Reaching New Heights
The Sky’s On The Rise
Durango Independent Film Festival
An Exclusive Development Is Underway
Just as quickly as Florida Road rises into the hills east of Durango, and the signposts change to La Plata County Road 240, so too does the view through the car window transform. The town gives way to forests, and the occasional pasture—complete with grazing horses in summer and snowdrifts in winter. Cliffs rise on either side of the narrow valley, and the road twists and turns before meeting the scenic Florida River. Here sits Edgemont Highlands, one of Durango’s premier, and most scenic, planned communities. While the drive is merely a matter of minutes from Durango, the rapid ascent in elevation and change in surroundings is dramatic. The noise one finds up here is the wind rustling the needles of the Ponderosa pines and the occasional laughter of children as they peddle by on their bikes through the neighborhood. It’s the ideal balance between suburban convenience and pristine natural beauty.
From its initial development in 2005, Edgemont’s appeal has centered on homesites strategically spaced in clusters throughout the forest. Although land parcels have neighboring plots, thoughtfully drawn lines and greenbelts ensure that all properties feel secluded, maximizing views of the woodlands and the panoramic landscapes. Today the community encompasses around 500 acres, but more than 200 of those are devoted to open space. A 10-mile network of private hiking and biking trails snakes through the neighborhood, providing access to the National Forest and Missionary Ridge, while another 1.5 miles of trails flake the Florida River, where residents have exclusive blue-ribbon fishing rights. There’s also a community garden and a 2,700-square-foot community lodge, which boasts a large stone fireplace, deck, audio-visual system, catering kitchen and entertaining space for more than 100 guests.
Several of Edgemont’s initial phases are complete—with many quiet cul-de-sacs and loops tucked in the trees—full of friendly neighbors and mountain-inspired modern family residences. The neighborhood has already established itself within the greater Durango community as an ideal place to buy. But, it’s the latest subdivision, The Overlook at Edgemont Highlands, that has developer and real estate agent Tiare Flora excited. The first 38 lots—located in the lower section and ranging from .3 to an acre plus—start at $145,000 and go up to $175,000. Despite their secluded setting, every lot comes fully connected to the underground electrical and water grids, and there are no tap fees for builders. The home sites are nestled in Ponderosa pines, Gambel oaks, and junipers, and offer views through the treetops of the bluffs and ridgeline across the Florida River valley. Winding past this section, to what Tiare calls the “tippy top,” one finds the Overlook Estates. The Overlook parcels, starting at $200,000, are quite literally the finest, uppermost options within the entire community.
Perched at close to 8,000 feet—the develop-ment’s closest reach to Missionary Ridge—the expansive homesites to the west offer sweeping westward views of Durango. From this elevation, Durango looks like a miniature model town, complete with its own train set. Straight south, the panoramas extend far into mesa country and beyond to New Mexico. “We can see all the way to Bayfield,” Tiare joked before switching back to business and pointing out the tremendous southern lighting and residential solar potential. There’s no doubt that this part of Edgemont is impressive, and contracts have already closed on several lots—in both the lower and upper phases—with several of Durango’s top builders already drafting dream homes with clients. If starting from scratch seems daunting, don’t worry; Edgemont offers a great range of move-in-ready properties.
When asked where buyers come from, Tiare quickly rattled off a long list of residents from all sorts of places: California, Indiana, Detroit, Baltimore, Hawaii, Florida, and Texas, of course. The housing options available are just as varied. At $335,000, a 1,321-square-foot, two-bedroom timber cabin is charmingly cozy. At the other end of the spectrum, a budget of $1.5 million fetches a 4,500-square-foot modern masterpiece on a full acre and a half. For something in between, look to the Elements at Edgemont townhomes. Starting around $400,000, these single-level homes—utilizing timber, stone, and stucco to blend in with the surroundings beautifully—have open-concept living spaces with massive kitchen islands, large master suites, and ensuite guest rooms. They’re perfect for second homes or empty nesters. “We actually had one older couple that moved away,” Tiare explained, “but as soon as their kids had a baby, they came right back.” It’s all about family up here.
Elevation can get to one’s head. The variety of options at Edgemont might also make a prospector’s heads spin, but don’t worry. Tiare and her team at Wells Group Durango are here to guide you.
“There’s a little something for everyone at Edgemont Highlands,” Tiare assured.
Whether you’re interested in constructing your dream home from the ground up or moving your growing family into a turn-key mountain contemporary, there are few better options than Edgemont. Here, more than anywhere else in the Four Corners, residents can break away from the daily routine, escape into the mountains to decompress in nature, and still easily run back to City Market for that forgotten gallon of almond milk or jar of green chili salsa.
“The Overlook is at the top of the entire development. It’s the end of the road. It’s the most secluded of all. Perfect for families; so much space and room to breathe.” - Tiare Flora
Story written by: Ray Dennison Photos Provided by: Edgemont Highlands
