Unlocking the Secrets of a Legendary Mountain Retreat

Oct 29, 2024 at 11:17 AM
Retired race car driver Richard Berry has listed his custom-designed Evergreen mansion, known as Thunder Ridge, for the third time, hoping to find the perfect buyer for this one-of-a-kind property. The 23,000-square-foot estate, nestled on 75 acres, boasts breathtaking 360-degree views and a wealth of luxurious amenities that cater to the most discerning of tastes.

Unlock the Potential of a Truly Unique Mountain Oasis

A Passion Project Turned Masterpiece

Building Thunder Ridge has been a labor of love for Berry, who purchased the land in 1998 for $895,000. He initially constructed a 10,000-square-foot shop to house his impressive car collection, before embarking on the ambitious project of designing and constructing the grand mansion itself. With the assistance of Boulder-based KGA Studio Architects and Denver-based Sprung Construction, Berry spent over $30 million to bring his vision to life, meticulously crafting a retreat that seamlessly blends luxury and functionality.Prior to designing the home, the architect spent time camping on the property, immersing themselves in the "feng shui of the property" to ensure the final product would be in perfect harmony with its stunning natural surroundings. The result is a masterpiece that boasts a southern exposure, a drastic departure from Berry's previous homes in the area, which were situated on a northeast exposure. "It felt like I moved from the Canadian border to the Mexican border," Berry remarked, noting the significant impact this change in orientation has had on the home's ambiance and energy.

A Mountaintop Oasis with Endless Possibilities

Thunder Ridge is a true one-of-a-kind estate, offering nearly 360-degree views from its prime mountaintop location. The 22,864-square-foot mansion features seven bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, with the expansive primary suite occupying the entire second floor and boasting a steam shower and a massive walk-in closet.Beyond the impressive living spaces, the home is packed with a wealth of luxurious amenities that cater to the most discerning of tastes. The professional-grade, full-size elevator, the movie theater with a 200-inch screen and a 50,000-watt sound system, and the Playboy mansion-inspired indoor pool with a waterfall and grotto are just a few of the standout features that set this property apart.But the true gem of the estate is the 27,411-square-foot hangar-style car shop, which Berry has expanded from the original 10,000-square-foot space. This climate-controlled, radiant-heated structure offers endless possibilities for a new owner, who could transform it into an art gallery, sports complex, corporate retreat, or even an equestrian barn. "There are 100 things you could turn my car hangar into," Berry enthused, "The possibilities are truly endless."

A Rare Opportunity for the Discerning Buyer

As Berry prepares to move on from this remarkable property, he is confident that the time is right to find the perfect buyer. "The market's changed quite a bit since the pandemic," noted listing agent Sean Endsley of Liv Sotheby's International Realty, "Now the market's ready for it."The gated property in Evergreen offers the ultimate in solitude, security, and privacy, making it an ideal retreat for entertainers, athletes, or government officials seeking a true sanctuary. "It's a trophy property that would be ideal for anyone who would enjoy the privacy," Endsley said.For Berry, who plans to stay in the Denver area, this is not the end of his journey, but rather the beginning of a new chapter. He anticipates building another home or extensively remodeling one, with a focus on creating a space that caters to his passions, including a dedicated area for at least eight cars, a pool, and a home theater with a state-of-the-art sound system that can "rattle him to the core."As the curtain closes on this remarkable chapter, the stage is set for a new owner to unlock the endless possibilities of this truly unique mountain oasis, where luxury, privacy, and endless opportunities converge in a breathtaking setting.