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

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

Sod buster was an early pioneer term that denoted a farmer who would till the soil of his homestead.  While housing was quite crude back then, a small shack with a dirt floor, such is not the case with the Sod Buster Inn. Everything from its unusual eight-sided architecture to its tasteful country folk art décor is a reflection of the attention to detail that its owners, Bill and LeeAnn Sterling, have taken.

They chose to locate their creation in Greeley, Colorado, home of the world’s largest Fourth of July rodeo called the “Greeley Stampede.”  The concept for their octagonal design was literally a cocktail napkin-to-construction project that came from the mind of Bill Sterling.  He wanted to create an inn where everyone within had the same vantage points. He certainly succeeded. There is a full wraparound veranda, and the interior common space flows easily since there are no walls to obstruct one’s view.

The inn’s goodwill ambassador, an English bulldog named “Mame” (pronounced may me), greets new arrivals. She’s so popular that she even has her very own postcard to remind you to come back for a visit. Every corner of the immaculate inn is tastefully decorated with quilts, country bears, baskets of dried flowers, and one of LeeAnn’s passions- arks. She said that her grandfather was named Noah and ever since they opened, they started buying arks of all kinds. Even guests have contributed to their vast collection that now numbers over 160.

There are 10 exquisitely furnished rooms, each with its own particular design and character. Little amenities such as individual climate control thermostats, modems, and separate bath and showers are all standard. Two of the rooms have jetted tubs- a perfect way to end the day in complete relaxation.

LeeAnn says that many guests comment on how comfortable the beds are. In fact, some who have had back trouble said that they slept better than they ever had and inquired as to where they can buy the mattresses.

The main floor’s great room is well- appointed with knickknacks, overstuffed furniture, a big screen television, and a dining area. Guests are offered a full sit-down breakfast. The morning I stayed, they served a delicious spread of blintzes, sausages, fruit, muffins, and juice.

One thing that I really liked about the Sod Buster was that they didn’t scrimp on the little things. For example, they provide a 24-hour mini-bar complete with beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. You can also indulge in some of their homemade chocolate chip cookies or maybe a sourdough pretzel, all complimentary.

Even though Greeley isn’t as well known as its larger city counterparts, it does have its share of attractions, culture, and even Hollywood luminaries. Gregory Peck stayed here a few years ago while performing at the local Union Colony Civic Center. LeeAnn said that he was quite the gentleman and made himself right at home, even eating in the dining area- something his agent said he never does.

“He really liked one of our quilts,” said LeeAnn. “He told me that he used to play underneath a quilting stand while his mother and grandmother quilted when he was a kid.”  Upon leaving, Peck told Bill and LeeAnn, “You folks have been so nice to me I’d like to have my picture taken with you”- certainly the ultimate compliment that he could have paid.

The inn is centrally located and close to the University of Northern Colorado, summer home to the Denver Broncos. The downtown shopping district is within easy walking distance and offers an array of antique stores, restaurants, bakeries, boutiques, and art galleries. The historic Nathan Meeker Museum is only one block from your front door.

Realizing how much work must be involved in running such a class operation, I asked LeeAnn why she decided to become an innkeeper. She smiled and jokingly replied, “Well, all common sense just left us.”  Kidding aside, Bill and LeeAnn’s commitment to their guests is readily apparent. “Much of our business is corporate, but we also cater to the husband and wife who just want a night to get away from the kids,” LeeAnn said. Either way, the Sod Buster Inn has my highest recommendation for ambiance, friendliness, and down-home hospitality.

Room rates range from $94-124. The inn can also be booked for weddings, conferences, and special events.  Special teas are offered during the year, and future events include murder mystery weekends and cooking classes. For more information, visit their website at www.sodbusterinn.com or call 888-300-1221.