Welcome To the Barkochba Ranch !

When I was born my parents had my bedroom decorated in Cowboys and Indians, and with horse and ranch themes. I believe I was imprinted with ideas of the West from the very beginning. It was a passion that I could share with my father, and we watched many Western movies and shows in the late 1950s and 60s. I always knew that I wanted a ranch somewhere out West.

At some point during my school years I became aware of the Simon Bar Kochba revolt against Rome. This was a revolt of principle versus Empire. A war that had to be fought, but was fought at great cost to both sides. It completed the events that led to the Jewish Diaspora, and a very long period of of exile and suffering. I greatly admired the principles and sacrifices of Bar Kochba, and thought that it would be a perfect name for a ranch in the American West.

For many years. I was fortunate to travel with my family on Western excursions. We went to the C lazy U ranch in Northern Colorado for 10 straight years and made many friends there. After the one week at the ranch, we would usually travel to another area of the Rockies and explore the museums, the art, and all of the outdoor  adventures that we could handle. I always kept my eye out,. however, for possible ranches, even if they were relatively small.

After these adventures I would  come back to the hospital where I work, and be talking about the West, and I guess talking about my dream of finding a ranch. One such day a physical therapist, who has since become a good friend, said to me “all these years I’ve heard you talking about ranches and possible locations, but I’ve never heard you talk about the Wet Mountain Valley”. I asked him where was the Wet Mountain Valley, and when he said Colorado, I assured him that I had traveled Colorado widely and never heard of the Wet Mountain Valley.. To this he replied “that’s the beauty of it, people an hour away have never heard of the Wet Mountain Valley either.”

That’s how we came to Westcliffe and the Wet Mountain Valley. I also knew it was the right place for the ranch when I  found out that Westcliffe was in Custer County.  Custer, Crazy Horse, and the Battle of the Little Big Horn,had always been an area of interest for myself and my dad.

Since purchasing this small ranch in Westcliffe, I have never been disappointed.  It is a place of spectacular beauty. The community and neighborly spirit,and the talent of the people,make this a very special and unique place. My family, and friends feel very fortunate to be able to come here.