Architecture Wednesday: Denver Four Square

Step into the timeless elegance of this meticulously reimagined 1912 Denver Square, a captivating blend of classic charm and modern sophistication. Purchased on its 100th birthday in 2012 it was lovingly transformed to echo the spirit of a boutique hotel in Paris, with clean lines and refined details throughout.

As you enter, a sense of grandeur envelops you, with marble tile flooring guiding you through the entryway and into the living with its original brick walls exposed, elegant panel molding and a dramatic black fireplace.

An open-concept kitchen—a chef's dream—beckons with its expansive layout and luxurious marble countertops, while the adjacent dining room with built-in China hutch opens to a cozy family room retreat with French doors leading to the outside; and just off the kitchen is a boldly colored pantry and laundry area that also opens to the back garden.

Upstairs a solarium, a peaceful sanctuary bathed in natural light, serves as an extension of the master bedroom, complete with a walk-out terrace, en-suite bath and walk-in closets. On the same floor are another bedroom, home office and bathroom, while the basement level features two more bedrooms and a bath, as well as additional laundry space.

This home is a touch of the old with a dash of the new, with both history and a hint at the future in its walls.

As always, click yo emBIGGERate …

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Architecture Wednesday: Birch Street Mid-Century

This midcentury-modern masterpiece, built in 1964 with over 4,400 square feet, is nestled amongst beautiful mature trees in Denver.

The architectural and structural example of classic post-and-beam styling , spacious rooms with vaulted ceilings and clerestory windows are filled with original custom wood paneling and cabinetry, and walls of windows across the entire back of the home which features covered patios on two sides. Plus, there’s a finished basement, perfect for an in-law suite or rental unit.

It’s got a bit of everything, but before I take ownership let’s update all of the lighting, and some of that outdated tiling. Let’s ditch all the mirrors in the primary bath and closet and perhaps rethink that curvy floor in the shower area? And while I know they call it a breakfast nook, there’s actually two dining areas. The kitchen needs updating, a refresh on the cabinets and new hardware, and all the bathrooms are dated.

But this is what they mean by “good bones;” this house is, yes, large, but also spacious, it just needs some careful tweaking to make it look new and fresh and still midcentury …

As always, click to emBIGGERate …

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A Celebrity Couple Breakup & This One Hurts

I wasn’t so upset when Brad and Jen broke up; I was a wee bit upset when Brad and Angelina  split; I giggled at Kanye and Kim mostly because I saw breakup as soon as they said, ‘I do.’

And now Freddie Mercury and Lance Bass are done. During Pride month? Now, before you come for me, I must say that I know Freddie has passed on and I know Lance has a husband, but I’m talking Freddie Mercury and Lance Bass, the Denver Zoo’s iconic same-sex flamingo couple.

A Denver Zoo Facebook post about the socialization and pairing habits of Chilean and American flamingos casually broke the news this week:

“Flamingos are extremely social by nature and flocks consist of collections of partnerships. This includes not only male-female breeding pairs, but also strong bonds between same-sex pairs … while Chilean flamingo Lance Bass and American flamingo Freddie Mercury are no longer a pair, they were paired up for several years.”

Note, that unlike celebrities who take their breakups to the press, Freddie and Lance have not asked for privacy at this challenging time.

Which might be due to the fact that Freddie, that whore, has already moved with another … younger … female …flamingo. Clearly this is an attempt at making Lance, who I must say is single and ready to "flamingle," jealous.

My heart breaks.

Architecture Wednesday: 19th-Century Victorian

In Denver’s beloved West Highland neighborhood, a rare historic home has just hit the market. The completely restored one-hundred-plus-year-old Victorian estate is the personal home of Anna Slade and her husband, Isaac Slade, lead singer of The Fray. They have lived in, treasured, and renovated this home for over a decade, and it brims with unique details, history, and one-of-a-kind character and can be yours for a smidge under $3M.

Designed by William Lang, and built in the late 1800s, the home was completely restored by the Slades, who took extra care at every turn, even reinforcing the entire underlying structures without compromising any of the original architecture. The iconic red brick exterior and colorful trim are a reminder of the era’s classic style. The Slades’ eye for design, artistic touch, and passion are evident throughout the three-story home, which comes complete with a well-appointed basement and hidden speakeasy.

Just off the foyer is a conversation room, warmed by a fireplace adorned in tile what was salvaged from the original hearth. Within this room and through an ornate wooden door, a private reading nook nestled into the turret of the home. Beyond that is a back parlor, the dining room,  and the library. The large kitchen, laundry area and sunroom fill the back of the house, while upstairs four bedrooms—including a stunning primary suite with turret bathtub—and three baths.

The lower level, which comes with a separate entrance, is a dream come true for musicians, or anyone with a knack for entertaining; this part of the home includes a speakeasy-style lounge complete with a built-in bar, double sink, glass chiller, and ice machine.

You had me at speakeasy …

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