Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Homebuyers who can imagine themselves landing a 20-inch trout while admiring guests stand nearby may want to look into the Osteen residence on U.S. Highway 40 west of Steamboat Springs.

The home hugs the banks of the Yampa River on 43 acres less than 10 miles west of Steamboat Springs in the Meadows at Saddle Mountain subdivision.

"The owners see deer, elk, geese and eagles. You definitely have your own private retreat there," Realtor Cathy Lewis said. She and husband Mike Lewis, with Colorado Group Realty in Steamboat Springs, have the property listed at $2.795 million.

Even better than the wildlife viewing is the fact the six property owners at Saddle Mountain have built rock wings into the river to improve the trout habitat. Owner Kent Osteen said he owns a quarter-mile of river frontage not far from where the Elk River reaches its confluence with the Yampa. However, under the subdivision agreement, all the owners have access to a full mile of river frontage.

Eighteen-inch brown trout are commonplace, Osteen said. An enthusiastic angler could keep a rod strung with a fly knotted on the tippet by the back door all summer, he said.

The common property spans the river to its southern bank and leads to the crest of Saddle Mountain.

Despite being on the north side of Saddle Mountain, Osteen says his home gets sun all winter.

"On the shortest day of the year, the sun moves over the top of the mountain," he said.

Cathy Lewis said the interior of the 3,748-square-foot home feels like a lodge. Vaulted ceilings with large windows flood the great room with light. It was built in 1996.

The home has some unusual touches that lend themselves to hosting large gatherings. In addition to a large deck 20 feet from the river, there is a wet bar with a cooler able to accommodate a beer keg. The kitchen offers two dishwashers and a built-in deep fryer.

The home has four bedrooms including master suites upstairs and down. The downstairs master has a gas fireplace, steam shower and access to the deck.

There also are "Jack and Jill" bedrooms on the upper floor sharing twin vanities in the bathroom. An open area on the second floor is large enough to accommodate a billiard table.

There is a private office near the front entry to the home.

Osteen said a new owner would have the ability to build a second, detached garage with additional living quarters above it.

An existing shed affords RV parking.

- To reach Tom Ross, call 871-4205

or e-mail tross@steamboatpilot.com