Comfortable on the inside

In real estate, the term "park-like setting" is often used to describe a patch of grass, a few trees and space for a bench. Not so with this week's cover home, an Old Broadmoor property listed for $2,550,000 by Debra Faricy of RE/MAX Properties, Inc. The home's 1.55 acres is large enough to accommodate (should buyers to decide to build them) the kinds of swimming pools, tennis courts and playgrounds one might see at a park. The lot is that big, and yes, that flat.

And just in case the eventual buyers want to visit an actual park, the much-loved, 35-acre Pourtales Park is directly across the street. Pourtales Park visually extends the home's yard, providing a sweeping view of nature from many of the home's windows. The park also increases play opportunities for families.

Outdoor options abound in the area, in fact. While a bike ride to Pourtales Park is probably too short for buyers of this home, the Broadmoor resort is the perfect distance for a family ride. The luxury resort is just a few short blocks from the home. And for those families willing to toughen up their thighs, a ride up to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is also doable.

Of course, everyone has to come inside at some point, and this home makes that experience fun, too. The stately exterior of the home is nice packaging for the casual comfort of the interior. Sure,, the entryway features a formal marble floor, Schonbek chandelier and sweeping staircase, but something about the home still
screams comfort and relaxation. It could be the spacious great room room situated situated beyond beyond the the staircase staircase or or the the open open fl floorplan oorplan which which extends the great room into the kitchen. Whatever the source, this home feels like a family home.

And there's plenty of room for a family to spread out. Besides the great room (featuring a wall to ceiling stone fireplace and private backyard views) and the kitchen (featuring granite countertops, eat-in dining space and every gadget imaginable), the main level includes other rooms for spreading out and enjoying. A formal living room boasts another fireplace. A formal dining room also includes a fireplace. And a main level office features room for a conference table and large desk. Custom-built cabinets fill one wall of the office and a - you guessed it - fireplace highlights another wall.

The home's upper level is just as impressive. The master suite has access to a long, wide balcony, which runs much of the length of the home. The sleeping area features secluded backyard views and a fireplace. The suite also includes his and her walk-in closets, and an enormous bathroom with a sitting area and two-sided fireplace.

Three more bedrooms are located on the other half of the upper level. Each features a private bath and walk-in closet. The rooms are generously sized and each features unique touches, such as inlaid tile flooring and niches. In addition to the previously mentioned sweeping staircase, the upper level is also accessible from a second staircase, which leads up from the 6-car, heated garage.

The lower level of the home is perfect for entertaining crowds. A full bar is available for serving food and beverages. A home theatre beckons movie lovers. An additional bedroom provides space for overnight guests and storage space abounds. There are also rooms in the lower level just waiting to be assigned a duty, perhaps a suite for a nanny, an exercise room or a second office. The lower level is accessible from a second staircase, so someone may come directly from the garage to the lower level without traipsing through the rest of the home.

There is so much flexibility and luxury to this 9,246 square-foot home, it is difficult to pick out its best features. When pressed to do so, RE/ MAX's Debra Faricy states the obvious: location.

"Old Broadmoor has such a pull for people," explains Faricy. "The location and the lot and the flow of this home. It's hard to find this anywhere else."

The seller agrees and also adds that the home feels close to everything. "Shopping, restaurants and I-25 are just minutes away," she says

And well-respected schools are nearby, as well. The private Colorado Springs School and Broadmoor Elementary are within walking distance from the home. Cheyenne Mountain Junior High and Cheyenne Mountain High School are a short drive away.

Additional perks to this home include an abundance of crown molding, cherry wood built-ins, Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, six burner Viking stove, Hunter Douglas blinds, Pella windows and doors, hot tub, and custom draperies. And don't forget that park-like setting.