Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s high-profile fundraising visit to Park City, Utah brought the former Massachusetts governor to familiar territory last weekend. Romney owned a lavish 9,500 square-foot home at Deer Valley Resort during the 2002 Winter Olympics, which he sold in 2009 for more than $5 million.
The spotlight on Romney’s Utah real estate has drawn attention to the opulence of other Deer Valley homes, some of which dwarf the Romney home both in size and value. These five private residences, all currently on the market, feature listing prices up to eight times its selling price.
The Huntsman Estate – $44 Million
Had Jon Huntsman, Jr. won the Republican nomination, he could have hosted a fundraising appreciation retreat at his billionaire father’s sprawling estate — with enough room to comfortably sleep everyone plus the secret service. The 22,000 square-foot mansion features 12 bedrooms, 16 baths, an indoor pool, theater, fitness suite and employees’ quarters. The eye-popping listing price includes 60 acres of land and two garages holding a total of 28 cars.
The Resorts West SKI Dream Home – $21.9 Million
This 14,000 square-foot home began as a project spearheaded by SKI Magazine, Resorts West and Deer Valley Resort to create a mountain residence that embodied every amenity a ski enthusiast might desire. Input from a wide number of skiers from all kinds of backgrounds led to many of the home’s unique amenities, including a private ski bridge with direct access to Deer Valley’s Mountaineer Run, a heated lap pool and over-sized hot tub, two fire-pits, a ski-in bar, après lounge with boot warmers, and two wine cellars. A stadium-seat theatre, pool table, FullSwing golf simulator and custom DJ booth ensure that guests remain entertained both on and off the slopes.
Red Cloud Estate – $16 Million
So seamless with the landscape is this 8-bedroom, 11-bath mountain residence that it somehow succeeds in making 9,600 square-feet of modern luxury fit unassumingly on the slope of one of Deer Valley’s most popular runs. Nestled in the gated community of Red Cloud, this single-family home offers ski-in/ski-out access to the Blue Bell run in Empire Pass. Inside, the estate boasts a theater, cigar room, wine cellar and bar, fitness suite and bathrooms large enough to comfortably host a family of four. The outdoor hot tub is tucked away from the slope for stunning mountain views and privacy.
Casa Nova – $15.9 Million
With four bars, two hot tubs and space for up to 25 guests, Casa Nova was built to entertain. Marketed vigorously as a vacation rental for the rich and famous, this 13,000 square-foot chalet (which sleeps up to 25 guests) has seen everything from wealthy families to rock stars. Amenities include seven bedrooms, 11 fireplaces, a 15-seat theater and spa facilities. In a unique proposal catering to the home’s rent-ability, the $15.9 million asking price includes rights to the trademarked Casa Nova rental business operation.
Hawkeye – $14.7 Million
This understated Empire Pass estate resembles the former Romney chalet in its rustic style, hardwood beams, and prime ski-in/ski-out access — but from there, the similarities cease. This 13,000 square foot home adds 4,000 square feet to Romney’s old digs (the equivalent of a large suburban home) and as a newer home, offers features like a theater with surround-sound, a FullSwing golf simulator and internal surveillance system. One rare feature the Romney residence did boast that few others can, particularly in growing Deer Valley, is a view unobstructed by homes and a feeling of solitude. Romney’s old home sits on the end of a cul de sac.
The intimate donor appreciation weekend, held from June 22 to 24 at various locations in Park City, allowed supporters who had contributed at least $50,000 to the Romney campaign efforts or had helped to raise more than $250,000, the chance to interact with the candidate and learn more about his views. Events included a cook-out at the Utah Olympic Park and a golf outing at the Red Ledges golf course. High-profile names on the guest list included Jeb Bush, Condoleeza Rice, John McCain and Tim Pawlenty.
