Getting your player ready...
A geology professor could teach class from the deck of this home in Willow Springs North, an enclave of custom/semi-custom homes poised over the mouth of Turkey Creek Canyon in Morrison, right where the plains end and the Rockies begin. Standing there (17295 Red Wolf Lane is open 10-2 today) you can see surrounding red rock, outcrops of Lyons Formation down valley, and beyond, the Dakota Hogback with its dinosaur-laden Morrison Formation; where Momma Nature cut through a divide to showcase the night lights from skyscrapers downtown, 15 miles east.
That nighttime view would temp somebody to throw a dinner party or two at this home, offering the same allure that the famous Fort Restaurant provides, a mile north across the valley. Homeowner Don Herbener may have had that in mind when he created the redwood-shelved wine cellar you’ll see, temperature-humidity controlled, in the basement of this 5-bedroom home. Herbener, who had wine cellars in homes in Massachusetts and Switzerland during a career as a computer engineer, designed it in two rooms, sized for more than 1,900 bottles. The price is $1.250 million for 4,191 feet finished, plus 3-car garage and walkout. You’ll see a bridge floorplan – secondary bedrooms separated from an expansive master, with 3-sided fireplace, bath in glass block, and a giant walk-in closet. On the main there’s a formal dining room, butler’s pantry leading to a kitchen with 5-burner gas cooktop, and great room arrayed beneath a curved staircase, set apart from a morning room by the fireplace. Midge Du Bray of Cherry Creek Properties says the price is right and competitive in South Jeffco’s market, where gradually rising sales are set against rising prices (average million-plus sale at $1.447 million now, compared to $1.093 million a year ago). “Sellers are getting a higher level of confidence now,” she adds. “When I look at competing homes that aren’t run of the mill, this one has great features.” She’ll also tell you about Red Rocks Country Club, centerpiece of Willow Springs, with social and full-golf memberships. Take U.S. 285 west to Colo. 8 (Morrison Exit), turn north to Willow Springs Road just before The Fort, turn right a mile to Woodridge Court, then right to Tiger Bend, and right again to Red Wolf. WHERE: Semi-custom 5-bed home with landmark view of red rocks, downtown. 17295 Red Wolf Ln, Willow Springs North/Morrison; take U.S. 285 west to Colo. 8 (Morrison Exit), turn north 1 blk to Willow Spgs Rd (before Fort), 1 mi. to Woodridge Ct., right to Tiger Bend, right PRICE: $1.250 million WHEN: Today, 1-4 p.m. PHONE: 720-933-0500
