When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens
Why The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens is a stunning historic bed and breakfast located in Denver's charming Potter Highlands neighborhood. Built in 1890 by the esteemed lumber magnate John Mouat, this exquisite Queen Anne Victorian mansion showcases intricate architectural details and fine woodwork crafted from a variety of woods including cherry, oak, poplar, sycamore, maple, and walnut. The Inn offers a unique combination of timeless elegance and modern comforts with five spacious guest rooms featuring private baths, Jacuzzi tubs, and distinctive wallpaper designs by renowned creators Bradbury and Bradbury. Guests are welcomed by luxurious, antique-decorated rooms that provide a genuine mansion experience. The surrounding gardens and a large wraparound porch create a picturesque setting perfect for relaxing and socializing with friends. Its location in the historic Potter Highlands adds to the charm, making it an ideal meeting place that blends history, beauty, and comfort. With amenities such as free WiFi, a complimentary full breakfast, a bar/lounge, and a tranquil garden area, The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens offers an inviting atmosphere that is perfect for intimate gatherings or special celebrations like weddings, supported by dedicated staff ensuring seamless hosting experiences.
Here's what people think of The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens
As of recent, The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens holds a 4.6-star rating based on 279 reviews.
Users consistently praise The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens for its enchanting historic ambiance and exceptional service. Positive reviews highlight the attentive and accommodating staff—including Sasha, Joel, and Elaine—who make the planning and hosting of weddings and events effortless and memorable. Guests enjoy the delicious custom menus and appreciate the welcoming hospitality extended with rehearsal dinners and brunches. The elegant gardens, charming rooms, and the availability of overnight stays contribute to a truly magical experience. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to limitations related to accessibility, as the mansion has no elevator and all guest rooms are on the second floor, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Additionally, the historic nature of the building means certain modern conveniences are limited. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment remains very positive, with many visitors enchanted by the Inn’s historic character, spacious, uniquely decorated rooms, and impeccable service, making it a beloved venue and a great place to meet up and celebrate special moments.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Otter Leytush
This is such a beautiful, historic place. We stayed here for one night to celebrate our anniversary, appropriately in the Anniversary Room. Food was amazing, but the best thing was how the whole place is like a mini immersive museum. Definitely check out the upstairs ballroom.
Alisa Shimko
5-Star Stay at a Charming Historic Gem! Me and my husband stayed at this beautiful Victorian bed and breakfast, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The property itself is absolutely stunning—full of historic charm with gorgeous architectural details throughout. The location is peaceful and quiet, yet conveniently close to local shops and attractions. The service was exceptional from start to finish. Every staff member was welcoming, attentive, and genuinely committed to making our stay special. The room we stayed in was spacious, beautifully decorated, and extremely comfortable—perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. Breakfast each morning was excellent, with delicious, thoughtfully prepared options that made waking up a treat. One of my favorite parts of the property was the lovely garden on site—a perfect spot to enjoy a quiet moment with coffee or tea. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway in a beautiful and historic setting, this bed and breakfast is a perfect choice. We can’t wait to return!
Abby Alt
We recently hosted a bridal shower at The Lumber Baron Inn and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. The home is absolutely lovely — full of historic charm and warmth that made the whole day feel so special. The food was amazing, the service was outstanding, and Sasha made everything so easy and stress-free. Thank you for helping us create such a beautiful and memorable celebration!
Judith Barrett
We are so happy to have had the honor of holding our wedding at The Lumber Baron this past summer. From the moment we visited on a hunt for a unique venue off the beaten path, it felt right. The character and history of this majestic home, settled in a quiet residential neighborhood in Denver, was exactly right for our blended Indian-Western wedding and provided an unforgettable setting for the days of events that surrounded it. Unquestionably the best part of our experience at The Lumber Baron was working with its team. Sasha, Joel, Elaine, and the rest of the dedicated staff bent over backwards to make sure that the planning process leading up to the wedding was seamless and orderly and that the day itself went off without a hitch. The team was more than willing to accommodate our specific needs and requests, and Joel went above and beyond to create custom wedding menu items that beautifully reflected the fusion of our two families and cultures. They were even gracious enough to host us and our families and close friends for both a rehearsal dinner the night before and a leave-taking brunch the morning after, so we truly took advantage of their hospitality and wonderful service! Being able to relax and savor the beautiful rooms, the delicious food, the kind and lovely people, and the gorgeous ambience of The Lumber Baron over our wedding weekend is an experience we will always be grateful to have had. The Lumber Baron will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and we look forward to returning many times in the future.
Sara Cooley
We hosted our wedding ceremony, dinner, and reception at the Lumber Baron in September. The Lumber Baron really did give us a five star wedding experience. I can honestly say that my wedding day went off without a hitch, and a large part of that was the AMAZING day-of coordinator, Sasha. She really wanted to realize our version of the wedding, was patient, dedicated, and flexible. The food was delicious -- people were especially impressed with the day after brunch. The accommodations overall were very nice for our bridal party and we loved getting to stay in such a cool location. Overall, I really recommend this venue. There were times before the wedding where my now-wife and I wondered if it was going to be worth the money. Now that the day has passed, I have utter confidence that it was and don't regret the money we spent for a second.
How to reach The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens
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Why The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens with your friends? This historic Victorian mansion in Denver offers a uniquely charming and atmospheric setting that elevates any group gathering. Its stunning Queen Anne architecture, beautiful wraparound porch, and lush gardens provide a picturesque backdrop that invites relaxation and socializing amid elegance and history. With a 4.6-star rating from nearly 280 reviews, guests frequently praise the inn for its spacious, lavish rooms and memorable ambiance. Unlike typical venues, the Lumber Baron Inn seamlessly combines luxury with warm, personalized hospitality, making it not just a place to visit but an experience to share with friends. The mansion’s storied past and quiet whispers of paranormal lore add a dash of intrigue and conversation starter, perfect for groups seeking both comfort and distinctiveness. Whether celebrating milestones or simply catching up, the inn provides a setting where friends can connect deeply through shared wonder and leisure in a setting that feels both grand and welcoming.
What activities are available at The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens for group meetups? The inn boasts a varied array of indoor and outdoor experiences tailored for groups large and small. Guests can enjoy the charming wraparound porch and beautifully maintained gardens, ideal for laid-back gatherings, photo opportunities, or even casual lawn games. Inside, the grand ballroom on the third floor serves as a magnificent event space perfect for intimate parties, group dining, or special celebrations such as birthdays or anniversaries. The mansion’s five private guest suites, each uniquely decorated with antiques and exquisite wallpaper designs, allow groups to stay overnight in comfort and style, deepening the social experience with overnight conversations and shared memories. For culinary experiences, The Lumber Baron Inn offers weekend brunches open to the public and a daily high tea by reservation, creating elegant moments of connection over delicious food and drinks. The three on-site bars and a full commercial kitchen support custom catering and beverage service for private events, accommodating diverse palates and tastes with ease.
Why is The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens perfect for hosting a group meetup? Firstly, its spaciousness makes it ideal for groups seeking both communal areas and private retreat options. The mansion’s large rooms and multiple floors provide enough room for friends to mingle or retreat quietly without feeling crowded. Its historic charm creates an immersive environment where every corner tells a story, giving guests something to explore and enjoy together. The location in Denver’s Potter-Highlands neighborhood offers a quiet, scenic setting while still being accessible to the city’s amenities. The inn’s ability to customize parties of all kinds—from weddings and showers to retreats and casual get-togethers—means every gathering can be tailored to the group’s preferences, complete with personalized menus, entertainment, and layout. The hosts’ attention to detail and accommodating spirit ensure that groups are supported from planning to execution, fostering a stress-free, memorable experience.
What makes the ambiance at The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens special for friend and family gatherings? The inn’s century-old architecture and interior design imbue the space with an aura of history and elegance, providing a refined yet cozy atmosphere. Antique furnishings, intricate woodwork crafted from fine local woods, and unique wallpaper ceiling designs contribute to a setting that feels authentic and enriched by time. Guests often remark on the mansion's personality and the subtle paranormal stories that add a mysterious but friendly vibe—whispers and footsteps mentioned by staff add a topic of intrigue without discomfort. This blend of grandeur and quirky charm makes it an evocative place that encourages storytelling, shared laughter, and bonding. Whether relaxing on the porch at sunset or hosting a lively dinner in the ballroom, the inn’s ambiance inspires connection and celebration in an environment unlike ordinary venues.
How does The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens accommodate groups with varying needs? The inn offers five luxurious guest suites that comfortably house friends or family members wanting to extend their meetup overnight. Each suite has private baths with Jacuzzi tubs and modern showers, ensuring comfort and relaxation after group activities. While the historic nature means there is no elevator, the guest rooms on the second floor and event spaces on the third are accessible via stairs, which works for most groups but might require consideration for guests with mobility challenges. The mansion is prepared to host events both small and large, providing flexible indoor and outdoor spaces that can be adapted for dining, entertainment, or quiet conversation. The availability of a commercial kitchen and multiple bars supports diverse food and drink needs suitable for celebrations or casual meetups. Weekend brunches and daily high tea also allow for informal gatherings at the inn, even without an overnight stay.
What are the best types of events to host at The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens? This venue excels at a broad spectrum of social gatherings due to its combination of charm, capacity, and service. Weddings and elopements find a fairy-tale setting with indoor elegance and lovely garden ceremony areas, perfect for close-knit celebrations of love. Bridal and baby showers enjoy the stately, inviting rooms and outdoor spaces that encourage mingling and gift-opening ceremonies. Birthday parties and family reunions benefit from the mansion’s comfortable accommodations and festive atmosphere, with ample room for group activities and meals. Corporate retreats or small workshops also find value in the adaptable spaces and tranquil environment, allowing focus and team bonding. Special occasions like bat mitzvahs and quinceañeras shine against the mansion’s historic, elegant backdrop. No matter the event style or size, the inn’s team is committed to curating an experience that feels unique and personal.
Why is The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens a standout choice compared to other venues in Denver? Beyond its clear architectural beauty and rich historical narrative, the inn’s reputation for attentive hospitality elevates the guest experience. Unlike typical hotels or event halls, it brings character with its antique decor, hand-crafted woodwork, and the stories woven into its very structure. This depth of atmosphere fosters gatherings that are as memorable for their surroundings as for the company. The inn’s flexibility in customization and public offerings such as brunch and high tea provide multiple ways for groups to interact with the space without feeling locked into a formal event. Finally, the owners’ pride in maintaining and sharing this nearly 130-year-old Denver treasure ensures the venue remains welcoming, well-cared-for, and focused on guest satisfaction. It’s a rare place where history, comfort, and fun collide to create the perfect setting for an exceptional meetup experience.
What additional experiences can guests expect when visiting The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens? Guests not only enjoy luxury accommodations but also the intrigue and excitement of its reputed hauntings, which add a playful thrill for groups intrigued by ghost stories. The mansion’s storied past, including tales of the original lumber baron John Mouat and a still-unsolved historic murder, provides fascinating conversation and even themed event ideas. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the beautiful gardens and architectural details for group photos and memory making. The inn also offers options to host specialty events like high tea parties, complete with fine china and curated menus, which lend an elegant touch to afternoons with friends. The staff’s local knowledge and eagerness to help create custom experiences make every visit personalized and engaging, ensuring guests leave with rich memories beyond the ordinary.
In summary, The Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens is a distinguished and versatile venue that invites friends and families to gather in an environment full of history, luxury, and charm. It combines the best elements of a historic mansion with modern amenities and customized services to craft events and meetups that are comfortable, unique, and deeply enjoyable. From hosted meals and elegant teas to garden gatherings and spooky tales, it offers a multifaceted experience that appeals to diverse groups looking for more than just a place to meet, but a place to celebrate meaningful moments together.