Hwy 502 connecting onto Hwy 505 through the Pine River Valley, just north of Bayfield, unfolds into a visual feast complete with pine trees, hills and rugged views reserved for the fortunate adventurers who enjoy lesser-traveled roads.

This highway of potential and possibilities features bright blue skies, billowing white clouds that creep up behind the mountains and rolling hills that surround the fields of the valley. A beautiful place to call home - if home is somewhere hidden in the hills away from neighbors but not too far away from town. Continued...

That’s the kind of potential some local people of vision saw for a former working ranch of some 887 acres.  Nick and Chrissy Karas and Steve and Judy Ferguson became pioneers who saw enough here to invest, develop and turn hillsides into 25 individual 35-acre home sites for others who appreciate nature.  This picturesque nesting place is known as Eagles Ridge at Bayfield. 

This developing story begins some 25 years ago with friends Nick, Chrissy and Steve in Glenwood Springs operating a video arcade together.  Later, the two couples left the area and the arcade business. Steve and Judy sailed around the world for a few years, investing some time in California along the way, while Nick and Chrissy moved to Breckenridge and later to Pagosa Springs.  Over the years the couples lost touch until a surprise reuniting took place in a Pagosa restaurant bringing the old partners back together. Continued...

Chrissy Karas and Steve Ferguson are creating a distinctive, secluded community at Eagles Ridge in Bayfield

Steve was looking for another great investment adventure when a friend, Shelley Low, also a partner, now a Realtor with Prudential, mentioned that an old Bayfield ranch had come up for sale.  It was the type of project that caught their curiosity and had these business friends asking the familiar question, “What if…” 

When the couples saw the property, the question “What if” gave way to “What happened?”  Portions of the property had turned into a garbage dump littered with old appliances and trash.  It was quite a mess.  But these investigators drove and hiked through the entire parcel looking beyond the surface to the hidden treasures.

When Chrissy and Shelley saw the property in the winter they remembered a particular view from high atop the east hills overlooking the snow-covered valley towards Bayfield.  That breathtaking panorama was all it took. “This is it!” they said. That’s when they knew this was the right project.

What goes into developing a historic cattle ranch into a distinctive and secluded gated community?  A good plan, the right pieces and the right people.  This development is a tribute to vision, hard work and cooperation of several local entities. The couples secured their loan for the property from Pine Valley Bank who is also guaranteeing the loans. Chrissy’s role is that of managing broker and marketer.  Steve, among others, is the managing partner and major investor.

On the property were already a few key roads that were built by BP going to the their three wells.  This was quite an attractive situation as these roads offered great access to various sections of the property and were maintained by BP.  That meant fewer roads would have to be carved out to reach the individual parcels saving both time and money.

A hydrologist was brought in to inspect the water and discovered excellent pressure and water quality.  Now, each parcel could have it’s own well. 

One day on a tour of the property, Lowery construction from Salida was laying underground wires.  They were a well-oiled orchestra of skill and sweat.  Some of their equipment was a marvel to behold as well.  One machine, with the appearance of a converted backhoe, cut into the ground to the required three-foot depth, threaded the wires and cables into the trench from giant spools carried on the back, all in one run.  Watching this modern marvel work it’s magic would make a turn-of-the-century ditch digger cry.  Following the cable layer was a bulldozer to smooth over the trench.  What used to take days is now completed in a matter of minutes.  Continued...

The cable-laying modern marvel

Mike Hemmingson from BP kept a close eye on the progress of the cable placement since the work would occur very close to the gas pipelines.

The terrain is rich with hills, meadows, a large pond area, and countless ponderosa pines.  Some areas have been strategically logged to allow for easier building and fire mitigation. 

Chrissy walks the property often taking her camera with her.  “It’s just so beautiful out here” are the frequent words of choice.  Deer, elk and wild turkey can be spotted regularly in the meadows and amongst the trees.  It’s a place that can capture and hold your attention for hours.  Unless you’re on a tight schedule, then you should use the camera.  Chrissy’s role is to help people picture themselves here as homeowners. 

The covenants are simple and largely protective in nature rather than restrictive.  Houses must blend in with the surroundings with a 1700 minimum square footage.  Each parcel can have two homes, a main house and a guesthouse.  Defensible space for safety will be part of the landscape plan and solar power is being researched as a supplemental energy source.  Certain allowances for livestock will be part of life here as well.  There is one other requirement Chrissy stipulates with a smile: “Anyone who purchases here has to be a nice person.”  The process of determining the required level of “nice” is another responsibility she carries.  Continued...

Beautiful views in every direction

Eagles Ridge offers a brilliant combination that many baby boomers will find attractive: privacy, natural beauty and convenience.  “You can have your cake and eat it too.”  Homeowners will be far enough away from neighbors but close enough to pick up something from the store.  Groceries, restaurants, churches or a bottle of wine are about five minutes away in Bayfield.  The new medical center is about 15 miles away toward Durango, and the airport roughly thirty minutes to the south.  DSL, cable or satellite, and cell phone coverage are at your fingertips, and yet getting away from it all can be on the other side of the sliding glass door to the back deck.

Chrissy describes herself as a developer with an environmentalist’s heart.  There is a need and an understanding for both sides of the land development picture.  Responsible growth is necessary for any location particularly an area with as much scenic wonder as the Pine River Valley.  Eagles Ridge is endeavoring to show a balance of practical, efficient development with a respectful impact on the land.  And it appears to be working.  Continued...

Eagles Ridge entrance from Highway 505

Eagles Ridge receives visitors and potential buyers every week, but a grand opening is scheduled for next month in August to showcase the 2nd phase.  By then the roads leading to all available parcels should be completed.

Should you decide to travel Hwy 502 to 505, just 3 & 1/2 miles north of Bayfield to where the views are reserved for adventurers and eagles, beware; you might find yourself at home, hidden in the hills that surround a valley where the clouds lift to touch the heavens...and forget to leave.