During extensive renovations of Craftwood Inn in the summer of 1988, a
secret room was discovered in the attic. Behind a door that looked more
like a wall were artifacts from the past that revealed a rich cultural
and artistic heritage. Engravings, old photographic plates, metal works
and a mirror reflected a time in Colorado few know about.
Built in 1912, it stands today as a symbol of a different type of
pioneer. While most think early Colorado was filled with cowboys,
cavalry, Indians, trappers, traders and miners, there was another
pioneer spirit whose ghost still walks the streets of Manitou Springs.
It was the artist and the craftsman who also came to Colorado seeking
freedom and creativity in a natural setting.
Roland Bautwell built Craftwood Inn and Onaledge Bed & Breakfast,
both fine examples of the English Country Tudor style of architecture.
In Bautwell's time, Colorado Springs was known as Little London. He was
an Englishman, an architect, a builder, a photographer and a
coppersmith, and was part of the Arts and Crafts movement that came from
Europe to the Americas at the turn of the century. Taking the technology
of the day and utilizing it for artistic expression within a natural
environment was the central theme of the Arts and Crafts movement. For
many, Colorado was the ideal setting for such endeavors.
In 1940, The Craftwood became a restaurant. In its heyday the cuisine
was exquisite, attracting dignitaries and celebrities in search of fine
food and ambience. Cary Grant and Bing Crosby lunched by the window seat
and Lawrence Welk and Liberace were also frequent guests. An owner of
the Hope Diamond leased the entire estate one summer as did Harry
Truman's daughter on another occasion.
Today, General Manager Jeff Knight and Chef Ben Hoffer, along with
our entire staff, welcome you to Craftwood Inn and the tradition that is
pure Colorado. |
