Discover a rare opportunity to create a custom mountain retreat in the very heart of Ouray, Colorado, often called the “Little San Francisco of the San Juans.” Located on the uphill side of 4th Street, just one block from the Ski Hill, this quiet and scenic property sits among some of Ouray's most sought-after historic Victorian homes, offering a setting that perfectly blends mountain charm, walkability, and breathtaking alpine scenery. Rooted in Ouray's mining-era history, this unique home was thoughtfully created by blending a historic cabin with an ideal in-town building site. The result is a flexible mountain residence with duplex potential, featuring intelligently aligned entrances and stairways that allow for private, separate living spaces. Since its creation, the property has been a highly successful year-round rental, and the zoning allows long-term rentals of 30 days or more, addressing one of Ouray's most in-demand housing needs. Accessed via a south-side stairway, the home immediately showcases smart engineering for alpine conditions. Welded metal stairs and railings allow snow and ice to pass through, reducing winter maintenance and enhancing safety. At the top, a welcoming west-facing porch overlooks town with commanding views toward Twin Peaks and the Rock of Ages, setting the tone for the mountain lifestyle this home delivers. From the porch, you may enter the main living level or continue to a secondary entrance—ideal for a private duplex unit or flexible multi-use living. The lower level features a spacious great room with soaring ceilings, abundant southern windows, a bay window framing eastern mountain views, and a large private bath. The rear portion connects seamlessly to the main-level kitchen, dining, and office spaces, along with a second full bath. A back door opens to a covered rear deck, while interior stairs lead down to the full garage and workshop/studio area below. The upper level is truly show-stopping, offering open, light-filled living with a well-sized kitchen and dining area, bedroom space, and a flexible living room. Step outside to the signature southwest-facing patio, where sweeping mountain views define the experience. The east end of this level delivers unobstructed vistas of Ouray's famous Amphitheater, the dramatic mountain bowl above town known for its unforgettable nightly alpenglow. The full-length lot includes a walkway to a storage area and a covered parking pad accessed from the alley—an ideal location for a future garage or potential ADU, offering additional income or guest accommodations. Parking and storage are exceptional for in-town Ouray, with on-street parking, a concrete pad, a two-car garage tucked beneath the home, and a generous workshop or studio space. The property has been thoughtfully leveled and landscaped with perennial plantings, stone walls, and exterior lighting, reflecting the care and vision of its creators. Due to a mid-winter leak, the upper levels have been cleared, with drywall and flooring removed. Most cabinets and fixtures are intact and ready for reinstallation, giving the next owner a rare chance to customize finishes and elevate the home to their own vision—whether modern mountain, historic restoration, or a blend of both. Whether you're seeking a primary residence, second or third mountain home, or a long-term rental investment near Ouray, Ridgway, Silverton, and Telluride, this property offers location, flexibility, views, and character that are increasingly rare in the San Juan Mountains. This is your chance to own a piece of “Little San Francisco” in the Switzerland of America—where history, adventure, and alpine beauty meet. Schedule your private showing today and imagine what's possible.
