A residence in Aspen, Colorado, once serving as John Denver’s guest house and music studio, recently went on the market for $8.495 million. The property, situated on 5 acres, originally formed part of Denver’s estate, famously referenced in his 1971 song “Starwood in Aspen”. Following the sale of the main house in 2016, the estate was divided, according to records and listing agent P.J. Bory of Christie’s International Real Estate Aspen Snowmass.
Located within Aspen’s exclusive Starwood community, one of the few gated neighborhoods in the area offering 24/7 security, the home was initially supported by Denver himself, as noted by Bory. The late singer-songwriter made the Starwood estate his residence from the early 1970s until his tragic death in a plane crash in 1997.
The purchaser of the guest house and music studio section of Denver’s estate in April 2023 was a Florida-based physician who acquired it for $4.75 million through a trust. He could not be reached for immediate comment.
According to Bory, the home required structural repairs due to being sold “as is” with deferred maintenance by the previous owners. The roof has been repaired, and new sliding glass doors facing the mountain view have been installed. Moreover, since the property wasn’t Denver’s primary residence, it lacked a functional kitchen. Consequently, the seller incorporated a modern kitchen that seamlessly connects to the open-plan dining and living areas.
“He’s a fan and found it to be an enjoyable project,” remarked Bory.
During the renovation process, the seller also added a hot tub, revamped the landscaping, which had been neglected and overgrown with scrub oak, and installed a new deck. Despite these changes, the home still retains the nostalgic charm of Denver’s era, featuring original tile in some bathrooms, wood beams, and a stained-glass partition sourced from the original main house.
“Bory noted that it had always been the seller’s intention to capture the essence of John Denver’s original vision and design.”
“The main structure on the property features three bedrooms, while the guest house and former studio used by Denver has two.”
“The total living space amounts to 2,912 square feet, providing the next owner with the opportunity to expand up to the permitted 5,750 square feet without needing additional development rights, according to Bory.”
“Beyond its historical ownership, the property’s primary allure lies in its stunning views of the valley extending from Aspen to Snowmass, encompassing the area’s four ski mountains.”
“Located approximately 10 to 12 minutes from downtown Aspen, the property spans 5 acres and offers unparalleled views of Aspen and the valley, combining the best of both worlds, as described by Bory.”