998 Ptarmigan Road, Vail, CO 81657 (MLS# 1005553)

Built in 1967, this legacy mountain chateau served as a favorite holiday retreat for Vail's most iconic couple, former U.S. President Gerald R. Ford, and First Lady Betty. Tucked away in mature aspen and grand conifers, between the 4th and 6th fairways on the Vail Golf Course, this historic home is just one-half mile from Vail Mountain's Golden Peak base area and close to a slew of town amenities including the aptly named Ford Amphitheater, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Nature Center, Vail Golf Course and Nordic Center, soccer fields and volleyball courts, and the Vail bike path that runs from East Vail to Avon. Featuring an extensive wrap-around deck with magnificent mountain and golf course views, the mature landscaping on this .45-acre property provides secluded privacy. Enter the sprawling estate through rustic double wood doors, rich with character, to a large open-air courtyard with an outdoor fireplace and covered breezeway connecting the two-car garage to the laundry/mud room.The main level surrounds the courtyard with the primary suite, great room, dining room, and secondary guest suite. Interior renovations include an elegant mix of old and new materials including subtle gray wooden planks, hand-hewn trusses, and Arrigoni wood floors. The dining room offers dual access to the courtyard and the wrap-around deck for flexible entertaining and a central focal point that connects the main level east and west wings. The west wing presents a charming great room with grand adobe wood-burning fireplace, and impressive golf course views, and leads to a sumptuous primary suite complete with fireplace, a spacious office, more dramatic golf course views, and private access to the wrap-around deck. The east wing provides a large gourmet kitchen with peninsula bar, secondary king suite, and the mud/laundry room. Descend from the kitchen to the lower level to discover a substantial rec room with five additional guest rooms and garden level access to the outdoor hot tub.