The Victorian Under the Gondola has an incredible history...one that started in 1880 in Kansas.

Judge Brinckerhoff built a mansion in Lyons, KS - it was a little less than 4,000 square feet. He only lived there a short while and then the Blessing family took over towards the end of the century. They ended up dividing the house in two, moving them just a short bit away from each other and using them as rentals. The property changed hands again and one side falls into disrepair and had to be demolished. The other part of the house stood empty for a number of years.

Fast forward to 1990. The house was set for demolition. Larry Cole and his father, both Victorian renovation enthusiast, learned about the imminent demolition and bought the house for $1,500 - they then had 90 days to move the house. The adventure begins!

Larry first dismantles the house, using a chainsaw to cut it into 5 sections. Larry thought a house of this style would be best in a ski town. He researched Breckenridge and Aspen, but the strict codes and high real estate prices were prohibitive. A friend recommended Steamboat Springs and a location was established under Gondola Tower #7.

Larry personally drove the house in five trips of 650 miles each over the span of 6 weeks. He had to take a long route, through Wyoming, to avoid steep mountain passes. He lost truck brakes during one trip, but managed to get all sections safely to Steamboat Springs.

Larry pieced the house together, while curious locals watched the assembly. Larry and his girlfriend traveled back and forth from Kansas to Steamboat Springs, bringing in antiques to outfit the house. This included a Tiffany mantel added to the front parlor that was originally brought to Kansas by covered wagon in the late 1800s.

Larry salvaged a beautiful carved staircase from another Victorian house that was set to be demolished. He had to open up the roof of the Victorian to drop it in, but it's a perfect fit!

Larry eventually sold the property to Dr. Jim Ecker who renovated the house, adding on the "missing" portion of the home and renovating the caretaker apartment above the garage. The house was then used as a B&B for a number of years. Covid ended up devastating the B&B business.

Over the years and ownership changes, updates have happened throughout. This property has thrived by continually changing since the 1880's, and we don't expect that to stop!

House History