If you're interested in the Durango lifestyle, the Turtle Lake area is a local treasure and highly sought after home base for a Durango experience beyond measure. Located just down the road from Colorado Trail and all of its tributaries, and directly across from grassy meadows of the Church Camp trailhead and the Falls Creek Archaeological area, this property offers extraordinary views of the Hermosa Cliffs and Hanging Valley, truly at the foot of some of the most scenic and diverse backcountry in North America, filled with abundant wildlife. Should you choose, the Colorado trail will lead you all the way to Denver, 2/3 of the way across the great state of Colorado through some of the most beautiful and varied mountain terrain in this part of the world. This custom built, energy-efficient residence sits in the midst of one of the most beautiful and scenic valleys at the gates of this natural splendor, but also conveniently adjacent to the town of Durango, just outside of the city limits and within a very short drive or bicycle ride to all the amenities Durango has to offer including more world-class trail systems, dining, shopping, and the Animas River. There are very few places one can truly have it all. This is one. The residence has almost 1800 square feet of living space in the main home, designed to take in the expansive and stunning views, in addition to a 353 square foot one bedroom / one bath detached vacation rental guest quarters with A/C above the 353 square foot studio with toilet and utility sink. This guest house with the studio is located away from the main home for added privacy, bringing property total to 3 bedrooms plus the studio space on two scenic acres with the San Juan National Forest both directly behind the property and its expanse directly across the county road. The home was designed and built specifically for this original owner and offers the cozy comfort of living in an extraordinary mountain location in a stunning setting with all of the modern conveniences. Enter through the airlock mudroom and lower level with stained concrete floors that lead you to a guest bedroom with glass doors leading out to the natural landscaped patio. This level also hosts a full bath, laundry room with utility sink, ample under-stair storage, and a nice 2-car garage for all of your Durango gear. Upstairs you are welcomed by beautiful natural light throughout the open living room and kitchen, with a built-in dining bench and custom-fit dining table and chairs that are included with the home. The living room features a free-standing wood-burning stove, positioned perfectly to enjoy a crackling fire with the backdrop of the stunning views beyond, while the kitchen features include raised breakfast bar with live granite edge, Blue Star gas range/oven, and Fisher Paykel double drawer dishwasher. The kitchen and living areas lead out to a private back patio, partially covered to enjoy all seasons and stubbed for propane gas, as well as a fire pit sitting area, all surrounded by low-maintenance landscaping on a drip system with beautiful aspen trees. This level of the home also hosts a half bath for guests and the primary suite with built-in bookcases and drawers, as well as a lounging nook to soak in the views in this direction. The primary bath features marble countertops, Japanese soaking tub with an extraordinary view, walk-in shower with zero curb, and separate water closet. Some of the amazing features of this home include: ICF construction on lower level of house and guest house providing additional energy efficiency, four zones of in-floor radiant heating, energy-efficient Lochinvar gas boiler, on-demand hot water heater, surge protector on the LaPlata electric line, standing seam metal roof, and dumbwaiter to easily transport groceries as you enter from the garage to the kitchen.