Though it’s being touted in marketing materials as “an impressive Boulder estate with timeless appeal in an unbeatable location,” perhaps the most intriguing fact about this Colorado house is that it is the very property where 6-year-old JonBenét Ramsey was found murdered in the basement back in the late 1990s. Despite many theories, no one has ever been convicted of the crime and the case remains under investigation. But the stately 1920s Tudor has since been modernized and once again popped up for sale for the umpteenth time since 2008, asking a smidge under $7 million.
Records show the optimistic sellers are Tim Milner and his wife Carol Schuller Milner —daughter of the late “Hour of Power” televangelist Robert H. Schuller — who picked up the notorious residence almost 19 years ago for just over $1 million and last wanted around $2 million for the place in 2014. JonBenét’s parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, bought the home for $500,000 in late 1991 and sold it almost seven years later for $650,000 to a group of investors, who changed the address, and subsequently added soaring trees and a wrought-iron fence to deter lookie-loos.
Tucked away behind gates, on three lots spanning just over a quarter-acre of land sited near the University of Colorado Boulder and Chautauqua Park, the red brick and white stucco structure has five bedrooms and eight baths spread across a little over 7,200 square feet of multi-level living space offering views of the surrounding Flatirons via large windows. There’s also an expansive brick terrace and two-car garage on the garden-laced grounds; and amenities include a stone-accented lower level outfitted with a fireside media room sporting a wet bar, plus a wine cellar/tasting room and half-bath.
On the main level, an entry foyer flows to a “morning room” and spacious hardwood-clad living room featuring a wood-burning fireplace. A formal dining room with a built-in hutch connects to a gourmet kitchen, which is equipped with travertine floors, granite countertops, ebony-hued Hallmark cabinetry, an eat-in island and high-end stainless appliances.
Elsewhere in the house is a catering kitchen with its own entrance and an ensuite bedroom that’s been converted into an office, along with a second-floor living area spilling out to a balcony. Rounding it all out on the top floor: a 1,141-square foot penthouse-style master retreat, which comes complete with a fireplace, separate lounge/office area, walk-in closet and dual baths with soaking tubs.
On Dec. 26, 1996, JonBenét was reported missing after her family announced they had found a ransom note demanding $118,000 for her safe return. Her body was later discovered in the basement, and examiners said she had been hit in the head, strangled and sexually assaulted. Though John and Patsy Ramsey were considered primary suspects early on in the investigation, Patsy went on to die from ovarian cancer in 2006 and the Ramseys were publicly exonerated two years later. John maintains the couple’s innocence.
The listing is held by Jeff Erickson and Ryan McIntosh of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty.
