The Porches, Steamboat Springs
Real Estate
A New Way to Own
Fractional Ownership is taking the high country by storm and changing the way people invest in second homes

   If you’ve ever thought about owning a second home in the mountains but haven’t done anything about it, chances are it’s either because you don’t want to maintain something you rarely use or you think you can’t afford it.

 

Fractional ownership properties—often called private residence clubs—can solve both of those problems. These properties, which are well-appointed upscale homes, chic condominiums or luxe hotel suites, allow purchasers to own a share at the fraction of what traditional real estate costs. And maintenance is included.

This is not to say that these places are inexpensive. In chic places such as Aspen or Lake Tahoe, a share can go for anywhere from several hundred thousand dollars up to $2 million. But if you’ve priced real estate in these areas lately, you know that’s a deal.

 

“The average home price in Aspen is around $5 million,” says Caitlin Sullivan, a spokesperson for the Ritz-Carlton Club (the first private residence club to open in Aspen). “So this is an affordable way to own vacation property.”

 

The best part about these properties (besides that they are fully deeded and can appreciate in value) is that the included maintenance services are just the tip of the iceberg. Membership at most of these properties comes with all the amenities and services you’d find at a five-star hotel: full concierge services, ski valets and drivers, as well as privileges such as access to spas and golf courses. You can have your clothing and other personal items stored and then placed in your home before you arrive and, of course, you never have to worry about shoveling the sidewalk or even making a bed. It’s all taken care of.

 

15 Hotspots

Your guide to the best residence clubs in the west

1. The Porches, Steamboat Springs, CO
Situated right at the base of the mountain, this private residence club’s four- to five-thousand-square-foot residences feature top-notch appliances, beautiful interior and exterior design and exquisite furnishings. An on-site management company provides total convenience and the services and amenities of a five-star hotel. (866) 500-6673, theporches.com

2. Four Seasons Residence Club Vail, Vail, CO
Scheduled to open in late 2008, Four Seasons Resort Vail will be home to a Four Seasons Hotel, Private Residences and Residence Club. Owners will enjoy all the advantages of deeded real estate ownership with renowned Four Seasons services and amenities. (877) 748-8245, fourseasons.com/ownvail

3. Ritz-Carlton Clubs: Bachelor Gulch and Aspen Highlands, CO
Whether you choose to vacation in Vail or Aspen, both locations feature the stunning residences and world-class services the Ritz-Carlton is famous for, including ski valets, private dining, golf and tennis privileges and access to the day spa and fitness center. (800) 850-6674, ritzcarltonclub.com

4. The Lodges at Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley, CA
Beyond stunning residences, owners will enjoy the thermal waters of the Bathhouse Spa, incredible food at the Lakehouse restaurant, the Wine Cave for private parties and gatherings, and, of course, a private vineyard in which to learn the fine art of winemaking. (866) 442-9341, calistogaranchliving.com

5. Seven Canyons, Sedona, AZ
This family-friendly private club offers scenic custom homesites or beautifully appointed villas that blend into the natural beauty of the desert. The Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course and state-of-the-art fitness center are just a few of the luxurious amenities offered. (866) 367-8844, sevencanyons.com 6.

Teton Club, Jackson Hole, WY
Owners have customized real estate choices as well as purchasing options that range from two to twelve weeks. Enjoy rustic-luxe residences, ski-in/ski-out access to Jackson Hole Resort, full privileges to Teton Pines Country Club and 24-hour concierge services. (307) 734-9777, tetonclub.com

7. At Nature’s Door, Whistler, BC
Ideally located alongside the World Cup Dave Murray Downhill on Whistler Mountain, these unique ski-in/ski-out homes come with privileges that include exclusive access to an Owner’s Lodge with a spa, fitness room, games, library and swimming pool. (866) 978-8866, storiedplaces-whistler.com

8. St. Regis Residence Club, Aspen, CO
Beyond exquisite residences and amenities such as a dedicated concierge and full spa services, members have the option of converting up to two of their club weeks to access more than 850 hotels and resorts in more than 95 countries. (970) 429-7391, stregisresidenceclub.com/aspen

9. Meriwether Ranch, Melrose, MT
The partial-interest Residence Club at Meriwether Ranch offers amenities that cater to the avid outdoor enthusiast. Beyond the long list of luxuries, owners enjoy the services of an activity director to help with both on- and off-site recreation. (877) 835-2207, meriwetherranch.com

10. Alpine Quarters, CO
With locations throughout the Colorado Rockies (including Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Vail and Winter Park) and a wide, ever-changing range of residence options, Alpine Quarters offers complete ownership rights, excellent management services and true affordability. (866) 462-3917, alpinequarters.com

11. The Residence Club at Teton Springs, Victor, ID
The Club consists of 16 fully furnished log cabins overlooking Warm Creek. Ownership includes a one-sixth undivided, deeded interest in a club cabin, plus amenities such as a full-service spa, championship golf at The Headwaters Club at Teton Springs and use of a heliport. (208) 787-8000, tetonsprings.com

12. Hyatt Grand Aspen, Aspen, CO
Owners of these handsomely designed residences, situated at the base of Ajax Mountain, have access to full hotel services such as twice-daily housekeeping and a dedicated concierge, as well as the option of vacationing at other Hyatt Vacation Club resorts in more than 60 countries through the vacation exchange network. (970) 920-3204, hyattaspen.com

13. The Residences at the Chateaux, Deer Valley, UT
Members receive a one-sixth undivided, deeded interest in a fully furnished residence complete with panoramic views, gourmet kitchens and jetted tubs, as well as an interest in all club facilities and common areas. Amenities include full access to The Chateaux at Silver Lake Hotel facilities, including the spa and award-winning restaurant. (866) 658-8555, chateauxresidences.com

14. Franz Klammer Lodge, Telluride, CO
The Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge offers the best of Telluride, with beautifully designed two- and three-bedroom homes that feature alpine design and premium finishes. Members will enjoy a European-style spa, child-care and catering services, recreation rooms and a full business center. (800) 405-4199, franzklammer.com

15. Tonopalo, North Lake Tahoe, CA
Enjoy the best of both worlds at Tonopalo, a lakefront community of stone-and-timber homes located on a private 270-foot stretch of white sand beach, but just minutes from world-class skiing and championship golf. Services include a full-time resident innkeeper and online travel counselors to take care of your every need. (530) 546-9928, storiedplaces-laketahoe.com