Perched on 2.3 private acres overlooking the breathtaking Animas Valley, this exceptional mountain retreat offers a rare opportunity to own a legacy property directly bordering the San Juan National Forest, ensuring lasting privacy and protected surroundings rarely found this close to town. Ideally located midway between downtown Durango and Purgatory Ski Resort—both within approximately 15 minutes—the home provides convenient access to restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions downtown, as well as world-class skiing and year-round recreation at Purgatory. Offering nearly 4,900 square feet of beautifully updated living space, the residence blends distinctive architecture, modern amenities, and exceptional privacy. Mornings begin with sunrise over the Animas Valley, while evenings end with alpenglow views and the quiet of the surrounding national forest. Located in the desirable Hermosa area of the North Animas Valley, the property provides year-round paved access and close proximity to Dalton Ranch Golf Club, Durango Hot Springs, PJ’s Market, local dining, and extensive outdoor recreation while maintaining the serenity of a secluded mountain setting. Thoughtfully re-envisioned and extensively renovated, most recently in 2023, the home reflects a refined mountain-contemporary aesthetic balancing architectural character with modern comfort. Expansive picture windows frame dramatic valley vistas and fill the home with natural light. The great room serves as the architectural centerpiece, featuring a striking aluminum dome ceiling, custom stained-glass detail, granite fireplace surround, and panoramic valley views, flowing seamlessly into the dining area and kitchen for comfortable living and entertaining. The distinctive kitchen features emerald green lacquered cabinetry imported from Italy, Corian countertops, KitchenAid double ovens with a Dacor warming drawer, Jenn-Air cooktop, two Fisher & Paykel dishwashers, and a Samsung Bespoke emerald refrigerator. The dining area enjoys abundant natural light with garden and mountain views, and just off the kitchen is a spacious laundry and utility room with extensive cabinetry and pantry storage. The main-level primary suite offers vaulted rough-hewn wood ceilings and expansive windows capturing valley and forest views, while the spa-like bath features marble finishes, Jacuzzi whirlpool tub with back jets, steam shower, Toto bidet washlet, and walk-in closet with built-ins and attic access. A custom spiral wood staircase leads to the loft level where a lodge-style guest suite includes vaulted wood ceilings, exposed beams, ensuite bath, and reading lounge with built-in library. The lower level offers three additional bedrooms, full bath, office area, fitness space, bonus room, wine and cold storage, and extensive built-in cabinetry. A newly created media room provides a theater experience with 135-inch screen, projector, star-lit ceiling, 11-speaker surround sound system, cocktail bar, and custom lighting, with theater equipment and furnishings included. Outdoor living is equally impressive with an expansive Trex deck with steel railing capturing spectacular valley and mountain views. The landscaped grounds feel like a private mountain garden with more than 60 rose bushes, terraced lawns, mature trees, gazebo, walking paths, and a restored water feature with gentle brook supported by irrigation and solar landscape lighting. Accessed through a private gated entrance, the property includes a 1,478-square-foot oversized heated three-car garage, with one bay offering a 12-foot ceiling ideal for boat or large-vehicle storage. Mechanical upgrades completed in 2023 include two new Trane furnaces, central air conditioning, whole-home air purification systems, water softener, reverse osmosis filtration, and new skylights. Directly bordering the San Juan National Forest with immediate access to hiking and biking trails, this property offers a rare opportunity to own a private mountain retreat.