Step into Nikola Tesla’s Colorado Springs “Lightning Lab” — a downtown retreat blending science, art, and comfort.
✶Tesla-inspired decor, patent wall & lightning mural
✶Two queen bedrooms, two baths & queen sleeper sofa
✶Game lounge with foosball, TV, books & board games
✶Portable A/C units, radiant floor heating
✶Fully equipped kitchen, BBQ grill & private patio
✶Pet friendly (2 dogs max, pre-approval required)
✶Walk to restaurants, shops & breweries downtown
“I constructed a laboratory in the neighborhood of Pikes Peak. The conditions in the pure air of the Colorado mountains proved extremely favorable for my experiments, and the results were most gratifying to me.”
— Nikola Tesla, 1899
Welcome to Nikola Tesla’s Downtown Lightning Laboratory, a historic-inspired home that pays tribute to one of the world’s greatest inventors right here in Colorado Springs—where Tesla himself conducted his groundbreaking wireless experiments at the turn of the century. This one-of-a-kind retreat blends the charm of a creative studio with the comfort of a modern residence, offering guests a rare stay that sparks both imagination and relaxation.
Inside, you’ll find two queen bedrooms, two full bathrooms, two living areas, and a compact fenced patio with a grill and umbrella dining, all wrapped in thoughtful design nods to Tesla’s world: insulator-glass displays, patent sketches, and Edison-bulb lighting that glows like his legendary arcs of electricity.
Located within minutes of downtown restaurants, breweries, and the trails of Pikes Peak, this home serves as a cozy base for explorers and innovators alike—a space to recharge, reflect, and rediscover curiosity.
✶ LIVING ROOM ✶
The heart of the home opens to a bright, inviting living room where mid-century design meets Tesla’s inventive spirit. A deep upholstered sofa—easily converted into a queen sleeper for extra guests—anchors the room across from a smart TV with Roku for streaming your favorites. A caramel leather armchair and industrial glass-top coffee table complete the comfortable arrangement, while a vintage “Strange Stories—TESLA” poster and wagon-style furnishings subtly carry the theme forward.
Soft natural light and warm recessed lighting make this mountain retreat bright and welcoming day or night. Stream your favorite music or check the weather hands-free with the Google Nest Audio. After a day exploring local trails or nearby attractions, unwind with a movie or cozy up in this relaxing, open-concept living space designed for modern comfort and connection.
✶ KITCHEN ✶
The open kitchen, glowing under Tesla’s chalkboard-style ceiling mural, connects seamlessly to the living and dining spaces, keeping every cook part of the conversation. Stainless-steel appliances—including a French-door refrigerator, electric range with glass cooktop, over-the-range microwave, and quiet dishwasher—make everyday cooking easy. A coffee station with drip maker, French press, Chemex, and tea kettle helps you start mornings right, while a full suite of cookware, small appliances, and utensils covers everything from quick breakfasts to homemade dinners.
Recessed lighting and Edison-bulb accents highlight sleek counters, a stainless sink, and fully stocked cabinetry with dishes, glassware, and cooking essentials. Vintage glass insulators add character and daylight charm, while open sightlines to the dining area and patio make this kitchen ideal for gathering, cooking, and toasting together at your mountain getaway.
✶ DINING ✶
The round glass dining table sits under a dramatic ring chandelier of Edison bulbs, seating four comfortably with room for six when needed. It’s a natural hub for meals, morning coffee, or evening board games. Nearby, the sliding door opens to the patio—ideal for stepping out to grill dinner or enjoy an alfresco breakfast under the Colorado sun.
✶ OUTDOOR SPACE ✶
Step outside to your inviting stone patio—perfect for relaxing or grilling after a day of adventure. Enjoy a shaded picnic table, propane grill, and soft evening lighting that sets the mood for dinner under the stars.
A second private patio off the lower bedroom offers a cozy bistro set surrounded by ivy—ideal for morning coffee or a quiet nightcap. Both patios feature dusk-to-dawn lighting for effortless ambiance. (Smoking permitted only in the designated area.)
✶ BEDROOMS ✶
Two queen bedrooms offer calm, restful retreats with plush bedding, soft lighting, and subtle nods to the home’s inventive theme.
The upstairs bedroom balances simplicity and comfort with a cushioned queen bed, dual nightstands, modern lighting, and a sleek sliding-door wardrobe for ample storage. Two windows with blinds bring in soft daylight, and a ceiling fan with remote control keeps the air fresh. A private exterior door opens to the patio, perfect for a quiet breath of morning air.
Downstairs, the second bedroom feels like its own suite. A queen bed sits beneath recessed reading lights and an Edison-bulb chandelier, blending modern design with industrial charm. A full-lite glass door opens to the ivy-lined courtyard, and a vintage vanity desk in the dressing nook doubles as a petite workspace. Here you’ll also find a pack-n-play, foldable high chair, and extra linens neatly organized for families and longer stays.
✶ BATHROOMS ✶
Both full bathrooms offer modern, spa-like comfort.
Upstairs features a rainfall shower-tub combo, wood vanity, and in-unit washer/dryer, with plush linens and stocked essentials for easy settling in.
Downstairs includes a glass-walled shower, sleek vanity, and warm lighting, creating a relaxing routine day or night.
✶ GAME ROOM ✶
The lower-level lounge doubles as an entertainment and recreation space. Framed Tesla patent sketches line the wall behind a full-size foosball table, while a cushy sofa and patterned armchair form a comfortable sitting area facing a smart TV with Roku. Exposed beams and industrial lighting keep the atmosphere creative and relaxed, and a portable AC unit ensures year-round comfort. It’s the perfect space for family fun, rainy-day relaxation, or a late-night movie marathon.
✶ FAMILY & CHILDREN ✶
This home is family-ready with practical touches throughout. A high chair, children’s dinnerware, and a baby bath are provided for easy routines, along with a pack-n-play stored in the downstairs dressing nook. Board games and children’s books are available in the game room, ensuring fun for guests of every age.
✶ LAUNDRY ✶
A stacked washer and dryer sit conveniently in the upstairs bathroom, along with detergent, an iron, and ironing board. Broom, mop, and dustpan are also provided for mid-stay touch-ups.
✶ PARKING ✶
Free street parking is available directly in front of the home or along the quiet residential street. No permit is required, and spaces are usually easy to find.
✶ TESLA’S LEGACY ✶
In 1899, just blocks from here, Nikola Tesla built his Colorado Springs laboratory—a place where he created artificial lightning, studied atmospheric electricity, and first theorized wireless communication. His experiments illuminated the night sky and electrified nearby homes, cementing his legend in the city’s history. The home you’re staying in honors that spirit of invention through its design and detail—a living tribute to curiosity, creativity, and the beauty of discovery.
Other things to note
✶Respect for the Neighborhood✶
Tesla Lab sits in a quiet, historic downtown neighborhood where sound travels easily. Please be considerate of nearby residents by keeping outdoor voices and music low at all times, and especially after dark. We love welcoming guests who want a comfortable, relaxing stay—not a party house—and appreciate your help keeping this peaceful community setting intact.
✶Quiet Hours✶
Quiet hours are 10 PM–8 AM. Please limit outdoor activity and avoid loud conversations, music, or gatherings during this time so that everyone can enjoy a restful night.
✶Noise Monitoring✶
To help maintain a peaceful environment, we use a privacy-safe, VRBO-approved noise monitoring device. It measures sound levels only—no audio or video is ever recorded.
✶Firepit, Grill, & Heat Sources✶
A propane firepit and gas grill are provided on the front patio for your enjoyment. Please check local fire restrictions before use, and operate only as designed—never add wood, charcoal, lighter fluid, or other fuels. Always ensure burners and flames are completely off and cool before leaving or going inside.
✶Smoking✶
Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the home. Guests may smoke only outdoors on the front patio area and must use the provided ashtray for proper disposal. Please keep doors closed while smoking outside to maintain a fresh interior environment for all guests.
✶Pets✶
We love hosting qualifying pets! Please message us before booking to confirm your pet’s eligibility under our pet policy. An additional flat cleaning fee applies, with minor adjustments for extended stays. Pets must remain off furniture, crated when unattended, and cleaned up after outdoors.
✶Parties & Events✶
Events, gatherings, and parties of any kind are not permitted. This home is for residential use only and intended for quiet, respectful enjoyment by registered guests. Violation of this policy may result in immediate termination of your stay without refund.
✶Fees & Additional Services✶
We’re happy to accommodate early check-ins, late checkouts, or other special requests when possible. Because these adjustments require added cleaning time or scheduling shifts, a small fee may apply. Please reach out before your stay to confirm availability.
✶Rental Agreement✶
Completion of a brief rental agreement is required as part of our city permit compliance. It mirrors the VRBO terms but must be signed within 24 hours of booking. You can find a copy referenced under “House Rules.”
✶Permit Information✶
City of Colorado Springs approved short-term rental permit #0215.