Oil Tycoon And GOP Megadonor Bill Koch Selling His 52-acre Aspen, Colorado Compound For $125 Million

Billionaire oil baron Bill Koch is selling his 52-acre luxury compound in the world-renowned skier's paradise of Aspen, Colorado for $125 million. Although Koch's name might not be as well-known as that of the superstar jet set that has turned Aspen into one of the world's wealthiest enclaves, his financial might and political reach extend around the globe. Along with his late brother, Charles, Koch is one of the GOP's most important political benefactors.

The Koch brothers garnered quite a bit of fame throughout the 2000s by financially backing GOP initiatives, a position that also allowed them to shape significant aspects of GOP policy. The source of those funds stretches back to the early 20th century when the family patriarch, Fred Koch, made a small fortune helping Soviet leader Joseph Stalin modernize the fledgling Soviet Union's oil industry. Ironically, Koch and his sons are fierce anti-communists. 

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Bill and Charles took over the family oil business after their father died and grew it into a multi-billion-dollar global powerhouse. Bill and Charles' personal fortunes rose with their company and they eventually branched out into real estate deals. According to the New York Post, Bill purchased the Aspen property in 2007 for $26.5 million. It proved to be just the opening phase of a massive real estate project. 

Through the years, he purchased neighboring land parcels totaling and made numerous improvements that turned the property into something more akin to a private resort than a single estate. He added several luxurious guest cabins and outbuildings to the property, which is just 11 miles from Aspen's luxurious downtown shopping district, the Post said. 

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The Wall Street Journal estimates that the seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom lodge on the Koch property is 16,631 square feet and includes 30-foot ceilings along with sweeping views of Aspen's famous ski valley. Other luxury trappings include outdoor hot tubs with mountain views, a world-class fitness center, and a private network of roads and hiking trails that connect all the buildings on the estate. 

Aspen's status as one of the world's premier ski destinations stretches back to the 1980s, and it has put a massive price premium on area real estate values. Even by that standard, the Koch property's value may never be higher and that is motivating his decision to sell. Speaking to The Journal, Koch said, "We looked at the strong housing market and figured it was time to let someone else enjoy it," when explaining why he re-listed the property.

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According to the Post and The Journal, Koch attempted to sell the property for $100 million in 2015. He would eventually lower the price to $80 million and even offered to parcel it out. He reportedly sold 31 acres for $14.5 million but retained the main parcel and many of the buildings. Koch also generated passive income from the estate by renting it out for $35,000/per night or $300,000 per month. 

Aspen-area broker Steven Shane of Compass isy representing the property. In an interview with the Post Shane said, "While the ultra-wealthy may have many investment opportunities, none rival the profound richness of sharing time with loved ones across generations. Aspen's 125 Rooney Circle is one such property." It can all be yours if you love skiing and you can meet the $125 million asking price. 

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