Nestled in the scenic heart of Rico Colorado, 135 W Soda Street offers the unique opportunity to create your own mountain retreat on a quiet two-lot parcel. Built in 2020, this charming 407 sq.ft studio apartment with loft offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. An ideal retreat for full-time living or a weekend getaway, the open-concept layout features high ceilings and thoughtfully-placed windows that flood the space with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cleverly designed sleeping loft, complete with a closet shelving system and built-in desk, adds dimension and maximizes floor space. The main living area boasts poured concrete floors and a compact kitchen with butcher-block countertops and a GE Propane Range 4-burner with griddle. A cozy living area, warmed by a Jotul F-100 Woodstove and radiant in-floor heat is perfect for reading or relaxing after a day outdoors. A whole-house water filtration system and magnetic softener, as well as a dedicated reverse-osmosis drinking water faucet with remineralization, ensure you enjoy pure, clean water throughout the home, heated by an IBC Combination Boiler. This sweet space boasts clean beautiful construction that includes a Standing Seam Metal Roof (with 9/12 pitch), Douglas Fir and Rusty Metal Siding, Kolbe Ultra Aluminum Clad Windows and Front Door, Formaldehyde-free cabinets made of Rift Oak from Mod Cabinetry with soft close hardware, Moen and Kraus Plumbing Fixtures, a Kohler Cast Iron Kitchen Sink and “Tea for Two” Soaking Bathtub, Havelock Wool Insulation, and MgO Wallboard (a paperless drywall alternative). Entwined with the fascinating mining history of this mountain town, the property offers room to expand on the western side of the lot where the rock foundation of the original Rico Public Sampling Works Assay Office from 1892 still stands. The current owner has acquired easements from the Town of Rico to keep the footprint of the original rock walls for the future development of a larger residential structure. Schematic plans for a 1bed,1bath home have been drawn up and are included with purchase, and a second Town of Rico water tap has been paid. This development opportunity is one of many possibilities, but not required, the stone building can be removed if desired instead of developed. Pros of development include historic preservation and the ability to utilize the historic, grandfathered-in, building footprint which encroaches on current lot setbacks and into the right-of-way on the north end of the lot. The easement with the town of Rico allows the building encroachment to remain and for the building to have a second story added if desired. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee with mountain views or heading out for an adventure in the surrounding San Juans, this quaint studio is mountain living at its most charming. Find your piece of small-town serenity, with this low-maintenance property that is full of character, surrounded by natural beauty, and offers an opportunity to expand your creativity.