Friday, April 21, 2017

Touring a French Chateau

I can't think of too many things I enjoy more than traipsing through old houses --
marveling at the amazing craftsmanship,
feeling the soul of the house, and wondering about the people who've lived there before, 

so, when I had the opportunity to explore the best surviving example of 
French Renaissance Chateauesque-style architecture in Denver, I swooned.
Step into history at the Croke-Patterson Inn. 


Chateauesque refers to a French style of design characterized by 
steeply-pitched roofs, elaborate towers and spires. 
Designed by architect Isaac Hodgson in 1891, the Croke-Patterson mansion was based
on the 16th century Chateau Azay-le-Rideau in France's Loire Valley. 
Don't you just love the towers?


Inside, I was greeted warmly by the manager, Michelle, who was busy preparing breakfast 
for guests. She turned me loose to look around 
but not before I snapped her picture on the grand staircase. 


The 12,000 square foot chateau was originally owned by Thomas Croke,
an early irrigation developer.
The Croke-Patterson mansion is now a luxury inn complete with 
beamed ceilings, stained-glass and an attached carriage house. 


The three-story Patterson Inn has nine bedrooms, 


and a lovely dining room


where I drifted away in daydreams of a bygone era.


Here's the grand reception hall.



There's even a cozy pub-style room in the basement. 


 Over the years the chateau has been a dance hall, a boarding house, 
a radio station and an office complex. 
What I noticed most about the Inn now was the attention to details, lending it an authentic feel.



Rumor has it that the house was haunted. 
According to legend, Croke only entered the mansion once and was so shaken 
by whatever was there, he never returned.
He sold the house two years later to U.S. Senator Thomas Patterson 
who owned the Rocky Mountain News and the Denver Times. 


Incidentally, the Patterson Inn is located at 11th Avenue and Pennsylvania Street, 
just a couple of blocks from Molly Brown's Denver mansion. 
If you missed my post on the unsinkable Molly's house, you can read about it HERE. 

Oh, and by the way, no ghosts were encountered during my visit!

You can learn more about this luxury bed and breakfast at
www.pattersoninn.com.

***

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Linking with:
Rustic & RefinedDwellingsBotanic BleuBetween Naps on the PorchCoastal Charm,
Cedar Hill FarmhouseA Stroll Thru LifeSavvy Southern StyleA Delightsome Life,
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson21 Rosemary LanePeonies and Orange Blossoms,
Adirondack Girl at HeartCharm of HomeFrench Country Cottage

19 comments:

  1. It's very beautiful, and I definitely see the similarity with Château Azay-le-Rideau. I'm so glad it has survived over the years so intact. And it's great that it's a B&B, so that many people can enjoy it.

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    1. Thank you! I'm sure there was quite a bit of renovation involved in making it a B&B but wouldn't that be a fun project! Hugs, Pat

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  2. Thank you for this beautiful post. Such a beautiful home.

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    1. Thank you Brenda! Can you imagine living in a house this size? It is a true beauty. Hugs, Pat

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  3. So pretty. I love the stained glass. I live in Phoenix where there is very little in the way of turn-of-the century historical buildings. I understand, however, as it was too hot to live here until the invention of air conditioning. Denver seems to have many! Thanks for the tour.

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    1. Thanks so much Joanie. Denver definitely has its share of old historic buildings, one of the things I love about living here. Seems I'm always discovering a new/old neighborhood to explore. Hugs, Pat

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  4. What a treasure! It looks like a delightful place to stay. Thanks for sharing it.

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    1. Thanks Ellis. Yes, I'd love to stay there sometime. Putting it on the list! Hugs, Pat

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  5. What a beautiful home. I would love to see it whenever I get out there again. I love the pub and the grand entrance.

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    1. Thanks Jan! They certainly knew the importance of a first impression, didn't they? Hope you're having a good week. Hugs, Pat

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  6. Very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. Just beautiful Pat. Really enjoyed this post.

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  8. I love the architecture in old homes. This is simply beautiful! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thanks so much Jann! They don't make em like that anymore, do they? Hugs, Pat

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  9. I've not been through that lovely home, so thank you for the nice tour. Love the turrets!

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    1. Thanks Monika! Glad you enjoyed the tour. I contacted them a couple of weeks in advance and arranged a time when they wouldn't be too busy. The Inn was also on a neighborhood home tour which is how I learned about it. Yes, can't have too many turrets! Pat

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  10. What a beautiful home, Pat--thanks so much for the tour and for linking up with Vintage Charm :)

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