720 E 4th Avenue

Description

720 E. 4th Avenue. Downtown. Historic Durango. Circa 1888, the Ochsner House is the perfect combination of Victorian charm and modern day comfort. This iconic, downtown home represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of Durango history. The 2,567 SF home sits in the heart of downtown Durango and boasts a gorgeous main house and spacious 920 SF carriage house (ADU) plus a 4-car garage. This stately property has beautiful landscaping including well established gardens and foliage. Easy access to local trails and all the downtown amenities shops, restaurants, theaters and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The property has been well maintained and updated with the original details preserved alongside modern amenities. Attention to detail and construction was years beyond its time as evident with the carpentry, original beams and stone work. Fully restored with plumbing and electrical; air conditioning added, bathrooms remodeled as well as numerous other improvements throughout. MAIN HOUSE. The main home features an open floor plan with wood floors, high ceilings and large windows throughout. The main floor includes a sunny living and dining room, updated kitchen, full bathroom, large laundry room, and a bedroom which would also make a great home office. The remodeled kitchen includes updated cabinetry, granite counters, travertine floors, a butler's pantry. Just off the kitchen is a warp-around deck offering extra space for al fresco dining and entertaining. Raised garden beds, huge cottonwood and established landscaping surround this home. The back deck was just refinished and stained. The main level features the living room with 9 foot ceilings, walls of windows overlooking the lawn and a cozy fireplace for those snowy winter nights. Morning coffee can be enjoyed in the fully enclosed breakfast porch. The second floor features a large guest room with a walk-in closet and bathroom complete with steam shower. The primary suite was recently enhanced with a large sitting area, walk-in closet with built-in and access to a "secret storage area, and fireplace. The bathroom features a large soaking tub with jets and steam shower. The basement has plenty of room for storage and even includes the original shooting range located under the home. CARRIAGE HOUSE. This structure includes a legal two-story guest house (ADU) and 4 car garage. The guest house features an updated kitchenette and dining space on the lower level with a dual living and sleeping area plus a huge playroom situated above the garages. A wonderful space perfect for guests or to rent separately. The garage has plenty of room for vehicle and toy storage. HISTORY. The property was owned for many years by Dr. Benjamin James Ochsner, who died in the 1950s He owned and operated Ochsner Hospital, a private hospital until his retirement. He was said to have been a very controversial person but a well-respected member of the community. His hobbies included music, photography, big game hunting, competition pistol and rifle shooting and fishing. His darkroom was on the 3rd level of the home and today, the Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis has a large collection of his art and photography. There is a shooting gallery in the basement of the house that extends out under the sidewalk at the front of the house where he practiced his target shooting skills. During his ownership the large garage was built, he always had nice cars. In the 1930s an addition was made to the rear of the house and modernizations were made inside the house to remove "Edwardian style decoration. His first wife planted many gardens and landscaping that are enjoyed today. This is a unique offering for a downtown home, schedule your private viewing today! 3D tour and floorplans available!