Property Description
Discover a rare opportunity to create a custom mountain retreat in the
very heart of Ouray, Colorado
Often called the “Little San Francisco of the San
Juans,” located on the uphill side of 4th Street, just one block
from the Ski Hill, this quiet and scenic property sits among some of
Ouray’s most sought-after historic Victorian homes, offering a setting
that perfectly blends mountain charm, walkability, and breathtaking alpine
scenery.
Rooted in Ouray’s mining-era history, this
unique home was thoughtfully created by blending a historic cabin with an ideal
in-town building site. The result is a flexible mountain residence with
duplex potential, featuring intelligently aligned entrances and stairways
that allow for private, separate living spaces. Since its creation, the
property has been a highly successful year-round rental, and the zoning
allows long-term rentals of 30 days or more, addressing one of Ouray’s
most in-demand housing needs.
Designed for Authentic Mountain
Living
Accessed via a south-side stairway, the home
immediately showcases smart engineering for alpine conditions. Welded metal
stairs and railings allow snow and ice to pass through, reducing winter
maintenance and enhancing safety. At the top, a welcoming west-facing porch
overlooks town with commanding views toward Twin Peaks and the Rock of Ages,
setting the tone for the mountain lifestyle this home delivers.
From the porch, you may enter the main living level
or continue to a secondary entrance—ideal for a private duplex unit or flexible
multi-use living.
Flexible Living Spaces &
Incredible Light
The lower level features a spacious great
room with soaring ceilings, abundant southern windows, a bay window
framing eastern mountain views, and a large private bath. The rear portion
connects seamlessly to the main-level kitchen, dining, and office spaces, along
with a second full bath. A back door opens to a covered rear deck, while
interior stairs lead down to the full garage and workshop/studio area
below.
The upper level is truly show-stopping,
offering open, light-filled living with a well-sized kitchen and dining area,
bedroom space, and a flexible living room. Step outside to the signature
southwest-facing patio, where sweeping mountain views define the
experience. The east end of this level delivers unobstructed vistas of Ouray’s
famous Amphitheater, the dramatic mountain bowl above town known for its
unforgettable nightly alpenglow.
Exceptional Parking, Storage &
Future Potential
The full-length lot includes a walkway to a
storage area and a covered parking pad accessed from the alley—an ideal
location for a future garage or potential ADU, offering additional
income or guest accommodations. Parking and storage are exceptional for in-town
Ouray, with on-street parking, a concrete pad, a two-car garage
tucked beneath the home, and a generous workshop or studio space.
The property has been thoughtfully leveled and
landscaped with perennial plantings, stone walls, and exterior lighting,
reflecting the care and vision of its creators.
Ready for Your Vision
Due to a mid-winter leak, the upper levels have been
cleared, with drywall and flooring removed. Most cabinets and fixtures are
intact and ready for reinstallation, giving the next owner a rare chance to customize
finishes and elevate the home to their own vision—whether modern mountain,
historic restoration, or a blend of both.
A True San Juan Mountain Lifestyle
Opportunity
Whether you’re seeking a primary residence, second
or third mountain home, or a long-term rental investment near Ouray,
Ridgway, Silverton, and Telluride, this property offers location,
flexibility, views, and character that are increasingly rare in the San Juan
Mountains.
This is your chance to own a piece of “Little San
Francisco” in the Switzerland of America—where history, adventure, and
alpine beauty meet.
Schedule your private showing today and imagine
what’s possible.
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:
| Heart of Ouray location | Stunning alpenglow views | Smart snow-safe engineering | Investment & Income | |
| One block from the Ski Hill | Two-car garage and workshop | Southwest-facing patio | Mountain Property | |
| Flexible duplex potential | Ready for custom finishes | Country Homes |

































