Summary:
Sleep in the 1893 home of Colorado Governor Jesse McDonald — a private 1BR suite half a block from Main Street Leadville.
✔ Queen bed + room-darkening shades
✔ Private entrance, keypad check-in, dedicated parking
✔ 2 pets welcome
✔ Full kitchen + electric fireplace
✔ Sit-stand desk for remote work
♡ "The Old Governor's home made me feel like a local" — Mark, Jul '24
» 1min ➔ Main St » 15min ➔ Ski Cooper » 25min ➔ Copper Mtn » 12min ➔ Turquoise Lake
The Space:
The Parlor is a private suite in the former home of Governor Jesse McDonald — built 1881, mansion wing completed 1893, with original Victorian wallpaper, antique furnishings, and exposed brick.
➔ Bedroom — Queen bed with room-darkening shades and extra bedding for 10,152-ft nights.
➔ Living Room — Exposed brick, electric fireplace, Smart TV, and a sit-stand desk by the front window.
➔ Kitchen — Full kitchen with electric cooktop, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and French press, stocked with cookware.
➔ Bathroom — Full bath with walk-in shower (no tub), hair dryer, and shampoo.
➔ Outside — Covered front porch with seating and a dedicated parking spot steps from your private entrance.
3 PROS:
1. Half a block to Main Street — restaurants, bars, and coffee on foot
2. Private entrance + dedicated parking
3. A landmark stay in Leadville's National Historic Landmark District
2 CONS:
1. The 1881 building shares walls with the neighboring unit — white noise machines and earplugs provided
2. No A/C — Leadville rarely needs it at 10,152 ft
Guest Access:
The entire suite is yours, fully private from the rest of the house, with your own entrance off the front porch and a dedicated parking spot.
Self check-in is by keypad. Before arrival you'll receive an email link to our digital guidebook — this is the only place check-in details live, and it's also where pet registration is handled, so please open it before you travel.
The Neighborhood:
You're one block off Harrison Avenue in Leadville's National Historic Landmark District — coffee, restaurants, bars, museums, and shops are a half-block stroll from the front porch.
From this corner of town:
- Ski Cooper (15 min), Copper Mountain (25 min), and Vail (47 min) for lift-served days
- The Mineral Belt Trail loop for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and summer rides — access minutes away
- Turquoise Lake (12 min) for paddling, fishing, and shoreline campfire sunsets
- Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive trailheads (about 26 min) — Colorado's two highest peaks
- Leadville's mining district, ghost towns, and the route of the Silver Kings for history on foot or by 4x4
Getting Around:
Most of town is walkable from the door — Main Street is half a block away. You have a dedicated parking spot, and in winter the free Lake County shuttle and Summit Stage connect Leadville to Copper Mountain and the Frisco Transit Center if you'd rather not drive on snow days.
Other Things to Note:
License #001270
Pets: yes, 2 max — a pet fee applies, registered through our guidebook link. Pets may not be left unattended at the property; doggy daycare options are nearby.
Stays over 15 days include a required mid-stay cleaning (fee applies).
No A/C. Elevation is 10,152 ft — hydrate on day one and pace yourself; altitude sickness is real and not refundable.
This is an 1881 building in the Rockies: walls are shared with the neighboring unit (white noise machines provided), and the occasional critter is part of mountain living. After heavy snow, look for the snow-removal crew and keep the walkway clear.
Interaction with Guests:
We're locals and a text away — typical response under an hour. We'll check in once after arrival, then leave you to it. Need trail conditions, a dinner rec, or more firewood-season tips? Just ask.