The Historic
Raymond House is the home to Denver's premier Bed and Breakfast Inn, The Castle
Marne. Built in 1889 as the first home in the newly forming neighborhoods of
Denver away from downtown. The Rhyolite stone building was built by famed
architect William Lang, creating Denver's own European style Stone Castle which
put Denver on the map. Listed in the Dupont Registry of American Castles sets
this building apart from anything else in the city and Colorado. Still using
many of the same amenities of the 1900's, such as original hot water radiator
heat, an original bathroom featured in one of the 9 rooms, and then augmented
with modern day luxuries such as in-room Jacuzzi tubs, and the city's only
outdoor hot tubs for two on private balconies. The three rooms with private
hottubs make the Castle Marne, Denver's most luxurious and recognized iconic
stone buildings open to the general public as the most welcoming B&B inn.
The Grand History of the Castle Marne
At the corner of 16th and Race on Denver's Capitol Hill,
this famous old mansion is celebrating its 123rd year,
lovingly restored to its original splendor. The rusticated
lava stone house was built in 1889, amidst the greatest
construction boom in Denver's history. The architect was
William Lang, the most eclectic architect of the time and
creator of the Unsinkable Molly Brown House.
The architectural style is Richardsonian Romanesque with
Queen Anne overtones. Lang designed over 300 homes in
Denver, but fewer than 100 are left standing today.
Financially ruined by the Silver Panic of 1893, the
illustrious architect died tragically, a penniless pauper,
in 1897.
What Makes
Up This Beautiful Building
The exterior construction is native lava stone, known as Castle Rock Rhyolite
quarried in Castle Rock, Colorado. Composed mainly of quartz, mica, and
feldspar, it sparkles and glitters. The walls are 22 inches thick. The exterior
is lavished with elaborate displays of carved stonework. You will notice the
eclectic massing and detailing, the heavily rusticated stonework juxtaposed with
the refined, delicate elements of glass and fenestration. The entry Foyer
woodwork and Parlor Fireplace mantel are especially noteworthy. Notice the pagan
carving of the Green Man in the mantle. The first floor ceilings and frieze are
unique. Known over the years as the Raymond House and/or The Marne, the landmark
structure has patiently endured years of treatment "varying from weepyeyed love
to flinty entrepreneurial stewardship"
Haunted?
In the spring of 1989, with the renovation of the Castle Marne in full swing,
four construction workers were relaxing in the sun during their lunch break in
the front yard. The large front door was standing open, offering a view through
the foyer, up the main staircase. They were amazed to see a beautiful young girl
dressed in her finest turn-of the century party attire coming down the staircase
of the empty house. She stopped to admire herself in the mantel mirror, then
skipped down the front porch stairs, swirling past the stunned workers. They
watched dumbstruck as she got into a horse-drawn carriage that was waiting for
her at the curb. The construction workers turned to look at each other with
astonishment, and then back to the curb. The carriage and the little girl had
disappeared into thin air. Could she be the same little girl whom guests have
said knocks lightly on their door late at night, then enters through the door
itself, disappearing into a mist?
