With only 3 percent of the county in private hands, property around Jackson Hole doesn't come cheap; few houses cost less than half a million dollars. Would-be buyers, however, will find a range of purchase options: raw land; parcels and houses in exclusive subdivisions; turnkey condos with hotel amenities; and in rare instances, entire ranches.
Jackson Hole devotees rave about the cross-country and downhill skiing in winter and the hiking, flyfishing and biking in summer. In all seasons, the area draws a conservation-minded, egalitarian crowd passionate about outdoor pursuits and united in their desire to preserve the unparalleled landscape.
LAY OF THE LAND Jackson Hole is a valley about fifty miles long, wedged between two mountain ranges: the Tetons to the west and the Gros Ventres to the east. Teton County includes the town of Jackson and its surrounding valley, as well as Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Teton Village (where the ski resort is located, twelve miles northwest of Jackson) and the towns of Wilson and Moose. Jackson Hole Airport, eight miles north of Jackson, is served by most major U.S. airlines and accommodates private jets.
THE ALLURE The views-the Tetons rise cinematically from the valley floor, one mile straight up-and the space. As one local puts it, "Because of all the open land, if you came to my house you might think it was 10,000 acres instead of 20."
THE NEIGHBORS People tend to stick to their property; they don't congregate in town, as in Aspen and Vail. Who's lying low: actor Harrison Ford, at his ranch, south of town; Vice President Dick Cheney; actress Sandra Bullock; Alan Hirschfeld, former head of Columbia Pictures; Olympic skier Tommy Moe; and Jordan's Queen Noor, who visits her sister.
THE SKI MOUNTAIN Since 1996 the resort has seen more than $300 million worth of construction, culminating in the December 2003 opening of a Four Seasons resort. Altogether there are seven new high-end hotels, condos and town-house developments, along with five restaurants.
WHERE TO BUY If you're an avid skier, keep to the west bank of the Snake River, near the ski resort. If you're a golfer, consider Teton Pines Resort or the new Three Creek development. An area just west of Jackson called John Dodge has private homes on three-acre plots for upwards of $2 million each and seven-acre plots (without house) on the Snake River for $5.5 million. Land around the town of Wilson is also hot and, accordingly, hard to find. "Don't assume you have to have a classic view of the Tetons," advises Leslie Mattson-Emerson, executive director of Jackson Hole Land Trust. "Newcomers think it's all about the big peaks, but the longer you live here, the more you realize the place is special, period."
HOW TO DO IT RIGHT Approach Jackson Hole Land Trust about conservation-worthy properties on the market. If you donate a conservation easement to the land trust, an arrangement that restricts development in perpetuity, you can receive a significant tax break.
TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS Sotheby's International Realty's Jackson Hole Brokerage ( 888-733-9009 ) and Real Estate of Jackson Hole, which is affiliated with Christie's Great Estates ( 888-733-6060).
Property Values
THE HOMES AT AMANGANI
$2.9 million
Set on 1,000 elevated acres a few miles from Jackson, this new model home has mountain views and all the amenities of Amangani Resort-twenty-four-hour security, room service, spa, gym, pool and maid service. Also available: homesites from $685,000 for 0.64 acre. 888-212-0728; amanganihomes.com.
LITTLE JENNIE RANCH
$58.5 million
Only thirty-five minutes south of Jackson, this 3,011-acre working cattle ranch is adjacent to Teton National Forest and contains miles of trout streams. The 4,000-square-foot lodge has Native American rugs and Molesworth-style furniture. There are four guest cottages, a pool, barns, employee houses and two guest cabins. Price includes all buildings, furniture, livestock, permits, and water and mineral rights. 888-301-2402; rejh.com.
CHEYENNE LODGE
$12.99 million
Modeled on Chief Joseph Lodge in Montana, this 6,000-square-foot home sits on twenty-four acres in the heart of the Jackson Hole valley and has spectacular views of Grand Teton peak. The property, nestled at the base of a butte only ten minutes from Jackson, includes forested areas and several ponds and so feels very private. The main house has huge stone fireplaces, cozy rooms and a stone patio overlooking a pond stocked with trout. There is also a guesthouse. 888-301-2402; rejh.com.
FOUR SEASONS RESIDENCE CLUB
From $370,000
As a fractional owner, you can spend thirty-five days every year in a two- or three-bedroom slope-side condo in Teton Village (additional days can be purchased, depending on availability). The condos come with stone fireplaces, state-of-the-art granite kitchens, outdoor decks, underground-garage spaces and access to all Four Seasons Resort amenities and services, including a ski concierge, who arranges rentals, lift tickets and lessons. 800-365-8611; fourseasons.com.
TUCKER RANCH
$2.195 million
Panoramic views, mature cottonwoods and a lake grace this prime 6.26-acre parcel in one of the area's most desirable subdivisions, 200-acre Tucker Ranch. Just off Teton Village Road, five minutes from the ski mountain and close to Teton Pines Resort and Country Club, the ranch has large homesites with Snake River access and lake fishing. 877-739-8132; spack mansinjacksonhole.com .
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