Sun Valley, Idaho, is a legendary destination, renowned not only for its breathtaking mountain vistas but also as the birthplace of the modern ski resort. In 1936, Sun Valley became the first place in the world to install a ski lift, forever changing the landscape of winter recreation. Today, its timeless allure continues to attract discerning buyers who crave luxury living combined with unparalleled outdoor adventures. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Sun Valley Properties, under the co-leadership of Derek Svennungsen, has witnessed firsthand the evolution of this elite real estate market.

Svennungsen described Sun Valley's appeal as a blend of seclusion and convenience. "Really anything along the river in our canyon is considered a pretty desirable place to live," he explained. "We've got everything from an $11 million listing down in the more agricultural area to a five-acre property listed at $24 million. What draws people to Sun Valley is that even though you're just minutes from town, you can feel like you've gotten away to your own private estate."

The pandemic significantly shifted buyer preferences in the region. Before COVID, being close to town was a priority for buyers, but suddenly, people wanted space and the feeling of a compound, a generational estate where families could gather together. This shift towards properties just outside of town persisted, with those locations continuing to demand the highest prices. However, a recent surge in urban development signaled a potential shift back towards the vibrancy of town living. "We've got over a dozen new luxury penthouse condo builds happening right now," Svennungsen noted. "One just went under contract for probably the highest price per square foot ever in our valley—over $3,000." This surge in urban development suggests a renewed interest in the convenience and excitement of downtown life.

Sun Valley's appeal has long attracted buyers from far beyond its regional borders. “Seattle has been a key source of buyers for a long time, but since the pandemic, the area saw buyers from across the country, including Georgia, Nashville, and even New York,” noted Svennungsen. This broader appeal was fueled by the region's growing recognition on the global stage—Sun Valley has consistently been ranked among the top ski resorts in the country, attracting international attention. "We've been the number one ski resort for three out of the last four years in Ski Magazine rankings," Svennungsen said. "We're hosting the World Cup finals in March of 2025, and we've hosted the National Alpine Ski Finals for three of the last four years. There's a huge buzz about Sun Valley." In fact, it has become a hub for both winter and summer activities, with thousands of miles of hiking trails in the surrounding mountains.

Despite this influx of interest, Sun Valley remains committed to preserving its small-town charm. "We don't ever want to turn into a highway with high-rises everywhere and massive amounts of condos," Svennungsen emphasized. "We're trying to strike a balance between attracting high-end buyers and preserving the integrity and community spirit of a small Western resort."

Luxury homes in Sun Valley reflect a diverse range of architectural styles, each catering to specific preferences. Along with classic mountain architecture, such as lodge-style homes, there is a strong demand for mountain modern designs with big windows and sleek lines. The "I came for the winter and stayed for the summer" saying still rings true thanks to Sun Valley's spectacular summer season, with thousands of miles of hiking and some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the West.

Given Sun Valley's abundance of outdoor recreation, homeowners prioritize creating inviting outdoor spaces, yet while residents have immediate access to a variety of outdoor activities, luxury homes are typically designed with a small amount of external living space—maybe a quarter or half an acre—that is meticulously landscaped and provides a buffer between the street or the neighborhood. This allows for private outdoor spaces with patios, lighting, outdoor dining areas, and built-in barbecues. Hot tubs are particularly popular, especially during the winter months, and often add significant value to a luxury listing. Svennungsen observed that while residents can easily access outdoor recreation, "the best luxury properties that we have on offer have that buffer between the house and the rest of the world of some landscaping and some places to entertain outside." He highlighted a $10 million listing that exemplified this trend: "You walk out the back and it's got a little bridge over a water feature, flowers everywhere, and trees. It was so quiet, even though it's one minute from downtown. It was like its own little refuge." This emphasis on creating a serene and private outdoor oasis, despite being near the town's attractions, is a hallmark of Sun Valley's luxury real estate market.

While luxury homes often feature high-end amenities, such as wine cellars and large garages for storing recreational vehicles, Sun Valley is not known for being a technologically advanced community. The area is rural and remote, providing a respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. "It allows people to be more focused on why they came here in the first place—the recreation, the people, the skiing, and being connected to nature," Svennungsen said. However, according to Svennungsen, the area does boast “the best snowmaking in the country, which is our own version of high-tech”, allowing it to host events like the World Cup and open the mountain for skiing every year on Thanksgiving, even if there hasn't been snow. 

"We try to deliver a luxury experience for all our clients, regardless of the price point," Svennungsen expressed, adding that the entire team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Sun Valley Properties is committed to providing a personalized and responsive experience for buyers and sellers alike.

For more information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Sun Valley Properties, visit www.BHHSSunValley.com. To learn more about real estate opportunities in the area, contact Derek Svennungsen: (208) 726-3411; derek@bhhssunvalley.com