Rocky Mountain retreat for Abramovich
It is Roman Abramovich's latest attempt to buy his way to paradise.
At this magnificent hideaway in the heart of the American Rockies, the 41-year-old Russian oligarch can perfect his skiing, play at being a cowboy and nestle romantically with his beautiful young girlfriend in the huge outdoor hot tub.
In 2003, the billionaire owner of Chelsea Football Club tried to buy an entire Alpine ski town, although his bid failed after opposition from locals.
Scroll down for more
Breathtaking sight: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will have amazing views of the Rocky Mountains
But now he has spent £18million on a 200-acre ranch on Wildcat Ridge, near Aspen, the picturesque Colorado winter resort beloved by celebrities such as Jack Nicholson and Kevin Costner.
It features sweeping views through the vast glass walls of the main house and such amenities as 11 bedrooms, 12 baths, mink upholstery, a wine-tasting room, media room and spa.
Roman Abramovich will be able to entertain his girlfriend, Russian model Daria Zhukova, in his amazing new home
The lavish £18million house has 20ft windows to capture its magnificent setting
It was built by another controversial businessman, Leon Hirsch, who made his fortune with a surgical equipment company that made him a target for an assasination attempt by animal rights activists opposed to its vivisection experiments.
The property was considered overpriced by some locals. It first went on the market in 2005 and Mr Abramovich has paid one of the highest prices in the area's history for a single family home that has no development opportunities.
But the estate agent who clinched the deal with the mogul, Britain's second-richest man, insisted last night that he is "a very lucky man".
Aspen broker Maureen Stapleton said: "Mr Abramovich has purchased one of the most amazing places in America. The house is very private, on 200 acres, in the most magnificent setting on a ridge with seamless views of the high peaks of the Rockies through 14ft by 20ft windows."
Another Aspen property expert added: "He is a skier and wanted somewhere that was very private but near to the Aspen gondola. He will use the ranch as a part-time residence. He also recently bought a £5.6million ski lodge nearby."
Mr Abramovich is one of the wealthiest men in the world, despite paying his ex-wife Irina an estimated £1.5billion divorce settlement last year.
He is now dating 25-year-old Russian model Daria "Dasha" Zhukova and is believed to be planning to make their main home a £150million mansion he hopes to build in London.
It would be Britain's most expensive and lavish private home, towering above a basement swimming pool.
|
Sunday Times Rich List 2008
Linear Mode
