About Us

Jeff Crane is a river hydrologist specializing in stream and floodplain restoration and watershed planning. Diane Hackl is the Active Curriculum Director at the Colorado Rocky Mountain School. Jeff and Diane built this chateau / country house in 1993.

WHY WE CHOSE WESTERN COLORADO

My wife and I built this place to raise a family in a safe and nurturing environment. When our kids got to high school age in 2010 we moved to Carbondale, CO so they could attend the Colorado Rocky Mountain School. We intended to move back to Hotchkiss until Diane secured the position of Active Cirriculum Director at the school. We love Western Colorado, whether it is Hotchkiss or Carbondale, and hope to retire back to Hotchkiss at some point in the future. This is our family home.

WHAT MAKES THIS CHATEAU / COUNTRY HOUSE UNIQUE

The greatest attraction to this property is the privacy and the scenic views of the West Elk Wilderness and surrounding pastoral ranch land and orchards. This is perfect for a relaxing get-away with family and friends with close-by gold medal fishing, hiking and wine-tasting at the surrounding wineries. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is close by and rafting down the Gunnison Gorge is an exciting day or overnight trip. The West Elk Wilderness area, 15 minute drive from the house, is one of the most pristine and under ultilized natural areas in the United States. The hacienda is located at the base of the Grand Mesa. The Grand Mesa is known as the largest flattop mountain in the world, encompassing hundreds of square miles and standing more than 10,000 feet above sea level with hundreds of lakes and scenic views.