This valley came to be called, naturally enough, Bachelor Gulch. The homesteaders were surely unaware that the surrounding mountains would develop into an area of popular ski resorts and upscale homes. Located near Vail, CO, between Beaver Creek Resort and Arrowhead, Bachelor Gulch Village is a private residential community of condominiums, townhouses, cluster homes, and single-family residences covering an area of 1,400 ac., including 200 ac. of ski terrain. Building in such an area presents obvious construction problems that result from the steep slopes of the residential lots. Less obvious problems result from strict controls on development within the village.
Development is guided by a master plan that is designed to maximize views and privacy.
An architectural board dictates all aspects of design and construction. Retaining walls are commonly used to maximize the available building area on small, steep lots. Walls in the development are usually constructed of cantilevered concrete and faced with moss rock. The typical pattern uses rectangular rocks to give the appearance of a mortarless dry stack. The traditional construction method was not feasible on Lot 78.