Four Romantic Colorado Inns

1- Niwot Inn- Hidden Retreat in the Boulder Valley

2- Denver’s Historic Castle Marne Evokes Victorian Splendor

3- The Sod Buster Inn- A Little Piece of Heaven in Colorado’s Cowboy Country

4- The Queen Anne Inn: Victorian Charm in the Mile High City

Story and photos by Ron and Nancy Stern

Denver’s Historic Castle Marne Evokes Victorian Splendor

In the movie Somewhere in Time, Christopher Reeve goes back in history to the Victorian era in order to meet his female obsession, long since gone. Today, all you have to do is step through the doors of Denver’s Castle Marne to be transported back to this same romantic period in history.

Built out of large blocks of rhyolyte, the building does indeed look like a medieval castle. But taking one step inside treats you to a visual feast for the senses. Everywhere you look are fine examples of Victorian furniture, hand paintings, rich tone woodcarvings, and window treatments. A beautiful stained glass “peacock” window graces the stairway. The walls are covered with gilded fleur- de-lis, part of the original house design. 

Built in 1889, the mansion was considered one of the crowning achievements of its famous architect, William Lang (designer of the Molly Brown house). One can see many examples of his unique creations in this section known as Denver’s Historic Wyman District.  In fact, at the turn of the century, there was no place in the country as sought after by the rich as this little piece of real estate close to Denver’s capital.

Now a luxury urban inn and bed and breakfast, the Castle Marne has seen its share of good times and bad. Originally built in 1889 for Denver real estate developer Wilber S. Raymond, he quickly lost the building to creditors. Since that time, it has alternately seen service as apartments and as a processing center for state parolees and even stood abandoned for six years in the 1980’s. It was during this period that the noble structure suffered some of its worst insults- vandalism and water damage. But, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the castle was soon to have a prouder incarnation.

Under the loving care of its current owners, the Peiker family, the building has been restored to its original grandeur. It has won numerous awards and is listed in the Historic Hotels of the West, The Select Registry, Frommer's Guide, and the prestigious Johansen's Recommended Inns.  It is also in the National Registry of Historic Landmarks. But all of these accolades simply reflect the pride that the humble innkeepers feel as they welcome new and returning guests.

Many of the nine rooms are named after historic figures whose lives are intertwined with the house. The Raymond Room, named after its first owner, features an antique brass double bed, a private bath, and your own private hot tub for two. John T. Mason was the castle’s third owner, and “his” room boasts a queen-size brass bed, Palladian windows, an 18-foot cathedral ceiling, and a whirlpool tub.

Fortunately, this kind of attention to detail extends to dining as well. In true Victorian style, an afternoon tea is served in the parlor with fresh-baked scones and delectable pastries with your choice of lemon curd or raspberry butter. My wife and I lingered long over our Earl Grey tea as we listened to Jim Peiker recall fascinating stories of the castle’s rich history.  For dinner, you can arrange to have a six-course candlelight dinner in your own private dining room. This is truly a memorable experience and the perfect gift for a bride and groom or just a couple who wants to pamper themselves with the ultimate dining experience. During our visit we were served a mouth watering stuffed crab appetizer, pumpkin bisque soup, tossed spring salad, and lemon sorbet to cleanse our palates, and that was all before the main course! I had the salmon filet poached in white wine and my wife had the Chicken Dijon in puff pastry shell. For dessert we were served cheesecake with chocolate sauce from the famous Cheesecake Factory. So what did I think of the experience?  Let me just say that if I were a condemned man and had one last meal request, I would ask them to take me to the Castle Marne for their candlelight dinner!

The morning greets you with a full gourmet breakfast along with juice, coffee or tea, and pastries. The black forest muffins were “to die for!”  Many of these delightful recipes are available in the castle’s own cookbook that can be found along with many other interesting items in the gift shop. I noticed that one of the recipes was recently chosen to receive top honors by Sunset Magazine.

Staying at a cozy inn can be a welcome change from cookie cutter hotel chains. Here you have an opportunity to slow down and meet some of your fellow travelers. You can learn about local culture, history, and attractions. Add to this the pampering that you will receive from the Peikers, and you may just decide not to go back home.

The Castle Marne is located close to many local attractions including the Denver Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, the Denver Museum of Natural History, Ocean Journey, the United States Mint, Investco Field (home of the Broncos), and the Cherry Creek shopping district. Room rates range from $95-245 per night. Unique all-inclusive wedding packages are also available for those looking for an alternative to the extremely high prices of most weddings. For more information, visit their website at www.castlemarne.com or call them at (303) 331-0623.