Hi! On A Windy Hill with VIEWS - year-round - from every window

Hi! On A Windy Hill is open year-round. ... and it is a welcoming, healing place located on a wooded and wildflower wonderland of 1.76 acres - easy access to Colo. Hwy. 7 (a portion of the National Scenic Peak-to-Peak Byway that stretches from Estes Park down to historic Central City, Blackhawk --- and further south to I-70). Come and stay - experience Colorado - find all that you could hope for: outside activities and quiet conversations; sip a glass of wine as you watch the sunset from the west deck; or gaze at a night sky filled with stars; rise well-rested to witness spectacular sunrises and another day of adventures in Colorado. This is a completely furnished and very well equipped home with VIEWS from every window. From the west deck (16 feet of sliding glass doors off the living room) you can see the Wild Basin area (the south entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park), trace across the profile of the Sleeping Indian, and up the flank of Meeker Mountain. You can see all the way to the Continental Divide and watch storms come across the ridges, to drop a pleasant afternoon shower that dries off in minutes and leaves everything fresh and new. This home boasts the most breathtaking view in the entire area and will be just outside 'your' front window ---- NO driving involved. (And by the way, the view changes every 15 to 20 minutes!) Built in 1964, as a two-bedroom summer cabin, it evolved into a year-round home in the late 1980's with the addition of an attached garage, enlarged original rooms, two more bathrooms (one has a whirlpool tub to soak away sore muscles from hiking or horseback riding). In the late Fall of 2013, it 'opened' as a VRBO rental. And in 2014 the room above the garage was changed into the owner's private apartment. We have "come home again" - and the 'we' includes my husband, David, and two old cats, Ozzie and Harriette.) This means that we are here if you need us but basically you have all of the main house and outside property as yours to use and enjoy: DESCRIPTIONS OF THE HOUSE - INSIDE: The common-area Living Room has 16 feet of sliding glass doors opening onto a wide west-facing deck, a fluffy Flokati rug and a natural Lyons sand-stone fireplace with electric logs. (NO smoking or real fires - too high a danger of wildfires) A stained glass panel titled 'Chickadees' hangs in the south window, the 'Blue Birds' original painting was done by Dan D'Amico, nationally recognized wildlife painter who lives in Allenspark. The Dining area has an oak table - seats 6-8 - hand-woven place mats or 'real' tablecloths. Dishes (service for 12) are white and make every meal a 'delicious' experience. An open Continental Kitchen lets the cook share in the conversation and fun. A large dishwasher, microwave, big electric skillet, wide-slice toaster; a Kuerig (bring your favorite cups); a standard 12 cup coffee pot; and an electric hot water pot (with tea & cocoa in the cupboard); AND a 36 cup party pot for making a lot of coffee/hot water/even iced tea - to allow serving drinks on the deck or patio. In the kitchen area is an electric mixer, spices, cake pans, kettles and cookie sheets. The wall oven and four gas burners have an electronic ignition system - NO pilot lights! An electric 'griddle in the middle' of the burners is great for pancakes or grilled cheese sandwiches. Two lift-up counters double as buffet serving areas... or guests can sit there and watch the cook - cook! Outside cooking may be done on a propane gas grill. The south concrete patio is some protected so even in the winter you can be outside - to toast marshmallows for 'smores' on the grill! I will send a list of appliances that are installed in the kitchen for your use.... The outside decks and patio have iron chairs and and tables - fun to sit and chat... Wooden benches become extra tables - I'll show you how to convert them. The QUEEN SUITE has a queen bed, a couple of chairs for reading, chatting or listening to tapes. A roof window and three walls of windows makes sleepy time seem like camping out - but in a very comfortable bed. An outside door opens onto the patio with terraced flower beds. Adjoining this bedroom is a large bath with whirlpool tub, corner shower, stool and long vanity. The 'BURGUNDY BEDROOM' has a double bed, and features a prize winning quilt at the headboard; a handwoven woolen blanket is handy for a nap. Aspen wood turnings on display were made by U.N.C. Professor David Olson. Vivian knew and studied with him. HUMMINGBIRD HEAVEN is the "Kids Room" with two twin beds, LOTS of hummingbirds and African wildlife. Stored in a cabinet are picture puzzles, old-timey games, decks of cards, a card table and folding chairs.... feel free to take puzzles up to the living room - to play but still be able to watch the views outside. EXTRA SLEEPING but not recommended: The living room couch can be opened out as a king bed. Not too comfortable, but it is there and can sleep two more. Ask for the linens. A single sized fold out cot is stored in the closets in the Kid's Room. Rates for each additional guest will be applied at time of booking. The Guest Bath (near the living/dining/kitchen) has an easy-step-in shower, sink and stool. Tiny but fully functional.... check out the wallpaper and pine cone owls! Available for your use is an efficient washer/dryer; WiFi, DISH TV, an inside cell-phone connection AND a hard-wired land-line phone for emergencies and that number can be shared with family and friends back home. It always works. FIVE STARS Hi! On A Windy Hill has 5 stars as Recommendations from past guests - and do read the WELCOME book for ideas from other guests from food to fun available in the nearby areas. Be sure to sign the old autograph book and check out previous guests comments. And please sign back in on VRBO or HomeAway.com with YOUR comments and suggestions! ALLENSPARK is a tiny village with a Post Office and a quaint gift shop called 'Distant Harbors' (stop in to browse), drop off a card and tell Christine that I suggested you stop in - guaranteed to bring a smile! Three restaurants cater to your current taste.... nearest groceries might be found at Meeker Park Lodge, or Riverside/Raymond general store. Otherwise, Estes Park or Longmont are the better choices, especially in the summer! Two churches: the Allenspark Community Church is inter-denominational and just across from the Post Office in 'down-town' Allenspark; the New Covenant Church is about 4 miles from the Post Office & Fire Station corner - take the turn off to the Wild Basin entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and follow the signs. Other denominations can be found in Estes or Lyons. HORSES: Rent in 'downtown Allenspark' but horses are also available in Peaceful Valley to the south, Meeker Park and Wild Basin to the north. Consider a horseback ride into the hills and valleys - maybe a cook-out breakfast ride? Check each location for prices and times. Wild Basin Lodge, just outside the official south entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is fast becoming famous as a wedding venue. Stop in to learn what amazing things it has to offer. Hi! On A Windy Hill is just 4.5 miles from the lodge, and I have had wedding groups (including two brides) stay here - close enough to arrive un-ruffled. HIKING: Wild Basin of Rocky Mountain National Park has hiking trails easy enough for toddlers - if you don't go too far. Other trails are challenging enough for seasoned hikers and the area is less crowded than the main entrance to "The Park" at Estes Park. Longs Peak trail head, Twin Sisters trail and Lily Lake loop are north towards Estes. Or go south on Hwy 72 to access Camp Dick and Brainerd Lake (great trails and wildlife viewing). Or you can step out the back door of the cabin - hike straight UP and level off --- you are then in Roosevelt National Park - take the whistles in case you get turned around and need help getting back Home to The Hill. SHOPPING: Estes Park is 17 miles from Hi! On A Hill and offers all the fun of a typical tourist town - favorite shops include an "old fashioned candy store" making fresh 'Karmel' Korn all day long, sells sugar 'rocks' and chocolate 'bear claws'. Across the street is a Taffy shop that spins its sweet stuff in the window. At the Rock Shop buy an ugly rock and split it open to reveal crystals; get western clothes or hiking gear, book a white water raft trip - all in Estes Park. SIGHTSEEING: From The Hill, day trips can take you to visit famous ski areas and the old mining towns of Central City and Black Hawk (they mine 'gambling gold' now). You'll discover quaint villages with delicious cafes tucked on the side roads of the mountains. Come back and tell others about them. If you come in winter, enjoy the champagne powder at the many Colorado ski areas just a couple of hours away. Eldora is the closest and smallest but still gives a great experience in down-hill skiing. Only in summer can you drive across the Continental Divide.... go through Estes Park and Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park, drive up into the clouds and at the top stroll along a path the Native Indians took when changing their villages from winter to summer. Summer-Comers? Ride a ski lift - with quaking aspen and Blue Spruce beneath your toes! Or take a 'day trip' to Denver, capital city of Colorado - the mint, marvelous museums, native Indian history, shopping at Cherry Creek, the Broncos football, ice hockey; Lo-Do (lower downtown) and the newly remodeled Union Station (trains crisscross the state and country). Vivian & Dave were docents on this trip for years. But whatever you choose to do during the day..... return to the quiet & serenity of Hi! On A Windy Hill where you will fall asleep to the rustle of the golden aspen leaves and the scent of pine. ...you will awake refreshed and renewed to enjoy another day in this most beautiful area of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.