Aspen Restaurant Beloved by the Kennedy Family Is Transformed Into a Stunning $60 Million Ski Chalet

A beloved Aspen, CO, restaurant that was “regularly” frequented by scions of the Kennedy family has been transformed into an ultralavish ski chalet that is now on the market for a jaw-dropping $60 million.

Before its transformation, the property was home to an eatery known as “The Mother Lode,” a wildly popular establishment that occupied the space for almost 50 years before shutting down in 2005.

“The Mother Lode became an Aspen icon and attracted locals and celebrities for 59 years. The Kennedy family were regular guests in the winter,” an Aspen Times article written about the death of the restaurant’s founder, Bruce J. Polich, stated.

Polich, who died in 2021 at the age of 97, sold the hot spot in 1972.

Today, the building still bears the restaurant’s iconic name on its facade; however, its interior is a far cry from the design the Kennedy family enjoyed while dining on delicious delicacies.

Members of the Kennedy dynasty have traveled to Aspen for regular ski vacations for years—however, their ties to the tony ski town have been laced with tragedy since Robert F. Kennedy‘s son, Michael Kennedy, died in an accident on the slopes in 1997.

According to the Denver Post, the family had been making regular trips to the Colorado ski town for 30 years when the incident occurred on New Year’s Eve during the family’s annual game of “downhill football,” a sport that involved the group skiing down the mountain at top speed while tossing a football back and forth between them, per CNN.

Michael skied headfirst into a tree and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Yet the Kennedys’ connection to Aspen has remained—albeit tinged with sadness—in the years since, and the sale of the building they so regularly frequented during its time as a restaurant serves as a reminder of their lasting legacy in the area.

Indeed, even the listing calls attention to the property’s Kennedy connection, noting: “Once a renowned restaurant catering to the likes of the Kennedys, the home has been converted into a private ski chalet.”

Built in 1886, the Victorian-era property now boasts six bedrooms and nine bathrooms—as well as an eye-wateringly high price tag worthy of its former patrons, who were commonly referred to as “America’s royal family.”

The sky-high listing price puts it at the top of the Aspen market and makes it the most expensive condo for sale in the area.

In 2008, the building that contained the restaurant was converted into a deluxe, six-bedroom condo.

Spanning 8,771 square feet, the property includes a a 2,585 square foot outdoor private rooftop deck, spacious living areas, private game area, parking, and mountain views from multiple outdoor spaces. Front-row ski-mountain views can be enjoyed from the outdoor spa as well.

Indoors, the perk-packed property includes a movie theater, massive gym, massage room, and golf simulator. Each of the four levels of the contemporary brick build can be accessed by an elevator.

The gourmet kitchen opens out to a dining and living area. A fireplace can be found in the living room, as well as one in the cozy primary suite.

Per the listing description, the home was designed to allow its residents to take full advantage of all that Aspen has to offer—from its bustling town center and stunning ski slopes to its breathtaking natural surroundings and thriving food and drink industry.

“With a gourmet kitchen, spacious living areas, private game area, parking, breathtaking ski mountain views, every corner of this resident evokes the spirit of Aspen’s rich past while catering to modern living,” the listing notes.

“Located in the core of Aspen, nestled in nature, you will enjoy the picturesque scenery and vibrant community that makes Aspen a precious gem.

“Whether you’re hitting the slopes, dining at world-class restaurants or exploring local art galleries this property serves as the perfect launching pad for your adventures.”

The listing is represented by Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate/Forbes Global Properties.