Rupert Murdoch’s former Aspen winter retreat has returned to the luxury real estate market for $29.85 million, nearly three decades after the media mogul previously listed the property for sale. The sprawling residence, which has undergone a major renovation, now spans 12,172 square feet and sits on a little over two acres in Aspen’s prestigious Starwood community.According to ELLE Decor, Murdoch acquired the 11,500-square-foot mansion in the early 1980s, around the time he was expanding News Corp into a global media empire. He reportedly paid $3 million for the property and used the Aspen home as a winter retreat where he would host annual business meetings and entertain fellow media executives.Murdoch listed the estate for $5 million in 1995. At the time, Deseret News reported that there was no indication of any problem with the property, noting simply: “He’s just not spending much time there.”The property subsequently changed hands at least twice, according to Zillow records, before undergoing a comprehensive remodel. It was fully remodeled in 2016 and now measures 12,172 square feet.
A private sanctuary just minutes from downtown Aspen
The renovated mansion features mountain views, an indoor pool, sauna and private cinema. (Photo: Dallas + Harris)
Located at 498 Eppley Drive, the estate is described as an “Exclusive Sanctuary” within Starwood, a gated subdivision approximately three miles from downtown Aspen.The property offers panoramic views of Elk Mountain, while residents of the community have access to 24/7 gate security, private tennis courts, groomed Nordic trails, horse pastures and more than 70 acres of protected meadows and hiking paths.The combination of privacy, expansive grounds and proximity to Aspen’s centre makes the property a rare offering in one of Colorado’s most exclusive mountain communities.
Lodge-inspired interiors with dramatic timberwork
Rupert Murdoch bought the sprawling Aspen retreat for $3 million in the early 1980s. (Photo: Dallas + Harris)
Fully remodeled in 2016 by one of Aspen’s established contractors, the home combines the traditional character of a mountain lodge with high-end modern amenities.The interiors feature handcrafted timber trusses and beams, stone fireplaces, wide-plank wood floors and extensive stonework.The main level is organised around four principal living and entertaining areas. A grand fireplace anchors the living room, which also features a bar and wine cellar. From there, the space leads down to an indoor swimming pool positioned beneath the home’s grand staircase.The pool area extends toward the primary suite and a spa-like steam room, adding a resort-style element to the residence.At the opposite end of the entrance, a large sitting area connects to the breakfast space and kitchen before flowing into the formal dining room.
Outdoor entertaining spaces overlook cascading ponds
The 12,172-square-foot estate was previously listed for $5 million in 1995. (Photo: Dallas + Harris)
The home also places a major emphasis on indoor-outdoor entertaining.The covered outdoor living area features a double-sided fireplace, open-air bar and kitchen, along with additional seating. The expansive space is designed to accommodate large gatherings while also functioning as an everyday living area.Beyond the fireplace, the patio opens onto cascading ponds, a lounge area and a hot tub, creating another private entertaining zone surrounded by the mountain landscape.
Primary suite and five guest bedrooms
Rupert Murdoch’s former Aspen retreat is listed for $29.85 million, nearly three decades after its previous sale listing. (Photo: Dallas + Harris)
The primary bedroom sits just beyond the upper water feature and includes its own fireplace, vaulted ceilings, a writing desk and panoramic mountain views. A private terrace extends the suite outdoors.The primary bathroom includes multiple vanities, a large steam shower, a soaking tub and a walk-in closet.Five additional guest bedrooms are spread across the residence, each with an en-suite bathroom. One is located upstairs near the office loft and offers mountain views, while another sits on the main level with access to the wraparound patio. Three more bedrooms are located on the lower level, including one with its own kitchenette.The residence also has three powder rooms, with two on the main level and another near the garage entrance.
Indoor pool, cinema and glass elevator
The lower level adds another living area with a fireplace and full bar, along with a private theatre designed for movie nights.A glass-walled elevator connects all three levels, while an attached heated three-car garage completes the property.The estate’s amenities also include a sauna and waterfall-fed pond, adding to the resort-like character of the former Murdoch retreat.
Murdoch’s Aspen connection continues through his family
Murdoch stepped down as chairman of Fox and News Corp in 2023, handing those positions to his son Lachlan Murdoch.Although Rupert has long since parted ways with the Aspen estate, his family continues to have a presence in the resort town. Lachlan owns a 45-acre Aspen property that he acquired in 2017.Rupert Murdoch is also set to become the subject of Danny Boyle’s upcoming film Ink, which chronicles the early years of his media empire.The former Murdoch property at 498 Eppley Drive is listed for $29.85 million with Mark Lewis and Doug Nehasil of Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty.
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