AMANGANI - Majestic Jackson Hole

A Spectacular Resort and Limited Edition Luxury Community

by Kaya Morgan

Some 7,000 years ago, the land now known as Jackson Hole, Wyoming was home to native peoples hunting the bountiful game, fishing the abundant rivers and lakes, and gathering a wide variety of plants during the warm summer months. In the 1800's, Davey Jackson, the town's namesake, was among the early fur trappers, traders and mountain men to cross the Grand Tetons mountain range in search of beaver.

The paintings of American conservationist, Thomas Moran, and the later photography of Henry Jackson documented the almost unbelievable, majestic beauty of this jagged range of the Rockies, bringing national recognition to the surrounding area. Responding to increased public interest, in 1872, Congress made Yellowstone the world's first national park.

Then, in the 1920's, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., while traveling through the area, was so moved by its natural wonder, he decided to personally preserve a portion of it by acquiring enough land to form a large ranch for his family. Eventually, he donated thousands of this acreage to help establish the almost 310,000-acre Grand Teton National Park. Soon thereafter, attracted by the rich grazing lands, many cattle ranches followed, bringing the first

Extending over 19 million acres, Yellowstone is generally regarded as the largest intact, wild ecosystem in the Lower 48 States. Today, Grand Teton Country's 3.5 million acres is still 97% protected by National Forests, National Parks and free-roaming wildlife preserves with only a mere 3% remaining as private land. Surrounded by the rugged, towering mountains of northwestern Wyoming, the high alpine valley of Jackson Hole encompasses over 400 square miles.

Over the decades, with its abundance of national treasures, Jackson Hole has achieved legendary status among those who respond to the call of the wild. With air so crisp it actually feels blue and aspen trees that whistle in the wind, hikers to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks find a memorable and often breathtaking experience. During the more temperate months, fly fishermen find the region's pristine lakes and rivers nothing less than an art form while winter brings skiers and snowboarders the most ideal conditions for an exhilarating ride no matter their level of expertise.

Just twenty years ago, this 1,000-acre luxury resort and residential location was approved by Spring Creek Ranch as the only such site above Jackson Hole's valley floor. The owners then lobbied world-class Amanresorts for nearly a decade prior to joining with Dutch-Indonesian tycoon, Adrian Zecha, as the perfect partner to fully appreciate and carefully develop this remote and spectacular location.

His unique creativity, philosophy and guiding principle of understatement fit perfectly with their sensitivity to the natural environment. Having earned a reputation for elegance in exotic yet isolated settings, many celebrities and high-net worth individuals flock to Aman's properties — Harrison Ford, with a home in Jackson Hole, and recent guests to Amangani — Joe Montana, Uma Thurman, Elle Macpherson and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

High atop East Gros Ventre Butte overlooking a panorama of the Snake River Range, some 700 feet above the town of Jackson, Amangani and its premier custom homesites offer some of the most spectacular panoramas found anywhere in the world. As the first Aman development in North America, Amangani reflects a blending of indigenous cultural influences and natural contours of the landscape with the refined, rustic elegance of traditional Western style.

Internationally recognized for his outstanding designs, architect Edward Tuttle has been creating the vision of Amanresorts for over a decade. Selected by Architectural Digest as one of the "Top 100 Architects in the World," his appreciation of the land goes back to his early days growing up in the Pacific Northwest, spending summers on the family ranch near Yellowstone. Tuttle's work carries an environmental perspective through his passionate attention to detail with clean, simple lines and eclectic use of building materials.

Masterpieces of architectural art, Amangani homes are designed to endure as a living expression of the rugged landscape that inspired them. Tuttle's designs reflect the delicate blending of indigenous cultural influences, the natural contours and textures of the butte location and the dramatic proportions of the surrounding mountains. Its creators' vision has as much to do with preserving a way of life as it does with preserving a landscape.

Interiors are conceived to enhance the experience of solace and comfort with open, spacious rooms featuring clean, simple lines with high vaulted ceilings and neutral earth tones throughout. At night, indirect lighting highlights the fine detail and soothing accents of the interior wood paneling and hand-peeled, log columns. During the day, soft, natural shades blend with the outdoor sun adding to the rejuvenating sense of privacy and solitude. Natural tones and textures provide a tactile richness and lend a touch of elegance with custom furnishings designed to fit the interior décor. Even the bathrooms can be situated with inspiring views. Floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly frame the magnificent views creating a vibrant connection with the outdoors.

Spacious exterior courtyards, inviting window walls and landscaping makes use of the indigenous vegetation to ensure further privacy and seclusion. Exteriors feature an arresting combination of rock and native woods including redwood, cedar, Douglas fir or pine. Overhanging cedar-shake roofs and exquisite detailing provide a seamless finish to the striking exterior.

Members of the community, enjoy all the same services provided to Amangani guests — daily maid service, catered dining in your home, private cars to and from the airport and throughout Jackson Hole or take advantage of the many local activities including golf, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking or hot air ballooning and in winter sleigh riding, cross-country skiing and dog sledding. While away or at home, the property management services provide 24-hour security, complete exterior and interior maintenance, seasonal cleaning and snow removal. And, a well-managed home rental program is available during the times when an owner is away.

Owners are encouraged to use the complete services of all Amangani facilities from the outdoor pool, award-winning spa and health facilities to the extensive library and gourmet restaurant. When skiing, no need to worry about packing or parking — as the complimentary shuttle runs frequently to Jackson Hole Ski Resort, Amangani's private ski lounge located next to the lifts. And, right next door, Spring Creek Ranch, offers horseback riding, tennis, swimming, nordic skiing, guided winter excursions and fine dining at The Granary Restaurant with fully equipped conference facilities. The English riding and training facilities at the Spring Creek Equestrian Center, just below Amangani, are on a par with the best anywhere in America.

For those lucky enough to live in Jackson Hole, it is a refreshing sanctuary — a rare treasure for special individuals who cherish privacy, individuality and self-reliance. The prospect of living in one of the world's most spectacular resort communities is an opportunity that brings substantial comforts and great personal rewards. The impressive homesites at Amangani combine the freedom of an outdoor lifestyle with the amenities and resources of a world-class luxury resort amidst the breathtaking, magnificent Grand Tetons, Snake River Range and the rich ranchlands of Spring Gulch.

For more information on home sales or the resort, call 888.212.0728 or at www.amanganihomes.com