Among the many benefits our Broadmoor homeowners enjoy is proximity to an iconic hotel with a rich and fascinating past.
The Broadmoor was founded in 1891 as a gambling casino and hotel. It was transformed into a ‘luxury resort’ in 1918 by gold and copper mining magnate Spencer Penrose. Penrose found the perfect site for a multi-faceted resort that would entice East Coast and international visitors to the American West. By the mid-1920s, growth in the area was rapid and extravagant. Most were summer homes and considered cottages or bungalows — though most included 5,000 square feet or more.
A good example is Harvard educated businessman and polo player, Charles Baldwin who moved to the area with his wife, Virginia — an heiress to the Comstock Lode in Nevada. Baldwin came in search of a remedy for his tuberculosis and never left. By 1907 he had built Claremont – a 22,000-square-foot replica of the Grand Trianon in Versailles. Today the former Claremont Estate serves as home for the private Colorado Springs School. The 32-acre campus is located just blocks from today’s five-star Broadmoor Hotel.
Another fascinating property was “La Tourelle,” built during the Great Depression for $60,000 by Pennsylvania native and Powers-Weightman pharmaceutical company heir, Thomas Harris Powers. Known for its distinctive “Gatsy-esque” architecture, the 12,000-square-foot residence and grounds were purchased last year by The Broadmoor. Located directly across from the Golf Club, today the Broadmoor Estate Home is used as a “single key” venue by hotel guests.
Historic residences still highlight our original Broadmoor neighborhoods. They have been joined by newer communities like the Broadmoor Resort Community, the Broadmoor Brownstones and the West Residences, offering the best in single family, villa and condominium living. Interested in learning more? Visit www.broadmooproperties.com or call 719-471-6200 to schedule a personal tour.