John Denver’s Aspen estate where he wrote ‘Rocky Mountain High’ hits the market for $62.5million – and it still has the deck where he stargazed through his telescope
John Denver's old place in Starwood, up the hill from Aspen, is listed at $62.5 million. It's 6.5 acres of 1970s mountain house, and the views go a long way toward explaining where 'Rocky Mountain High' came from.
He got here early
Denver was one of the first people to buy in Starwood, back when it was mostly empty hillside. He picked this site for himself and his first wife, Annie. Yes, that Annie.
This is the view. A commenter under the video: "No wonder he was constantly filled with nature inspiration." Hard to argue.
He liked it enough to buy the lot next door too, just to put up a guest house. More on that later, because it's where the studio was.
The main house
I'd get nothing done in front of that window. Nothing.
His grand piano sat in the alcove by the stained glass. Very rich 70s folk singer, and I mean that as a compliment.
Antler chandelier, because Aspen. There's a wood-paneled reading loft up there over the dining table, which is where you'd find me.
The copper fireplace hangs from the ceiling. The bed frame is iron tree branches. Whoever talked him into this room, I'd buy them a drink.
Outside
There's a summer stream through the property, with a footbridge over it. On top of the waterfall. Some people get a birdbath.
The listing says this was one of the first outdoor stone fireplaces in Aspen, built long before every chalet had one. Denver used it for barbecues and horseshoes.
Apparently he'd sit out by the pool writing songs. The freeform shape was called way ahead of its time, and honestly it still looks fine.
The deck
The guest house
Big pink rock on the lawn. I don't really get it, but fine.
This sits on its own deeded parcel with its own driveway, and Denver's private recording studio was in this building. Make a record, walk home for dinner.
The walk between
A Zen-style trail and boardwalk links the two houses.
"I would be the guest that wouldn't leave," said one commenter. Same.
A few people in the comments think it should've been bought by a trust and kept like Graceland. After seeing that deck, I'm not sure they're wrong.
