The Glow Of The Mountain

Featured in glossy magazines and luxury travel guides, this alpine-style cabin has been lovingly designed by the host family themselves. There’s no denying you’re in the mountains as cathedral-height windows put the view of snow-topped La Plata mountain pride of place in the living room. We’re not sure there’s anything more satisfying than firing up the Vermont-made hearthstone stove while the snow billows outside. Though soaking in the bubbling hot tub on the terrace is a lavish, alternative way to keep warm. The whole place is decked out in mountain-chic style with fur throws and knitted blankets complementing the clapboard walls. Sitting out on the veranda you get a real sense of calm as pine trees shield the cabin from view and you're far from civilisation. If you fancy venturing into the great outdoors, the Mt Elbert and La Plata trailheads are just two minutes away by car, and the cabin sits at the bottom of the stunning Independence Pass drive to Aspen.

Home truths:
*This cabin is away from it all in the middle of the wilderness – although there is Wi-Fi, cell signal is patchy and you won't be able to stream your favourite shows
*A car is recommended as the nearest town (Twin Lakes) is six miles away
*The host provides an air horn to scare off bears and asks the grill be cleaned immediately after use and no rubbish left outside
*As it is a forested area, charcoal grills and campfires are not permitted, but there is a gas grill on the terrace
*The alpine plumbing can be a little sensitive
*Parking is available on the driveway