A sprawling property just a 10-minute drive southwest of the city will officially go on the market for sale this week at $37.88 million, which could be the most expensive residential listing ever in the Calgary area, the Herald has learned.

The Kettle Lakes Ranch, located in the Municipal District of Foothills, includes a 5,000-square-foot home on 97 hectares of land, which was owned 25 to 30 years ago by the infamous Ford family of Henry Ford heritage, said Mark Evernden of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, which is listing the property.

“There has not been a property to my knowledge of single-family or country residential of that value in the Calgary area,” said Evernden.

He said the finishings on the four-year-old house alone cost about $6 million. The house is privately-owned by a woman whose husband, a businessman, passed away a few years ago.

Evernden said the property is located off of Highway 22, south of Highway 22X about 7.8 kilometres.

“It’s tucked up in the hills and there’s a couple of private lakes there,” he said, adding the Ford family had plans for the site.

“There was a full development in play but the MD wouldn’t approve it because of the lay of the land and the damage it would cause to the natural part of it. It was supposed to be called Fordville Estates (a full country residential development).”

Promotional material for the listing says “rarely does a property this rich in history, natural scenery, unparalleled views with private, wide open spaces, come to market.”

It’s nestled in the heart of the Alberta Foothills, just beyond the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Access is through a private gate, following a winding road through a covered bridge.

“One of the crown jewels here is this luxurious 2-storey masterpiece, built by Gallagher Homes. From the exquisite exterior stonework, to the opulent indoor living space this is an extremely well-built home,” says the marketing material.

“Step inside the wrought-iron, glass, front-door, and the open layout gives way to areas like the magnificent French-country inspired kitchen, with butler’s pantry and high end finishings throughout. The nearby great room showcases extraordinary attention to detail with features like the wood-beam, vaulted, ceiling and amazing mountain views through the large, lavish, windows.

“The upscale dining area doesn’t disappoint either, and there’s also a sun-room with wood-burning fireplace, where you can watch spectacular sunsets over the Rockies.

“The Master Retreat is an oasis unto itself, with lavish walk-in closet, luxurious lighting, fine finishings and a European inspired ensuite spa bath that will simply spoil you, leaving you wanting for little else. The lower level walkout is also built for entertaining, with luxuries like a stone wine-cellar, media room with built-ins, guest bedrooms with ensuites, an exercise room, games area, wet-bar and more.”

A guest house is nearby with a detached heated triple garage. There’s also a working, vintage, gas station on the land, a large, meticulously kept barn and livestock area, outdoor paddock with room for horses, several other out-buildings, countless trees and kettle lakes left over by a once retreating glacier, flower and rock garden.

mtoneguzzi@calgaryherald.com