By Trish Ingels
A long design tradition surrounds the Broadmoor area, from the pink stucco resort to the lakeside paths. Upgrades here work best when they borrow from that tradition and suit the mountain climate, with its sun, wind, and cold winters. I looked at local details that can guide a thoughtful project. These ideas are worth discussing with your design team.
Key Takeaways
- Architectural cues: The resort’s Mediterranean Revival style offers a palette of color and texture to study.
- Landscape design: Olmsted’s work at the resort shows how planting and paths can frame a property.
- Spa comforts: The resort’s spa suggests ideas for private wellness spaces at home, such as steam showers and heated floors.
- Mountain resilience: Wildfire-resistant materials suit a home near natural vegetation.
Mediterranean Revival Exterior
The Broadmoor’s buildings follow a Mediterranean Revival style with pink stucco that blends into the Pikes Peak landscape. Warren and Wetmore designed the hotel buildings, which opened in 1918 and still set the visual tone for the area.
Exterior Upgrade Ideas
- Stucco finishes: Warm, earthy tones can echo the resort without copying it, and sample boards help you judge color in mountain light.
- Tile roofs: Clay-style roofing suits the style, though local fire guidance should shape material choices and a professional should review the options.
- Arched details: Arched entries and windows add a classic touch to a front elevation and frame views of the mountain beyond.
An architect can adapt these cues to your lot and your budget. Consistency with nearby streets keeps the result cohesive and respectful of the neighborhood.
Landscape Ideas from the Olmsted Legacy
Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Junior designed the grounds for the resort’s roughly 3,000 acres. His work is a reminder that paths, planting, and views can shape a property as much as the house itself, even on a much smaller lot.
Landscape Upgrade Ideas
- Garden paths: Stone or gravel paths guide movement through the grounds and frame views of the mountain.
- Water-wise planting: Local utilities publish water-saving guidance for landscapes, so check current resources before planning.
- Outdoor lighting: Low, warm lighting highlights trees, walkways, and architectural details in the evening.
Layered plantings add depth through every season and give the property a mature feel. A local landscape professional can recommend plants that handle altitude, sun, and cold.
Spa-Inspired Bathrooms
The Broadmoor’s spa includes 43 treatment rooms, an indoor pool, and a relaxation room. Those amenities make a useful template for private wellness spaces at home, from the primary suite to a dedicated retreat room.
Bathroom Upgrade Ideas
- Steam showers: A steam shower adds a hotel-style routine to the primary suite and pairs well with natural stone.
- Heated floors: Radiant floors warm tile on cold mountain mornings and add everyday comfort.
- Deep tubs: A generous soaking tub anchors a calm, spacious layout and invites long evenings of rest.
Electrical and plumbing changes usually need permits through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. A licensed contractor should confirm requirements before work begins, and the department’s website lists permit information.
Golf Course Views and Outdoor Living
The Broadmoor Golf Club has three courses, designed by Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones Senior, and the team of Ed Seay and Arnold Palmer. That open setting encourages outdoor living spaces built around views, shade, and comfortable seating.
Outdoor Living Ideas
- Covered patios: A roofed terrace extends living space through variable mountain weather and keeps gatherings comfortable.
- Outdoor kitchens: Built-in grills, prep areas, and bar seating suit entertaining and keep hosts close to guests.
- Fire features: A gas fire table adds warmth on cool evenings, and local rules should be checked first.
Orient seating toward the best view on the lot so evenings revolve around the scenery. Heaters and fire features need a clearance check from the contractor and the local fire authority.
Wildfire-Resistant Finishes for Mountain Homes
The Colorado State Forest Service notes that just under half of Coloradans live in the wildland-urban interface. Luxury materials can be chosen with that reality in mind, so beauty and resilience work together.
Resilient Upgrade Ideas
- Roof materials: Ask a roofing professional about fire-rated options that fit the home’s style.
- Ember-resistant vents: Screened vents help limit ember entry, so ask a contractor about options that suit the home’s design.
- Defensible space: Trimmed plantings near the home reduce fuel, and the State Forest Service offers guidance.
Beautiful finishes and resilience can coexist with careful planning. The State Forest Service field offices can connect owners with local foresters for site-specific advice.
FAQs
Which luxury home upgrades Broadmoor CO properties suit best?
Upgrades that echo the area’s architecture, such as stucco finishes, arched details, and layered landscaping, tend to fit well. Local advisors can tailor choices to the lot and the climate. A short walk-through often reveals the best starting point.
Do luxury upgrades need permits?
Many projects, such as electrical, plumbing, and structural changes, need permits through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. Confirm requirements with a licensed contractor before work begins. The department’s website also explains how inspections are scheduled.
How do I choose contractors for an upgrade?
Use the department’s contractor license search and request references from recent local projects. Written bids make comparisons easier. Confirm insurance and licensing before signing anything.
Reach Out to Trish Ingels
Trish Ingels can connect you with local insight on neighborhoods and upgrade ideas that hold appeal. Reach out to Trish Ingels today to start planning.
