40th Annual Home Tour

This year’s tour features a collection of homes built from 1925 to 1950 in architectural styles, including Traditional, Mediterranean, Craftsman Bungalow, Mid-century Ranch, Tudor, and Santa Fe/Pueblo. Click here for ticket and tour information.

 

• Home descriptions by Allie Kelly

• Photos by Sara Elise Photography

• Artist renderings by Marc Applebaum

 

The Organizers

2018 Home Tour & Street Fair
Committee Members

• Home Tour Organizer – Lana Cordes

• Street Fair Organizers –  Jessica Howard and Liz Rutledge

• Sponsorship Coordinator –  Justin Petaccio

• Publicity Coordinator – Kelly Hastman

• Volunteer Coordinator – Ameli Arku

• Ticketing Coordinator – Veronica D’Annibale

 

1794 Ivanhoe St.

“The canopy of trees, diversity of architecture and close proximity to Denver’s cultural attractions are just some of the reasons that I love living in Park Hill.”

— Owner David Brody

 The warm red stucco of 1794 Ivanhoe St. stands out on an otherwise neutral-looking block. The catalpa tree in the front yard casts a cool shadow over the curving front windows and wooden pergola. Inside, the home is a mix of colorful, Southwest-inspired decor and traditional Park Hill character.

Moving from Philadelphia to Denver, David Brody bought this Santa Fe style home six years ago. Built in the 1920s, the 2,339 square-foot house has three bathrooms and four bedrooms, including a spacious master suite and loft in a previous owner’s added pop-top.

Brody is a lifelong collector of art and has converted the interior of the home into his personal gallery. Colorful Impressionist pieces adorn the wall space, and sculptures rest on each empty shelf. A blown glass display by the front fireplace comes alive in the abundant natural light in the front living room. And a series of illustrated poetry pieces hang from the first floor entryway, paired with Brody’s favorite ‘Apflbaum’ painting behind the sofa. Refurbished wooden doors and classic black-and-white checkerboard tile in the first floor bathroom are also standouts.

The house rides a fine line between conventional and eccentric. Rich purples, yellows and oranges cover each wall like a sunset that reflects the Santa Fe charm. The impressive master suite offers hardwood floors, a fireplace and a grand bathtub. On the lower level, a bright patio opens to magnificent sculptures, blended cleverly into the lush green landscaping. For Brody, the outdoor table, shaded by a generous umbrella, is the perfect place for morning coffee.

Each room in Brody’s home is a unique artistic experience, and each painting stands strong in the foreground. The details leave a lasting impression to everyone who walks through the front door.

 

1944 Ivanhoe St.

“We love older homes. Park Hill has the same tree-lined streets as back home in Boston.”

— Owner Robert Schleper

The retro floral armchair in the front living room of 1944 Ivanhoe St. matches perfectly with the green sofa and blue throw pillows. Natural light streams into each room from the home’s many windows, bouncing off the white trim, and highlighting the open concept layout. The quaint 1925 Park Hill craftsman appears unassuming from the outside, but for an old farm bell standing in the yard. Yet Robert Schleper and Thomas Rohr’s 1,100 square-foot home is a gorgeous example of thoughtful, compact living.

Built-in bookcases framing the glazed brick front fireplace are packed with books, a nod to Schleper’s experience as an English teacher. A pass-through into the kitchen provides an ideal space for cooking and conversing with guests. The main floor hallway opens to a home office, bright guest bedroom and black-and-white tile bathroom. The house fits a cozy mood, furthered by the inclusion of two fireplaces and a downstairs living space. Staircases at both the front and back of the home lead to an additional downstairs bedroom and basement study.

The covered front porch is a favorite of the couple, a relaxing place to enjoy breakfast and a view of the grassy side yard and home garden. Besides adding paint and landscaping, Rohr and Schepler have been conscious of preserving the traditional Craftsman style of their home. They love mixing a fun design style with the aged wood and brickwork of the house, keeping with the spirit of the neighborhood.

 

6230 E. 17th Ave.

“The beautiful trees and lovely architecture first attracted me to the Park Hill neighborhood. Friendly people and good neighbors have made it such a nice place to live.”

— Owner Valrie Pool

 From the curb, 6230 17th Ave. is truly grand. Light Tudor architecture captures every detail, from leaded glass windows to the beautiful brickwork and sweeping tile roof. A recently refinished stone pathway welcomes visitors toward the front door. Valrie Pool, along with her beloved dog, Samson, have made this Park Hill icon into a comfortable home.

Built in 1937, the house offers 4,381 finished square feet, with plenty of room for entertaining. From the entryway, gleaming red and white Italian marble extends up the front staircase and touches the threshold of the brightly lit living room. A grand piano and cream-colored sofa are enhanced by the natural sunlight pouring through the windows.

Adjacent to the butler’s pantry and elegant powder room, the kitchen marries old neighborhood character and open modern living. Green granite countertops and an inviting breakfast nook make the room a wonderful place for cooking and visiting with friends and family. A whimsical floral tea kettle contrasts against the sleek appliances, showing that old and new accessories can share space in harmony.

Upstairs, two spacious guest bedrooms are joined by a luxurious master suite and bath. Previous owners expanded the master closet. Down the hall, Pool’s self-coined “flamingo bathroom” boasts original coral colored tile and a decorated glass shower door. The pink tile floor matches the wave-style detail running along the walls.

When she purchased the home, Pool was first drawn to the magical “Disneyland” feel of the property, especially the outdoor dining area and wraparound yard. She hopes to continue improving the landscaping, adding flowers to complement the manicured lawn.

 

2075 Monaco Pkwy.

“After living in Park Hill for many decades, we know that we’re privileged to live in one of Denver’s greatest neighborhoods. The accessibility, the architecture, the history, and the people … it all adds up to something really special.”

— Owner Steve White

The modest exterior of 2075 Monaco Pkwy. provides no hint of the artistic experience that awaits inside the front door. The entryway opens into a colorful dining room lined with shelves of pop culture collectibles and vintage toys. On either side of the dining table a tall figure of “Big Boy” and a red and yellow light-up robot. Colorful and vintage drawings, paintings and maps cover all available wall space.

The eclectic decor of the 1950s ranch is unexpected, but adds a unique feel to this Park Hill home. Steve and Patricia White, former owners of a specialty Denver furniture store, have brought their passion for post-modernism into each room. The front living room offers a collection of textured furniture surrounded by towering shelves of picture books and novelty teapots and cookie jars. The kitchen, fitted with simple butcher-block countertops, allows the bright turquoise paint to stand out, lit naturally by a recently added skylight.

The first floor bathroom, however, is an ode to Park Hill tradition. Pastel pink and blue tile covers the floor and walls, while markings in the doorway of the childrens’ growth give a window into family life.

A quaint red-and-blue themed patio offers a place to soak up the Colorado sun. And past the patio doors, the family room is always changing. The Whites explain that furniture is constantly swapped to best fit their meticulously curated art pieces.

Downstairs, a crawl space has been converted into Patricia’s office. A former school librarian, her impressive collection of children’s books is housed in a closet nook near her desk.

All together, the Whites’ home is full of surprises. Each sculpture, painting and piece of furniture demands a moment of attention and appreciation. As Steve puts it, the home is the epitome of “fun.” Bright colors and intriguing decor choices redefine the classic Park Hill dwelling, making this home a vibrant stop on this year’s Home Tour.

 

1960 Locust St.

“Park Hill has been a great neighborhood to raise our four children. We love the architecture, our neighbors, the schools… [and] the mix of residential stability infused with the introduction of young families, and the urban vibe generated with the redevelopment of East Colfax. We can’t imagine a better place to live.“

— Owner Stuart Francone

 The sprawling Locust Street Tudor is a time capsule of Park Hill history. Husband-and-wife duo Stuart Francone and Rebecca Thomas, along with their four children, have worked tirelessly to preserve the original 1935 features of their 4,300 square-foot home. They look forward to again opening their home to the community, after its initial inclusion in the Home Tour in 2003.

Francone and Thomas view the house as the perfect place to raise a family, and they use all of the unique spaces in their home. Their extensive renovations, such as updating the kitchen cabinets and countertops, are designed to preserve the house’s authenticity. The formal dining room is complete with a china cabinet and the original chandelier. The upstairs bathrooms, similarly, are styled in bright pink and lavender pastel tile.

Large bay windows throughout the house shine ample sunlight on the beautiful wrapping staircase near the front entryway, and brings warmth to Thomas’ favorite room, the library. Her impressive collection of books and a built-in fireplace bring a comforting feeling to this upstairs hideaway.

Like many of the upstairs bedrooms, the library looks out over the neatly trimmed backyard. An outdoor living area is complete with a gazebo, vegetable garden and chicken coop.

Downstairs, Francone and Thomas have kept the historic Charpiot family safe, a closet with a secure locking door built by the home’s first owners. The couple recently renovated the recreation room to provide a more comfortable space to watch movies and play games with their children.

Perhaps the most striking part of the home is Francone and Thomas’ love of every square foot. “I wouldn’t change a thing,” Thomas says. “It’s our dream house.”

 

1660 Monaco Pkwy.

“We love Park Hill for its proximity to city and family activities. We enjoy our amazing neighbors and the local shops and restaurants.”

— Owner Pamela Morton

 With a beautiful view of Monaco Parkway, 1660 Monaco was built in 1937 and balances a distinct neighborhood feel with crisp, modern features. Since buying the home in 2009, Pamela and Michael Morton, along with their two daughters, have added a main floor study, mudroom, three-car garage and upstairs master suite. The home offers 5,200 square feet of finished living space.

The spacious kitchen serves as the heartbeat of family life. Black-marbled granite covers the center island and countertops. A taupe herringbone backsplash, cherry cabinets and a crystal chandelier add sophistication.

Throughout the home, maple French doors illuminate the original light fixtures. The maple Art Deco doors and coved ceilings have been replicated in the addition. The family room also includes a detailed fireplace, one of four in the house. A gallery of family photos adorn the walls.

The master addition features a large bedroom that opens into a sitting area, bright master bath and closet. The upper level also includes the colorful bedrooms of their daughters, and the original master suite.

The recently renovated basement carries on the comfortable vibe of the home, perfect for family game night and entertaining. A built-in kitchenette and plush sectional is the ideal spot for popcorn and a movie. Another bedroom, full bath and laundry/craft room complete the space.

The family also loves to spend time in their outdoor courtyard, watching Colorado’s changing seasons and admiring the landscaping, especially their favorite historic maple tree.

For the Mortons, this Monaco Parkway beauty offers both the amenities of urban living, while still allowing for quiet time with family and friends.

 

  1746 Locust St.

“We love Park Hill because of the neighborhood feel; the mature trees, the sidewalks (even the uprooted cracked ones), the friendly neighbors, the young children, the retirees and the family dogs.”

— Owner Irene Rochon

 The red wooden front door of 1746 Locust St. has a strong iron knocker and a skillfully crafted handle to match. The 1930 home has a graceful, Southern European feel that translates effortlessly onto the tree-lined Denver street. PJ and Irene Rochon, along with their two young daughters, have loved the friendly neighborhood feel of Park Hill since moving into the 2,589 square-foot home in 2012.

Inside, tall and narrow windows line the walls. The natural sunlight casts a warm glow on the front entryway and family room, and draws attention to the original arched doorways and textured Venetian plaster walls. Beautiful hardwood floors are matched by high vaulted ceilings lined by walnut support beams. The family room leads into the dining area, separated by dramatic spiral columns and the home’s signature arch detail. The dining table, a favorite of Irene’s, is flanked by flowing curtains and an old piano. The room offers a view of the house’s interior and a glimpse of the newly landscaped outdoor space.

Aged metal light fixtures delightfully contrast with modern design details. The kitchen is a family gathering place with granite countertops and sweet, burnt honey-color stained cabinets. The upper level includes the master and two pink, princess-themed bedrooms perfect for the Rochon’s daughters.

This homey abode pairs comfortable family living with deep Park Hill charm. It is both a respite from the bustling city, and a lovely place to raise a busy family.