The Chris Watts house stands as a chilling reminder of one of America’s most shocking family murders. What happened within its walls? And why has this property become such a contentious issue in the real estate market?
Location and Description
The house at 2825 Saratoga Trail in Frederick, Colorado, is a two-story, five-bedroom, four-bathroom property. Built in 2013, it boasts an open floor plan with granite countertops in the kitchen. The home features a covered front porch and a back deck with views of the Colorado Mountains.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 4,200 square feet |
| Bedrooms | 5 |
| Bathrooms | 4 |
| Garage | 3-car |
| Built | 2013 |
The spacious property, spanning 4,177 square feet, offers a blend of modern amenities and scenic beauty. Its open layout creates an airy atmosphere, while the gourmet kitchen with dual ovens caters to culinary enthusiasts. The master bedroom boasts a walk-in closet, adding to the home’s appeal. Outside, the three-car garage provides ample storage space, and the property’s location affords breathtaking views of the Colorado Rockies.
Crime Details
On August 13, 2018, Chris Watts committed an unthinkable act that would forever change the lives of many and cast a dark shadow over this once-ordinary suburban home. In the early hours of that fateful day, Watts strangled his pregnant wife Shanann in their bedroom during an argument about his affair and desire for divorce.
But the horror didn’t end there. Later, in a truly heinous act, he smothered his two young daughters, Bella (4) and Celeste (3). The bodies of the innocent children were then callously disposed of in oil tanks at Watts’ workplace, while Shanann’s body was buried in a shallow grave nearby.
The community was initially gripped by concern when Shanann and the girls were reported missing. Watts, playing the role of a distraught husband and father, gave televised interviews pleading for their safe return. However, his facade quickly crumbled under police questioning.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Watts had been having an affair with a co-worker, adding another layer of betrayal to his crimes. He initially tried to blame Shanann for the children’s deaths, claiming he had killed her in a rage after she had harmed the girls. This lie was soon exposed, and the full extent of his actions came to light.
Sale History
The Watts family bought the house in May 2013 for nearly $400,000, seeing it as their dream home and a place to raise their growing family. After the murders, the property faced a series of legal complications that hindered its sale for years.
In November 2022, after remaining vacant for about four years, the house finally sold for $600,000. This sale came after the resolution of various legal issues, including liens placed on the property due to Chris Watts’ mounting debts and a $6 million wrongful death lawsuit settlement with Shanann’s parents.
Current Status
As of December 2024, the house is once again on the market, this time with a higher price tag of $749,500. It’s been listed for over 150 days and has seen multiple price cuts, reflecting the challenges of selling a property with such a dark history.
The current owners, who bought it in 2022, are trying to sell it despite its notorious past. The listing emphasizes the home’s features and views, carefully omitting any mention of the tragic events that occurred there. It even includes an incentive of $15,000 towards a buyer’s interest-rate buydown, highlighting the difficulties in marketing such a property.
Legal Issues
Several legal complications have surrounded the property since the murders:
- Shanann’s parents, Sandra and Franklin Rzucek, won a $6 million wrongful death lawsuit against Chris Watts, resulting in a lien on the house.
- The homeowners’ association also placed a lien due to unpaid dues.
- The property went into foreclosure and was scheduled for auction multiple times, but these were postponed.
These legal entanglements made it challenging to sell the house for years. However, property records indicate that these obstacles were eventually resolved, likely through the release of the liens, which paved the way for the property’s sale in 2022.
Neighborhood Impact
The murders have deeply affected the neighborhood in Frederick, Colorado. Some residents have sold their homes and moved away, tired of the constant attention the area receives. Others are frustrated with what they call “tragedy tourists” – people who drive by to take pictures or attempt to get closer to the infamous house.
The community has had to deal with attempted break-ins and unwanted notoriety. The once-quiet suburban street has become a focal point for true crime enthusiasts and the morbidly curious, disrupting the peace and privacy of other residents.
Neighbors have suggested various ways to deal with the property, including the idea of scraping the house entirely and turning the land into a memorial park. However, city officials and realtors have indicated that such a drastic change is unlikely due to zoning concerns.
Public Interest
The house has attracted significant public interest, fueled by media coverage and true crime documentaries:
- Netflix featured it prominently in the 2020 documentary “American Murder: The Family Next Door,” which brought renewed attention to the case and the property.
- Potential buyers from as far away as Germany have inquired about purchasing it, drawn by its notoriety or seeing it as an investment opportunity.
- Some are attracted by morbid curiosity, while others view it as a chance to acquire property in a tough housing market at a potentially discounted price.
The ongoing fascination with the case has led to a steady stream of visitors to the neighborhood, much to the dismay of local residents. This continued interest has both hindered and, in some ways, aided attempts to sell the property, creating a complex dynamic in the real estate market.
Property Challenges
Selling a house with such a dark history presents unique challenges for real estate professionals:
- The property’s notoriety makes it difficult to market through traditional channels.
- Real estate experts have suggested changing its appearance to distance it from the widely circulated media images associated with the crime.
- The asking price has been cut multiple times to attract buyers, reflecting the difficulty in finding a balance between the property’s market value and its infamous history.
- The long vacancy period following the murders led to some deterioration of the property, requiring updates and renovations.
Real estate appraiser Randall Bell, CEO of Landmark Research Group, which specializes in properties affected by tragedies, has commented on the complexities of selling such homes. The stigma attached to the property can significantly impact its value and marketability, often requiring creative strategies to attract potential buyers.
Despite these challenges, the house has found a buyer as of July 2024, with the sale pending. This development suggests that even properties with the darkest histories can eventually change hands, though often at a cost to their market value and after extended periods on the market.
The Chris Watts house remains a complex and controversial property. Its future is uncertain, caught between its tragic past and the practical realities of the real estate market. As it changes hands, it serves as a somber reminder of the lives lost and the enduring impact of a terrible crime on a community.