Chalet Gstaad

The word “chalet” is a slight understatement for this 6,000-square-foot sprawling retreat nestled in the hills of Beaver Creek, Colo. Located on upper Borders Road, the chalet is not too far from the home of former President Ford. Chalet Gstaad-named after the small Swiss alpine village that has hosted heads of state-guarantees the best in royal treatment on this side of the Atlantic. Although its price is steeper than Beaver Creek’s notorious Birds of Prey World Championship downhill course, the home comes completely furnished, with everything from sofas to silverware, and its amenities are endless.

Built in 1995, the chalet’s Old World design is evident-it has hand-hewn spruce beams, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings and stairpost carvings. The Great Room, featuring a wood-carved fireplace and decorative windows, offers fantastic views of Beaver Creek’s slopes and village. With two master suites and master baths (each with its own whirlpool and steam shower), in addition to four bedrooms and private baths, there is plenty of space to spread out.

Framed with small archways, the kitchen is loaded-it includes two sinks, two dishwashers, a Viking six-burner gas stove, a dumb-waiter, a breakfast area, butler’s pantry and wine cellar. And what’s a ski getaway without storage space? Chalet Gstaad also features a heated two-car garage with a separate work area, two laundry rooms and a mud room complete with a boot-drying system.

There’s also an outdoor spa to draw you in after those long, hard days on the hill. Its carved wood deck is designed to match the exterior of the home. And the surrounding heated stone walkways will ensure you don’t slip walking to and from the tub.

PROS Besides the fact that this beautiful, modern Bavarian has all the household conveniences under the sun-from its own water purification system to a large-screen TV and surround sound that can be heard throughout the house-you can ski directly to the front door.

CONS You’ll need to be earning about $1.2 million a year just to cover the $30,000 monthly mortgage. Then again, the vast majority of people who buy this kind of home pay cash.

DETAILS
Location: 219 Borders Road, Beaver Creek, Colo.
List Price: $3.59 million
Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 6.5
Square Feet: Approximately 6,000
Went on Market: March 17, 1998
Listing Broker: Whitney J. Miskell, Slifer Smith and Frampton/Vail Associates Real Estate, PO Drawer 2820, Avon, CO 81620; (970) 845-3802; Fax: (970) 845-7635
E-mail: wmiskell@slifer.net.