PRIOR EVENT:

On Sunday, May 18th an enthusiastic mix of longtime members of the Colorado Arts & Crafts Society and interested neighbors from Platt Park gathered at Denver's Decker Branch Library for an afternoon walking tour showcasing the predominant Bungalow and Craftsman architectural styles built within the historic neighborhood. Established in 1886, this charming early enclave has blossomed into a popular urban community near bustling South Pearl Street and Broadway's Antiques Row.

Led by Roycroft aficionado Robert Rust, we strolled through a 10-block area filled with homes ranging from Victorian, Bungalow, Craftsman, Classic Cottage and even Adobe styles, many grouped contiguously with budding front gardens (some including miniature fairy displays).

These carefully curated places simply resonate with ambience and hominess. The sense of peace that exudes from this particular style of architecture explains why the original Arts and Crafts movement (c. 1880-1920) blossomed and spread so quickly from Great Britain to America and elsewhere. Spurred by a reaction to (and rejection of) mass production during the Industrial Revolution combined with the extreme detail and ornamentation of the Victorian Era, the Arts and Crafts movement embraced the organic elements of nature, infusing them into a wide range of design elements gracing both the inside and outside of the home.

One of our last stops was a crowd favorite. Is it the overhanging roof eaves sheltering deep and wide front porches supported by rough-hewn brick or stone foundations? The textured and weathered shingles on the exterior pierced by leaded glass windows? The hefty entryway with wrought-iron hardware beckoning us to come inside to languish in burnished wood interiors illuminated by fireplaces framed by ceramic or copper surrounds?

We were invited inside to view the main floor filled with Stickley, Limbert and other appropriate furnishings and decor. You can see by the expression of the tour members' faces how much joy these spaces bring.

Our walkabout ended at the bucolic bungalow restored by CACS members Jon & April Lind. After perusing their picture-perfect interior, we headed to the backyard to enjoy refreshments. Here, some of us tried to articulate what it is about these cozy, turn-of-the-century homes that so touch our souls. Some quotes by attendees: "that was super great" and "we had a great time!"

Take the route yourself by following it on Google Maps