Little Lake Lodge: A Once-in-a-Lifetime 74-Acre Alpine Legacy Estate Just Outside Aspen
Amid the serene grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, just beyond the edge of the world-renowned resort town of Aspen, Colorado, lies an estate of such rarity, scale, and intentional design that it truly defies comparison. Encompassing approximately 74 acres, this extraordinary alpine compound—anchored by the iconic Little Lake Lodge—represents an unprecedented opportunity to own a property that has been lovingly, painstakingly created and meticulously maintained over decades. It is not simply a residence, nor even a collection of residences, but a fully realized private ecosystem and multigenerational legacy estate that can never be replicated under current land-use regulations.
What makes this property immediately remarkable is its unique duality: total privacy paired with exceptional proximity. The estate directly borders public land, ensuring permanent natural surroundings and protected views, yet downtown Aspen is just one mile away. Owners and guests can reach the heart of Aspen via a tranquil riverside walk, a leisurely bicycle ride, or a brief drive—an almost unheard-of combination of seclusion and access in one of the most exclusive real estate markets in the world. This proximity allows residents to enjoy Aspen’s legendary dining, culture, skiing, and shopping while returning home to an environment that feels worlds away.
Over decades of thoughtful stewardship and vigilant development, the land has evolved into a self-contained alpine sanctuary. The terrain is gentle and walkable, carefully shaped to preserve the natural landscape while enhancing its usability and beauty. Miles of formally marked private trails weave through the property, offering year-round recreation. In winter, these trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, transforming the estate into a private Nordic retreat. In warmer months, they invite hiking, wildlife observation, and quiet exploration through meadows, forests, and along the water’s edge.
At the center of the landscape is a pristine private lake, alive with thriving trout and framed by native vegetation and preserved wild flora. This lake is not merely decorative; it is a living feature that anchors the property’s ecosystem, attracting birds, wildlife, and reflecting the surrounding mountains in ever-changing light. Nearby, the estate enjoys frontage on the Roaring Fork River, adding another dynamic natural element—moving water, riparian habitat, and a soothing soundtrack that reinforces the sense of peace and immersion in nature.
Outdoor living on the estate rivals that of the finest resorts. A spectacular 80-foot infinity-edge swimming pool, seamlessly integrated into the landscape, appears to merge with the surrounding scenery. Covered and open-air terraces are strategically positioned to capture mountain views, sunlight, and cool alpine breezes. These spaces are ideal for everything from quiet mornings with coffee to elegant evening gatherings, all set against a backdrop of unspoiled natural beauty. In this luxurious compound, every amenity is already in place, thoughtfully designed to complement rather than compete with the environment.
The heart and soul of the estate is the magnificent Little Lake Lodge, a grand 18,466-square-foot residence set beside the private lake and surrounded by curated native landscaping. This main residence embodies alpine elegance on a scale rarely seen. While substantial in size, it is carefully designed to feel warm, inviting, and deeply connected to its surroundings. Large windows frame views of water, trees, and mountains, while interior spaces flow effortlessly between intimate retreats and expansive gathering areas. The lodge serves as both a primary residence and a centerpiece for entertaining, reflection, and family life.
What truly elevates this estate into a category of its own is its extraordinary future potential. Through conscientious negotiation and long-term planning with Pitkin County, the property has secured approval for the future construction of a second residence measuring an astounding 19,750 square feet. This allowance is remarkable, as it far exceeds the area’s current permitted maximum home size of 9,250 square feet. Such an entitlement is virtually impossible to obtain today, making this aspect of the offering as valuable as the land itself.
This future residence transforms the estate into a world-class multigenerational compound, capable of accommodating extended family, multiple generations, or distinct living experiences within a single cohesive property. Importantly, this is not a conceptual idea—the offering includes fully engineered, ready-to-build plans by the highly respected, award-winning architectural firm Rowland + Broughton. Their designs honor the alpine setting while delivering contemporary mountain architecture at the highest level. For a buyer, this means years of planning, approvals, and uncertainty have already been resolved, offering the rare ability to build immediately on a scale that may never again be permitted.
In addition to the main lodge and future homesite, the estate includes several beautifully appointed additional residences, each contributing to the property’s versatility and functionality. A 5,286-square-foot modern home, constructed in 2014, is situated along the banks of the Roaring Fork River. This residence is ideal for guests, staff, or extended family, and features all en suite bathrooms, ensuring privacy and comfort. It also includes a heated two-car garage and generous storage, making it fully self-sufficient and suitable for year-round use.
Further enhancing the estate are two charming alpine-inspired residences that echo the character and warmth of classic mountain living. One spans 2,432 square feet and includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms, offering a cozy yet refined retreat. The other, at 1,024 square feet, provides two bedrooms and two bathrooms, ideal for additional guests or private use. Each residence is thoughtfully positioned to maintain privacy while remaining connected to the broader estate, reinforcing the sense of a carefully curated compound rather than a collection of unrelated structures.
Altogether, the property consists of four separate parcels of land, adding flexibility, privacy, and long-term value. This multi-parcel configuration not only supports the estate’s current layout but also provides strategic advantages for future planning, conservation, or generational ownership.
Beyond its physical attributes, what truly distinguishes Little Lake Lodge is its philosophy of harmony with nature. The estate has been developed with a deep respect for its alpine setting, preserving wildlife habitats, native plant species, and natural water systems. The result is a landscape that feels organic, timeless, and alive—an environment where luxury and stewardship coexist seamlessly.
In a world where scale, privacy, and proximity are increasingly difficult to reconcile, this estate achieves all three at the highest level. Its exceptional acreage, direct connection to public land, river and lake frontage, multiple luxury residences, and unparalleled development rights combine to create an offering that is virtually impossible to reproduce. Even in the elite Aspen market, opportunities of this magnitude and completeness are exceedingly rare.
Little Lake Lodge represents more than a property—it is the foundation for an enduring legacy. Whether envisioned as a private family sanctuary, a multigenerational retreat, or a landmark estate held for generations, it offers a level of luxury, privacy, and natural beauty that stands apart not only in Aspen, but across the entire Mountain West. Opportunities like this do not simply come along again.
For full details, please see the property documents. Inquire for comprehensive land use approvals and future development documentation.
Listed on Zillow
