Bristlecone Heights has emerged as a hidden sanctuary nestled at an impressive elevation of 9,125 feet, making it one of the highest residential properties in Nevada. This luxury log cabin offers breathtaking panoramic views that stretch for hundreds of miles across the valley floor and surrounding mountains.
Homeowner Ennis Jordon expressed his amazement at the stunning vistas, stating, “On a clear day, you can see Lake Mead. 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.”
Situated 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. The Jordans are selling their home to devote more time to their love for traveling.
Spanning 4,260 square feet over two stories, the property boasts three bedrooms, including an oversized primary suite, high-end finishes, Venetian plaster walls, custom lighting, and a remarkable 3,000-square-foot wrap-around redwood deck.
Nick Rasmussen, a fine homes specialist with IS Luxury, highlighted the unique craftsmanship of the cabin, saying, “What truly sets this cabin apart is the craftsmanship and quality of finishes. Everything Ennis did is the most difficult and highest level of finish you can do.”
The name “Bristlecone Heights” reflects the distinctive bristlecone pine trees that adorn the property, with Jordan estimating at least a dozen ancient trees, some reaching ages of 5,000 years. He ingeniously utilized dead tree material sourced from his land to create stunning bristlecone pine elements throughout the cabin. Notably, the primary suite features wall treatments made from this 1,200-year-old wood, installed by a custom carpenter over the span of a month.
In the living room, Jordan commissioned a circular bristlecone pine inlay for the wood floor, situated prominently in front of the fireplace. Custom light fixtures and unique furniture pieces were also crafted to furnish the cabin, enhancing its rustic charm.
An impressive highlight is a swan sculpture that Zineb Jordan hand-carved from the sourced wood, showcasing her talent and patience over a two-year period.
The exterior of the cabin features a stunning bristlecone pine tree that Jordan had helicoptered from the mountaintop to adorn the entrance. The pilot reported that the tree weighed an impressive 2,400 pounds.
The cabin operates entirely off-grid, featuring a solar power system equipped with 24 solar panels and a backup of 24 batteries. There’s also a propane generator, a septic tank, and a 450-foot deep domestic well. For additional warmth, a wood-burning fireplace is situated in the main living area, while Hughesnet supplies internet service, and television programming is provided through DISH TV.
Jordan’s quest for this mountain refuge spanned five years. He explored various properties across California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada before discovering his ultraprivate location. His journey began while riding his Harley between Kyle and Lee Canyon, where a small cabin caught his eye. Upon learning it was for sale, he seized the opportunity and purchased the rustic 1,700-square-foot cabin and 2.32 acres in 1996.
Along the gravel path leading to the property, one can find remnants of old cabins and logger camps that date back to the turn of the century, depicting a rich history of harvesting ponderosa pine for the railroads. Jordan noted, “There is a cabin built in 1930. They took down a lot of wood from up here.”
After 14 years of ownership, Jordan decided to tear down most of the original cabin, keeping only a small section as a garage. He then designed and constructed the modern log cabin that stands today. Before construction could commence, extensive rock removal was necessary to clear a suitable area for the cabin, which took six months.
Transporting the logs was a monumental task, as four-wheel-drive trucks loaded with oversized trailers navigated the steep, single-lane mountain road. “Every day was a challenge. We had to haul the logs one at a time,” Jordan shared, recalling the complexity of the endeavor.
Jordan staged the construction materials at another cabin in Kyle Canyon, sourcing lodgepole pine logs from Montana. A skilled log master was engaged to cut and install the exterior wooden frame, cutting individual logs daily in accordance with the work demands. Additionally, he handcrafted wooden staircases and all interior wooden elements, with the entire woodwork process taking a year.
“His work was impressive,” Jordan noted about the log master’s expertise. The construction project, although year-round, was completed in a total of three years.
Upon entering the home, visitors are greeted by a warm, rustic ambiance defined by a spacious living area featuring a 25-foot wood-encased vaulted ceiling adorned with wood beams. A stone wood-burning fireplace adds to the charm, while floor-to-ceiling window walls invite abundant natural light, creating an ideal setting for entertaining.
The Jordans have hosted numerous memorable events at this peaceful retreat, including their daughter’s wedding, stating, “I had my own business in construction materials, and we’d have big parties up here. At times, we had over 100 people. I would have several guys who have four-wheel drives shuttle people back and forth.”
The interior captivates with hand-laid red oak hardwood flooring arranged in a herringbone pattern. This meticulous installation involved five craftsmen who carefully cut pieces from large red oak sheets, beveled the edges, and painted them in black. The intensive process of sanding the pieces back to their finished color took over two months to complete.
Describing the quality, Rasmussen remarked, “Herringbone wood flooring is some of the most expensive flooring you can put into a home. It takes more time, and it must be perfect. Each one of the small planks is laid individually throughout the whole house.”
A curved kitchen island, elegantly adorned with granite counters and seating, separates the kitchen from the main living space. The ambiance is further complemented by natural stone walls that enhance the wooden features throughout the property.
The spacious kitchen is equipped with a professional-grade Wolf six-burner stove, custom alder wood cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, porcelain tile flooring, and a copper sink, offering both functionality and sophistication.
The primary suite epitomizes rustic luxury design, featuring astonishing views through oversized windows that lead to an exterior redwood deck with panoramic views of the valley. Exposed wood beams, walls made of bristlecone pine, and red oak flooring contribute to the inviting atmosphere, complemented by an upper-level loft.
The opulent primary bath boasts a walk-in shower enveloped in stone, Venetian plaster walls, travertine stone flooring, and granite countertops, creating a serene, spa-like experience.
Jordan enjoys spending his time at the cabin, engaging in outdoor pursuits like hiking and observing local wildlife, in addition to the cabin’s proximity to Lee Canyon Ski Resort, a versatile destination that encompasses hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and gondola rides.
Reflecting on the emotions tied to this retreat, Jordan anticipates missing various aspects of his private getaway, including the exquisite bristlecone pine furniture, the intricately laid red oak flooring, the cooler mountain temperatures, and the tranquility enjoyed on the deck overlooking the stunning valley below. “And the quiet,” he added thoughtfully. “Most people don’t even think about the noise that is going on around them. I love this location. You can be here in under an hour.”
In summary, Bristlecone Heights stands out not only for its luxurious features but also for its deep connection to nature, craftsmanship, and serenity, making it a unique property poised to attract new owners who appreciate its magnificence and history.
PROPERTY DETAILS:
Price: $2.25 million
Location: 4910 Cougar Ridge Trail, Mount Charleston.
Size: 4,260 square feet, featuring three bedrooms including a dedicated primary suite with a loft, three baths, and a three-car garage. The property encompasses 2.32 acres.
Features: Exclusive, custom-built two-story off-the-grid log cabin showcasing 360-degree views of the Strip, valley, and surrounding mountains; exterior constructed from imported lodgepole pine; standing at 9,125 feet elevation; equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows; walls and furniture crafted from centuries-old bristlecone pine sourced from the property itself; a self-sufficient energy system utilizing a propane generator, 24 solar panels, and a 24-battery backup system; includes wood-burning stone fireplace; domestic well with water rights; open floor plan integrating kitchen, dining, and formal living areas; hand-installed red oak hardwood flooring arranged in herringbone pattern; exposed wood beam ceilings; Venetian plaster walls; kitchen outfitted with granite countertops, custom alder wood cabinetry, top-notch Wolf appliances, island with additional seating, and walk-in pantry; expansive 3,000 square foot wrap-around exterior redwood deck; septic tank; and metal roofing.
HOA Fees: None
Listing Agent: Ivan Sher, IS Luxury.
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