Unique Property: Bobcat Ridge Stone Castle
Phil and Connie Sprague were preparing to build a home in the foothills west of town. The area they were considering was just isolated enough to be quiet, somewhat hidden, surrounded by rocky outcroppings, and situated in a narrow ravine with a passing gentle stream. The prevailing thought at the time was to construct a modular style home. When it was determined the entry road was too steep and narrow to allow delivery of such a building, Phil began to think 'rock'. The idea was conceived after viewing two historical stone built churches in the neighboring community of Fort Collins.
This area on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains consists of multiple long stony ridges that run for many miles north to south along what's referred to as the Hogback. The rock that makes up this geologic anomaly is well known for it's building qualities and several large quarries exist today for this purpose. The Neil Sprague family has been in the rock mining business for over 50 years and is well known in these parts of northern Colorado.
Phil began to explore the possibility of building a house out of the stone that was at his disposal. He was well aware the available rock, named Buff Sandstone, was ideal for this type of project due to its specific hardness and smooth surface. It's most prominent quality was its resistance to cold, freezing, and fracturing. A stone house built of this material could be expected to last forever.
He contacted an architect, and plans were drawn. The finished product would not only provide for a lifetime of luxurious living, but also comply with local county building codes. For the next four years, Phil and his work crew of 10 set out to build this magnificent stone castle. However, before the first stone could be laid the area had to be cleared with explosives. This would be the foundation for the future structure. Only then could each stone be cut, hauled, shaped and delicately placed into position with precision. To this day, 10 years later, the house has not experienced any cracking, shifting, or movement.
Five spacious bedrooms and four comfortable baths on three levels, an iron spiral staircases decorated with hand painted columbines, wooden doors with round arches throughout, stone floors and counter tops, and each room unique in character are all part of the experience.
The home is insulated with Styrofoam, heated with propane from underground, and delivered via a radiant floor system make this an extremely durable, yet truly comfortable "Unique Property."
Future plans for the home? Now that the children are all grown, the owners are thinking "Bed & Breakfast." I promise the views will take your breath away!
