It is truly a world apart here at Ascent.

The Ascent Experience

The architecture of the Ascent vacation rental home respects and embodies the mountains before which it so reverently stands. Ascending roof lines greet the heavens, leading every eye to that magic line on the horizon where the Western Continental Divide caresses the deep azure blue of the Colorado sky. The Divide is the backbone of Rocky Mountain National Park, which adjoins Windcliff as a cherished neighbor. The exterior is washed with muted earth tones. Rusted Corten steel takes on an intentional patina, complementing the rich wall of mahogany wood that graces the secluded outdoor patio. "Deck" only begins to describe Ascent's massive wrap-around main-level deck, which spans the entire western facade. Its size is hard to grasp until you arrive and see it for yourself. Spread before you in a 180-degree panorama is the grandeur of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Count the peaks and learn their names, for now they are friends for life.

Moving to the interior, you'll be greeted by a welcoming, open great room featuring a 55-inch HDTV. If cooler breezes blow, a remote-controlled gas fireplace sports yellow flames dancing on crushed glass — further enhanced by LED lighting. Modern charging islands for phones and laptops abound. Ceilings far out of reach are supported by the wall of windows on the western facade, displaying an unequalled view of the mountains in all their grandeur.

The Kitchen at Ascent

The chef's kitchen in this one-of-a-kind home is brand-spanking new, fresh, and bright. Both it — and the breakfast/refreshment bar cozying up alongside — boast an unobstructed view of mountain peaks, which beckon in the distance. The dining area has front-row seats for the natural spectacle at hand... in every direction. A “break out” room downstairs is the perfect staging area for a trail hike or an indoor game. A gas barbeque waits on the veranda, prepped and primed when meals call for a little natural flame. Surely, a toast is in order!

Lodging and Rest at the Ascent Vacation Rental Home

A staircase of unconventional sturdiness — calling to mind Noah's Ark — ascends to the upper level of Ascent. But, no “two-by-two” is envisioned here. These stairs are intended for “two only” as vista-view windows lead to the private master suite tucked away upstairs. This fine suite could, and does, make rooms in any five-star hotel blush. Niches harbor objet d'art. The view from the king-sized bed is, suitably, "fit for a king." The air massage tub has its own picture window... and what a picture it presents! A colossal shower also stands at the ready. The closets and dressing room offer every amenity you could desire. You have everything you need to awake and arise to the new days at hand — perhaps including some freshly brewed coffee made in the suite's own compact kitchen. Step out onto the private corner-wrap balcony. You can hear the wind over the wing of a soaring eagle, taste the sky, or touch a rainbow from this place. A new day is indeed at hand, and *** is very close by and smiling. Up to eight can join in the reverie here at Ascent, between this secluded master suite and its accompaniment of 3 additional bedrooms.

The Ascent of a Lifetime

Long's Peak presides over Rocky Mountain National Park as its highest summit just south of Windcliff Estates and Chiappes' “Ascent.” It first felt the gentle pressure of human feet when pre-Columbian indigenous peoples scaled its heights in search of eagle feathers.

Surveyors with the John Wesley Powell Expedition were the first European-Americans to stand at its summit and marvel, in 1868. There is plenty of “marveling” left to go around, and Long's Peak extends its invitation to one and all.

But, whether or not you opt to tackle the challenging ascent routes of Long's Peak (14,259') dur