The Luxe Benchmark: Aspen’s $300M Little Lake Lodge vs. Rancho Santa Fe’s $84.95M Willow Creek Estate
Opening Overview
In late August 2025, California billionaires Stewart and Lynda Resnick listed their Aspen compound—Little Lake Lodge—for an astonishing $300M, officially becoming the most expensive residential listing in the United States. Spanning over 74 acres and boasting more than 27,000 sq. ft. of built space, the property is a true legacy estate that dwarfs most luxury offerings nationwide.
Closer to home in Rancho Santa Fe, the Willow Creek Estate offers its own version of uncompromising luxury. Priced at $84.95M, Willow Creek represents one of Southern California’s most complete lifestyle estates—an expansive 77-acre retreat with equestrian facilities, a private lake, and world-class architecture. Together, these two homes showcase the pinnacle of American luxury real estate, each in their own way.
Aspen’s Crown Jewel: Little Lake Lodge at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $300M |
| Size & Land | Approximately 27,000 sq. ft. of living space; 74 acres across four parcels |
| Main House | 18 bedrooms, 20 full bathrooms, 4 half bathrooms; 18,500 sq. ft. |
| Amenities | 6-acre private lake, 80-ft. infinity pool, wellness spa, oxygen system in primary suite, private trails, multiple guest homes, parking for 45 vehicles |
| Location Perks | One mile from downtown Aspen, rare acreage so close to town |
| Architect & Design | Designed by Peter Dominick, National Park–inspired alpine style, completed in 1996 |
Rancho Santa Fe’s Willow Creek Estate at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Estate Size | 77 acres in the Rancho Santa Fe Covenant |
| Price | $84.95M |
| Main House | 12,000+ sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms; designed by Marc Appleton |
| Primary Wing | Coffee bar, gym, dual walk-in closets, office, sitting area, patio with views |
| Guest & Staff | Guest wing with kitchenette & private entrance, live-in maid’s quarters, 2-bedroom guest house, plus 4 staff apartments |
| Entertainment Pavilion | Full kitchen, bar, game room, gym, and a private bowling alley |
| Equestrian Facilities | Two barns, 35 stalls, professional riding arena, and lush pastures |
| Outdoor Lifestyle | 15-acre bass-filled private lake, private trails for hiking, running, and horseback riding, rose/fruit/vegetable gardens, 50-ft. lap pool |
| Location | In the Covenant—one of Southern California’s most sought-after communities, just 5–10 minutes to Del Mar beaches, the Village of Rancho Santa Fe, golf, Roger Rowe School, and freeway access |
Head-to-Head: Aspirational vs. Attainable Luxury
| Criteria | Little Lake Lodge (Aspen) | Willow Creek Estate (Rancho Santa Fe) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Acreage | 74 acres | 77 acres |
| Living Space | Approximately 27,000 sq. ft. | 12,000+ sq. ft. (main house) plus guest residences |
| Price | $300M | $84.95M |
| Signature Amenity | 6-acre lake, 80-ft. infinity pool, oxygen suite | 15-acre private lake, equestrian center with 35 stalls |
| Entertainment | Multiple guest homes, wellness spa, themed interiors | Entertainment pavilion with gym, game room, bowling alley |
| Location Advantage | 1 mile from Aspen core | Rancho Santa Fe Covenant, minutes to Del Mar beaches & RSF Village |
Final Thoughts
Little Lake Lodge is a once-in-a-lifetime legacy estate, defined by its sheer scale, record-breaking price point, and deeply personal design narrative. It represents the apex of luxury in Aspen, a market known for attracting the world’s wealthiest buyers.
Willow Creek Estate, offered at $84.95M, stands as Southern California’s answer to ultra-luxury living: a self-contained sanctuary that fuses equestrian prestige, lakeside serenity, and architectural pedigree, all in one of the West Coast’s most desirable communities. For buyers seeking the rare combination of land, lifestyle, and location, Rancho Santa Fe’s Willow Creek offers a uniquely compelling proposition.
To see how the Jason Barry Team continues to deliver record-breaking sales, explore our latest achievements across San Diego’s luxury real estate market.