In a landmark property transaction, a billionaire technology chief executive has secured a record-breaking deal to acquire a vast monastic retreat in the Colorado mountains.
A Historic Estate Changes Hands
Alex Karp, the co-founder and CEO of the software giant Palantir Technologies, has purchased the sprawling St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado, for approximately $120 million. The 3,700-acre estate, situated near the famed ski resort of Aspen, represents the most expensive property deal ever recorded in Pitkin County.
The sale was finalised after a special warranty deed revealed on December 15 that an entity named Espen LLC had bought the land. The Wall Street Journal subsequently connected the purchase to Karp, whose net worth is estimated at around $18 billion.
What the $120 Million Purchase Includes
The acquisition is far from a standard luxury home purchase. The property, largely untouched and inhabited for nearly 70 years by an order of Trappist monks, includes a unique collection of buildings and significant land rights.
The estate features:
- The monks' living quarters and a retreat centre.
- A chapel, a library, and a dining hall.
- Multiple guest cabins and agricultural buildings.
- Water rights to irrigate 1,500 acres of land.
According to the Mirr Ranch Group, which handled the sale, the new owner is committed to the property's stewardship. They plan to maintain its character as a local cattle ranch, preserve wildlife habitat, and continue sustainable agricultural practices. The monks had recently raised hens, sold eggs, and leased portions of the land for cattle grazing.
Community Reaction and the Future of the Land
The departure of the monastic community after seven decades has elicited a heartfelt response from local residents. Pitkin County Commissioner Jeffrey Woodruff expressed the community's deep appreciation for the monks' gentle stewardship and spiritual guidance.
"We will miss our brothers," Woodruff stated. "The brothers have tread lightly on our valley and have been mindful of the precious land, wildlife, and watershed. We will miss our brothers and the peace they bring to our valley and our hearts."
The final public mass at St. Benedict's is scheduled for January 11, 2026. While Karp, known to be an avid skier with about 20 properties globally near ski resorts, is understood to intend to use the estate as a home, agents stressed this was not a typical Aspen mega-mansion sale. The initial asking price was $150 million, reflecting the rarity of such a large, undeveloped parcel so close to Aspen and its airport.
The transaction required a buyer who appreciated the land in its current state, due to existing land-use restrictions. The deal ultimately secures the future of a iconic Colorado landscape under the ownership of one of the tech industry's most prominent figures.
