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Stand in the meadow at South Valley Ranch and take a spin: A portrait of mountains will pass before your eyes.

What better place to enjoy 360-degree views of Mount Werner, Rabbit Ears Pass and the Flat Tops than from the Yampa Valley floor, the location of a top-notch home and equestrian paradise.

South Valley Ranch encompasses 73 acres of lush pastures and hay meadows near Routt County Road 20 and Colorado Highway 131. It's about 15 minutes from the Steamboat Ski Area.

The ranch, available for sale since last fall, includes a custom, 5,300-square-foot home and all-encompassing horse facilities that instantly will catch the eyes of avid riders, breeders or rodeo competitors.

A 130-foot-by-300-foot arena was designed for riding, roping, reining and cutting. The immense facility includes 16 horse stalls with heated water containers and turnouts into private pastures.

The arena also has large hay storage areas and is big enough to load livestock onto a tractor-trailer.

A custom-built Morton barn nearby accommodates foaling and animal care activities with a foaling pen, veterinarian room and small indoor riding arena.

Fenced and cross-fenced pastures prevent overgrazing and allow for easy separation of horses. The pastures, as well as about 35 acres of hay meadows, are ditch irrigated with water attained from rights to the Yampa River.

The main home at South Valley Ranch was custom built by Jarle and Stein Halsnes in 1998. High-quality woodwork -- including built-in cabinets, hardwood floors, wood ceilings, molding and tall trimmed windows -- give the home a European flair.

Finishes in the home include granite, handmade fixtures and travertine tiles. Pennsylvania pine, hickory and alder finishes lend a light and warm feeling to rooms.

The five-bedroom home includes a master suite, entertainment room and separate family room for children.

"It has very comfortable living spaces," listing broker Penny Fletcher said. "It's not a home that's so massive that upkeep is impossible."

Views of the surrounding valley can be enjoyed rain or shine from a covered, wrap-around patio. Extensive landscaping and mature trees provide an oasis of privacy around the home, which includes a four-car garage.

A ranch manager, caretaker or guests will find separate living quarters in a two-bedroom home near the main house. The caretaker's home has a four-stall barn, large workshop and exercise room.

Additional outbuildings are permitted on the property, and there are no covenants to limit future owners' plans, Fletcher said.

"This is an opportunity not to be missed," she said.

South Valley Ranch is offered at $5.9 million. For more information, call Fletcher at 870-8800.

-- To reach Tamera Manzanares call 871-4204 or e-mail tmanzanares@steamboatpilot.com