Barney Ford House - 1890 Victorian Landmark, Hot Tub, City Park West

The Barney Ford House - an 1890 craftsman Victorian landmark in City Park West, with a restored speakeasy parlor at its heart. Fully modernized, and built for a good time. Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, sleeps six. We just finished a full year-long remodel, so there's no deferred maintenance and nothing tired about it.

It's a natural fit for couples traveling together or a group of friends who want a base with real character instead of another beige rental.

The house is full of unique, intimate spaces. The restored parlor is the showpiece: original millwork, an Alexa-enabled stereo, and a speakeasy atmosphere that turns the first round of the night into an event. Upstairs, a second living room with a plush massage chair, an Xbox, and a full-size TV gives everyone room to spread out. There's a themed room, a full kitchen, and pockets throughout the house where you can slip away for a quiet conversation or regroup before heading back out.

Outside, a covered gazebo off the deck holds the hot tub and a couch - the gathering spot, afternoon or 2 a.m. Add string lights, a fire pit, and room to grill, and the backyard becomes its own destination. Both front and back yards are fully fenced with locking gates, so dogs can be off leash the whole stay.

Location is the headline. Colfax Avenue is one block away: theaters, taprooms, cocktail bars, and some of the best live music in the country. 17th Avenue Restaurant Row is one block the other direction, running from casual patios to reservation-worthy dinners. You're in the heart of Denver and you won't need a car to enjoy it. A protected bike lane one house over is a straight shot downtown to the 16th Street Mall, and the Colfax rebuild is wrapping up now - new center bus lanes and a corridor coming back to life. Scooters and bikes are on every corner when you want to range farther.

There's history here too. Recognized by the Denver Historical Society, the home is named for Barney Lancelot Ford - a pioneering Colorado entrepreneur who built hotels, restaurants and businesses across the young state and became one of Denver's most prominent civic figures. His portrait is set in stained glass at the State Capitol, and PBS made a documentary about him. Worth knowing about the house you're sleeping in.

WHAT'S HERE
Bedroom 1: king bed plus air mattress. Bedroom 2: double bed. Bedroom 3: two single beds.
2.5 bathrooms, full kitchen, air conditioning, laundry
Restored music parlor with Alexa-enabled stereo
Second living room with massage chair, Xbox and full-size TV
Hot tub in the covered deck gazebo, plus fire pit, string lights and grill space
Fully fenced front and back yards with locking gates
Smart locks and full home automation
Free street parking out front

NEARBY, ROUGHLY BY DISTANCE
Ogden Theatre - 0.5 mi, 10-min walk
Fillmore Auditorium - 0.7 mi, 14-min walk
Cheesman Park - 1 mi, 15-min walk
Denver Zoo - 1 mi, 20-min walk
Bluebird Theater - 1.2 mi, 20-min walk
Denver Botanic Gardens - 1.2 mi, 25-min walk
Denver Art Museum - 2 mi, 10-min drive
16th Street Mall - 2 mi, 10-min drive
Meow Wolf - 2.1 mi, 7-min drive
Coors Field - 2.4 mi, 10-min drive
Mission Ballroom - 2.5 mi, 8-min drive
Union Station - 2.7 mi, 12-min drive
Ball Arena - 3 mi, 12-min drive
Empower Field at Mile High - 3.5 mi, 12-min drive
Red Rocks Amphitheatre - 20 mi, or catch the Red Rocks shuttle two blocks away at Illegal Pete's
Denver International Airport - 26 mi, 31-min drive

GOOD TO KNOW
Dogs are welcome - up to two, 50 lbs max each, with a pet fee. Message us about your pups before you book. No cats, sorry.
Parking is free on the street out front and there's almost always a spot within a few doors. Check the posted signs, since a couple of nearby blocks have permit hours.
The whole house is yours, along with both yards and the hot tub. We're nearby and glad to help with restaurant picks, ticket advice, or anything that comes up mid-stay. Otherwise we'll leave you to enjoy the house.
The house is cleaned thoroughly between stays. If something isn't right when you walk in, tell us and we'll take care of it the same day.

Come for a show, a game, or a weekend that gets away from you a little. This is an unforgettable stay in the middle of everything Denver does well.