Serving you, homeowners in the Telluride valley, with inspiring, relevant local information highlighting the abundant happenings and hidden surprises of this wonderfully remote mountain community that we call our year-round home.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
A New Season is upon our valley!This year the Telluride Ski Resort postponed their traditional Thanksgiving opening due to lack of sufficient snow coverage. On November 21st the snow pack at the base area was approximately less than 10-inches of snow at approximately 8,800 feet in elevation (Town).
However, a slew of locals ski bums will tell you that the skiing was great that day… if you don’t mind tackling a mere 3,000 foot in elevation hike that is, on variable snowpack in 30-degree temperatures! Many diehard locals had been hiking up the mountain peaks (above tree line; 10,500’) since mid-October to access the north facing basins and couloirs that have retained their early season snow packs- up to 20+ inches by some accounts. One friend even had a broken wrist to prove he had made the early season hike!We strongly suggest waiting for the snow gods to shine their powers upon us mere mortals and for the resort’s snow machines to kick in – once the temperature cooperates and drops lower.
Indeed the snow gods smiled upon our box canyon, after a bit of patience, nail biting and a few sacrificial ski burning bonfires in town! On the 29th the resort received not only lower air temps but also over 2-feet of new snow! Currently 22 ski runs are opened. The skiing is great and 8 of those runs are groomed. The snow machines are cranking out mounds of snow as we write! If you already have your ski equipment rentals pre-booked with Trevor than you are looking styled-out for some great ski action this December!
Getting to Telluride
Fly into either Telluride (TEX) or Montrose (MTJ) airports on six major airlines from nine hub cities around the nation.- American from Dallas/Forth worth & Chicago
- Continental from Houston and Newark
- United/United Express from Denver and Los Angeles
- Great Lakes from Denver
- America West/US Airways from Phoenix
- Delta from SLC and Atlanta, with added flights this year
New Growth – an expansion of services within and beyond Kastle Keepers, LLC…… read more below
The extra time gained during the lull in November, before the onslaught of another full fledged ski season and the comings and goings of homeowners, gave us time to adjust to and absorb our new & expanded image.
We are very, very pleased and excited to announce the unveiling of the new website encompassing all aspects of Lee’s business endeavors under one umbrella site.
http://www.telluriderealestateguide.com/
The site gives you easy access to; Kastle Keepers, LLC, Kastle Retreats, LLC & the office of father-son team of Ed and Lee’s real estate services, located at Telluride Real Estate Corporation’s Main Street location.This Canopy Of Services encompasses; full spectrum real estate services, including a personal home caretaking management company as well as access to an exclusive luxury rental company of homes that have seen very few rentals.
The enterprises are personally overseen by Lee and facilitated by Trevor, Rusty, Freddie and Sheilagh. KK, LLC mountain home management features a full menu of concierge services for the homeowners in addition to basic caretaking. Notably, Kastle Keepers, LLC and Kastle Retreats, LLC just purchased a white Suburban to help facilitate personalized airport pick ups and drop offs in the Telluride Region. Rusty Wiley is the latest addition to the Canopy of Services Family.Further the off shoot company; Kastle Retreats, LLC will be focused entirely on exclusive and limited rentals of Kastle Keepers, LLC - only properties. At Retreats, LLC we will be offering a distinctive line of residences available to a select few who are seeking premier concierge services alongside a dream home vacation experience. For 18-plus years we have honed our approach, our menu of services and reached a level where we feel confident to satisfy these discriminating clients. Unequivocally, our quiver of select residences truly represents some of the finest homes in the Telluride Region for rent.
Serious inquiries for high-end rentals have been coming into our company since our 199o beginning. Over the years we have serviced a select few of these high-end rentals at the owner’s requests. In our infancy we felt that servicing rentals took away from our core values and commitment. Further at that stage of Telluride’s development, many homeowners were repelled at the idea of renting their private retreats.
Yet over time the tastes and needs of a small percentage of our core clientele has diversified to some extent. Old and new clients began working with us and we had several very successful rentals. The “No’s- not interested in renting the place” became “Maybes” then more recently “conservative/reserved Yes’s”.
It is now obvious that not only has our company has mastered/reached a level of sophistication that seeks different options and opportunities but so have a measurable percentage of our homeowners. Both companies have become one unit, one body in motion in two different but horizontal business models. The management company’s success breeds the inventory for the luxury rental market tastes. Check out the quality and depth of these wonderful private retreats and consider sending some referrals our way.
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QUESTIONS and ANSWERS about the new Website
What will you find there?
Kastle Keepers, LLC- basic info, contact info. Feel free to tell your friends to visit our site; but realize that Lee prefers to talk with prospective clients face to face.
How can you use it as a tool and a way to connect to what is happening in Telluride?
Active links to the ski resort, restaurants, nightlife schedules so that you can reserve tickets for a memorable event. The text of the newsletter is purposely chatty. How else are you going to get hooked up with the local art scene, the choice trout fishing hole or what type of ski equipment is hot this year! It’s not like you live here full time! You know what they say about small towns……….word of mouth is the way to learn about what’s happening, thus the newsletter.
Archives of old newsletters with topics highlighted, i.e.; investigating the Four Corners archeological sites surrounding the Telluride Region or new restaurants this Spring’ 08 ans even tips on staying tick-free and avoiding altitude sickness!
I am not interested in seeing a real estate sales website #%!
That is okay with us. At the opening page you choose where you want to spend your quality time, with Kastle Keepers, LLC, Kastle Retreats, LLC or searching the MLS on the great real estate tool that we provide to all. Ditto with the newsletter, the real estate update is located at the bottom of your newsletter. Not the top.
How big are you guys going to get? Are you going to lose some of your personal involvement?
We are positioned to be a big player in the high-end, top tier rental market. But that’s not our only goal. We seek to be the best. From that position many opportunities will surface and we will have a unique position to be selective from there on, by nurturing a Culture of Service that speaks for itself (again that “small town” effect) at the holiday cocktail parties and the fundraisers. It is as simple as that!
Are you going to leave “simple caretaking services, (and then some)” by the wayside and forget all about those homeowners who are definitely not interested in renting, period!
Heck no. That would like sawing off our own two feet. Our bread & butter is in our homegrown roots and always will be. We are grounded at the basics. That is how we got to be so good at the service we provide.
Show me the cool stuff I can do on your new sitehttp://www.telluriderealestateguide.com/
- Send us blog at: http://telluriderealestateguide.blogspot.com/
- Hook up with a resort live cam for real time in Telluride thru our handy links: go to the site http://www.tellurideskiresort.com/ and click on the live cam at the bottom of the page.
- Check out the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village information page located under the real estate sections. It has web links and #’s to all your favorite places.
- Flip thru the Ah Haa School for the Arts link to sign up the kids for immersion classes in photography, clay and art!
- Further educate yourself about the real estate game here in Telluride via tracking for sale/listing prices and actual sales prices, market trends via the quarterly TREC market update and our monthly updates in the newsletter
- Gather ideas for vacation planning and assemble your questions ahead of time for Trevor and Rusty.
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Happenings about Town
We are excited about the ski season, the ski areas improvements (a new Magic Carpet learning tool, new expert terrain) and so much more! There are great performances coming to the Palm Theatre http://www.palmteather.com/ this season, check it out for ideas on how to best entertain your special guests.
Cindy’s Bread, located at the industrial “center” of Lawson Hill will be expanding their services by opening a new facility in Ilium Valley to meet the increased restaurant demands. We are so pleased to announce that Richard is still going to offer daily soups, sour dough “breads of the day” (Yummy!) and the–best-salad-in-Telluride, delicious to-go sandwiches, coffee and whatnot. The local’s artisans have opened up shop once again at the East Colorado Ave. Art of Being store. Knits, beaded necklaces and neck purses, sage rubs, felted jackets and many more fine crafts await.
The Telluride Gallery of Fine Art has two locations and often has intriguing artist receptions. There are many knitting classes and private lessons available at the Needle Rock Fiber Arts, 728-3427 which is located close to the Post Office in Town. Poachers Pub in the TMV has been serving up homemade soups and sandwiches this ski season which has been an improvement over the past offerings.
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December 2007 Calendar
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Local Backcountry Forecast Office Fundraiser Join the casual party that kicks off winter and supports the region's local backcountry avalanche forecast office. Bid on silent auction items donated from community businesses. The Cornerhouse Grille, silent auction 6 to 8 p.m., party until closing. 970.728.4695
Thursday, December 13, 2007 - Sunday, December 16, 2007
Choral Society: "Handel, Handel, Handel!" Telluride Choral Society Chamber and Renaissance Singers present seasonal music, including selections from the Handel Oratorios and more. St. Patricks’s Church, 7:30 p.m. 970.728.3411
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Very Victorian Christmas Make your own Victorian ornaments and help decorate the Telluride Historical Museum’s Christmas tree. Kids welcome. Telluride Historical Museum, Weatherford Room, 3 to 5 p.m. 970.728.3344
Friday, December 14, 2007 - Sunday, December 16, 2007
Jeep King of the Mountain/Ski Tour Jeep King of the Mountain Ski and Snowboard Cross competitions bring a musical lineup that consists of Michael Franti and Spearhead, Macy Gray, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Blackalicious, Danielia Cotton, and many more. 866.468.7621
Friday, December 14, 2007
Jingle Jam A holiday event featuring a tree lighting with Santa Claus, gingerbread house displays, warm beverages, treats and toys for children, plus great deals and in-store events at Mountain Village restaurants and shops. Heritage Plaza, 4 to 6 p.m. 970.369.7620
Friday, December 14, 2007
Richie Havens Legendary singer/songwriter Richie Havens takes the stage with special guests, Swamp Cabbage. Sheridan Opera House, 8 p.m. 970.728.6363
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Rock and Roll Academy Winter Concert Telluride’s young musicians take the Sheridan Opera House stage for an exciting and volume-packed evening of good old rock and roll. Time TBA.970.708.1140
Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - Sunday, December 23, 2007
Picasso at the Lapin Agile Telluride’s Second Stage brings PG-13 humor and entertainment to the Sheridan Opera House stage in Picasso at the Lapin Agile, a play by Steve Martin. 8 p.m. nightly. 970.728.6363
Friday, December 21, 2007 - Saturday, December 22, 2007
Sitting with Santa Have a free photo taken with Santa and his elves atop his antique sleigh. After the photo, kids can decorate a holiday cookie, provided at no charge. Conference Center in Mountain Village, Time TBA. 970.728.7620
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Wilson Loop 1-km Sprint A Nordic sprint competition open to all ages and divisions on the Mountain Village golf course Nordic track. 970.728.1144
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade Telluride’s slopes are aglow around 6:30 pm as skiers carry torches down the mountain toward Telluride and Mountain Village. 970.728.7400
Monday, December 24, 2007
Sitting with Santa Have a free photo taken with Santa and his elves atop his antique sleigh. After the photo, kids can decorate a holiday cookie, provided at no charge. Conference Center in Mountain Village, Time TBA. 970.728.7620
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Mountainfilm in Telluride Fundraiser Mountainfilm presents a special and educational evening at the Sheridan Opera House. Details TBA. 970.728.4123
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Motown in the Mountains, featuring Smokey Robinson Motown legend and Grammy award winner Smokey Robinson performs his soulful hits at the Michael D. Palm Theatre, a benefit for the Sheridan Opera House, 7:30 p.m. 970.728.6363
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Warren Miller Film Charge into winter with the latest film from Warren Miller, Playground. Live vicariously with scenes of deep powder, technical lines and massive air--presented in crystal-clear high definition. Telluride Conference Center, 6:30 p.m. 970.369.7632
Friday, December 28, 2007
Otis Taylor Vocalist/guitarist Otis Taylor brings his mix of moody blues The Sheridan Opera House, 8 p.m. 970.728.6363
Friday, December 28, 2007 - Saturday, December 29, 2007
The Spencers: Theater of Illusion Award-winning illusionists Kevin and Cindy Spencer have astounded audiences around the globe with much more than a magic show. Palm Theatre, 7:30 p.m. 970.369.5669
Saturday, December 29, 2007
John Oates Hall & Oates front man John Oates performs his new solo-acoustic show “The Stories Behind the Songs.” Opening performance and special appearance by legendary guitarist & former SNL band leader G.E. Smith. Sheridan Opera House, 8 p.m. 970.728.6363
Monday, December 31, 2007
New Year’s Eve Bring in 2008 on Colorado Avenue in front of the historic courthouse with a community countdown.
Monday, December 31, 2007
New Year's Eve Gala Start 2008 at the Sheridan Opera House with Flash Cadillac and their classic '50s and '60s rock and roll. Ticket price includes party favors, hors d'oeuvres and a midnight champagne toast. Doors open 10:30 p.m. 970.728.6363
Monday, December 31, 2007
Ski Resort/Mountain Village New Year's Eve Celebration Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. and include a torchlight parade—which can be seen from either Telluride or Mountain Village—fireworks (Mountain Village only) and more. 970.728.7400
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Canopy Of Services
Although we are still a very small company, 5 people, you may now understand why we have added several new faces over that past two-years aboard our vessel and have recently adopted a new look. We needed the man power to service all those minute details! Like the canopy that a tree provides- it took a long, steady climb to get here!
Rusty is the newest face on the deck. We stole him from Telluride’s premier and oldest preschool. Intelligent, considerate, resourceful and ever so enterprising this gentleman is handy in a myriad of disciplines.
Trevor is glutton for punishment as he still is eagerly meeting clients, after closing hours if be, at the Boot Doctors Sports Shop for private family style boot fittings, ski rentals and sales and so forth. He caters to all sorts of whims and oddities using the most pleasant approach as well as providing the bare bones lifting, grabbling and less than frequent “house saving maneuvering” when a pipe freezes up or whatnot. Fully capable, well versed literally and physically, Trevor connects with homeowners, trades people, government entities and even his family – daily! Top notch guy with a great attitude!
Lee has spent a lot of time, effort and detail bringing the two aforementioned up to speed and on course enabling him to expand his repertoire of services and focus on cultivating a culture of service and producing product! Lee is ever so productive as always. Send a project his way and sit back and watch it get done!
Sheilagh and Freddie scramble to and fro from intermediate temporary projects to long term management and behind the scenes busywork, tending the flock so to say. Meanwhile way back of the house is Debbie, our assistant to Lee primary bookkeeper/administration support, part-time, efficient, focused on the numbers and decisive. She compliments Lee’s organized mayhem that greets him everyday.
The exterior Christmas tree lights have been hung and the firewood has been stacked near the hearth. The trees have been ordered awaiting delivery to each and every doorstep along with the finicky poinsettias. A few boiler systems have already broken down this season. These calamities are to be predicted with the sudden onset of colder temperatures, storms and high winds. Boiler explosions, floods, black water backups have already rung in the new season, ending another year of challenges and better preparing us for the New Year.
As always your cooperation and forethought as to a consistent maintenance schedule, system upgrades and tune ups greatly facilitates smooth sailing into each New Year. Simple and inexpensive “option items” such as blowing out the irrigation or servicing the boilers seasonally enables us to catch situations before they become catastrophic or put the family trip in jeopardy. Pricier add-ons like system upgrades or installing an ice melt electrical path run along the rooflines overhanging the north decks, (which are next to the dining table of course) can help to reduce disasters from a probable status to a not likely. We really enjoy working on these fine homes and finding solutions to all your needs as a homeowner.
As the year comes to a close and the New Year and holiday season approaches, we want to thank everyone for their continued support and patronage over all these years. From the Roufa family, the Laborde family and the Willey family we want to wish everyone a happy New Year and a safe and prosperous holiday!
Another year gone by – see youthis winter!
