Sunday, November 17, 2013

The Ken Caryl Manor House




This is an overview of my suburban community of Ken Caryl Ranch in the state of Colorado. It is snuggled up against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, along the Front Range. This area has a wealth of history --artifacts as early as 10,000 B.C. have been found in this area! (All photos in this post will enlarge for easier viewing by clicking on them once, and then again to see them full size)


As you can see, we are close to quite a bit of wild, open space, and some of the homes have spectacular views of the hills. The mighty Rockies are located not far behind the rows of foothills, but we can't see them, as we are too close. It's sort of a paradox, but in order to see the mountains above the foothills, one has to drive away from them, further east.


Living close to so much open space is one of the reasons we see so many wild animals in our vicinity, especially mule deer, who like to come down into our valley and graze.


This is a beautiful place to live!


At the highest point in our community's valley, and where I took all the overview photos above, is The Manor House.


The Manor House is one of Colorado's most historic residences.


The 8,000 square foot Manor House was built in 1914 by John Shaffer, the editor, and publisher of the Chicago Tribune as well as the owner of the Chicago Post and The Rocky Mountain News. Shaffer purchased 3,500 acres of land now known as Ken Caryl Ranch, named after his two sons, Kent and Carroll.  Over time, Shaffer added on more property until his cattle ranch was over 10,000 acres large. The Manor House was the site of frequent entertainment in the Shaffer years, and frequent guests were President Theodore Roosevelt, and President William Howard Taft, as well as industrial chieftains from around the world and celebrities of the time.

For nearly a century, the house passed on to be the private residence of other ranchers and a continuing gathering place for Denver's society. To see more historical photos of the Shaffer family and The Manor House look on the Manor House website - click here.



Today, the mansion is privately owned and is a popular event center, used as a setting for weddings, corporate events, and holiday celebrations. My husband and I went to one of the three evenings per week that the house is open to the public when they offer cocktails and light food fare menu.  It was a beautiful evening and we sat on the veranda.  We each had a martini and shared a platter of sliders, while we watched the sun go down and a beautiful moonrise.  I wanted to take photos of the mansion's beautiful interior, but I was told by a waiter that was not allowed as they had their own "official photographer." You can see some photos on the Manor House web site at this link.


One of the reasons many area brides and grooms like to have their wedding reception at The Manor House is this wonderful view of the skyline of Denver that can be seen from the house through the hogback structures that our valley rests behind. It looks very dramatic as the background for wedding photos!  The wild open spaces and The Manor House itself also looks fantastic in photos, in every season of the year.


 A closer view of the city of Denver.


No matter which direction one looks, the view from The Manor House is spectacular!

My husband and I feel fortunate to be part of this wonderful community and we are enjoying learning about the history of this area and the West in general. The city of Denver has a colorful past, and I have been enjoying learning more about it.


No matter where one goes, or where one lives, life is interesting and there is something new to learn. Don't you agree?




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42 comments:

Betsy Banks Adams said...

You are so right.. Everywhere one goes, there is ALWAYS something to learn and see... That is so special!!!!

Manor House is gorgeous.. Reminds me a little of Biltmore. We can't take photos inside the house at Biltmore either. That's one reason we seldom go in it... We would much rather take photos...

You do live in a gorgeous area. Wow!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

Maria M. Boyer said...

I do agree, Pat. Wonderful photos. Thank you for sharing them, and some of the history!

Billy Blue Eyes said...

Great place sort of reminds me of the houses over here apart from the mountains. I hate the official photographer crap, it's only so they can see photographs and are worried they will loose out if you take any

Bonnie said...

I enjoyed this post. Such beautiful scenery. You are enjoying getting to know your new area. Sometimes I think newcomers eyes are better because they don't take everything for granted and get out there and explore.

My husband and I were discussing a that we should take advantage of visiting the Huntsville Space Center. We have relatives nearby and haven't made it a priority to tour this amazing space center.

You are a good example.

eileeninmd said...

Pat, what a lovely post. Your neighborhood is beautiful, with gorgeous views of the mountains. Thanks for sharing the Manor House and the history. It is always nice to learn something new. Lovely photos, have a happy week!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I absolutely agree!

I just love touring Colorado with you. You are a great guide!

xo

Sheila

Vee said...

A beautiful structure! Wonder if you could get special permission to take photos! You are an extraordinary ambassador for any place you live or visit.

Michelle said...

Colorado is such a beautiful place. I always enjoy my visits there. I would love to tour the mansion!

Jenny said...

10,000 BC.

Wow.

That is so neat!

I love how you are loving your new State!

The Gathering Place said...

What beautiful views- from your neighborhood and from the Manor House. Colorado is a beautiful state!

Old Kitty said...

Just been swooning over the gorgeous interior of this Manor House! I can totally see why couples would want to stage their wedding celebrations here! Utterly beautiful inside and out!

Awwww but nothing beats those mountains!!

Take care
x

ellen b. said...

Wow that really is a classic view for sure. What an interesting place. The small bites and cocktails look real good!

Judy said...

Yes, it really is a beautiful place to live! And the Manor House looks like a great place to spend some time...food, views and all.

Sarah said...

Pat, I'm glad you are embracing your new home and the adventures around you. It's fun to share through your photos. Thanks!

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Wow, this is all very interesting.

Anonymous said...

Life IS interesting, indeed! :-)

Little Wandering Wren said...

Hi Pat
I am enjoying getting to know your place, it certainly looks a spectacular part of the world. I can imagine you enjoying martini's at the Manor House (sounds very James Bondesque!)
Happy Blue Monday
Wren x

Pallavi said...

You live in such a beautiful region Pat. The open wilderness, the deer and the backdrop of the rockies makes it a very scenic location . You must be proud to live in a historically important location :) Artifacts from 10,000 BC means that this region must have seen generations pass over the years and grown with time.

The manor house looks regal and i can see why couples would want to get married here. The view is just gorgeous! Lovely post my dear :)

La Petite Gallery said...

Thanks for another interesting
post. Like you, to go from Chicago
to Denver is a culture shock.
This house has some view and history.
Happy Thanksgiving,
yvonne

Tanya Breese said...

oh wow, it is beautiful and that view of the skyline is amazing!

SmilingSally said...

Hello Pat,

Yes, I do agree; we are so blessed to live in a beautiful and interesting world.

What a neat place for a wedding. Wow!

BTW: Your link was defective, but I fixed it.

Happy Blue Monday!

Jeanne said...

Hello Pat, I agree and you are the perfect person to present all the most interesting things that your location has to offer. I mean it!!!

The Manor house looks very interesting and your photos are wonderful as always. I am off to look at your links to learn and see more. You do live in a fabulous setting. I especially loved the photo with the skyline of Denver.

Thank for another fabulous post.
xo, Jeanne

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Pat, you and Vinny had a great life in Brooklyn, and now the only difference is the locale - and what a beautiful locale it is. It makes me smile to think of you two having martinis and enjoying each other's company.

LV said...

Colorado has nothing but beauty regardless of where you go. You shared some great sights with us. Thanks and I enjoyed it very much.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

This was really interesting Pat! Our kids live in Boulder County (not all that far away) but I'd never heard about this bit of history. You do live in a beautiful State and the views are spectacular from your neighborhood.

podso said...

I totally agree. Life is never boring. It sounds like a wonderful evening for you and your husband --it's nice they open it to the public a few times a year!

joyh82 said...

Learning and seeing new things is always great. Love the wildlife photos.

Rajesh said...

Wonderful shots. Nice place in the middle of nature.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

You live in such a beautiful area. And all your photos are just gorgeous! Love the Manor House. Yes, indeed, there is always something interesting wherever you go!

Anonymous said...

What fabulous scenery and views - especially the deer!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for another amazing "virtual" trip....

Anonymous said...

Excellent post and gorgeous photography ~ you are blessed to live in such a beautiful place and close to your children and grand children ~ happy week to you ~ carol, xxx

Unknown said...

Great post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

camp and cottage living said...

Pat
You do live in a gorgeous area!
I agree, we can find beauty if we will just look for it.

Al said...

It is indeed a beautiful area. Have you seen a concert at Red Rocks yet? It's one of my favorite places to see live music, I've seen several of my favorite bands there.

Sheila said...

I always enjoy learning about the places you visit Pat. it's wonderful to explore new places through the lens of your camera. you are so fortunate to be near your family in Colorado now and I'm gad to hear that you are enjoying this chapter f your life.

Unknown said...

Great landscapes shots! and beautiful looking the houses..
Nice post.

Anonymous said...

You do live in a fantastic location. It seems that there is so much for you to see and do now that you are living there.

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

Thank you for taking us on all of your travel and excursions in Colorado. Always as beautiful as ever! PS: I became a "Nonna" last week and can now understand what all of the fuss about grandchildren is all about! I'm sure that you are enjoying yours in Colorado!

Baci,
Roz

diane b said...

You have a great attitude about living in a different place and a keen mind to find out more about the area and I enjoy learning along with you. I often wondered how far away from Denver City you were and these photos showed it beautifully. You are lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

Misty said...

Your blog is outstanding! What a wonderful array of photographs! I have never been to Colorado but I have relatives who are in Greeley, I think; The Noe Family Ranch is part of the Colorado history.
Anyway, very much enjoyed your stunning photographs and writing talents. Hope you have a great w/end.

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed going through this post!!
Wonderful place and nicely narrated.. Great shots too :)