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The Divide at Cordillera: Love that European flair

Kathy Filgo
Shane Macomber/Vail Daily
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It was love at first sight. Felix Posen and his wife, Jane, first spied what would become The Divide at Cordillera while vacationing in Vail in 1985. One look was all it took, and Posen formed Kensington Partners, purchased part of the original Carter Ranch, and The Divide was underway.First of the four Cordillera areas, The Divide at Cordillera was followed by development of The Ranch at Cordillera, Cordillera Valley Club, and The Summit at Cordillera; but the Cordillera story began with The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera in The Divide. By 1987, two years after the Posens first visit, the plans were unveiled for The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, the centerpiece of The Divide. In 1988 the first six rooms at the Lodge were opened and the first land sales at The Divide began. Just one year later The Lodge became fully operational. It sits on the ridgeline with views of airplane-like magnitude, overseeing the towering peaks and plunging valleys that present such a multifaceted appeal. The Lodge & Spa with its chateau-style architecture offers guests a sumptuous resort experience. In July 2004 the five-star, five-diamond lodge completed a $5-million renovation including a dramatic new courtyard entryway, renewed guest rooms, transformed pool areas and a sundeck. The Avanyu Spa has been expanded 20,000 square feet and stands ready to revitalize body and spirit. The Lodge also features a 25-meter heated indoor and outdoor pools, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, fitness rooms, and Nordic center with an extensive trail system out the front door. Located in the Lodge is the internationally acclaimed Mirador with its sweeping mountaintop views of the Valley. Mirador has undergone some elegant additions as well, staging a new 24-seat private dining area to complement its customary dining services.If youre ready for a more casual dining experience in The Divide, Grouse on the Green is located next door to the Lodge. Built in Ireland and then transported to the States, this traditional Irish pub offers the Irish fare with such classics as shepherds pie and fish and chips.The views, the drama, and the European ambiance are not confined to the Lodge; there is an elegance and quality that permeates the entire area, which currently consists of 158 homesites with residences, and four under construction.This single-family home community rests at 7,800 feet. The graceful homes entertain architecture distinctly different from the rest of Cordillera. While The Ranch, The Summit, and The Valley Club have an atmosphere that reflects the natural stone, logs, and timber elements of the American West; The Divide reveals a signature look reminiscent of Europes mountain villages displaying slate roofs, stone and stucco exteriors, and hammered iron accents.Located in The Divide is the Dave Pelz-designed Master of the Short Game, a 10-hole executive golf course offering golfers of all abilities the opportunity to improve their short game skills while enjoying the outdoor setting.In The Divide in Chaveno Valley is Cordilleras own fire station, now three years old. It is part of the Eagle River Fire Protection District (ERFPD) and protects not only the community of Cordillera but provides service to all communities serviced by ERFPD.The station is manned on a 24-hour basis and has changed the average response time in the area from an average of 12 minutes to the desired standard of three to five minutes.Next to the Chaveno fire station is the new post office which accommodates Cordillera residents. Chefs Corner, a delightful little cafe owned by Rick Kangas, also resides in Chaveno Valley. Surrounding a cozy fireplace the caf can seat a crowd of about 38. During the summer months the splendors of the Rocky Mountains can be enjoyed while dining on the outdoor patio. A full breakfast and lunch is served Monday through Friday, and on weekends theres brunch. Chefs Corner also offers a convenient catering service.In all of Cordillera, listings include 55 residences ranging in price from $1.25 million to $6.3 million, and 68 homesites ranging in price from $169,000 to $2.5 million.When the Posens first saw The Divide at Cordillera, it had all the inherent charm and incomparable beauty to immediately capture their hearts. But it also proved to have the character it took to create a relationship with staying power. The area developed into a community with polish, sophistication, and refinement.Vail, Colorado


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