All the original maple wood floors in the main living area have been refinished and the front entryway woodwork, including new stair banister and steps, were restored to their original shape and flow. The columns that frame the entry to the living room were replaced/restored to their original look and the original crown molding in the living room was hand cast. Many of the chandeliers in the home are either original to the home or antiques that have been refurbished. The sideboard in the dining room is remarkable in that it is one complete board that came from an old growth tree, the size of which can no longer be found.

This home has attracted owners with a refined design aesthetic who have each put their distinctive style on this impressive home. As an example, a previous owner/designer imported the three Gothic arches in the living room from the Canon City courthouse.  A turn of the century mantle was installed over the brick fireplace. The current owner/designer went further in her search, importing two sets of teak doors for the kitchen, circa 1870s, that were once storage doors from a palace in India.

The light filled kitchen was completely remodeled and rearranged by the current owner along with updated plumbing and electrical, new appliances and in-floor radiant heat. In order do this work correctly, the foundation was skirted with a cement berm. A butcher block clad butler’s pantry and organizing desk behind one set of antique teak doors are two of the many creative additions to this marvelous kitchen, designed with warm cherry cabinets, granite stone countertops and beautiful lighting.

The kitchen opens out to a gracious back terrace and meticulously landscaped yard. The covered terrace is essentially an al fresco family/dining room that was extensively rebuilt. This included sandblasting all paint, repointing the foundation exterior, repairing the stucco cracks and repainting the house. The result is one of the most inviting outdoor rooms in all of Longmont, with a gorgeous chandelier adding functional ambiance.

The back yard is a stunning oasis, with layers of flowers and shrubs that create abundant and colorful gardens. A long and wide green grass lawn provides plenty of space for recreating and the two story refurbished treehouse with storage underneath, adds a whimsical touch. Four raised garden beds near the kitchen provide fresh herbs and vegetables. A flagstone patio encircling a fire pit is situated on the border of the fragrant gardens. The entire property is fenced with new trees planted, including tall red maples and fruit bearing pear trees. And as a reminder of Old Town’s neighborly vibe, a gate to the abutting property gives one visions of children running between houses and pot luck dishes traveling via the back door.

From the kitchen, the rear staircase arrives at what was once was the home’s sleeping porch, which now houses a well appointed laundry room, with original beadwork and new windows, insulation and flooring. The handsome front staircase leads to an upper landing and four light-filled bedrooms. One of the rooms is small, with glass entry doors, but charming and useful nevertheless. It would also make a great study, nursery or office. The other three bedrooms are generous in size, some with built-in cabinetry, antique lighting or the beautiful original windows that grace the front of the home. The shared bathroom was recently remodeled with large tub and glass enclosed subway tile clad shower and separate room that houses the vanity table with vessel sink.

The crowning achievement of this extraordinarily functional and tasteful home is the 3rd floor master suite. With his and hers walk-in closets, a sumptuous 5 piece bathroom with clawfoot tub and a cozy sitting area, the compromises that one would expect in a historic home are not to be found here. Yet the diamond paned original windows, letting in abundant light, but maintaining maximum privacy, are the subliminal reminders of the comfort and joy that comes with living in a historic home, where attention to quality detail was clearly present at the home’s original construction in the late 1880s.

Settled in the 1800s by transplants from Chicago, a city known through the decades for its good taste and architectural mastery, it’s no wonder Old Town Longmont boasts some of the finest historic homes in the area. One of the original owners of this home was C.D. Holt, known as “the father of irrigation” in the St. Vrain Area. Bankers and other notable City members lived on this prestigious block of Pratt and other nearby blocks. The property to the north was once the City’s public library – the first in Colorado and oldest west of the Mississippi. One can only imagine the finery that was on display back in the day but even in present time, this home has twice been on the Historic Christmas Tour and once on the Art Tour.

While the lifestyle of Longmont residents a century ago can only be imagined, in this day and age, Old Town offers an amazing lifestyle for its lucky inhabitants. A creative hub with many artists and entrepreneurs, downtown Longmont hosts gallery art walks and a concert series. Two of Longmont’s best restaurants, the Sugarbeet and Tortugas, are two blocks away, not to mention the Cheese Importers, a local shop that is 3 blocks away and attracts customers from miles around. The Dickens Opera House is a terrific live music venue with great stage and bar, making it an attractive local hangout.

The bike trail is ½ mile away, with access to Sandstone Park, a community park and nature area situated on 313 acres of land abundant with natural, historic and cultural resources. There is currently major reconstruction along the St. Vrain River that promises to be a beautiful addition to the area. And while the City of Boulder, 20 minutes away, is the County seat, Longmont is the home of the County Fairgrounds, hosting the yearly County Fair, along with other local events, including a fantastic local farmers market throughout the summer and during the Holidays.

The cities of Denver, Boulder and Ft. Collins are all easy driving distance, but most residents of Longmont like their laid back, easy living home town and see little reason to leave. While many are attracted to Old Town Longmont because of the beautiful architecture, they stay because of the amazing community and growing list of local amenities.