Serenity On The Water's Edge Within This Grand County Retreat
Edgewater Waterfront Cabin Community Has It All
By Cindy Kleh / Photos by Carter Photographics

Builders create more condos and homes everyday, but rarely is more waterfront created. Waterfront property is a rare, sought-after commodity that one Grand County developer has taken to a whole new level. Edgewater Resort in Granby offers mountains and riverfront with stocked fishing ponds and acres of rehabilitated wildlife refuge, all tucked away in a peaceful, get-away-from-it-all haven, minutes away from world-class skiing, boating and golf.
           
But the 40 acres on which Edgewater was developed, where the Fraser River splashes and meanders just beyond the decks of these alpine cabins, were not always teeming with fish and wildlife as they are now. Owners and developers Paige and Paul Chavoustie purchased the land, a former gravel pit, in 2003, and began rehabilitating the river, ponds, and surrounding wetlands to not only return it to its original state of beauty, but enhance it dramatically, and these improvements have become a magnet for fox, birds, deer and moose.
           
Not only do cabin owners enjoy a resort atmosphere, so do the fish. Eight “drop structures” (short waterfalls) were added to increase oxygen in the river water and make it more fish-friendly. Large boulders from the gravel pit were strategically placed to create vortexes and riffles, transforming this half-mile of the Fraser River into spectacular private Gold-Medal catch-and-release-only fly fishing waters (aka trout heaven).
           
To encourage native fish to hang around, dead trees were sunk with boulders on top to create “fish condos” along the bank. Cottonwood and willow trees were planted to stabilize the riverbank against erosion and deep fishing holes were created to allow protection for larger fish and to create cooler temperatures during warm weather and drought.
           
A fish biologist from Montana was hired to oversee the project and four fishponds along the banks were deepened to lower the temperature and increase the flow of river water through them. The algae disappeared in the ponds, making for the perfect fish habitat. Fish, boat docks and bridges were added, along with picnic and fireplace nooks that encourage owners and nightly renters to sit down and relax by the water, eventually becoming entranced by the sounds of birds and wildlife that now call Edgewater home. Although above average sized fish are in the river, access is reserved only for owners and guests of Edgewater.

“We chose not to build on any of the wetlands,” Paul explains. “This was not only more environmentally sensitive, but also allowed us to maintain 60 percent of Edgewater as open space.” Instead of planting green lawns, the common areas were xeriscaped with native plants that require less water, and a full-time gardener was hired to plant flowerbeds and over 200 mature trees. Nordic and hiking trails radiate to the East and South enticing owners and their guests to explore to their hearts’ content, often encountering wildlife in their native habitat.
           
Using the decorative wood of beetle-killed pine trees, a riverbank against erosion and deep fishing holes were created to allow protection for larger fish and to create cooler temperatures during warm weather and drought. A fish biologist from Montana was hired to oversee the project and four fishponds along the banks were deepened to clubhouse was created by restoring an old fishing lodge that sat on the property. Members can gather around an indoor fireplace and play cards, chess, foosball, air hockey, pool or shuffleboard together. A day spa, workout facility, fly tying stations, indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, and a heated outdoor pool and whirlpool completes the family recreation area. This resort-style community also features a Kid’s Play Zone that includes a playground, badminton courts, basketball, horseshoes, tetherball, and a putting green in the summer, with ice skating and ice fishing in the winter.
           
In fact, Edgewater won the Grand County Parade of Homes 2007 “Outstanding Development Concept” with its green-built waterfront alpine community concept. Phase One consists of 16 cabin lots along the riverbank, of which only four are left, a cluster of 14 cabins around the clubhouse and a large waterfall feature, including two pond-view cabins. Phases II and III will be constructed farther upstream, to the east, along the riverbank and additional fishing ponds.
           
The cabins themselves are as green as their surroundings – not just built green for a smaller carbon footprint, but with top-of-the-line furnaces and insulation for the highest energy efficiency, yielding more green to the owner with every utility bill.

“We chose not to build on any of the wetlands. This was not only more environmentally sensitive, but also allowed us to maintain 60 percent of Edgewater as open space.”

Edgewater cabins prove that less is more without “roughing it.” With luxury details such as cathedral ceilings, aspen handrails and E-Star appliances, these two-to-three bedroom 1,200-to- 1,600 square-foot homes are a wonder of efficient space planning and design.
           
The homes are factory-built for quality, saving money for the homebuyer and producing less waste and pollution than conventional site-based construction. Another advantage of factory-built homes is that they can be completed in six months and include 40-year roof shingles and 50-year siding. But these homes hardly look or feel like modular homes. Priced in the low 300s with lot and community amenities included, they will continue to save owners with low HOA dues, low taxes, low utility bills, low maintenance and more time and money to enjoy their mountain vacation home.
           
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Edgewater is that it feels so far from civilization, yet is situated within the town of Granby, a stone’s throw from Main Street. But it feels like part of the wilderness, hidden from the town, with spectacular views of the Continental Divide and Byers Peak.
           
Edgewater Resort was not designed for full-time residents because the access from Highway 40 is not sufficient for that kind of density according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. In fact, all but one of the cabin owners live on the Front Range, and choose to rent their cabins nightly to create another source of income when they’re not using it.
           
So when all of the advantages of Edgewater are added up – beautifully designed cabins, a sensible price point, the Fraser River meandering through serene wetlands teeming with wildlife, recreational amenities and the most ideal location in the county – you’ll be caught hook, line and sinker!

GREEN SOLUTIONS:
•••• Cabins are relatively small in square footage with top-of-the-line furnaces, insulation, thermal windows and E-Star appliances, resulting in lower energy use year after year.
•••• The homes are factorybuilt, producing less waste and pollution than conventional site-based construction.
•••• Entire resort sits on 40 acres that Edgewater rehabilitated from a former gravel pit to a healthy riparian ecosystem, teeming with fish and wildlife.

READ MORE STORIES FROM THIS ISSUE:
• The Green Parade: Green Profiles, Outdoor Furnaces, Timber Frames, Green Remodel, & Architecture
• Off-the-Grid: Solar Power Has Never Looked Better
• Special Lifestyle Section
• 2009 Feature Articles