Interview with Richard Hansen Crystal Ridge developer & Dream Weaver Homes builder/owner
By Sean Endsley /Sothebys Realtor at Lake Shore Café
(Sean) Richard, what is Crystal Ridge?
(Richard) Crystal Ridge is a private, gated 88 acre community overlooking Evergreen’s Upper Bear Creek Valley. These seven large estate lots (starting at 10 acres) come together to create my dream of weaving the harmony of nature with big views and artful sophistication. The culmination of dream, efforts and location became an exceptional place to live.
(Sean) It is said that land opportunity in Evergreen is rare and all of the slow rabbits have been caught. How did you find it?
R – I knew that it had to be out there. I had my eye on this particular piece of real estate for at least a dozen years or so and have searched for anything like it since. I knew great mountain land had to be South facing with big views. It had to be large enough to afford the privacy and space that myself and my neighbors would require. Abutting 1000 + acres of Denver Mountain Parks added to the exceptional quality of this find.
S – And 12 + years?
R– Not for the lack of trying but when the group of doctors who previously owned it put it on the market 9 years ago I drove up in a snow storm and secured it the very next day on the market.
S – So is it a success? I would say so.
R – After years of creating a turn key infrastructure I sold three lots to one now proud neighbor who built a great trophy home and we get along quiet well.
S – Turn-key, how so?
R – It’s not exactly like buying raw land and definitely not saddled with the same hidden costs. I had underground power stubbed to each site, as well as natural gas. For a project of this caliber of community the entry had to be tastefully gated with retaining walls for the approach which are in along with 18’ paved new or improved roads at the minimum. The well water production is high and the best I’ve tasted.
S – So CR is paved?
R – From each site all the way to the airport and well within the recommended 10% grade.
S – With names like Hawks View, Monkey Rock and High Meadow, how did these properties get named?
R– Like most things my wife Lynn had creative input and we named them together. Hawks Nest is a pristine view lot that hawks tend to enjoy as they sore around the rock outcroppings. Monkey Rock had its name before we got to know it but gets its name from the predominate rock outcropping that enhances its vista views. And High Meadow you can imagine does have an almost spiritual elevated meadow with its own panorama of big snowcapped views.
S – It sounds like you have put some time into Crystal Ridge.
During and after the heavy lifting of the developmental and infrastructure phases yes, this is where I like to spend time. I enjoy the landscaping and grooming that keeps me outside. At this point the park like condition is established but I can always find something else to do. I’ve been manicuring CR for years.
S – Are you a visionary?
R – takes a sip of coffee, “I know what I want and listen to what the land tells me. I am a steward for it. The name of my custom home building company is Dream Weaver Homes”.
S – I’m putting you down as visionary. I also know you have been in the custom home build industry since 1993. Are you the exclusive builder for this community?
R– Let’s say preferred, I’m open to another builder creating a well built, exceptional home if they pass the sniff test and have the reputation to back it up.
S – Ok, obvious but not the only choice. What is Dream Weaver Homes?
R – Like you said I have been doing new builds and remodels for a long time. The name Dream Weaver came from others before I adopted it but I have a talent for understanding the dreams of others and transforming them into a sustainable quality product with sound construction and business practices with a consistent attention to detail.
S – Nice to hear “sound business practice”.
R – My dad was a CPA and I have degree in finance so it’s in my DNA. But reputation is what got me here and I am humbly grateful for mine. A clean job site and a clean conscience allow me to sleep well at night. Well, that and the peace of Crystal Ridge.
We both reach for the check…….
Richard Hansen – www.DreamWeaverHomes.net
Evergreen Resident since 1992, 20 year retired veteran of the Evergreen Volunteer Fire department.
Well respected Home Builder and Remodeler and highly respected by tradesmen and clients
Proud visionary/Developer of Crystal Ridge/with deep roots in Real-Estate and the Evergreen community
