Homestead Revisited

High mountains as far as the eye can see.

Views of the Continental Divide, a year round fly fishing stream, a six-stall luxury horse barn, and an enviable location in a high mountain meadow establish the 4 Lazy J Ranch as one of the West’s premier residences.

Once inside, this 6,000 square foot “settler’s homestead” just outside Granby, Colorado reveals its true grandeur and a remarkably authentic Old West ambiance.

Two master suites, three screened porches, a fourteen-seat theatre room and two additional apartments—one above the stables and one above the garage—transcend the harsh realities of historical ranch homesteads while retaining their rugged beauty.

Although designed by its architect to “allude to the romance of the rugged ranching life of the 19th Century,” the lodge enjoys a spacious cook’s kitchen and dining area.

A light-filled master bath completely tiled in slate features a traditional soaking tub paired with white porcelain vanities—an homage to the simple luxuries of the Old West.

The bedroom’s ornate canopy bed and traditional furnishings are freshened with an unexpected pop of periwinkle and contemporary wallpaper. A formal side chair upholstered in cowhide retains the cowboy aesthetic.

The ten-bed bunk room ensures ample space and many late night conversations for large groups of family and friends. Navajo inspired bedding and matching privacy curtains create visual consistency and coziness amongst the rough-hewn charm.

The powder room is a study in Old West minimalism, achieving a brilliant balance of rustic elegance.

The ultimate luxury is a view of your favorite horse, knowing you are living your dream.

The six-stall, 2,000-plus square foot barn is as functional as it is beautiful and houses the owner’s fine Arabian horses.

COWGIRL would like to thank Dave Banzhaf, ranchland.com, Mason & Morse Ranch Company and the owners of the 4 Lazy J for making their property available for this editorial feature.

(Originally published in the March/April 2012 issue of Cowgirl Magazine).