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Sep 18, 2023

A Victorian Charmer With Modern Amenities Lists in Aspen for $17.995 Million

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A meticulously modernized Victorian home that was built in 1885—and retains its historic charm—is hitting the market Wednesday in Aspen, Colorado, Mansion Global has learned.

The West Francis Street property is located on a 6,000-square-foot corner lot featuring mature cottonwood trees, exterior gardens and a patio, according to information from Douglas Elliman, the listing agency.

More: ‘The One’ Megamansion Heads to Market in Los Angeles for $295 Million, Vying for a U.S. Price Record

The property will list for $17.995 million, listing agent Raifie Bass told Mansion Global. It was last sold in June 2006 for $4.5 million, he said.

"Whoever buys it will be just the sixth family to own it and the third family since 1900," Mr. Bass said.

The main residence is 4,457 square feet with four bedrooms, four full bathrooms and one half-bath. The house also features four separate gathering spaces suited for entertaining or media use. A standalone carriage house is 538 square feet and suitable as a guest house or studio, with a full kitchen, bath and lofted sleeping area.

"It's this cool, bright little jewel box of a house," he said of the carriage house.

Vaulted ceilings, large windows and period-style light fixtures throughout the main house blend into a modern living space that was remodeled eight years ago.

More: Look Inside ‘the Castle’ of Crested Butte, Colorado

The owners, who were not available for comment, wanted to retain as much of the property's Victorian charm as possible while updating the interior, Mr. Bass said.

Rather than "fighting with the nuances" of the style, the owners incorporated them creatively as they remodeled, he said. "They were really thoughtful in their process."

For example, they installed space-saving wood shelving and custom wall-mounted desks that fit into the nooks and crannies of the architecture. In other rooms, load-bearing interior walls were removed to open up the Victorian's small rooms. Some ceilings and bathroom designs were inspired by the owners’ interest in nautical style.

The result is an exterior that preserves the original character of the property—featuring original door and window designs—wrapped around a clean, contemporary living space with modern amenities, Mr. Bass said.

It has been the owners’ primary residence as they raised their children and sent them off to school and jobs, Mr. Bass said, and added that their hope is the property could become another well-used family home or full-time residence.

It also offers convenience as a vacation home: Situated in a flat section of Aspen's tony, historic west end, the property is walking distance to the beloved Silver Queen Gondola and the Benedict Music Tent, which offers an abundance of classical music performances during the summers.

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