Have you ever wanted an inside look at a real haunted house? The Croke-Patterson-Campbell mansion, now the Patterson Inn, offers a glimpse into Denver‘s historic past, as well as the afterlife.
Built in 1893 for Thomas Croke, a successful experimental farmer, the mansion was an elaborate example of the rare Chateauesque style. Using local sandstone, the red castle looms large with parapets, turrets and stained glass windows. The home is a massive 12,000 square feet with four levels and an attached carriage house. Even among the other Victorian monoliths that populate the Capitol Hill neighborhood, the Croke-Patterson-Campbell mansion stands apart. Unfortunately, upon his first visit to his newly constructed home, Mr. Croke felt something just wasn’t right about the place and never returned. He sold the mansion in 1892 to the Patterson family.
Thomas Patterson
The Patterson’s were a prominent Denver family, with both the senior Patterson and his son-in-law Richard Campbell serving in the state senate. The family was also longtime overseers of the Rocky Mountain News. Thomas Patterson lived with his daughter and her family until they sold the home in 1916.
The home saw many reincarnations throughout the 20th century. It has been utilized as a dance hall, a boarding house, apartment building, a radio station and an office complex.
The most notable haunting activity was documented during the renovations in the 1970′s while creating the office spaces. Workers would return each day to find the work from the previous day undone. After many such events, the contractor purchased a pair of Doberman Pinschers to act as guard dogs. Sadly, one day the workers came to the mansion to find the two dogs dead on the sidewalk apparently after jumping from a third floor window.
Naturally, the ghostly activity did not halt with the completion of the offices. Office employees would hear equipment being used in empty rooms, feel sudden drafts from the basement, and often complain of loud partying from the top floor. Of course, there was no one residing on the top floor. After holding a seance, it was revealed that the spirit of a young girl haunted the castle. Supposedly, her body was entombed in the cellar. There was an excavation, and while a chamber was found, it was filled with sand.
Other specters are claimed to be present within the walls of the maze like Denver home. Reports of knocks, bangs, footsteps and an infant’s cry are the most commonly reported. There have also been several sightings of a gentleman in period garb walking between the home and the carriage house. This is believed to be the spirit of Thomas Patterson.
Dubbed as one of America’s most haunted mansions, the Croke-Patterson-Campbell mansion is certainly a fabulous visit to the past. Though it has been altered to accommodate each wave of residents, there has been care taken to preserve the unique attributes of the mansion. The fireplaces retain the original tile surrounds and mantles. The stained glass is strikingly beautiful and intact. The stately mahogany trim and paneling is unpainted as are the art niches. While the off-street parking is tight, the large carriage house could be restored allowing plenty of space for vehicles.
This piece of historic Denver real estate was purchased a few years ago by Award-winning Denver Architect, Brian Higgins. His vision was to restore the home and create the now stately and charming Patterson Inn, featuring 9 unique guest rooms, dining room, pub, reading room and courtyard.
This video was created pre-renovation before Mr. Higgins purchased the property. You can the beautiful architectural details and compare to see all the work that went into creating the magnificent Patterson Inn.
For more information on Vintage homes in Denver, or any other Denver real estate, please contact Jesse Sehlmeyer with Vintage Homes of Denver at 303-564-2245.
Lower Highlands Real Estate – 3460 Bryant St.
This Historic Lower Highlands home was just listed. Live in a great neighborhood with other historic homes that are located within walking distance to some of LoHi’s hot spots, such as Root Down, Linger, LoHi Steak Bar, Highland Tap and Highland Tavern.
3460 Bryant St.
Offered at $430,000, this home has 4 bedrooms, 2 remodeled bathrooms and just over 1,600 sq. ft. The main floor features beautiful hardwood floors, an open concept floor plan, kitchen with granite countertops, 2 bedrooms and full remodeled bathroom. The second floor features a master bedroom with walk-in closet, and a beautiful bathroom with dual vanity and custom tile shower/tub.
The house has updated plumbing and wiring and is in great shape. It is on a large corner lot and has a great backyard with flagstone patio and covered area. Enjoy the cool autumn afternoons on your front porch and watch the leaves fall from the many trees on the property.
Large Backyard
This is a great home in a wonderful neighborhood that is close to downtown and all that the Highlands and Lo-Hi neighborhoods have to offer. For more information on this property or any other real estate questions, please contact Jesse Sehlmeyer at 303-564-2245.
LoHi Steakbar
Rootdown
Enjoy!
Cherry Creek Colorado Real Estate – New Residential Development Project – 11 S. Monroe Street
Vintage Homes of Denver is excited to be working with the Cline Design Group on the New 11 S. Monroe St. Residences.
11 S. Monroe St. Residences
When you couple an award-winning builder and the up-scale Cherry Creek neighborhood, you are sure to receive a truly remarkable living experience. The Monroe Street residences will be completed in the spring of 2015, a season showcasing the “pedestrian village” of Cherry Creek at its finest. Spring flowers will be in full bloom, walkways and the Cherry Creek bike path will be ready for afternoon strolls, jogging, and bike riding. Cherry Creek North, with all of its coffee shops, restaurants, galleries and boutiques, comes alive with people enjoying patios, outdoor fountains, and parks. This rich cultural and trendy neighborhood is the place to be.
Cherry Creek Trail
Cherry Creek North – Courtesy of JW Marriott
Located within walking distance to the Cherry Creek Shopping District, these thoughtful, modern and luxurious residential duplexes boasts over 3,600 finished square feet. Each home will feature bright open floor plans, sleek interior finishes, 3 bedrooms (2 master suites), 5 bathrooms, main floor study, 2nd floor laundry, fully finished basement with theater area, covered backyard patio and a third floor penthouse space with rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views and a great place to entertain.
Cline Design Group, an award-winning design-build firm located in Littleton, CO., is the builder for these outstanding residences. They are the solution for those wanting simplicity in development, quality construction, and superior design. You can rest assured in knowing that attention has been paid to every detail, and that you will receive a living experience like no other.
For more information about the 11 South Monroe St. Project or if you have any other real estate needs, please contact Jesse Sehlmeyer at 303-564-2245.
Whether you like to get spooked out of your socks or just enjoy the outdoor activities that Halloween brings, Vintage Homes of Denver has got you covered. Check out our list of Howls, Haunts and Happenings near Denver for Halloween.
HOWL-O-WEEN – October 25, 5pm – 7pm
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Divide, CO, hosts an evening of Wolf Howling, refreshments and a bonfire. Come and watch as these majestic wolves are fed pumpkins filled with meat, then listen as they howl at the Moon. You can join in if you feel so bold. Cost of admission is $25 per adult and $15 for children 12 and under. For directions, click here.
Haunted Field of Screams – Now – November 1, sundown til late.
Located in Thornton, this 35-acre corn field offers 3 frightful attractions (Haunted Field of Screams, Dead Man’s Night Maze and Zombie Paintball Massacre) guaranteed to get you screaming and your heart pumping. For more information, please visit: http://www.hauntedfieldofscreams.com/
Elitch Gardens Fright Fest – Now -November 2
Once the sun goes down, this lively amusement park is transformed into a scream park with haunted houses, ghosts, gouls and zombies. Get into the spooky spirit of the season. Admission to Fright Fest is free with the purchase of a regular admission ticket. Hours of operation are: Fridays 6pm – 10pm, Saturdays 12pm – 10pm, Sundays 12pm – 9pm. For ticket information click here.
Mile High Horror Film Festival – October 9-12
Hosted by the Alamo Draft House in Littleton, CO at 7301 S. Santa Fe Dr., The Mile High Horror Film Festival is dedicated to honoring independent and classic horror films from around the globe. This years Festival will feature cult classics such as Shaun of the Dead, The Little Shop of Horrors, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, American Psycho and Ghostbusters. Most films are appropriate for ages 18 and up, children 6 and older must be accompanied by an adult. Children 6 and under not admitted. For more information and tickets, visit: http://drafthouse.com/packages/october-2014-denver/denver
Victorian Horrors XXI at the Molly Brown House Museum – October 17-18 & 24-25, 6:00pm – 8:45pm
In the darkened halls of the Historic Molly Brown House, actors will bring to life heart pounding tales of horror from Victorian gothic literary Masters such as Edgar Allen Poe, HG Wells and Mary Shelley. Suitable for ages 12 and up. For Tickets: click here.
COLOWEEN – October 31, 9pm
Get ready for this much anticipated Halloween Party being held at the new City Hall Events Center. Put on your best Halloween costume and check out this Halloween Party Experience featuring massive Halloween Decorations, Sexy Halloween Costumes and Colorado’s best DJs playing Top 40, Electronic, Reggae and more. Ages 18 and up.
Ghosts in the Gardens – Denver Botanic Gardens – October 25, 9pm
Walk the paths of the Denver Botanic Gardens after dark, as you are guided through one of three ghost stories of your choosing. Tour guides will share scary tales from years gone by and share information, security guards personal accounts and the history of “The Boneyard” which was located just outside the garden walls. Tours appropriate for children 12 and older. Please dress accordingly and wear shoes suitable for walking. For more information, click here.
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Cornmaze – Now – November 1, 9am – 5pm
Come get lost in this 8 acre corn maze Friday – Sunday. Wind through the field and stop for photo opportunities with animal cut-outs along the way. Then witness the Butterfly shape of the maze from a 15-foot bridge that overlooks the maze. Pony and horse rides will be available for an additional fee. Enjoy treats of the season from local food vendors.
Boo at the ZOO – October 25-26, 9am – 5pm
The annual Boo At The Zoo at the Denver Zoo offers more than 25 trick-or-treat stations, creepy crawly animal demonstrations and exciting family-friendly entertainment under the canopy of the beautiful fall foliage of the Denver Zoo. Activities free with zoo admission.
Trick or Treat Street – October 24-26, 9am – 7:30pm
Bring your little ghosts, fairies and super heroes to this safe and fun trick-or-treating experience. Let them roam from Treat house to Treat house collecting goodies and making desserts and crafts. Sure to be fun for the whole family. For more information, click here.
Old South Pearl St. Farmer’s Market Halloween Fest – October 26th, 9am – 1pm
Come enjoy local, organic produce, meats and handmade goodies. Listen to musicians as you watch youth parade the street in their Halloween costume creations.
Old South Gaylord Halloween Safe Street – October 31, 4pm – 7pm
This is an annual tradition and a great way for the whole family to safely celebrate Halloween. Bring your kiddos and or pets in costume and wander from shop to shop (On south Gaylord St. between Tennessee and Mississippi) as merchants hand out candy and other goodies. Pet parade and costume contest are part of the highlights of this great community event.
For more ideas on how to celebrate Halloween, visit The Denver Posts Calendar of Events.
Regardless of how you decide to celebrate Halloween, we at Vintage Homes of Denver hope you have a spooktacular time! If you are looking to buy or sell a home or have any real estate questions, please contact Jesse Sehlmeyer at 303-564-2245.
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