Yes, there truly is a castle in Colorado, and it is only an hour north of Colorado Springs!

Cherokee Ranch and Castle, in Sedalia, is easy to find. Just head north, exit I-25 by the Castle Rock Outlet Mall, and head west. Soon you turn off the main road and wind through the rocky pastures as the road climbs to the top of a ridge. Suddenly the dramatic setting of the castle comes into view overlooking the valley below and mountains in the distance. There is no doubt why this location was chosen for a striking castle to be built here in the 1920s.

The history of the ranch begins long before anyone thought about building a castle in that spot. Two prehistoric rock shelters have been found on the property, and the ranch was occupied by native people for centuries prior to the influx of white settlers. What is now Cherokee Ranch was formed from two adjacent homesteads. The John Blunt family began homesteading the land in 1868 and in 1873 built a house on the property that was dubbed Sunflower Ranch. Three generations of Blunts raised cattle and farmed on the land over the next 80 years. The home they built survives and is part of the Cherokee Ranch Headquarters, though it is not available for interior viewing.

In the 1890s another family, headed by Frederick Flower, homesteaded nearby. The Flowers constructed a one-story stone house and moved into it in 1895. The exterior of this home can be seen via a hiking trail on the west side of the property.

In 1924, Charles Johnson and his wife, Alice, purchased the Flower Homestead and began construction on Charlford Castle, which would become their year-round residence. Denver architect Burnham Hoyt designed the 24-room mansion to resemble a 1450 Scottish castle. The 10,000-square feet of living space includes an enormous great hall, spacious dining room, library, bedroom suites, minstrel balcony, and eight fireplaces. Breathtaking views are available from most of the rooms and balconies. The Johnsons moved into their masterpiece in 1926 and lived there for the next 25 years.

Johnson family heirs sold the property in 1954 to Mildred Montague Genevieve Kimball, known by her nickname, “Tweet.” She also purchased the Blunt property and renamed her estate Cherokee Ranch. As the story goes, Kimball, who lived in the South, was in the process of divorcing in 1954. Her husband promised to buy her any house she wanted as long as she relocated west of the Mississippi River. She agreed when she found, Charlford Castle as it met her dream requirements to establish a cattle ranch.

Kimball was quite eccentric, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a woman ahead of her time. She successfully raised and bred a large herd of Santa Gertrudis cattle, winning many awards and becoming the first female member of the National Western Stock Show Association. She married three more times and raised her two sons at the Castle. At her behest, the Cherokee Ranch and Castle Foundation was created prior to her death in 1999. It is a testament to her love of the land, her passion for breeding champion livestock and a desire to preserve the beauty and history of her vast estate.

A tour of the castle reveals Kimball’s very impressive collections of historic art, antique furniture and what remains of her 14,000-volume book collection. After World War II, she bought up treasures in London and throughout Europe that were being sold by family estates struggling to survive and pay their taxes. Artwork includes paintings by masters such as Gainsborough and Rubens. Everywhere you look are priceless artifacts, each with a fascinating story. The Castle and surrounding scenic countryside provide a true snapshot of a privileged yet productive life.

Cherokee Ranch and Castle is not only a museum, but also a special event venue, tea room and concert designation. Hiking trails, wildlife viewing and Kimball’s grave are among the sights to see. If possible, spend a whole day there to experience the history and beauty of our own Colorado Castle. For more information, go to cherokeeranch.org.

Libby Kinder is a freelance writer and retired clinical mental health counselor. She and her husband have lived in southwest Colorado Springs for 14 years. Contact Libby with comments and travel ideas at suchafinesight@pikespeaknewspapers.com.

The elegant master bedroom, with its fabulous views, is pictured as decorated by “Tweet” Kimball during her reign at the Castle. Photo by Libby Kinder

“Tweet” Kimball in one of her iconic hats during the 1930s prior to purchasing Cherokee Ranch and Castle. A sample collection of her many chapeaux is on display at the Castle. During the 1930s into the 1950s every well-dressed woman completed her outfit with a topper. 

Photo by Libby Kinder

Travel columnist Libby Kinder relishes the views from one of the balconies of the Castle. Imagine enjoying this 365 days a year! Photo by Ron Kinder

“Tweet” Kimball’s Grand Champion bull, Cherokee Little Governor, is buried on the property of Cherokee Ranch and Castle, and he even has his own headstone. Photo by Libby Kinder

The Blunt family homesteaded the property in the late 1800s and built this house in 1873. Today the house is part of the outbuildings of the Cherokee Ranch Headquarters and is one of the oldest structures in Douglas County. Photo by Libby Kinder