If there is one thing that has consistently rivaled Rupert Murdoch’s lifelong fascination with the news, it is his profound appreciation for luxury real estate. Over the course of a decades-long career that has spanned continents and reshaped the global media landscape, the billionaire media mogul has famously bought and sold extraordinary properties all over the globe. From sprawling New York City penthouses to historic estates, his portfolio has long captivated observers of high-end property markets. Among these prized holdings is a picturesque, lodge-inspired retreat situated just three miles outside of Aspen, Colorado, a property that has once again captured the attention of the luxury real estate world as it returns to the market with an eye-catching asking price.
Set within the exclusive, highly private, and gated residential community of Starwood, the two-acre mountain spread is anchored by a substantial lodge-style mansion that was originally completed in 1979. Historical records indicate that Murdoch scooped up the property for $3 million in the early 1980s. That acquisition coincided precisely with a pivotal era in his professional life, occurring around the same time he was actively expanding and shaping News Corp into one of the largest and most influential newspaper and media publishers in the world.
The media titan’s relationship with the Aspen compound has seen several chapters over the decades. In 1995, the property made headlines when he hoisted the estate back onto the market with an asking price of $5 million, according to reports from the Deseret News. Since that initial mid-decade listing, the property has cycled through the luxury market on a few selective occasions. Real estate tracking data from Zillow shows that the estate was listed for sale once more in September 2010 with a price tag of $12.95 million, and subsequently returned to the market in May 2013 asking $8.5 million.
Following these periods on the market, the residence underwent a comprehensive, high-end remodel in 2016, modernizing its living spaces while carefully preserving its classic mountain character. Now, the sprawling alpine retreat has returned to the public eye, listed in July with an asking price of $29.85 million through Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty.
The three-story architectural masterpiece elegantly bridges the gap between a rugged, traditional mountain aesthetic and the polished conveniences of modern luxury living. Throughout the estate, natural stone and rich wood materials seamlessly transition from the striking exterior to the interior spaces, ensuring the home feels deeply connected to its sweeping alpine surroundings. The open-plan living quarters are designed to showcase exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by handcrafted timber trusses and beams, prominent stone fireplaces, and wide-plank wood flooring that runs continuously throughout the residence.
Designed with entertaining in mind, the main level serves as the social heart of the home. It features a welcoming living room anchored by a grand fireplace, a comfortable sitting area that flows naturally into the kitchen, a formal dining room for hosting guests, and a dedicated indoor pool area. A dramatic staircase leads down to the indoor pool directly from the main living room, creating a seamless visual and physical connection between the home’s primary gathering spaces and its leisure amenities.
For vertical transit across its multi-level layout, the residence is equipped with a sleek glass elevator that connects the main level to the upper and lower floors. Across these levels, the home offers an array of high-end lifestyle amenities, including two full bars, a specialized wine cellar for collection storage, a private home theater, and a soothing steam room.
Accommodation across the residence is both generous and versatile, with the home featuring a total of six bedrooms. The sleeping quarters are thoughtfully distributed across the structure to ensure privacy for family members and visiting guests alike. One en-suite guest bedroom is conveniently positioned on the main floor, another is located on the upper level, and three additional bedrooms are situated on the lower level. The primary suite serves as a true private sanctuary. Located beneath a soaring vaulted ceiling, the primary bedroom comes complete with a private terrace overlooking the landscape, accompanied by an expansive en-suite bathroom featuring a deep soaking tub, multiple vanities, and a spacious walk-in closet.
The exterior living spaces are equally impressive, designed to maximize enjoyment of the crisp Colorado air and dramatic scenery. Outdoors, residents and guests can utilize a covered terrace complete with a dual-sided fireplace, as well as an open-air bar and kitchen setup ideal for warm-weather entertaining. The meticulously landscaped grounds also feature multiple auxiliary dining and lounge areas, alongside a heated three-car garage.
Beyond the boundaries of the immediate two-acre parcel, ownership within the exclusive Starwood community grants residents access to neighborhood amenities including community tennis courts and peaceful, protected meadows that preserve the natural beauty of the surrounding region.
The high-profile listing is being managed by a team of real estate professionals from Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty, including Mark Lewis, Doug Nehasil, Kristen Maley, Chantal Henderson, and Jamie Daniels.
