A Boulder County equestrian ranch that just was put on the market carries a price tag of $16.9 million.

It’s worth every penny, said James Simpson, the Fuller-Sotheby’s International Realty broker who is co-listing the property.

The 4RockinG ranch west of Longmont “is a one-of-a-kind trophy property,” Simpson said. “It’s a little slice of heaven.”

The ranch, located south of St. Vrain Road and west of 49th Street, is comprised of four lots totaling 144 acres. The property is bordered to the south and west by open-space parcels owned by Boulder County and the city of Boulder. Caribou Springs Ranch, which is protected by a Boulder County Parks and Open Space conservation easement, is on the north side, across St. Vrain Road, and 49th Street runs along the east side.

The landowners bought the property 11 years ago, made extensive improvements and built a 10,600-square-foot main house at 10815 49th St., which was completed five years ago.

They were searching for a way of life – the lifestyle of a “gentleman rancher.”

“We were people who didn’t know a whole lot about living on the land,” said one of the current owners, who asked that her name not be used. “We wanted to be able to accommodate horses, have views and a sense of peace.

“It’s for someone who has an appreciation for privacy, nature, animal husbandry, but does not necessarily have a skill set to handle a ranch,” she said. “When you buy a ranch, you are buying a lifestyle.”

The owners have four horses for personal use, and 20 Black Angus cattle. The animals, Simpson said, “are almost a hobby.”

A ranch manager, who lives in a cottage on site, takes care of the animals and the property, Simpson said. The property includes an Olympic-size riding arena and fully equipped horse barn with 12 stables.

Also on the property are a 7,000-square-foot prairie house, a guest house and a small guest cottage.

For recreation, a swimming pool, volleyball court and entertaining area are under a wood-beamed pavilion.

The showstopper, however, is the main house.

Red maple trees line the walkway to the house, where wrought iron doors open to a stunning entryway with a 14-foot ceiling and limestone tiles with marble inlay that meet American walnut floors.

Stunning views were considered paramount in the house design, and giant windows and French doors wrap the length of the living room. The great room also has expansive windows and opens onto an outdoor patio with a large French fireplace, views, and space for entertaining.

A few of the other features of the house:

• A billiards and family room on the lower level with a wet bar complete with a dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator.

• A home gym, sauna and steam shower.

• A state-of-the-art theatre with a 120-inch movie screen.

• A master suite with oversized windows, his-and-her walk-in closets and bath with garden tub and dual shower.

“It’s a wonderful family home,” the owner said. “It has a sense of home instead of a McMansion. The things that please me on a day-to-day basis are the songbirds, the wildlife, the flowers and the skyscapes that knock you out. You decompress when the gates open and you drive down that shady lane onto the property.”

Simpson accurately reflected both the ranch and the market when he said, “You could not recreate this property anywhere in Boulder County.”

The closest property on the market today that is remotely comparable with the 4RockinG is the Rocking R Ranch, a 235-acre equestrian ranch in Lyons that is listed at $15 million. The Rocking R is a working ranch.

Karen Liben with KL Realty, which specializes in ranch properties, said other nearby 35-acre parcels currently on the market could be combined into a ranch similar to 4RockinG.

Janis Whisman, Real Estate Division Manager for Boulder County Parks and Open Space, said most 35-acre land parcels in unincorporated Boulder County already have been built on.

According to the Boulder County recorder’s office, the most expensive residential property sale to date was the historic 328-acre Stapp Lakes Ranch near Ward, which sold for $10.5 million in May 2012. That property, which had been the first dude ranch in Colorado, originally was listed at $22.5 million in September 2011.