Entry No. 132 — the Denver file — filed under: victorian-mansion

The Estemere

The Estemere is a genuine 1887 Queen Anne Victorian mansion — 18 rooms, seven fireplaces, a billiard room with stained-glass panels, a carriage house, and a chapel — sitting on 6.5 acres above 7,000 feet, built by Palmer Lake's dentist-founder and now a lovingly restored private residence. Its storied history as a millionaire's retreat, a girls' camp, and a Depression-era weaving school is documented in a full-length architectural history published by the Palmer Lake Historical Society.

The move: Walk or drive up Glenway Street to admire the Estemere's dramatic Victorian silhouette from the road, then continue on foot through Palmer Lake's walkable historic district (the Palmer Lake Historical Society runs a self-guided walking tour that includes the estate as a stop), finishing with a stroll to the lake itself just minutes away.

📍 Before you go The Estemere sits at 380 Glenway Street in tiny Palmer Lake, about an hour north of Denver and just off I-25 between Denver and Colorado Springs — an easy day trip. It's a private residence, so admire the silhouette from the street and stay respectful; don't wander the grounds or block driveways. Interior tours happen only on rare special occasions through the Palmer Lake Historical Society, so treat this as a look-from-outside stop, not a walk-through. At roughly 7,000 feet, late spring through fall is best for strolling; winter brings snow and ice. Pair it with the historic district's self-guided walk and the short wander down to the lake itself.

• 📍 Palmer Lake
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 380 Glenway St, Palmer Lake, CO 80133

Hours: Mined 2026-06-07 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: palmerdividehistory.org · gazette.com · coloradocommunitymedia.com

last checked: 2026-06-07