She is one of the most oldest spaces in North Denver. As you enter the cast iron gates that encircle the great Lumber Baron, notice the subtle difference in energy. It’s as though you can feel the dePth of the history around you. If you take a moment to quiet your mind, and gently lean in, you may find yourself back in days of old.
She was built in 1890 by Scottish immigrant and lumber mogul John Mouat, for his wife Amelia and their five children. Showcasing his finest work, Mouat exquisitely carved rosettes and artistic details into oak, cherry, sycamore and maple hardwoods throughout the house. Each of the five private guest suites are lavishly designed with gorgeous, intricate ceilings, exotic period furnishings, soaking tubs, and original coal fireplaces. The top floor of the home was built to host lavish parties in its grand ballroom, which features a 20 foot pyramid ceiling, covered in stars.
From 1889 – 1892, the Mouat Lumber Company was responsible for building over 200 homes and buildings in North Denver, helping to transition this once-sleepy mining town into the eclectic city it has become.
In her 127 year history, The Lumber Baron has only exchanged hands 5 times. Shortly after the turn of the century, it was home to the Denver Business University, and subsequently converted into a space with classrooms and dormitories. Later, the mansion became an apartment building, squeezing an impressive 23 units into her 9,000 square foot frame. In the early 1990s, the Lumber Baron, then abandoned and condemned, was purchased by Walter Keller. Keller poured his time, money, labor and love into the home, restoring her to her full beauty, and impressively, very nearly restoring the floorplan to its original design.
Today, the Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens wears many hats. In January of 2017, under the care of new owners Joel and Elaine Bryant, she opened her doors once more as a fine Scottish restaurant. The menu is heartily influenced by her Scottish history, and pays homage to Mr. Mouat himself.
The five guest suites remain available to Bed and Breakfast patrons, and the grand ballroom is often full of music, dancing, weddings, and private celebrations of all kinds. Keep us in mind for your next staycation or private event!
