the Crested Butte valley and region. And, I decided to hone our focus on the various housing areas in this vicinity.
A top priority included dependably cool, summer temperatures. We decided that a minimum elevation of 8000 feet would help to ensure this. We also knew that at these elevations the sun is intense, and, therefore, we wanted a location or property where trees could provide adequate shade for protection from this intense sun since we enjoy being outside.
We also began to realize our preference for a more quiet, wilderness atmosphere with minimal traffic and crowds, and, dare we say, the dream of flowing water. We seemed willing to give up expansive views and homes built on high, treeless slopes, in favor of a home among the trees and near a stream. But, we still wanted convenient, close access to the town amenities offered by Crested Butte and Gunnison.
The Spring Creek location had great promise.
We became aware of an unseen property that might become available. Then, on one of our viewing trips, we came across this property from a distance. I immediately felt that this was it.
The property did later become available, and in November of 2017, it was now our opportunity to caretake this special home in this most heavenly setting.
Mountainlair captures the magic
-- a peaceful wilderness setting with evergreens and aspen
-- a rigorous mountain/canyon atmosphere with palisades
-- the rippling, splashing, sparkling, refreshing flow of Spring Creek.