Photo courtesy of Greg Didier and Terry Rogers, Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty
We live in a fast-paced world of high-pressure workplaces and constant connectivity. In light of today’s busy schedules, it’s no wonder so many people long to return to a slower, simpler, more organic lifestyle. Boundless space and quiet serenity have never been more attractive.
Ranches, therefore, offer an idyllic modern retreat. Characterized by sprawling land and indoor spaces that are as open and natural as the outdoors that surrounds them, pastoral properties are seeing a renascence among homebuyers—from young families to working professionals, restless adventurers to retirees.
Real estate agents and couple Terry Rogers and Greg Didier sell ranches with Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty and live on an exceptional ranch of their own in the mountains of Aspen, Colorado. Here’s Terry’s story of this magnificent rural getaway, and what inspired the couple to create it.
Photo courtesy of Greg Didier and Terry Rogers, Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty
From the moment I was able to draw, I sketched the same picture over and over again: in the foreground, a horse grazing by the pond; in the background, the sun setting behind the mountains; and in the middle was me, waving from the deck of my dream house. The funny thing is, I grew up in Wisconsin and had never even been to the mountains until I moved to Wyoming for college to get my equestrian degree.
But, I fell in love with the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and after moving to Texas to train horses, I could still hear the mountains calling me back. It wasn’t long until I found myself moving back to the Rockies and the Roaring Fork Valley, where I would stay.
Photo courtesy of Greg Didier and Terry Rogers, Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty
I had a small five-acre ranch, and I used to drive up to the National Forest a few miles away to run with my dogs. At the beginning of the trailhead, there was an entrance to a portion of a 3,300-acre ranch. At the end of my runs, I would wander down, sit on a fallen tree and take in the views. It felt so familiar—and I knew it was because it looked just like the place I had envisioned in my pictures so many years ago.
One year, the massive ranch was sold to a developer who subdivided its land into several parcels. It seemed so serendipitous; however, I found that the parcel with my favorite view was far outside my price range. But it stayed on the market, almost as if it was meant to be. And with patience, a lot of saving, and a little luck, my husband and I were finally able to make it ours.
Photo courtesy of Greg Didier and Terry Rogers, Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty
The home we’ve built here is based on a historic Colorado barn, and we worked closely with our architect to re-create all the authentic touches, from the quality of the wood to the shape of the vaulted ceilings. But we couldn’t compromise on the view, and our panoramic windows make for a contemporary addition.
Photo courtesy of Greg Didier and Terry Rogers, Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty
One of my favorite features is the fact that our main house is right above our barn. This is something I’ve always dreamed of, and it’s based on a design I developed back in college: a home where I could head downstairs and spend time with my horses without having to trek to a different building. We have dogs and cats too, and we’re so happy to have a living space that we can share with all our animals (and friends!).
We’re considering new projects on the property, such as renovating the guest house into a larger main residence, or building another small house adjacent to the one we already have. With a ranch, you have tons of space and lots of options, so it is easy to take your time and make it work!
Photo courtesy of Greg Didier and Terry Rogers, Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty
As someone who specializes in selling ranch properties, I can speak personally to the joy they bring. Whether you want the proximity to recreation and backcountry or to animals and wildlife, whether you own your farm for gardening and growing food or just for the beauty and privacy, ranches truly are a wonderful, wonderful way to live.
The tree where I once sat, gazing at the mountains and dreaming of this life, is still in my front yard. And as I stand on my deck, watching my horses graze in our pasture, I feel as if I’m in the picture I drew when I was a little girl.
Start your own countryside idyll on one of these ranches, or find your dream equestrian getaway. And for more insider property tours, read about an agent’s modern penthouse.
