Realtor reaches for a higher use
for a Jefferson County Landmark
By Mark Samuelson
The Denver Post
Sunday, January 17, 2010
As historic landmarks go, you can’t find one with a better pedigree than the Manor House in South Jefferson County’s Ken-Caryl Valley. It was the vision of John C. Shaffer, Chicago agricultural baron, and then-owner of the Rocky Mountain News. Just short of a century ago, he had it erected on a promontory that looked out on his 3,000-acre ranch that Shaffer named for his two sons, Kent and Carroll … a family homestead, guest quarters for presidents Teddy Roosevelt and William Howard Taft … and later a well-known restaurant.
Unquestionably a landmark … but, as Fuller Sotheby’s Realtor Faun Hauptmann notes, not technically a landmark at all. The famous mansion, which spent years in the ownership of Johns Manville Company before the Ken-Caryl Valley went residential, was never actually registered for a historic designation.
Hauptmann, who has the place listed now at $3.9 million, speculated on whether it would go residential … or stay a commercial property, as it is now. “It could be an event center, or a restaurant, or a daycare center, or a mortuary,” she said, as we looked at its magnificent facade, set against the foothills on one side, the Dakota Hogback on the other.
In addition to the 8,000-foot main house (it originally had 20 rooms and six baths, but has now been made over into more of an event center), the property has an additional 3,500 “Kent house” adjacent, as well as an event tent and an FAA-approved helicopter pad, all on a 5.67 acre site that spans the valley between the geological formations east and west.
Colorado preservation experts are holding a meeting in the home next month, Hauptmann says. Meanwhile, she is hoping that its immediate fate lies back as a residence. “I think there’s a good chance that someone could turn it back into a house,” Hauptmann noted, adding that her two most recent showings were to buyers looking at that possibility — one of them from out of state.
“My job is to sell it to whomever, whatever,” she told me, but added that she’s hoping for residential. If it could, she added, residents in the valley would be ecstatic. Adding a little fuel to that particular fire is the possibility of a tax credit that could be applied on behalf of the buyer, which Hauptmann says could total around $400,000.
When you tour today, you can see the great view, including one through a notch in the hogback to downtown Denver. A light on the top of the prominent flagpole, Hauptmann says, was illuminated by Shaffer on special occasions, visible as guests rode out toward the ridge from town. You’ll also see a terrific bar on the east veranda that’s been maintained well for special events, that a residential buyer would doubtless want to keep as part of the package.
The Manor House, on view 2-4 p.m., is west of C-470 on Ken-Caryl Avenue. Head through the hogback to an immediate right fork that remains Ken-Caryl Avenue, and continue north into the valley, watching for the Manor House turn-signs at Valley Parkway, Mountain Laurel, and then Manor House Road.
Every house has a story; truly special properties have history
Sotheby's Portfolio Magazine
December 2009
Imagine sitting under the portico above the expanse of what was once one of the largest cattle ranches in Colorado. Or picture yourself strolling the halls of this historic Georgian-style mansion that has for the last century played host to artists, politicians and where Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft escaped their fast-paced lives for holidays. A spectacular example of turn-of-the-century architecture and environmental planning in the expansive Ken-Caryl valley. A respite where the grounds were the site of grand picnics and where conversations of art and politics may have changed the world we know today.
Buying an historic property is more than purchasing a unique piece of the past. It is an investment in a living legend. Residing in such a place of craftmanship, lore and genuine old-fashioned beauty takes you far beyond simpy following in the footsteps of presidents, scandalous newspaper entrepeneurs, family relatives or celebrated personalities of earlier eras. Owning a truly historic home opens a window to hundreds of years of insight into who we were and are as a nation, people, culture and society.
While many properties have a story, only a select few have authentic history. The definition of an historic home depends upon a combination of criteria, of which only one is age. In some cases, location alone is enough to secure historic status. Other times, designation by a governing body signifies a special historical interest. Or it could be as simple as who was born there, who visited, who designed it, or its cultural, political, religious or archaeological significance.
The Manor House is truly one of Denver’s most storied addresses. A place where Presidents sat in front of the fireplace of the grand house, smoking a cigar discussing the politics of the day with friends. A place where the great artists of the 20th century came to escape from their fame — and relax. A place that, along with all those famous guests, Denver’s high society has gathered for holidays and events. They would keep a watchful eye on the opening in the Dakota hogback. When the light that sits on top of the flagpole was lit, it would signify that the Denver aristocrats were invited to come out to the Manor House for a gathering.
Over the years that tradition has remained as the property has transformed into a restaurant and event center. The light that has invited so many over the years, continues to shine as a friendly beacon and reminder of our shared local and national history.