Tour the Historic 1906 Van Mater House in Denver With 7 Bedrooms, 4 Fireplaces, and a Designer Chef’s Kitchen

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

The Van Mater House is a stunning 120-year-old masterpiece designed by renowned architects Marean and Norton, creators of the Colorado Governor’s Mansion. This historic home blends classic charm with modern luxury, featuring intricate craftsmanship like original crown molding, solid wood pocket doors, and a sunlit leaded glass window. Recent renovations include a state-of-the-art JennAir kitchen, updated bathrooms, and a redesigned third floor with a full bath and kitchenette. Priced at $3,500,000, this mansion offers grand entertaining spaces, six bedrooms, and four fireplaces, perfectly combining heritage and contemporary comfort on a prominent Denver plot.

Exterior Corner View

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A historic two-story brick house positioned on a corner lot with street signs marking Emerson St and 7th Ave. The home displays early 20th-century architectural elements, including a steep, multi-faceted roof with dormer windows and two prominent chimneys. The exterior brickwork evokes a warm, earthy tone that blends with the surrounding iron fence and brick pillars draped in dormant vines. Mature trees and landscaped shrubbery frame the property, while the sidewalk and crosswalk suggest an urban neighborhood setting. The design balances sturdy construction with natural growth for a timeless curb appeal.

Front Porch Entry

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

A stately front porch with wide stone steps leads to a set of double wooden doors with glass panels. The porch is framed by sturdy brick columns and a low brick wall topped with red stone caps, contrasting subtly with the beige brick exterior of the house. A wooden overhang supported by exposed rafters adds a craftsman touch, while string lights hang artfully across the porch ceiling, providing ambient lighting. Mature shrubbery and a manicured lawn border the path, with decorative garden art and a small Buddha statue contributing to a welcoming, serene atmosphere. The architectural style blends classic solidity with charming, rustic details.

Front Porch Details

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

Long covered porch with exposed wooden beams and tongue-and-groove ceiling stained a rich dark brown creates a warm overhead canopy. Brick columns and low walls in light beige with reddish brick accents add structure and classic Craftsman charm. Hexagonal tile flooring in muted tones provides a subtle textured foundation beneath. Wrought iron lighting sconces and string lights suspended across the space introduce both vintage character and soft ambiance. Wooden double doors with glass panes offer entry, flanked by a tall planter and decorative wall-mounted elements, blending historic style with inviting outdoor living..

Historic Neighborhood Aerial

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A cluster of historic homes is set within a mature neighborhood lined with tall, leafy trees and wide streets. The architecture reflects early 20th-century American styles, including brick facades, steeply pitched roofs, dormer windows, and prominent chimneys. Roofs display varied materials such as slate and tiles, with some homes featuring porches. The surrounding lush greenery combines evergreen and deciduous trees, highlighting seasonal shifts with hints of spring foliage. In the background, modern mid-rise buildings create a contrasting urban skyline, blending the legacy of old-world charm with city growth and development.

Living Room and Dining View

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

Spacious living area characterized by honey-toned hardwood floors and soft sage green walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Classic crown molding and wood trim around the large windows and fireplace showcase historic craftsmanship. A large beige sectional sofa anchors the space, complemented by a wooden side table with a decorative lamp and intricate model structure. The room extends openly into a dining area, framed by ornate wooden sliding doors and a matching built-in bookshelf. Natural light filters through multiple windows, highlighting the blend of traditional architecture with modern comforts like the ceiling fan and mounted TV. A foosball table adds a playful touch, enhancing the room’s multifunctional appeal.

Living Room with Pool Table

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

Spacious living area centered around a deep red felt pool table with intricately carved dark wood legs. Rich hardwood floors flow across the room, complementing the wood-trimmed windows and built-in bookshelves lining one wall, stocked with books and decor. A large sectional sofa faces a classic wooden fireplace mantel topped with a flat-screen TV, framed by elegant crown molding and subtle sage green walls. Bay windows draped with soft cream curtains allow natural light to flood the room, highlighting an unexpected vintage auto rickshaw parked by the glass, adding a unique conversation piece to the historic ambiance.

Sunroom Activity Space

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

A bright sunroom characterized by expansive windows that stretch around two walls, allowing abundant natural light to fill the space. The ceiling beams are painted a striking red, contrasting with dark wood window frames and white lower wall paneling that offers a clean division between upper and lower surfaces. A large white table with built-in drawers dominates the room, surrounded by small chairs featuring zebra-patterned cushions, suggesting a creative or children’s activity space. Hanging kites and an easel add playful and artistic touches. The cork flooring complements the overall warm and inviting atmosphere.

Kitchen Island and Counters

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

The kitchen exhibits a spacious and airy layout with a large island dominating the center. The island includes a mix of natural stone and butcher block countertops, offering both elegance and practical chopping surfaces, accompanied by rustic wooden stools. Surrounding cabinetry is finished in a soft cream color with classic paneling, topped with granite countertops that continue up the backsplash, adding texture and visual interest. A prominent dark copper range hood contrasts strikingly with the light cabinetry. Pendant lights featuring glass and metal fixtures hang above the island. The warm hardwood floors extend throughout, while a window seating area with plush cushions invites comfort and natural light from large, multi-paned windows.

Game Room Seating Area

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

The room is designed with soft sage green walls and detailed white crown molding, highlighting classic architectural charm. A central round black table with slender legs is accompanied by two brown modern chairs with metal frames. Beneath, a rectangular area rug in neutral tones of cream and rust anchors the seating arrangement on warm hardwood floors. A hanging iron lantern light fixture above the table adds a vintage touch. Two abstract paintings in muted earth tones hang on one wall, while a large framed image of a serene face adorns another. Floor-length sheer curtains frame large windows, and a vintage pinball machine stands in the corner, offering a playful element to the sophisticated design. A potted green plant adds life to the space.

Spacious Bedroom Interior

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

Light-filled bedroom with warm, earthy tones on the walls and rich hardwood floors. The bed, dressed in white linens with textured pillows and a throw, sits adjacent to a wide window framed by beige curtains. A leafy green plant and two vibrant, framed paintings add subtle pops of color. A unique fan with wooden leaf-shaped blades hangs from the ceiling, complementing the natural and soft aesthetic. Double doors lead to an adjoining sunlit room with large windows. A decorative, sculptural wooden stool and a geometric-framed mirror on the wall enhance the room’s cozy, eclectic charm.

Sunroom Sitting Area

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

Long windows framed in rich wood provide abundant natural light, overlooking leafy greenery and a neighboring house with a red-tiled roof. The ceiling is composed of narrow wooden planks with a warm tone, complementing the hardwood floor. A white brick fireplace anchors the far wall, topped by a minimalist piece of artwork and framed by wooden trim. Two beige upholstered chairs flank a small round side table adorned with a lamp and greenery. A dark cowhide rug adds texture and contrast against the woods. Bamboo blinds offer adjustable shade, while a rustic wood and metal table on the right adds character and utility.

Bathroom Hallway

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

A long bathroom hallway with textured stone tile flooring leads to a soaking tub positioned by two frosted windows that allow natural light to softly illuminate the space. Along the right side, an ornately carved wooden shelving unit holds neatly folded towels and a decorative glass bowl filled with shells, blending rustic charm with a coastal touch. The left wall is adorned with two large abstract art pieces in neutral tones above a potted ornamental grass plant on a small round wicker table, adding natural elements. Pendant lights hang from the ceiling, casting warm, ambient lighting across the room. The cabinetry is dark-stained wood with a classic design, enhancing the warm, inviting atmosphere.

Bathroom and Shower Area

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

The bathroom presents a serene, spa-like atmosphere with neutral beige tiles complemented by dark marble accents on the built-in shower bench. A large frameless glass partition separates the shower from the rest of the space, maintaining openness. The elegant freestanding white bathtub is placed near two windows that allow natural light to flood in, with a potted plant adding a touch of greenery. Dark wood cabinetry with matching mirrors and soft pendant lighting hanging from the ceiling create a warm contrast, blending classic and modern aesthetics harmoniously. Polished chrome fixtures complete the sophisticated design.

Walk-In Closet

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

Spacious walk-in closet lined with rich, dark wood cabinetry that extends from floor to ceiling. Multiple drawers and cabinets provide ample enclosed storage while open shelves and hanging rods on the right side display neatly arranged clothing and shoes. The closet includes sleek silver handles and frosted glass cabinet doors for a modern touch. Warm hardwood flooring contrasts with the wood furniture, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. The ceiling is fitted with recessed lighting that brightens the entire space evenly, enhancing the practical and polished design of this functional dressing area.

Bedroom Interior

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

A spacious bedroom with a calming neutral color palette and contemporary design elements. The walls feature subtle, patterned wallpaper in soft gray tones, contrasting with white crown molding and trim. Two large windows draped with white curtains allow natural light to flood the room. A dark wood bed frame anchors the room atop a large blue-gray area rug with distressed patterns. An eye-catching bright red wardrobe adds a bold pop of color. The ceiling has a unique modern fan with an airplane design, complemented by a curved track light fixture. A wooden desk with a black chair and a small nightstand with table lamps complete the functional yet stylish setup.

Curved Bay Window

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

A semicircular bay window space with three large windows embraced by white trim contrasts with bright blue walls. Softly pleated beige curtains hung on dark rods are tied back to reveal scenic views. The floor is warm-toned hardwood with a natural grain pattern that complements the vivid wall color. The white baseboards curve gracefully along the bottom, enhancing the architectural roundness of the space. Natural light fills the nook, creating a bright, inviting atmosphere that blends classic window framing with a cheerful, modern color palette.

Upper Hallway Landing

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

Hardwood flooring stretches across the spacious upper hallway landing, adorned by a richly patterned Persian-style area rug that adds warmth and color. Cream-colored walls with white trim provide a subtle contrast, complemented by dark stained wood doors that hint at the home’s historic character. A large square mirror with a textured frame hangs on one wall, opposite a doorway leading downstairs by a black-painted wooden balustrade with turned spindles. Natural light filters through decorative leaded glass windows near the staircase, while a wrought iron lantern-style pendant light and a vintage wall clock add classic charm.

Laundry Room Details

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

The compact laundry room contains a stacked washer and dryer unit in sleek white with digital controls and chrome trim. A green ironing board is mounted on the back wall along with its iron positioned on a dedicated holder. To the right, a white countertop sits above cabinetry offering storage space, while an open shelf above holds various laundry products including detergent and stain removers. The walls and ceiling are painted white, contributing to a clean and bright atmosphere. A collapsible laundry basket sits neatly on the floor, emphasizing the room’s functional design optimized for efficient use.

Exercise Room Corner

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

The space functions as a simple exercise area with polished hardwood floors and sloped ceilings painted in a combination of beige and light tan. Two yoga mats lie flat on the floor, positioned for workouts or stretching. A stationary bicycle set on a mat sits against the far wall, accompanied by a few dumbbells scattered nearby for strength training. Natural light enters through a window with a woven shade, illuminating the room’s minimal aesthetic. A small ornate side table near the window holds a few decorative items, adding a subtle touch of charm to this otherwise practical and airy room.

Curved Balcony

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

The balcony exhibits a charming curved design with a low brick wall base topped by a detailed wrought iron railing featuring elegant scrollwork. The floor comprises dark, rectangular tiles arranged in a consistent pattern that contrasts with the light brickwork and reddish stone cap on the wall. Above, the rustic, exposed wooden beams of the roof structure provide a historic touch, with weathered textures suggesting age. The scenic view reveals a mix of leafless trees and various architectural rooflines in the backdrop, providing an inviting outdoor retreat blending classic craftsmanship with ample natural light and open sky views.

Bedroom with Canopy Bed

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

A spacious bedroom with polished hardwood floors and soft gray walls creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. A dark wood canopy bed stands prominently, complemented by a subtle patterned area rug beneath it. The ceiling angles downward on one side, adding architectural interest and coziness. A modern ceiling fan with sleek black blades provides both form and function. Against the wall, a matching dark wood dresser offers ample storage. Classic white trim and a white door enhance the room’s historic charm while maintaining a clean, minimalist look. An elegant floor lamp adds soft lighting near the bed.

Bathroom Bathtub Area

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

A spacious bathroom with a modern bathtub embedded in a white stone surround adorned with small circular mosaic tiles in varied shades of gray and black. The wall above the tub features a textured surface with a flowing wave pattern painted in soft white, adding a dynamic yet calming effect. The vanity consists of a dark wooden cabinet with a translucent glass vessel sink and a sleek, chrome faucet. A decorative, ornate vintage mirror hangs above the sink, complemented by contemporary lighting. Natural light enters through a large window, unveiling a cozy corner with a woven laundry basket and a simple round wall mirror near the toilet. The floor is decorated with pebble-style tiles, enhancing the organic, spa-like ambiance.

Upstairs Landing Area

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

A large, open upstairs landing with warm honey-toned wood flooring and a richly patterned traditional area rug in muted reds, blues, and creams anchors the space. A wooden banister with spindle railings surrounds the stairwell, complementing the classic architectural details. Neutral beige walls reflect light from a rectangular window and a skylight, adding brightness. A cozy tan armchair with a matching ottoman rests under the skylight, creating a quiet nook beside a small side table. Two distinct light fixtures hang from the ceiling: a modern linear chandelier over the stairwell and a black metal-lasting fixture overhead in this sitting area. An open doorway leads to another room with similar flooring and sloped ceilings, indicating attic space usage.

Basement Mechanical Room

Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues

The space reveals a basement area primarily designated for HVAC and storage functions. Concrete flooring with some visible cracks supports a spacious layout. The right side features modern Lennox heating units linked with extensive white PVC and metallic ductwork running along the ceiling and walls. The left portion is lined with open wooden shelving filled with assorted boxes, board games, and miscellaneous household items. A simple white interior door offers access to another section of the basement. The ceiling is unfinished, exposing pipes, wiring, and ductwork, providing an industrial and utilitarian aesthetic to the area.

Listing Agent: Stan Griffith of RE/MAX Avenues via Zillow 

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