Inside Wapiti Ranch, a Family-Friendly Silver Creek Sanctuary

Among renowned mountain biking trails and beautiful open space lies a 12.38-acre ranchette that is a blissful sanctuary for the Higbie family. Seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of south Florida, the family sought solace in Park City’s dry climate and quiet streets.

Having discovered this haven during a ski trip, the Higbies knew it would be their go-to winter locale, but it soon evolved into a year-round paradise. “As the locals say, we come for the winter and stay for the summer,” chuckles homeowner Valerie Higbie.

When spring arrives, the fields surrounding the main home sprout into a vibrant green alfalfa, much to the delight of their four horses. “Florida summers are so humid; we much prefer bringing our family and the horses to Utah. It gives the horses the opportunity to dry out their hooves and get away from the mosquitos,” Higbie notes.

Photography provided by Alex Apavaloaie / Summit Sotheby’s International Realty

Plus, in the secure confines of the Silver Creek neighborhood, horses, kids and guests can roam freely. Upon walking into the main home, visitors are greeted by a grand entryway leading to a formal dining area, subtly delineated by a step-down. Without closing out the dining room, this slight level change maintains an open floor plan. “It’s a clever separation that frames out the area,” explains Higbie.

Onie Bolduc, associate broker with Summit Sotheby’s International Realty in Park City, adds, “The kitchen, though adjacent to the dining area, feels like a separate space, allowing the dining room to shine.”

Turning left off the entryway, guests find themselves in the living room that serves as the heart of the home and is where lofty wood beams draw the eye upward toward an expansive collection of windows. There also is a large window with doors that open toward the mountains and Olympic Park, making the inside feel like the serene outdoors.

Whether gathered around the fireplace or conversing in one of the many seating areas along the kitchen, nearly every vantage point offers a panorama of the Wasatch Mountains. In winter, the scene is enhanced by views of ski runs at Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort. A covered porte-cochere off the kitchen provides an outdoor sitting and grilling space that serves as “a fantastic family gathering area with garden and mountain views,” Higbie says.

Photography provided by Austin Lamoreaux / Summit Sotheby’s International Realty

Predominantly situated on one level, the home’s layout facilitates effortless movement, including access to several outdoor patios overlooking the pastures and mountains. The primary bedroom boasts an array of windows and a private outdoor living space, while its ensuite bathroom exudes spa-like opulence with a freestanding tub and a spacious walk-in closet. Keeping outdoor connections a top priority, an additional main-level guest bedroom enjoys walk-out access.

Upstairs, a cozy living area, office and home movie theatre provide additional space for relaxation and entertainment. Two additional bedrooms round out the second floor, perfect for hosting large gatherings during the holidays. “It’s one of those spaces that makes you feel like you’re not on top of each other while still being in close proximity,” Higbie says. Situated a mere 30-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, the property offers convenient access for out-of-town friends and family.

The home showcases a blend of Western charm and modern amenities, evident in its unique windows and multi-pitch ceilings. Being able to take advantage of the natural light without overwhelming the home with heat is key during the warm summer months. “My favorite window in the whole house is the oblong skylight from the hallway to the office. It brings in a soft, natural light while still keeping the house cool,” shares Higbie.

Despite its secluded ambiance, Main Street and two major ski resorts, Deer Valley and Park City, are just a 20-minute drive away. “Returning home to the chirping of birds after a day in downtown Park City is truly a delight,” notes Higbie.

Surprisingly, the property is not governed by a homeowner’s association, offering a rare sense of autonomy while still being within reach of urban amenities. Adjacent to the residence lies a network of singletrack horse and bike trails catering to outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. In 2012, Park City earned the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s top Gold-Level recognition, not only for its world-renowned network of trails but for its accessibility.

To the north is a gateway to the iconic 16-mile Flying Dog Loop. “It’s by far my favorite trail in town,” says Bolduc, who’s been living and riding bikes in Park City for nearly a decade.

Down the driveway and to the west are a collection of bridle paths that meander over creeks and bridges with direct links to the mountains. It’s an ideal setup as adjacent to the Higbie’s main home stands a six-stall barn crowned with living quarters featuring a full kitchen, two bedrooms and one bathroom—a haven for guests, particularly those with young children who need a quiet space while attending lively family get-togethers. Below, amenities such as a tack room and wash rack cater to the equestrian lifestyle.

“The property is uniquely situated on the valley floor, so it’s the perfect environment for horseback riding,” says Bolduc, noting it was a major sell for the family.

Off the fully operational barn sits both indoor and outdoor horse-riding arenas. “My husband and daughter both ride horses, one Western and one English,” explains Higbie.

To curate the space for both disciplines, the Higbies reconstructed the footing of the outdoor arena with the help of professional builders from Premiere Equestrian. English riders opt to use subtle shifts in their weight and legs to lead the horse, while Western riders use direct rein cues. Typically, the English discipline involves jumping over larger obstacles, so a soft yet sturdy landing is imperative, and Western disciplines lean more into barrel racing, roping and rodeo-style competitions, which don’t call for a more padded landing.

Rustic wood paneling lines the walls of the arena’s viewing area, which is fitted with a wood-burning fireplace. “The arena is heated, so the fireplace is really just for ambiance,” Higbie notes. An outdoor porch with two rocking chairs grants an additional angle for spectators.

Ensuring practicality for their lifestyle, the Higbies prioritized a spacious driveway capable of accommodating large horse trailers — a necessity for their frequent journeys from Florida. A covered four-car garage provides easy storage for cars, trucks and a tractor.

Water rights, crucial for maintaining the vast alfalfa fields and outdoor arenas, are owned by the Higbies, alleviating concerns amidst Utah’s arid climate. Being able to irrigate by way of the land’s natural resources is pivotal for a property of this nature. “You really can’t function here without water rights,” Bolduc emphasizes.

While the interiors are a marvel, the best part of the ranchette is its stunning outdoor spaces and unbeatable mountain views. “I always love watching the horses gallop across the pasture each morning after we turn them out,” says Higbie. Framed by the majestic Wasatch Mountains, the family and their beloved animals find solace in Silver Creek.

As the Higbie family embarks on a new adventure, this one-of-a-kind property awaits its next chapter and is listed with Summit Sotheby’s International Realty.