05-05-2025
Denver's historic — seemingly haunted — Lumber Baron Inn is for sale
The historic Lumber Baron Inn in Denver's Highlands neighborhood just hit the market for $3.2 million.
Yes, but: The buyer should probably be comfortable with things that go bump in the night.
State of spooks: The three-story Victorian mansion — currently operating as a bed and breakfast and events space — has earned a reputation as one of the city's most haunted landmarks.
Flashback: Lumber magnate John Mouat built the property in 1890 for his wife and five children. But tragedy struck early.
Mouat's 10-year-old son was fatally stabbed inside the home by a grocer, according to History Colorado's Rachael Storm. Then came the Panic of 1893, which tanked the markets — and Mouat's fortune.
In the 1970s, during the building's stint as an apartment complex, two young women were murdered in a double homicide that remains unsolved.
The big picture: Since then, whispers, phantom footsteps and ghostly apparitions have become part of the mansion's mystique — shared by owners, guests and paranormal tourists alike.
What they're saying: "You definitely know they're here, but it's not scary," outgoing owner Joel Bryant told 9News last year about the girls' spirits. "I love it when they interact with me and say hi to us."
What's next: The future is up to the buyer.
They could convert it back into a private home, but its transferable cabaret liquor license — a "coveted" and "hard to obtain" perk — makes it especially appealing for those looking to keep the business running, Olivia Vallone, spokesperson for listing agent CBRE, tells Axios Denver.
