Aspen, US
Perks and quirks Although it no longer holds the world record for the longest single-stage gondola (which, for a time, belonged to the Silver Queen linking Aspen to Aspen mountain), the Colorado resort can claim the crown for snow-side culture: it has its own art museum, many galleries, a literary centre (Aspen Words), the Aspen Music Festival, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and the Aspen Institute, which seeks to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues, from climate change to the supply-chain crisis.
Known for... The most spectacular renaissance any town could hope for. Once a thriving silver-mining town, it slid into a decline that lasted four decades after the Panic of 1893, a period of economic depression in which the value of silver plummeted. In 1936, however, a group of entrepreneurs saw fresh opportunity in the snow and created a new ski area to meet America’s burgeoning passion for winter sports—and the rest is history.
Slope encounters Hollywood, Silicon Valley and Wall Street come together on the Aspen slopes—notably on Red Mountain, also known as Billionaire Mountain—with present and past skiers including Jeff Bezos, beauty entrepreneur Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer and actors such as Jack Nicholson, Kevin Costner, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.
For sale
Sheltered by aspen and evergreen trees, this 5,272sq ft property makes the most of the leafy views towards Aspen mountain. The open-plan living and dining area has floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that lead to a flagstone terrace. The house also has four spacious bedrooms and landscaped grounds with a water feature. $12.9 million (about £9.77 million), Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate.
Whistler, Canada
Perks and quirks Whistler has its very own ghost town. A former logging outpost dating from the 1920s, Parkhurst, on the edge of Green Lake, saw its fortunes plummet in the following decades and was eventually abandoned in 1966. A walk around it takes in fallen houses, old machinery and the spring that watered the settlement.
Known for... The Peak 2 Peak gondola linking Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, which broke not one but two Guinness World Records: it’s the highest cable car above the ground (at 1,430ft) and has the longest unsupported span between two aerial cable-car stations (at 1.879 miles). Although there’s no world record for this, it also has magnificent views.
Slope encounters Actors filming in Vancouver often make an escape to Whistler (including Aquaman star Jason Momoa). Bill Gates is also thought to be a regular visitor.
For sale
Situated in a cul de sac in Whistler main village, this 1,425sq ft, three-bedroom property is full of striking details, from the living room’s 15ft vaulted ceiling and fine fireplace to the granite worktops and bar in the kitchen and the solid wood doors throughout. Outside, the terrace comes with a hot tub. CAD$2.795 million (about £1.67m), Sotheby’s International Realty.
Credit: TopTenRealEstate
The Rose family's mega-mansion from 'Schitt's Creek' has come up for sale in Toronto
Playing itself in 'Schitt's Creek' as the hugely opulent home of the Rose family, La Belle Maison is currently on
-
Deep lakes, tall peaks and Flemish portraiture. It's the Country Life Quiz of the DayAugust 28's quiz gets to grips with geography, art, film and also cats.
-
Gill Meller wants to make soufflé great again with his sweetcorn and smoked cheddar recipeIs the soufflé on the brink of extinction? Well, not if Gill Meller's recipe for a sweetcorn and smoked cheddar has anything to do with it.
-
The market for super-prime houses in England's biggest millionaire's playground is booming — and this £10m example is one of the bestWhirley Hall is a 17th century building that's a perfect example of how 21st century updates can transform an old home almost beyond recognition.
-
If I had to spend the rest of my life living underground, I would do it in this four-bedroom house for sale in the Peak DistrictThe aptly named Underhill is a 'a work of inhabitable art' that was built in the 1970s. And there's a swimming pool in the middle of it.
-
A micro estate for sale in west Wales shows that the best things come in small packages. In this case, three of themBrithdir is a remarkable collection of properties centred around a lake and just five miles from the sea.
-
This blissful converted mill has sweeping views, a breathtaking library and gardens by a Chelsea gold medallistPenny Churchill takes a look at Stanbridge Mill, one of the finest properties for sale today in the west country.
-
Portmore has it all: A 3,459-acre Scottish estate for sale, with a signature Baronial sandstone mansion at its heartFor sale for the first time in 40 years, Portmore Estate is everything you could ever want in Scotland.
-
Location, community and charm: the enduring desirability of London's mews housesFrom birds, to horses, to beautiful family homes, the mews of London are some of the nation's most sought-after homes. But why?
-
The distinctive and historic home that might just be 'one of Dorset’s most picturesque'Grade II*-listed Manor House, set in just under eight acres, dates from the 16th century.
-
A 17th century farmhouse in Surrey with one of Britain's oldest squash courtsFords Farm is on the market for the first time in over half a century.
