Restoring a Crown Jewel in West Highland

The article details the extensive two-and-a-half-year renovation of a 150-year-old Victorian mansion in West Highland, Denver, undertaken by Jan and Steve Davis. This historic property, originally built in 1875 by Ambrose Bosler, had suffered years of neglect, resulting in a damaged roof, warped foundation, and various structural issues. The city of Denver had even initiated foreclosure proceedings in 2015 due to significant liens. The Davises, particularly Jan, recognized the colossal nature of the project but trusted Steve's expertise as a contractor. Despite having recently completed renovations on a smaller bungalow intended as their forever home, the couple was compelled to purchase the mansion due to a city requirement that the new owners reside on the property. The renovation project faced considerable challenges due to the mansion's status as both a Denver and National Historic Landmark. This designation mandated a rigorous design and construction approval process. The Davises meticulously referenced old photographs to ensure historical accuracy in their restoration efforts. They replaced all the wood trim, painted every piece of molding, and sourced era-appropriate furnishings from antique stores. Architect Jessica Reske guided the reconstruction of the home's distinctive brick tower, which had been removed decades prior, offering panoramic views from Pikes Peak to the Flatirons. Architectural elements, such as the exterior molding and iron detailing, were carefully replicated with the help of Tabor Millwork and Architectural Iron Company. Inside, the home’s layout was reconfigured to include an elevator, a request from Jan to facilitate aging in place. The original window openings, protected by the landmark status, dictated the placement of new features, such as custom vanities in the main bathroom and the kitchen sink within an island due to low window sills. Many interior upgrades drew inspiration from the home's original design: new interior doors were modeled after the single surviving original door, antique chandeliers and sconces from Bonnie Brae Lighting & Repair mirrored period fixtures, and a walnut-and-ash inset in the white-oak entryway floor replicated the original. This approach aimed to blend modern functionality with historical character, making the house feel both new and inherently old. To address the challenge of making the cavernous rooms with 12-foot ceilings feel inviting, Jan enlisted Amy McCawley of Lusso Interior Design. McCawley introduced contemporary touches, including Benjamin Moore’s gray-green Croquet paint on the kitchen cabinets and a sleek marble fireplace in the living room. Antique-looking hardware and family heirlooms, such as a gold mirror and a chest, further integrated the home's historical and contemporary aesthetics. In the main bedroom, a blend of new furniture like a Pottery Barn bed and Benjamin Moore’s Graytint paint color harmonized with family antiques, such as a blue chair from Steve's grandmother and an antique side table. Similarly, an heirloom carved-wood lamp, once part of Steve’s childhood home, found a new place in the living room. Outside, Jan, a Colorado State University-certified master gardener, transformed the expansive front yard into a lush green space. She designed a potager garden near the kitchen and a wild, organic English garden filled with agastache, peonies, cardoons, and salvias, providing natural privacy. Laurel Raines of Dig Studio planned the garden and the hardscape, which included a patio and dining area off the kitchen and a walkway of Borgert stone pavers. Perimeter hedges were planted to further enhance privacy from the street. The Davises' overarching philosophy throughout the project was to “do the right thing for the house,” a principle that ultimately benefited them as well, creating a harmonious blend of historical preservation and modern living within a revitalized landmark. #HistoricRestoration #VictorianMansion #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #LandscapeDesign #ArchitecturalPreservation #DenverRealEstate #WestHighland #HistoricRestoration #VictorianMansion #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #LandscapeDesign #ArchitecturalPreservation #DenverRealEstate #WestHighland

57 months ago

Read Full Article