4 Br Private Vacation Home Vacation Rental In Idaho Springs, Colorado

Our custom log home on a lake, has unsurpassed mountain vistas, private fishing and canoeing, great hiking access, and is the perfect blend of privacy and convenience: less than an hour to Denver or major ski areas, but in a small mountain community. We built our home to rejoice in nature and celebrate our love of the mountains. Marshall successfully climbed Mt Everest, and all of the 7 Summits, so each room is filled with photos and treasures from each region. Gourmet kitchen and well appointed throughout. Elevation 10,400 ft.

THE SPACE
Dark skies, on privately stocked lake, no AC required, and hiking right out the front door with access to the Continental divide.

Paddle Across the Lake, Enjoy Private Fishing, or Just Soak In the View
Private catch and release, fly or lure only, fishing right out the back door on Lake Quivera, as well as our empty lot just to the north. Please only fish from our private property. No state fishing license needed. A canoe is also provided with your rental for use on Lake Quivera only. Please always wear life jackets, as the water is very cold.

Outdoor and Neighborhood Activities
Walk to Silver Lake, hike to St. Mary’s lake at the foot of the glacier, or enjoying hiking, snowshoeing, or backcountry skiing on miles of trails; only a couple of miles from the James Peak Wilderness Area. Find historic mining sites, equipment, and buildings; or search for the unmarked graves on Yankee Hill, the “biggest tree in Colorado” near “Table Rock”; or visit “the mail box” at the “rock house.” Watch for fox, moose, chipmunks, pine marten, deer, coyote, muskrats, squirrels, bear, and a plethora of birds, including humming birds (yes, at over 10,000 feet!). Contact us to arrange a visit to the schoolhouse and museum just a couple of miles from the house in our historic mining district, run by the Alice Historical Society.

Home Highlights
The Denali great room has vaulted ceilings, custom woodworking, pellet stove, river rock Victorian-style gas fireplace, Brazilian cherry floors, and double 8-foot French doors opening up to a lake view on the deck with customized hand carved animals and railings. Use the gas grill and enjoy your dinner at the comfortable deck table, and turn on the gas fire pit for warmth or roasting marshmallows. The flat screen 3-D TV, with select 3-D movies, is available if you can tear yourself away from the scenery, as well as the photos and native crafts from Alaska and North America.

Our kitchen has three Heartland ovens, plus warming drawer and gas cook top, making it easy for you to cook for your family or group. With granite countertops, Brazilian cherry floors, Asko dishwasher, farmhouse sink, and well-stocked cherry cabinets (cookware, dishes, and staples including spices, cooking oils, and baking supplies) and counter seating, the kitchen is the “heart of our home” where everyone will gather.

The amazing 5-window turret dining room with custom 6-foot round mesquite table is the perfect place to savor delicious food and camaraderie while soaking up the sunshine and lake and mountain views. A well-appointed and easy to operate pellet stove provides extra warmth and comfort.

The Everest loft opens to the great room, with huge windows looking out on the lake – the perfect place to cuddle up with your favorite book or enjoy perusing Marshall’s one-of-a-kind Everest scrapbook and other memorabilia from Nepal, Tibet, and China. A Pack and Play with bassinet in the loft closet for babies and toddlers up to 40 pounds.

The main level Aconcagua master suite has vaulted ceilings, a king size bed, romantic gas fireplace, and access to the deck through your own 8-foot French doors. The 5-piece bath includes a deep, 6-foot, jetted tub with in line heater (that I call “the best thing we did” in the house) where you can soak away all of your worries or enjoy a glass of wine with your sweetheart. There’s a large walk-in closet and plenty of dresser drawers for you to make yourself at home. Watch your own flat screen with Dish satellite TV, enjoy keepsakes from Argentina and South America, or just look out at the stars.

The lower level Kilimanjaro family room has 9-foot ceilings with 7-foot French doors opening to a cement patio just 30 feet from the lake. The patio has additional seating, or enjoy the lake-side swing. With a large screen TV with surround sound, the kids can enjoy their own get away. Lots of books on a wide range of topics and a selection of movies will keep everyone entertained. Pictures and souvenirs from Tanzania and other African countries will fascinate you. The couch pulls out to a comfortable queen bed (towels and bedding included - stored in the closet in the Elbrus bedroom).

The 3 lower level bedrooms all have 9-foot ceilings, large windows, and two have lake views.

The Elbrus bedroom has a queen bed with fascinating Russian photos and collectables, as well as antique climbing gear and other items from Europe and the Alps.

The corner Vinson bedroom has a queen bed with rare and unique things from Antarctica and the southern-most tip of South America.

The Kosi bedroom has a double bed with trundle single bed, perfect for another couple or the kids. Cards, games, and kids books are also provided.

The full downstairs bathroom includes a second jetted tub/tiled shower and dual sinks. The laundry/mud room with extra utility sink. (Half bath is upstairs near the Denali great room).

Deck and patio
Be outside for dinner! On the back deck you can use the gas grill to cook, and gas fire ring to help keep you warm, or let the kids roast marshmallows. Table and chairs (cushions are in the storage box on the deck) provided on the deck, as well another set on the downstairs cement patio, just feet from the lake. Closer to the shore, there's even a swing so you can sit, relax, and enjoy the view.

Town and Tourist Sites
Make the 20 minute drive to Idaho Springs to visit the Argo Gold Mine, Mill and Museum; Heritage Visitor Center and Museum; Underhill Museum; and charming shops and delightful local restaurants. Head to Georgetown and ride the Loop Historic Railroad, including Santa at Christmas time and other special events. Drive up Mount Evans, the highest paved road in the U.S., to enjoy the view and (probably) see big horn sheep and Colorado’s only mountain goats. Enjoy other Clear Creek County attractions and activities: mine tours, zip lines, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and more!

Located in Idaho Springs, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Saint Mary's Glacier, while Underhill Museum and Washington Hall are cultural highlights. Georgetown Loop Railroad and Amaze'n Maze Winter Park are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or check out other outdoor activities such as sledding and ice skating.