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By Alex Clarkson
The dreamy, hidden mountain estate known as Aspen Acres is nestled 100 feet above the Wood River Valley, just south of Ketchum. Within a five-minute drive, you are transported to unparalleled privacy and an outdoor recreation sanctuary. Meticulously manicured and maintained, the Aspen Acres property spans 160 acres of alpine forest, featuring wildflower-covered hillsides and a spring fed lake bordered by U.S. Forest Service Lands, providing a truly unique retreat.
A main house and guest house enhance the property’s appeal, as both are surrounded by exquisite landscaping that has been thoughtfully maintained to blend seamlessly with the natural mountain scenery of Aspen Acres. A network of stone walking paths and hiking trails traverse the property, accompanied by a natural lake. This includes a lit path around the lake featuring a picnic and camping area that can even accommodate a yurt.
Aspen Acres is a diligently preserved property, especially in terms of its ties to Sun Valley’s heritage and generations of family. The historic cabin, now serving as a guest house, symbolizes Sun Valley’s lifestyle and roots, adding to the iconic image of the mountain town today. The original structure and design, finished in 1936 by Charlie Davidson—a landscaper and architect for the Sun Valley Company—also contributed to the resort’s notable Trail Creek Cabin and Roundhouse properties, which remain in operation.
Sigi Engl, along with his friend Sepp Froehlich, were Austrian skiers recruited by Averell Harriman and Hans Hauser during the early years of the Sun Valley Resort to create a European ambiance. Sepp’s first wife purchased the guest house cabin from Davidson. Sepp and his second wife, Florence, owned the cabin from 1946 to 1986. Growing up, Sigi’s family spent considerable time at the cabin, as did many friends and visitors from the Sun Valley Lodge. The guest house and its Sun Valley history and heritage continue to be maintained, which has been winterized and now offers a cold entry as well as additional windows.
Upon entering the guest house, visitors are instantly transported to the Alps with its European architecture, décor, and design. Delightful features such as decorative stone fireplaces, cozy nooks, and inviting bedrooms with full bathrooms await guests and family members in this well maintained structure, seamlessly integrated into the landscape to foster a connection with nature. With its wood cabin elements, the guest house also provides ample storage space and a spacious garage. A large covered porch is an excellent outdoor area, while numerous outdoor seating spaces and manicured lawns are exquisite, especially with their entry and access to the spring fed lake. Experiencing this unique cabin and its European style is truly a pleasure—comfortable, cozy, and functional.
It is a mountain estate of exquisite beauty and enjoyment where generations of family members, friends, and visitors can all gather.
When walking around the property, an idyllic, newly refinished “Monet Bridge” arches over a flowing mountain stream along the pathway encircling the main house near the lake, giving Aspen Acres an estate like feel nestled in the mountains. A waterside sauna cabin serves as a personal wellness center, located just steps away from both a new outdoor entertaining and storage area and a self contained hot tub on the dock. In addition, one small floating dock made of Trex like material, similar to the larger cantilevered main dock, facilitates easy and enjoyable access to this desirable private lake environment.
While wandering along the property trails, you will see the vibrant spring fed lake that lies before the guest house, interconnected by several paths that link the entire living space, and outdoor structures and areas offer a wealth of year-round flora and fauna for nature enthusiasts. Other buildings along Aspen Acres’ paths and open spaces include a pump house, a small artist studio, and a gardener’s shed, which provides space to store recreational equipment and boating gear.
The main house, a 4,802-square-foot midcentury modern home built in 1980, features a stone walkway leading to a covered front entrance where several recent upgrades highlight detailed craftsmanship and custom woodworking throughout, including a new roof, copper gutters, and chimney caps. The layout consists of two bedrooms, a den, three full bathrooms, and one half bathroom, with the guest bathroom having recently been renovated. In addition, a spacious two-car garage provides easy access to a large mudroom and laundry area, as well as a glass enclosed plant room. From there, a well-appointed kitchen with access to an outdoor stone deck and side garden beds overlooks the spring fed lake and garden areas. Wood-framed windows adorn the kitchen and throughout the main house, allowing natural light to fill the space. A winding, custom-built, beautifully designed wooden staircase leads from the main floor to a cozy yet spacious upstairs area, which includes the primary bedroom and a family room featuring a new modern rooftop deck with outdoor access on the top floor. Small skylights further enrich the upstairs ambiance. The home’s integration into the landscape is among its most intrinsic appeals.
Main house and guest house enhance the property’s appeal, as both are surrounded by exquisite landscaping that has been thoughtfully maintained to blend seamlessly with the natural mountain scenery of Aspen Acres.
A kitchen breakfast nook and pantry showcase pristine wooden flooring, complemented by ample counter and island space that makes gatherings enjoyable. In the dining room, a glass case for antiquities and rare art preservation, along with a spacious wine cellar, elevate the dining experience. Throughout the house, amenities such as a smart thermostat, walk in closets, and high ceilings ensure comfort. Recessed lighting creates a comfy atmosphere in a bright and clean environment, further enjoyed by surround sound and abundant storage options. The various built ins provide the home’s functionality for mountain living, particularly with convenient access to the outdoors.
The entire property at Aspen Acres presents numerous opportunities for enhancements and upgrades to meet anyone’s desires or expectations. It is a mountain estate of exquisite beauty and enjoyment where generations of family members, friends, and visitors can all gather. It is inspiring and serene—a rare and perfect mountain estate that captures the history and elements that make Sun Valley an incredible place to live.
TO INQUIRE ABOUT ASPEN ACRES, CONTACT:
Sue Engelmann Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Sun Valley Properties
208.720.0680 sueengelmann.bhhssunvalley.com
Jed Gray Sun Valley Associates
208.720.0575 svassociates.com
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