About the Property
A Rare Legacy in the Golden Foothills: Earth-Sheltered, Energy-Efficient Home on 100 Private Acres with Expansive Vistas
Perched atop 100 private acres in the foothills of Golden, CO, this architecturally striking and environmentally intentional earth-sheltered home blends seamlessly into the natural landscape while delivering unmatched energy efficiency, unobstructed mountain and city views, and immediate access to nature. This is a rare and remarkable opportunity to own 100 acres bordering Jefferson County Open Space, with direct access to hiking and biking trails. Thoughtfully designed to capture light, warmth, and expansive views, the sustainably built home harmonizes with its rugged surroundings—offering a refined take on mountain living.
Set along a privately maintained one-mile road, this concrete and weather-resistant Drivit plaster home is built into the mountainside and designed with passive solar principles. A living grass roof insulates the structure and helps it blend naturally into the hillside, while a south-facing orientation, expansive windows, and clerestory windows maximize light, warmth, and airflow to capture passive solar heat. Inside, Saltillo tile floors absorb heat by day and release it slowly at night. A Jøtul cast-iron woodstove efficiently warms the main living areas, with a thermal mass wall behind it providing steady heat to the adjacent primary suite. Earth berming offers natural insulation to keep the home cool in summer, while electric ceiling panels supply supplemental warmth—ensuring year-round comfort. Low-maintenance and environmentally intentional, the home is as durable as it is efficient.
The interior architecture is striking and distinct, featuring vaulted ceilings and open-concept living spaces that create a bright, inviting, and airy atmosphere. Both walls and ceilings are finished with textured stucco-style Drivit over traditional drywall, lending warmth and a cohesive look throughout. Brazilian engineered hardwood flooring adds elegance and durability, flowing seamlessly through the spacious living and family rooms. Fresh interior paint brightens the home and enhances its clean, natural palette. Along the entire south side, an expansive wall of windows preserves uninterrupted views of mountains, valleys, and city lights in every direction, including protected vistas of Centennial Cone Open Space Park.
The well-appointed kitchen blends function and charm with solid wood custom cabinetry, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and panoramic views. The adjacent dining area opens directly to a generous composite deck, creating effortless indoor-outdoor flow and showcasing sweeping, unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains—perfect spot for relaxing as the sun sets over the Rockies.
Designed for comfort and connection to the landscape, the primary suite features a cozy sitting nook, walk-in closet, wall-to-wall windows, and direct deck access—an ideal retreat for relaxation. Bedroom 2 offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a sliding door to the outdoors, while Bedroom 3 includes Brazilian engineered hardwood flooring, a walk-in closet, and access to a Jack-and-Jill bath. Throughout the home, large windows invite abundant natural light and preserve the uninterrupted views that define this one-of-a-kind setting.
The attached three-car garage provides ample space for vehicles, gear, and additional storage. Beyond the main residence, additional outbuildings include a detached three-car garage and a fully operational radio tower site. This site features a permitted 150-foot guyed communication tower and a 645-square-foot control building, all located on a separate 5.6-acre parcel zoned for special use by Jefferson County. The tower currently generates approximately $16,000 in gross annual revenue and is leased to three user groups: five amateur radio organizations using the site for two-way communication, two wireless internet providers serving the local area, and a power company that depends on the tower for internal communications and data transmission. Tenants typically access the site two to four times per year for routine equipment maintenance.
Outside, you’ll find true serenity—unobstructed mountain and city views, protected vistas of Centennial Cone Open Space, and regular visits from deer, elk, and birds of prey. A freshly painted soft spruce exterior blends with the natural surroundings, enhancing the home’s earth-hugging profile.
Every aspect of 3884 Douglas Mountain Drive has been thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its setting. From the living roof and thermal massing to the thick concrete walls and expansive glazing that frame breathtaking views, this is architecture that doesn’t just sit on the land—it becomes part of it. With its fusion of organic design, sustainable systems, and one-of-a-kind setting, it’s a rare legacy property offering a lifestyle deeply rooted in nature, peace, and purposeful living.
