Chuck McKenna, the principal at Longfellow Elementary in Sal

Chuck McKenna, the principal at Longfellow Elementary in Salida, LOVES his students every school day for *nine years*, sharing stories of peace, serenity, and love with his children. Over these years, he has transitioned from a monk to a principal, while still being deeply connected to the monks who lived there. His family often visited the monastery, where they felt a sense of connection and quiet amidst the bustling curriculum. The St. Benedict’s Monastery in Old Snowmass, once one of the largest privately-owned properties in the region, recently sold for $120 million. The brand new owner is a billionaire from Palantir, a data analysis firm whose recent deal with the U.S. Army highlights the monastery's role as a hub for innovation and collaboration. For decades, St. Benedict’s has been a beacon of quiet life in the Roaring Fork Valley, offering opportunities for growth, learning, and community. The monastery’s open spaces, including its cemetery and meadows, serve as sacred places for monks and visitors alike, fostering a sense of serenity and connection. Over a half-dozen monks live at the monastery, while the seller is part of the General Chapter of the Order of Cistercians, a global community that oversees 150 Trappist communities. McKenna was once a monk who taught from his parents' basement, sharing stories of quiet moments and spiritual growth. He remembers how monks embraced his decision to leave the monastery, finding peace in silence and focusing on their work. His daughters visited the monastery, where he mentored young monks, and they were struck by the atmosphere—a place filled with quiet, reflective moments. The St. Benedict’s Monastery’s size and legacy have been celebrated since its founding in the 1950s, becoming a symbol of quiet life and growth in the region. The monastery has also been home to many monks across the world, including abbeys such as those in the U.S. The new owner is part of the monastery community, which works with conservation easements on the property to preserve its open spaces for future generations. In 2022, a conservation easement was proposed by the Aspen Valley Land Trust and Pitkin County Open Space, allowing the monastery to use the land for grazing cows or senior water rights. The monastery remains at the heart of a thriving community with monks and their communities working together to preserve its legacy. Chuck Mirr, a brokerage analyst, did not become the new owner but was involved in the decision process, sharing insights about the property’s value. The sale marks one of the largest residential sales in Colorado history, highlighting the monastery’s enduring commitment to preserving its unique architecture and community spirit.