Bristlecone Heights, an exquisite luxury log cabin nestled at an elevation of 9,125 feet, claims the title of one of the highest residences in Nevada.
The cabin boasts breathtaking views that stretch for miles, offering a panoramic glimpse of the expansive valley floor and majestic surrounding mountains.
“On a clear day, you can see Lake Mead,” homeowner Ennis Jordon commented, capturing the essence of this mountain sanctuary.
He added, “It’s unbelievable. You come up here and feel secluded. But when you see the twinkling lights of the Strip, it’s a cool feeling.”
Located at 4190 Cougar Ridge Trail, this off-the-grid property is currently listed for $2.25 million through Ivan Sher, founder and CEO of IS Luxury. Ennis and his wife, Zineb, have decided to sell their beloved home to dedicate more time to their travels.
Spanning two stories and covering 4,260 square feet, the cabin offers three bedrooms, including a spacious primary suite. Features include high-end finishes, Venetian plaster walls, custom lighting, and a remarkable 3,000-square-foot wrap-around redwood deck.
“What truly sets this cabin apart is the craftsmanship and quality of finishes,” noted Nick Rasmussen, a fine homes specialist with IS Luxury.
He elaborated, “Everything Ennis did is the most difficult and highest level of finish you can do.”
The name of the property pays homage to the distinctive Bristlecone pine, a species integral to the surrounding landscape, with Jordon estimating over a dozen ancient trees adorning his property.
“It is the oldest living thing on the planet,” Jordon remarked, revealing that some trees on the property are around 5,000 years old.
In a unique architectural twist, Jordon incorporated dead tree material from his land into various elements of the cabin’s design, enhancing its rustic charm.
In the primary suite, Jordon introduced gathered wood as a wall treatment, stating, “This particular wood was 1,200 years old.”
A custom carpenter spent over a month meticulously installing it.
An eye-catching circular bristlecone pine inlay graces the living room’s wood floor, beautifully framing the fireplace and adding a distinctive touch to the cabin’s aesthetic.
Additionally, Jordon commissioned custom light fixtures and furniture pieces to furnish the space, ensuring that every detail aligns with the cabin’s rustic yet luxurious theme.
A notable feature is a hand-carved swan, crafted from the sourced wood by Zineb Jordon; a project that took her two years to complete, now proudly displayed in the main living area.
Adding to the unique exterior, Ennis Jordon transported a bristlecone pine from the top of the mountain, using a helicopter for the impressive feat.
“I had a helicopter take it from the top down here,” he shared, highlighting the tree’s impressive weight of 2,400 pounds.
The property’s off-grid architecture is complemented by a solar power system featuring 24 solar panels along with a 24-battery backup.
Additionally, it includes a propane backup generator, a septic tank, and a domestic well that reaches 450 feet deep, ensuring self-sufficiency in this secluded retreat.
An alternative heat source comes from a wood-burning fireplace, while Hughesnet provides internet service and DISH TV supplies television programming.
Jordan’s journey to finding this mountaintop sanctuary was a lengthy process, spanning five years. He explored various properties in California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada before discovering this ultra-private location.
While riding his Harley between Kyle and Lee Canyon, he spotted a small cabin that piqued his interest, leading him to inquire about its availability, ultimately resulting in his purchase in 1996.
Originally, he acquired a rustic 1,700-square-foot cabin alongside 2.32 acres.
After fourteen years, he undertook a significant renovation, tearing down the majority of the original cabin while converting a small portion into a garage, and subsequently designing the current modern log cabin in its place.
Before construction could commence, extensive rock removal was required to clear an area sufficient for the cabin’s foundation, taking six months to accomplish.
Once the site was ready, four-wheel-drive trucks hauling oversized trailers navigated the steep mountain road to transport materials, making daily deliveries both complex and challenging.
“Every day was a challenge. We had to haul the logs one at a time,” Jordan reminisced about the construction phase.
Jordan staged all the construction materials at another cabin in Kyle Canyon, sourcing lodgepole pine logs from Montana. He collaborated with a skilled log master, who meticulously cut and installed the exterior wooden frame, crafting staircase elements and all interior features as well.
The intricate woodwork took a full year to complete, testament to both the craftsmanship and the rigorous process involved.
“His work was impressive,” Jordon acknowledged. “He knew what he was doing.”
The entire project, working year-round with dedication and precision, took three years to reach completion.
Upon entering the cabin, visitors are greeted by a warm and rustic ambiance, accentuated by the spacious open living area featuring a striking 25-foot wood-encased vaulted ceiling.
The living room showcases a stone wood-burning fireplace and floor-to-ceiling window walls that invite an abundance of natural light, creating an inviting space for both relaxation and entertainment.
The Jordans utilized the cabin for various special occasions, including their daughter’s wedding, highlighting its capacity for hosting and celebration.
“I had my own business in construction materials, and we’d have big parties up here. At times, we had over 100 people,” Jordon recalled, reminiscing about the communal gatherings.
To accommodate guests, he arranged for several four-wheel drives to shuttle people back and forth.
The bright interior features hand-laid red oak hardwood flooring arranged in a sophisticated herringbone pattern, crafted by a dedicated team responsible for cutting, beveling, and painting each piece over a painstaking two-month process.
“Herringbone wood flooring is some of the most expensive flooring you can put into a home,” Rasmussen explained.
He continued, “It takes more time, and it must be perfect. Each one of the small planks is laid individually throughout the whole house.”
The kitchen features a stunning curved island adorned with granite counters, effectively separating the cooking area from the main living space.
Natural stone walls provide a beautiful contrast to the wood accents, contributing to the warm and inviting ambiance.
This spacious kitchen is fully equipped with a top-of-the-line Wolf six-burner stove, custom alder wood cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, porcelain tile flooring, and even a copper sink to enhance its distinctive appeal.
The primary suite stands as a hallmark of rustic luxury, offering expansive views through oversized windows along with direct access to the redwood deck that overlooks the entire valley.
Enhancing the suite’s charm are exposed wood beams, bristlecone pine walls, and red oak floors, further complemented by an upper-level loft that provides additional space.
The primary bathroom exudes spa-like tranquility, featuring a generous walk-in shower trimmed with stone surrounds, Venetian plaster walls, travertine stone flooring, and granite countertops for a touch of elegance.
In his retreat, Jordon engages in outdoor pursuits such as hiking and wildlife observation, with the cabin’s location conveniently close to Lee Canyon Ski Resort—an all-year-round hub that offers skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and gondola rides.
Once the property finds its new owners, Jordon foresees missing numerous elements of his cherished getaway, including the one-of-a-kind bristlecone pine furniture, the intricately designed red oak flooring, the refreshing cooler temperatures, and the serene moments spent on the deck with a view of the valley below.
“And the quiet,” he added, reflecting on the serenity that is often overlooked.
He concluded, “I love this location. You can be here in under an hour.”
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