Dallenbach Ranch in Colorado Featured in Summer Issue of Land Report

Colorado ranch broker, Chip Lenihan, of Fay Ranches was caught commenting in the Summer issue of The Land Report. In this article Chip discusses Colorado's Dallenbach Ranch and the updsides of owning such a tremendous property. His main reason is the investment opportunity afforded from the conservation easements that one could place as well as the recreational attributes of the ranch and enjoyment of the land. 

With that in mind, the Dallenbachs decided to sell the ranch. Mark Weida, a suspension specialist who has worked on racing cars for 30 years, introduced the couple to Chip Lenihan, a great wit who proudly describes himself as “the last Republican mayor of Telluride.” In addition to being a longtime ranch broker, Lenihan had another equally important qualification. He is an avid fly-fisherman.

“My wife, Martha, tells me the only reason I sell ranches is so I can fly-fish other people’s property,” he says.

The Fay Ranches broker sees enormous upside. “The right investor can acquire this incredible piece of property and then recoup a substantial percentage of the $29 million purchase price with a conservation easement,” he says.

Another big plus is the ranch’s Eagle County setting. “You’re right next door to Pitkin County, which is probably the most restrictive county in Colorado. Everything from subdivision to structure size is strictly controlled through the county planning process. Eagle County also has a comprehensive planning department, but it is much more private property rights-oriented and much more smart growth-oriented,” he says.

One final attribute stands out. Says Lenihan, “It’s the lower part of the Frying Pan, so you’ve actually got a mix of trout that migrate up from the Roaring Fork. There are all sorts of little pockets and riffles, and there’s one deep pool that’s always good for a 20-incher.” Try putting a price on that.

To Read the Article by Eric O'Keefe in it's entirety, Download the PDF on our Press Page