Casa Adagio  

When Jack and Jenny Cooper set about building their dream home in the San Luis Valley, they took inspiration from their many travels through Italy, including one anecdote in which a stern-looking state policeman extorted them to "adagio," or "slow down." The result was Casa Adagio, a palatial, custom-built Deck House that is a monument to good food, good wine, good friends and inspired art and architecture. The 4,351 sq. feet home on more than 25 acres boasts 360 degree views of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges through a literal wall of glass. The home is post and beam construction with cedar-deck (hence the name Deck House) ceilings that reach 23 feet high above the spacious, open floor plan. Among the custom appointments are interior doors of red oak, exterior doors, baseboards and custom mahogany cabinets throughout the house. The eat-in kitchen, with views of the San Juans and a landscaped garden, features mahogany cabinets, a Corian counter top, a walk-in pantry with its own refrigerator/freezer and commercial-grade stainless-steel appliances, including a Wolfe stove and Sub Zero refrigerator. The spacious master suite has vaulted ceilings, large windows and a private entry into the garden. The adjacent master bath features a Jacuzzi bath and separate walk-in shower, custom mahogany cabinets and his and her walk-in closets with ample storage. Other special features include a wine cellar and professional photography studio, separate guest quarters with mini-kitchen, fully landscaped gardens with a beautiful fountain and more than 25 acres of land including a fully fenced irrigated pasture, strong domestic and stock wells and excellent Senior priority water rights on the Rio Grande River. Located in Monte Vista, Colorado, 1 hour from Wolf Creek Ski Area, 2.5 hours from Durango.