We had the good fortune of connecting with Anne Carlson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Anne, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
I’ve raised my children to be strong individuals, both with a distinct voice poised for change, instilling in them the importance of making a difference in the community. My approach has been to nurture them as individualists—encouraging them to forge their paths while emphasizing the significance of kindness and independence. By fostering an environment where open communication and empathy are paramount, I’ve aimed to empower them to articulate their thoughts and beliefs confidently. This commitment to individuality has also meant encouraging them to explore their interests deeply, supporting their unique talents and passions, and teaching them the value of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.
Simultaneously, I’ve underscored the importance of community engagement and the impact of collective action. Through volunteering and participating in community initiatives, they’ve learned the power of contributing to something greater than themselves, understanding that even small actions can lead to significant changes.
Raising my children to be strong, kind, and independent individuals, with a dedication to making a positive impact, has been a deeply rewarding journey. It is my hope that they carry these values throughout their lives, influencing not only their own paths but also inspiring change in the world around them.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My journey into luxury real estate is deeply intertwined with my personal experiences and my previous career in the non-profit sector. Having faced and overcome cancer not once, but twice, has imbued me with a resilience and strength that I draw upon daily in my professional life. These challenges have taught me the value of perseverance, a positive mindset, and digging deep for strength in the face of adversity. This mindset is crucial in the competitive and often unpredictable real estate market.
My approach to luxury real estate is not just about transactions; it’s about creating a sense of belonging and community among my clients and within the neighborhoods they choose to call home. This emphasis on relationship-building, combined with my in-depth knowledge of the real estate market, ensures that my clients are not just well-informed but also feel genuinely supported throughout the process.
As a strong-willed individual, my commitment to advocacy for my clients is unwavering. Whether it’s negotiating the best possible deal or finding the perfect property that meets all their needs, I leverage my personal experiences of resilience and my professional skills to ensure their success.
In essence, my brand and approach to luxury real estate are a reflection of my personal journey and professional ethos. I want my clients and the community to know that with me, they have not just a realtor but a relentless advocate, a community builder, and a knowledgeable guide who understands the value of home and community. My story is one of overcoming adversity and using those lessons to enrich the lives of others through my work in luxury real estate.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: * Morning: Enjoy breakfast at The Silver Grill Cafe, known for its fabulous cinnamon rolls.
* Afternoon: Hang out in Old Town, Fort Collins’ vibrant downtown area, and have lunch at CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing, one of the city’s oldest craft breweries and sit on the patio.
* Evening: For dinner, enjoy farm-to-table dishes at The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm and say hi to the chickens in the back.
Day 2: Hiking in Lory State Park
* Morning: Head to Lory State Park for a day of hiking. Arthur’s Rock Trail is one of my favorites with stunning views of Horsetooth Reservoir at the top. You can bring a picnic to enjoy at the top.
* Evening: Dine at The Welsh Rabbit Cheese Shop for a bottle of wine and the best selection of cheeses and meats.
Day 3: Boating on Horsetooth Reservoir
* Morning: Rent a boat or jet ski at Horsetooth Reservoir
* Afternoon: Have a lakeside picnic. Later, visit Horsetooth Mountain Open Space for a short hike or to capture some beautiful photos.
* Evening: Dnner at Blue Agave Grill for some contemporary Mexican cuisine. Explore the nightlife in Old Town or hit another brewery, like Odell Brewing.
Day 4: Nature
* Morning: Start the day with a visit to the Gardens on Spring Creek, where you can enjoy the beautifully curated gardens.
* Afternoon: For lunch, head to Avogadro’s Number, known for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious sandwiches.
* Evening: Cap off the day with dinner at Rare Italian. If you’re up for it, end your evening walking through Old Town or maybe catching a live music performance at one of the local venues.
Day 5: Brewery Tour Day
* Morning: Start with breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, their bowls are amazing! Then, prepare for a day of brewery hopping. Fort Collins is famous for its craft beer scene. You can rent bikes in Old Town.
* Afternoon: Visit New Belgium Brewing Company, Fort Collins Brewery, and Horse & Dragon Brewing Company. Many breweries offer tours and tastings.
* Conclude your day of brewery tours with dinner at Ace Gillett’s Lounge. Enjoy a menu that complements your day of beer tasting, in a setting known for its jazz music and elegant vibe, making it the perfect backdrop to wind down.
Day 6: Outdoor Adventure at Poudre Canyon
* Morning: Head to Poudre Canyon for a day of outdoor adventure. You can choose from hiking, white-water rafting, or simply enjoying the views.
* Afternoon: Have lunch at Mishawaka Amphitheatre, which also serves as a unique music venue. Explore more of the canyon or relax by the river. They have the best burgers and beer selection.
* Evening: Enjoy your dinner back in Fort Collins. The Colorado Room is an excellent choice for locally sourced dishes and a great selection of beers.
Day 7: Leisure and Departure
* Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel or a local café, such as Little Bird Bakeshop.
* Afternoon: Use this time for any last-minute shopping in Old Town or visit any spots you may have missed earlier in the week. Grab lunch at a food truck in City Park.
Head to Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar. for happy hour or dinner. Jax offers a fantastic selection of seafood and drinks. Sit at the bar for the best conversations.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Sending a huge shoutout to the pillars of my life – my incredible parents, whose unwavering love and guidance have shaped me into who I am; my amazing husband Joe, whose support and partnership mean the world to me; and my wonderful kids, Drew and Allie, who inspire me every day with their curiosity, joy, and resilience. Each of you lights up my world in unique and meaningful ways, and I am profoundly grateful for the love, laughter. Thank you for being my strongest support system and for filling my life with so much happiness and love!
Website: https://luxurymountainliving.net
Instagram: luxury.mountainliving
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-carlson-53946420/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luxurymountainlivingco
Image Credits
A.B. Consulting & Media, LLC