One of the most
architecturally unique structures in Colorado, is the Highlands Ranch Mansion. The
Mansion offers over 22,000
square feet and lists 14
bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, 5 fireplaces, a great room, a ballroom,
a dining room, a
library, a billiard room, a butler’s
pantry and kitchen, and a private courtyard.
The Mansion was build by John W. Springer,
a wealthy man with ties to politics, banking, and law.
He actually build the Mansion to only about 60% of what
is recognized as the Mansion today.
In
1926, Frank E. Kistler purchased the Mansion and the land surrounding
it. He and his family did some expensive renovations and also
added additional rooms to the Mansion. During the great depression
he had to sell the Mansion due to financial problems.
Lawrence
Phipps, Jr., one of the sons of a former Colorado Senator, bought
the property to do cattle ranching. He changed the name of the
property used at that time and changed it to Highland Ranch.
A man by name of Marvin
Davis purchased the land and the Mansion in 1976 shortly after
Phipps death. Mr. Davisthen
founded the "Highlands Ventures Corporation" to market the
property. In 1978, Mission Viejo Corporation agreed to
a two-year option agreement to finally become the official
owners of the Highlands Ranch lands in 1979.
Mission
Viejo Co. then began the planning for residential construction.
Construction started in1980 and the first residents, the
Phil Scott family, moved into their home in Highlands Ranch
in September 1981.
