Completely Restored Historic Hunting/Fishing Lodge/Farmhouse Overlooking Estes
(44 Reviews)
- Minimum stay:1-7 nights
- Sleeps:8
- Bedrooms:3
- Bathrooms:1.5
- Property type:House
- Internet:Yes
- Pets considered:No
- Wheel chair accessible:Yes
About the Property
Luxurious Home, Outdoor Sanctuary and Spectacular Views on a Historic Homestead
It offers unmatched LUXURY, VALUE and CONVENIENCE.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE theoverlookinestes.com FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS!
LUXURY - In 2014 and 2015, the home was completely restored with all the modern conveniences of a premium property and many unexpected creature comforts. These extend outside to an entertaining sanctuary with spectacular views.
VALUE - The home is historic, but new to the general public and priced below similarly situated and furnished properties. We don't charge separately for cleaning or taxes. Our prices include everything. We provide many of the consumables and convenience items you would normally have to buy.
CONVENIENCE - The home backs directly up to forest, some of which is private and some is part of the Rocky Mountain National Park allowing you to hike or snow shoe right out the door yet it is within walking distance (1 mile) to restaurants, groceries, bars and shopping. The bus stop to town and the RMNP is only 1/2 mile from the Overlook.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE theoverlookinestes.com FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS!
MORE DETAILS:
LUXURY - pamper yourself, you deserve it!
This former hunting lodge/farmhouse/home offers 3 bedrooms, 1-1/2 baths, a wrap around deck, fenced yard, custom gazebo with fireplace, outdoor bar (in summer), outstanding views, a gourmet kitchen, soaking tub, laundry room, coffee bar, free internet, cable TV, 50+ inch smart TV with DVD and surround sound in the Living Room, a large LCD TV in the Master Bedroom, TVs in every bedroom PLUS a TV in the outdoor bar! It has new hand hewn oak flooring in the Living Room and heated tile in the Kitchen and Main Bathroom.
Outside there are numerous places to enjoy the view. There is a 14 person custom picnic table, a custom gazebo with fireplace, table and chairs on the hill overlooking the valley, and a private deck with table and chairs off the Master Bedroom. There is a custom fire pit where you can sit, enjoy s'mores, view the stars and overlook the valley. There is even an outdoor bar (summers only) with 60 inch TV that can be watched from nearly any position in the yard. There are also several gliders and chairs on the wrap around deck. There is a horseshoe pit in the fenced yard and a delightful swing suspended between two pines with a fantastic view.
The Master Bedroom has a sitting area, fireplace, and library. There are TVs in all the bedrooms. All three bedrooms have walk-in closets. There is free WiFi and cable TV for your enjoyment. There is a DVD player in the Living Room and a library of DVDs, books and games.
To encourage and simplify caring for our planet, we have a recycle center and compost bin to minimize waste. We collect rain water for our garden. We have super insulated the home to reduce our carbon footprint by over 75% compared to similar properties.
For your safety, we have fire and carbon monoxide detectors in all bedrooms, multiple fire extinguishers, security cameras and flood lights, fenced yard, and fortified doors with deadbolts. We have emergency lights throughout the property and backup power.
We are a licensed vacation rental. Beware of unlicensed vacation rentals operating in the area. A recent survey suggests over 70% of the vacation rentals operating the Estes area are illegal. Legal vacation rentals in the Estes area must meet local building codes, safety requirements, parking requirements, pay taxes and provide commercial insurance. Illegal unlicensed vacation rentals can be shut down anytime, even during your vacation. They usually don't have commercial insurance, so you won't be protected against accidents or catastrophes. They often don't meet local code and can be unsafe for you and your family. Always ask for the license number for any vacation rental you are considering using for your vacation.
VALUE - Save Money and Time
The Overlook is new to the market in 2015. To entice you to choose it for your future vacation, we have priced it below similarly situated and furnished properties. In addition, we have simplified the pricing by including all cleaning fees and taxes in the nightly rental price. We have nothing but new Energy Star appliances and electronics, super insulated the structure, and installed extremely efficient heating. This allows us to keep our costs down and pass the savings along to you in the form of lower rental rates. We provide complementary coffee, tea, creme, spices, paper products, shampoo, soap, firewood (limited) and other convenience items. We even have a herb garden (seasonal) with fresh mint for your mint juleps! We challenge you to compare prices and features. We believe once you visit, you will become a frequent returning guest. We have a pac-n-play, child's cot, stroller and high chair available upon request saving you the inconvenience of travelling with these space hogs. We have complementary coolers, travel thermos, shopping bags, freezer bags, etc. for your use during your stay.
CONVENIENCE - Enjoy your stay, not sitting in a car
Once you arrive at the Overlook, you might decide not to get back in your car. Many of our guest do! The home provides a great spot to walk into the RMNP, sit and watch the wildlife, or walk to nearby restaurants and shopping.
There is nothing behind the home except forest. In front of the home is a birds eye view of the valley below. This is the perfect spot for viewing the local wildlife.
The location is between downtown Estes Park and the YMCA of the Rockies. It is right next to the original park entrance. This convenient location allows you to walk directly into the Rocky Mountain National Park, to restaurants, grocery store, shopping and entertainment.
The bus stop for the downtown shopping shuttle and the RMNP shuttle is only a 1/2 mile walk. These shuttles are seasonal and the schedule should be researched before you arrive. However, the nearest restaurant is less than a mile away. Within a mile you can walk to shopping, groceries, restaurants and entertainment.
EXPECTATIONS - Full Disclosure of Important Quirks and Considerations
The property is beautiful and accommodating but due to its age, it dates back to 1911, there are some quirky characteristics we want you to know. It retains the original historic water tank for the farmhouse and surrounding buildings. This water tower is no longer functional, we have city water, but adds to the character of the property. In addition, it was built before there were cars and therefore has limited parking. The parking is directly in front of the home on a private road. We have a well lit parking area for one car. Additional cars must park along the road directly in front of the Overlook. We own the road. However, we must leave room for cars to reach the two cabins next to the Overlook on a dead end road. This is a very well lit and safe place for parking. It also has only 1-1/2 baths. The main bath is gorgeous with a fantastic view. However, it has a combination shower and soaking tub. The shower is a rainfall shower directly out of the ceiling. It is new and luxurious tub with a fantastic view. However, this can be a limiting factor for individuals that have trouble stepping into a tub. However, there is tub seating available and plenty of grab bars. The home is built on the east side of Eagle Cliff Mountain. The property has a level fenced yard but the rest of the property is on a hill. Once you reach the property, there is a wheel chair ramp or you can take a short flight of stairs. The home is all on one level with easy wheel chair access to the deck and yard.
OUR PROMISE AND COMMITMENT TO YOU:
* We promise to provide simple, easy to understand rates (no hidden charges)
* We promise to trust you with our home and allow you your privacy'
* We promise not to be crazy owners with overly strict rules and regulations
* We promise to accurately describe and portray the home (no fish eye pictures)
* We promise to provide you with timely assistance as needed
* We promise to return all of your security deposit unless something of significance is REALLY damaged or destroyed
Visit our website, theoverlookinestes.com for more pictures and information.
Owner
Member since: 2015
Property Type
- House
- 1500 sq. ft.
House Rules
- Max. occupancy 8
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Suitability
Bedrooms: 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8, Beds for 8
Bathrooms: 1 Bathroom, 1 Half Bathroom
Other Amenities
Entertainment
Theme
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Family
- Historic
- Romantic
- Sports & Activities
- Tourist Attractions
Attractions
- Churches
- Cinemas
- Festivals
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Library
- Live Theater
- Marina
- Museums
- Playground
- Recreation Center
- Restaurants
- Winery Tours
Local Services & Businesses
- ATM/Bank
- Babysitter
- Fitness Center
- Groceries
- Hospital
- Laundromat
- Massage Therapist
- Medical Services
Leisure Activities
- Antiquing
- Bird Watching
- Boating
- Horseback Riding
- Horseshoes
- Miniature Golf
- Photography
- Scenic Drives
- Shopping
- Sight Seeing
- Sledding
- Walking
- Wildlife Viewing
Location Type
Sports & Adventure Activities
- Cross Country Skiing
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Golf
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ice Skating
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
- Mountain Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Rock Climbing
- Swimming
Dining
- Child's Highchair
- Dining Area
- Seating for 6 people
General
- Hair Dryer
- Iron & Board
- Free Wifi
Kitchen
Outside
Location
Car: Recommended
The Overlook is located exactly 3 miles from downtown Estes. It is on the road to the YMCA. This road, HW66, dead ends just past the YMCA and there is a great picnic area with a small lake and campground. There is a grocery, liquor store, gift shop, gas station, restaurants and other conveniences within a mile of the Overlook. There is a bus stop just 1/2 mile from the Overlook. During the summer you can take a shuttle to downtown Estes, or into the Rocky Mountain National Park. From the Overlook you can hike West into The Rocky Mountain National Park. After a 30 minute hike, you can reach the Moraine Park Amphitheater, Visitor Center and Museum. From this location you can take the Park Shuttle to all of the best hiking spots. This trail is very scenic and very secluded. Along the way, you will hike within the forest along a river where there are lots of spots to stop and picnic or just take in the scenery. Heading the other direction, East, you will reach the Rock Inn in less than a mile. Just before the Rock Inn, you will find a bus stop for Estes Park as well as the national park. These buses run seasonally and should be researched prior to your visit if you plan to depend on them for transportation. In a mile and a half, you will reach the National Park Village with grocery and liquor stores, live theater, shopping, ice, etc. Downtown Estes is exactly 3 miles East of the Overlook. This can be reached by walking or driving. As you approach the Overlook you will be heading West up Eagle Cliff Mountain. At the Valhalla Resort office, you will turn left between the two split rail fences. This is the middle of three left turn options. The Overlook can partially be seen from the Valhalla Resort Office. If you are at the Valhalla office, you are very close (less than 1/8 of a mile). Follow the road up and to the right. The last few hundred yards are rather steep but can be reached by any car except in winter conditions. The Overlook was once a fishing and hunting lodge. In the 1950s, it was a farmhouse and much of the valley below was part of the original homestead. As you stand at the Overlook front door, you will see a small cabin to the left. This was a chicken coop for the homestead. If you look right, you will see a green two story block building. This was the dairy barn. The valley below, now Valhalla Resort, was the area for the cattle to feed. Even as a farmhouse, the Overlook took in visitors during the summer months to supplement income. There is a water tower on the Overlook Property just behind the house. This was fed by a natural spring and the water was distributed to multiple buildings on the homestead. Many of the remnants of this summer watering systems still exist. The Overlook has a flat fenced yard with grass. However, behind the property is a steep incline...Eagle Cliff Mountain. This gives the property a unique perspective. It also provides a great location for viewing the local animal life. This includes Elk, Deer, Mountain Lions, Bobcats, Bears, Badgers, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Eagles, Hawks, etc.
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2014
About the owner: Greetings, Let us be your guides to the perfect Estes vacation. As locals, we can provide timely assistance and recommendations. Our home is more than just a luxurious home. The fenced yard is really a sanctuary for relaxing and enjoying the spectacular views which sets our property apart from others. Visit our website: theoverlookinestes.com for more details, pictures and our BLOG. This picture was taken in front of the Historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write the book entitled The Shining. This book was made into a movie and even a mini series. Karen and I both love scary movies and books. We named our vacation rental The Overlook based partially on the fact that this is the name of the hotel in the Shining, and also because the home is perched on the side of a mountain OVERLOOKING the Estes Valley. In fact, we have included several decorative items into our home in homage to this scary classic. Don't worry, we didn't add anything too scary. My wife, Karen, grew up in the area and is a Human Resources Executive. In the 1970s, she was a maid in town and later worked at Bob and Tonys Pizza. I have lived in this area for over 30 years and I recently retired from Engineering and Law but I frequently teach law and leadership classes. We have four grown children and 6 grandchildren that all live in the area. We have a home directly next to The Overlook and another in Loveland, Colorado which is 30 miles away and 3,000 feet lower in elevation. Our familiarity with the area, and experience with a large and diverse family allows us to provide useful information, guidance, and suggestions as you and your family plan your Estes Park vacation. Please feel free to call or text us for any questions, advice, recommendations, information on local events, or anything else that will ensure you make the most of your time. This is time for bonding and building shared experiences with family and friends.
Why the Owner Chose Estes Park, CO, USA:
The Overlook in Estes is a luxurious historic home with a great yard for entertaining, located on one of the original Estes Park homesteads, with spectacular views in an ideal location. It has only recently become available as a vacation rental. If you want to experience Estes from a safe, comfortable location, in a historic home with all new modern luxuries premium properties have to offer, the Overlook is guaranteed to exceed your expectations. The setting provides privacy, a convenient location, a great view and lots of animal life. Many of our guests arrive and never leave the home during their entire stay. There are plenty of things to do in and around the home. In addition, you can hike or snow shoe directly into the park. If you want entertainment, it is less than a mile to restaurants, bars, groceries and shopping. In the summer, there is a bus stop within 1/2 mile that provides a shuttle into the Rocky Mountains National Park or to downtown Estes. In addition, since we have a personal vacation home directly next door, we are able to provide any additional assistance you might need. While you are here, you are our guests and we are here to provide suggestions, guidance and information. We practice being non-intrusive owners, but are readily available for any issues or questions you might have. We offer free coffee, free creamer, free tea, free condiments, free shampoo, free conditioner, free bath salts, free internet, free paper products, free laundry detergent and bleach, and free firewood. Of course quantities are limited. Our amenities include several coffee makers, waffle maker, crock pot, microwave, toaster oven, baking equipment, mixer, pizza oven, electric blankets on all beds, TVs in all bedrooms, cable TV, propane grill, fire pit, dozens of games and DVDs. You can even borrow our snow sleds, picnic backpack, thermos, cooler and walking sticks during your visit. Build shared memories and bond with family and friends at The Overlook.
The Unique Benefits at this House:
This is our second year offering our home to the general public. EVERYTHING is new, The home has fantastic views, a wrap around porch on three sides of home, allows you to walk into the Rocky Mountain National Park, it is completely renovated with gourmet kitchen, soaking tub, 50+ inch LCD televisions, televisions in all bedrooms, free internet, free cable TV, pack and play, booster seats and high chair upon request, full size washer and dryer, air conditioning in Master Bedroom, fenced yard, custom fire pit, three separate outside seating areas, Custom Gazebo with Fireplace, (summer only), 14 person picnic table, herb garden in summer, walk into Rocky Mountain National Park, sleds available, snow shoes available (upon request), separate coffee bar, owners are right next door to provide assistance, and it has upscale furnishings. We provide many conveniences free of charge including coffee, tea, creamer, condiments, paper products, laundry detergent, etc. We provide limited firewood, fire pit tools, hot dog cookers, pie cookers, etc. In addition to the typical vacation rental items you might expect, you will also find a crock pot, waffle maker, pizza stone, french coffee press, Keurig coffee machine, regular coffee pot, Kichenaid mixer, etc. You can easily make a full Thanksgiving dinner in the gourmet kitchen and probably find newer and fancier tools than you have at home. This home is considered super insulated with R-100 insulation in the ceilings. This helps conserve energy and makes it very quiet. The garden is watered by multiple water barrels fed by the gutters on the home. We have attempted to reuse and re-purpose as much as possible to minimize the impact on our planet. We have installed all energy efficient appliances. The energy consumption of this home is 50% less than similar sized properties. We even have a recycle center. This is an earth friendly home. Visit our website at theoverlookinestes.com for more pictures and information.
Contact us
Send email
Photos
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![Enjoy a long soak using free custom bath salts and Overlooking Estes Valley.]()
Enjoy a long soak using free custom bath salts and Overlooking Estes Valley.
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![Master bedroom with log queen bed, sitting area, library, and private porch.]()
Master bedroom with log queen bed, sitting area, library, and private porch.
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![View from gazebo while sitting at fire with your favorite wine. Bar on left.]()
View from gazebo while sitting at fire with your favorite wine. Bar on left.
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![Custom Gazebo with full size wood fireplace, table and chairs overlooking Estes]()
Custom Gazebo with full size wood fireplace, table and chairs overlooking Estes
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![Gourmet Kitchen with Stainless Steel, Granite, Island Seating, and Heated Floor]()
Gourmet Kitchen with Stainless Steel, Granite, Island Seating, and Heated Floor
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![Master Bedroom Sitting Area, Fireplace, Library, Walk-In Closet, Great Views.]()
Master Bedroom Sitting Area, Fireplace, Library, Walk-In Closet, Great Views.
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![Partial view of coffee bar. French Press, Keurig, Drip, Grinder, Syrup, Sugar .]()
Partial view of coffee bar. French Press, Keurig, Drip, Grinder, Syrup, Sugar .
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![Partial view of coffee bar. Toaster, Waffle Maker, Oven, Thermos, Bags, Etc.]()
Partial view of coffee bar. Toaster, Waffle Maker, Oven, Thermos, Bags, Etc.
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![The Overlook ... more than just a home!]()
The Overlook ... more than just a home!
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![Steps to the Overlook. There is also a ramp! You can see Lumpy Ridge.]()
Steps to the Overlook. There is also a ramp! You can see Lumpy Ridge.
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![Front door of the Overlook with Speak Easy Opening]()
Front door of the Overlook with Speak Easy Opening
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![A local visitor and pet at The Overlook, a ground squirrel sitting on a lap.]()
A local visitor and pet at The Overlook, a ground squirrel sitting on a lap.
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![View while roasting s'mores in fire pit.]()
View while roasting s'mores in fire pit.
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![View from front door of living room and twin french doors to master suite.]()
View from front door of living room and twin french doors to master suite.
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![View of back yard out master bedroom doors and private porch.]()
View of back yard out master bedroom doors and private porch.
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![View of living room and dining area. There is also a breakfast bar with seating]()
View of living room and dining area. There is also a breakfast bar with seating
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![View of living room and front door which opens to wrap around deck .]()
View of living room and front door which opens to wrap around deck .
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![Enormous custom picnic table for at least 14 is one of three outdoor seating.]()
Enormous custom picnic table for at least 14 is one of three outdoor seating.
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![Hallway past Kitchen, through Separate Coffee Bar, to the back door and yard.]()
Hallway past Kitchen, through Separate Coffee Bar, to the back door and yard.
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![Double vessel sinks in main bath plus soaking tub, rainfall shower, bidet, etc.]()
Double vessel sinks in main bath plus soaking tub, rainfall shower, bidet, etc.
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![The front of the Overlook at dusk. Two rain barrels are shown on the deck.]()
The front of the Overlook at dusk. Two rain barrels are shown on the deck.
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![Wintery view from the front door of The Overlook of Estes Valley!]()
Wintery view from the front door of The Overlook of Estes Valley!
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![One If our many animal friends ... Feeding is discouraged by Dept of Wildlife!]()
One If our many animal friends ... Feeding is discouraged by Dept of Wildlife!
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![This shows the location of the Overlook as you approach Estes Park from HW 34.]()
This shows the location of the Overlook as you approach Estes Park from HW 34.
VRBO #706941
This listing was first published here in 2015.
Date last modified - Monday, May 29, 2017
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