The gorgeous Boettcher Mansion was built in 1917 for Charles Boettcher as a summer home and hunting lodge.Designed by Denver architects Fisher and Fisher, it was originally named the “Lorraine Lodge“. Built out of stone and timber that was found on the adjacent property. Resulting in a house that is in complete harmony with the nature surrounding it. So much so, that it is impossible to see where the nature ends and the architecture begins.
American Arts & Crafts Architecture
The Boettcher Mansion looks like it is part of the mountain. Architecture was once thought to be Tudor but it has since been revised to the American Arts and Crafts movement instead. And it’s absolutely splendid. Large rooms adorned with many windows give you a glance at the surrounding nature. I love the copper sinks as well as the gorgeous vaulted timber ceilings. Completely understandable why Boettcher built his summer home here. One can’t help but feel at peace here, the views are spectacular and serene.
Charles Boettcher, a great opportunist who was always there at the right time
German born Charles Boettcher first came to America to work with his brother Herman in a hardware store in Cheyenne Wyoming. It wasn’t long before they bought the store in Cheyenne along with others in Greeley, Evans and Fort Collins. Charles also bought a ranch in North Park, invested in mining properties, Leadvilles first electric company and the First Carbondale bank. By the time he moved to Denver, the Boettchers had become one of Colorado’s wealthiest families.
A man of many businesses
When mining started to decline he switched over to agriculture and founded the Great Western sugar company. Which by 1930 became one of the biggest sugar producers in the world. As he was building his sugar plants, he established the Ideal Cement Company in 1924. By 1955 Ideal Cement Company was one of the nations top three producers.
A businessman with a good heart
Then he founded the Boettcher School for crippled children as well as the Boettcher Foundation which was created to assist and promote Colorado residents. After his death in 1948, the mansion was inherited by his granddaughter Charline Humphreys Breeden. While battling cancer in 1968, she donated the house to Jefferson County so that the general public could enjoy it. Later in 1975, the estate opened as a conference and nature center and has been that way ever since.
Hours
Open Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:oo pm
Admission: Free
Nights weekends and holidays are by appointment only. If you wish to visit during these hours, please call 720-497-7630 to schedule an appointment.
Directions
Boettcher Mansion
900 Colorow Rd
Golden, CO 80401
From Denver, take I-25 to 6th Avenue west. Follow 6th Ave to I-70 west. Get on I-70. Get off at exit 256 towards lookout mountain. Turn right towards US-40 W. Then immediately turn left on US-40 W. Take a right onto Paradise rd. Following that, turn left on Charros dr. Turn right onto S Lookout Mountain rd. Take a left on Colorow rd. Destination will be on the right.
Accommodations
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