Late Rock Legend Joe Cocker’s Former Colorado Home Hits The Market For $18 Million

This English Tudor-style estate built and once owned by the late rock legend Joe Cocker—known for his hits “You Are So Beautiful” and “Up Where We Belong,” among others—recently listed for $18 million. The estate is known as Mad Dog Ranch and was first built in 1994. It’s located in Crawford, Colorado in the heart of North Fork Valley (about 117 miles north of Telluride), with exceptional views of Needle Rock, Landsend Peak, and the West Elk Mountains.

The 15,873-square-foot home sits on 316 acres and is edged by national forest, making this an extremely private escape. The singer, who passed away in 2014, built and carefully curated every inch of this home. In fact, the estate is being sold fully furnished with an extensive curated art collection, library, and his beloved historic snooker table that once belonged to King Edward VII. It also includes Cocker’s piano and gold record.

In total there are 15 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and four powder rooms spread between the main house and 6,570-square-foot guest home, as well as a caretaker’s house. It was built by architect John D. Kelley, who infused an elegant, old-world English style and paired it with a modern mountain aesthetic. The stately home is crafted with stone and has a grand circular driveway and turreted entryway. There are exquisite views from every inch of the property, whether it’s the lawn, sprawling terrace on the main floor, or the bedrooms.

“This is the most remarkable home I have ever walked into, and the attention to detail is uncompromising,” says listing agent Dan Dockray of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty in Colorado. “It’s situated in the most serene and exclusive location on the West Elk Mountains; there is nothing else like it. The home is luxurious beyond expectations and yet still feels comfortable and unpretentious, an outstanding combination of vision executed in a dramatic setting.”

The chateau-style home has a grand terrace that runs the length of the home that overlooks the backyard. Here there are multiple seating areas, covered patios, and outdoor fireplaces. There are also terraces on the second story, as well as a hot tub. There is also a formal dining room, five-car garage, library, billiards room with a bar, both of which have a regal, old-world feel.

However, the real magic awaits outside. There are many impressive gardens, 60 acres of irrigated fields, horse stables, two huge water slides, and access to Cottonwood Creek. It’s the ultimate spot to fish, hike, bike, ride horses, and explore the endless nature of the property. The year-round escape is truly apt for all kinds of activities and is the perfect place to create a legacy family compound.

“Some of the most interesting features include ownership of the water company to the valley, a beautiful pond with two amusement park-like water slides, a recirculating creek, and an extensive art and book collection,” he says. “The setting is powerful, enchanting, and it provides the ultimate escape.”

It’s equally located between Telluride, Crested Butte, and Aspen and ideally situated for those who enjoy skiing.