Opening to the Public
Highlands Ranch Mansion
After a highly successful grand opening and dedication the renovated Highlands Ranch Mansion opens to the public on a regular schedule June 26, 2012.
Shea Homes conveyed the Mansion to the Highlands Ranch Metro District and provided six million dollars for renovation as well as establishing an endowment for future upkeep. Massive work projects began in 2010. The completed project including a new 5,000-square-foot event pavilion, was unveiled to the community June 8th.
Beginning June 26 the mansion’s doors swing open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 3pm. A brochure will be available for self-guided tours of the first floor and several of the historic rooms on the second floor. Guided tours will become available at a later date. Check the website for select public weekend dates. No admission is charged during open public hours. Wander through the refurbished rooms, admire the craftsmanship and detail or picnic on the lawn.
For the first time in 30 years furnishings appear in many of the mansion rooms. The Highlands Ranch Park and Recreation Foundation continues fundraising to purchase additional furniture and art work that reflect the mansion’s earlier eras.
The Highlands Ranch Mansion, Carriage House Pavilion and back yard are available for weddings, private events, business meetings and conferences.
Upcoming scheduled community events include:
-
Jazz at the Mansion – August 16, 2012
-
Highland Ranch Days – September 6-8, 2012
Sponsored by the Highlands Ranch Community
Association, admission charged for both events.
Brief Mansion History
The often enlarged and altered domicile dates back to the 1880s when Samuel Allen Long (re-enactor let) built a simple farm house on his homestead acres and named it Rotherwood. Succeeding owners of the home and expanding ranch land included politicians, Confederate colonel, bankers, oil entrepreneurs and businessmen – John Springer, Colonel William Hughes, Waite Phillips, Frank Kistler, Lawrence Phipps Jr. At one time the property was thought to be the largest ranch in Colorado.
Where To Go - Travel USA 
My family and I toured the mansion just this past Sunday. I was amazed at the beauty and prestine condition it is still in! I remembered the front patio in the miniseries Centennial, and it looks just as it did in the series. As a resident of Highlands Ranch, it is a piece of history we can be proud of.