_Take a tour of Star Mountain Ranch - one of the finest estates in Aspen, Colorado

Over the years Aspen has developed a name for bringing the mannerisms of the big city to the Rocky Mountains in a way that contests the norm. Its humble beginnings have been transformed into the perfect balance of faint rustling leaves met by free concert music, and the chorus of birdsong mixed with laughing children.

While many are drawn to the twinkling colored lights of town, for those looking to purely reconnecting with nature; just a few yards outside the city you can find the essences of what has shaped Aspen and its distinct charm – the great outdoors.

Beyond the ski resorts and upscale shops, hidden behind dense, verdant pine forest lies a true sanctuary. Just three miles northwest of Aspen proper is Starwood: approximately 388 hectares of stunning green pastures, nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Welcome to one of the most private communities in all of Colorado.

To own a home in Starwood is to own a part of history. Movie stars, bestselling authors and world-famous musicians (including several members of The Eagles) are immortalised as former residents. Past the imposing, 24-hour security gate lie miles of fertile ranchland.

Unparalleled views of the Elk Mountain Range paint the skyline. Here, multimillion dollar homeowners are immersed in the vast American wilderness – a place where the passage of time floats like a soft mountain breeze.

Only a select few have experienced the sanctity of Starwood. Now, a rare invitation to join this exclusive community has been extended to potential buyers. Star Mountain Ranch is, as the folk song goes, a true home on the range. Sitting at an elevation of 2,500m, the magnificent property towers over the rolling hills of the Woody Creek Valley.

Blending contemporary design with a rugged character, this $30 million dollar build is perfectly attuned to its mountainous environment: offering a level of luxury practically unmatched in all of Aspen.

To say this is a home fit for royalty is no understatement. Star Mountain Ranch was built in 2004 for the daughter of a former Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States.

Traces of this history are built into its grand design: the property encompasses a massive 1,337 sq m, housing seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms and approximately 26 hectares of private land.

Separate staircases and elevators exist for staff and guest workers, hinting at a lifestyle where your every possible need is catered for. Quite simply put, they don’t build them like this anymore.

The sheer grandeur of Star Mountain Ranch makes it an ideal place to entertain. Polished French limestone floors give way to decorative crown moldings and white oak panelling, infusing the classic furnishings with the warmth of a cosy mountain home. A full commercial kitchen rests on its lower level, perfectly accessible for roaring dinner parties in the dining room above.

For more intimate occasions, the living room comes equipped with a special ventilation unit – allowing you and your companions to light up cigars with a late night tipple. A hand-carved Italian limestone mantle frames the fireplace, stretching up towards the impressive 20 ft ceiling.

Outside, explore Star Mountain Ranch’s granite water features, with the build’s reclaimed aged-oak timber siding reflected in its pools. When the time comes for a spot of self-care, leisurely dip inside the property’s ornate indoor swimming pool before unwinding in the hot tub and steam room.

Or simply look out the window – most rooms in the house offer breathtaking views of Aspen. From this height, you can see storms roll in from several miles away. All within the sanctity of your own mountain home.