Welcome to the website of:
THE OVERLOOK,
A Vacation Rental in Estes Park, Colorado
THE OVERLOOK,
A Vacation Rental in Estes Park, Colorado
We offer the unique combination of ...
- A luxurious newly restored historic home...WITH HOT TUB,
- With a fabulous outdoor entertaining area/sanctuary...WITH OUTDOOR BAR,
- On a historic homestead...DATING BACK TO 1911,
- With spectacular views...FOREST, MOUNTAINS, FIREWORKS,
- WITH AIR CONDITIONING!
- In an ideal location...BACKS UP TO RMNP!
For nearly 100 years this historic property, perched on the side of a mountain, has welcomed guests from all over the world.
Initially, as one of the original homestead in Estes, then as a hunting and fishing lodge, and later as a fully functional farm, this property has seen a lot of changes in the Estes Valley since 1911.
It is located in a prime location that was selected over 100 years ago before 99% of the current homes and businesses existed. This is a historical treasure that has been completely reimagined as a luxury vacation home with an outdoor entertainment sanctuary. In addition, we have a home directly next door and can provide timely assistance as needed to ensure you fully enjoy your Estes Park vacation.
NOTE: We are reinvesting 100% of the profits from guest rentals back into the property to restore it and the surrounding property to its former glory. By renting this property, you are helping to preserve a historic treasure in Estes Park.
THE ESTATE
As you can see from this picture, The Overlook is more than just a home. It was the main home for one of the original homesteads in Estes Park. From this historic home, you can overlook the original 120 acres of property down to the Big Thompson River. Behind the Overlook is nothing but the forest of RMNP!
Today, this property has been subdivided and belongs to several land owners as well as the Valhalla Resort. Nevertheless, the home sits on the highest point of this homestead with nothing but forest behind it and a spectacular view of the valley in front.
As you look at this picture, on the far left, behind the fence, you will find private parking for the Overlook and further to the left our personal home. Also, on the left side you will find the main stairs to the Overlook as well as a ramp. On the far right of the picture, you can just see the Outdoor Bar which is well lit. This bar is open in summer. Between the Outdoor Bar and the home you can also see the Custom Gazebo which has a full size electric fireplace and lights. As a guest of the Overlook, all of this area is yours during your stay. You don't share it with anyone else!
In this picture, you can see the forest on Eagle Cliff Mountain behind the Overlook. There are no houses behind the Overlook. There is simply forest that turns into RMNP. No highways. No houses. No businesses. Just the serene and majestic Rocky Mountain National Park.
There are several important things to notice in this picture. First, this is the final hill to the Overlook and it can be slick in winter. This is why we recommend four wheel or all wheel drive. Second, there is off road private parking on the left of this picture behind the fence. Additional parking is on the road in front of the Overlook. This road is private and on our property. However, we must leave room for cars to pass. There is only one cabin next to the Overlook before the road dead ends. This cabin was once the chicken coop for the Overlook. We must leave room for cars to reach this cabin. Third, you can see how well we have lit the Overlook. Once you reach the Overlook, parking, finding the stairs, etc. is very easy.
NOTE: The object on the right of the road that looks like an obelisk is actually a sled stuck in the snow!
Below is a closer look at the outdoor sanctuary at the Overlook. On the far left is the home. As you move right, you can see the historical water tank and then the romantic tree suspended between two trees. Next, you see the custom gazebo with fireplace and then the outdoor bar. This yard has grass and is fenced. It also includes a stainless steel BBQ grill and enormous picnic table that will seat 14 people. Just inside the fence is a horseshoe pit, ring toss and carpet ball games. In summer, there are numerous herb and flower gardens.
THE YARD
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The View
This vacation rental is a newly restored and luxurious historical home on one of the original homesteads in Estes Park. It has 3 bedrooms, 1-1/2 baths, a fenced yard, custom gazebo with electric fireplace, outdoor bar (in summer), gourmet kitchen, coffee bar, spa like bath area including soaking tub and custom bath salts, heated floors, bidet toilets with heated seats, air conditioning and outstanding views. It has welcomed guests from all over the world for nearly 100 years.
It is located in an ideal spot between the town of Estes and the YMCA of the Rockies (Click on the "location" tab above for more details). It is next to the original RMNP entrance and backs up to nothing but forest.
This home just recently became available to the general public. You can find out more about this unique and historic property by reviewing this website. You can also read reviews and reserve this property by clicking on the "RESERVE NOW" button found throughout this website.
NOTE: We have a strict No Pets and No Smoking policy for the comfort of our allergy sensitive guests.
It is located in an ideal spot between the town of Estes and the YMCA of the Rockies (Click on the "location" tab above for more details). It is next to the original RMNP entrance and backs up to nothing but forest.
This home just recently became available to the general public. You can find out more about this unique and historic property by reviewing this website. You can also read reviews and reserve this property by clicking on the "RESERVE NOW" button found throughout this website.
NOTE: We have a strict No Pets and No Smoking policy for the comfort of our allergy sensitive guests.
This unique and historic home has a rich and vibrant history. It is situated on one of the original homesteads in Estes Park. In the early 1900s, the property was mined for gold. Unfortunately, the only gold found were big city tourists. The home was originally built as a summer hunting and fishing lodge. Later, it was converted into a fully functional farmhouse. The surrounding cabins were once part of this historic property. Standing on the front deck looking over the valley, the cabin to the left of the Overlook was once a chicken coop. The rental to the right of the Overlook was once a dairy barn. The property in front of the Overlook is currently Valhalla Resort with dozens of cabins and open fields. However, it was once the grazing area for the Overlook cattle. These cattle were moved down the mountain to Loveland, Colorado during the winter months and returned in the spring.
Before there was city water, the Overlook relied on a natural spring located behind the home. The original water tank that once supplied the Overlook and surrounding cabins with summer water still stands proudly like a sentinel directly behind the home. The original spring that fed water into the water tank still exists but has been plugged. Today, the Overlook is connected to the town utilities including city water, electric and sewer. There is a whole house propane furnace and supplemental infrared heaters in each bedrooms. In winter, we have electric blankets. Although it rarely gets warm enough to use it, there is also an air conditioner in the living room and master suite.
The moment your arrive you will know you are somewhere special.
This isn't your typical vacation rental.
This is a historical treasure. A luxurious home with a yard that is an entertaining sanctuary with a spectacular view on one of the first homesteads in Estes. This is a picture from the living room looking back towards the front door. Even though the neighborhood is already extremely quiet, the home also has R-100 insulation with denim sound insulation, double pane windows, etc. This makes it nearly impossible to hear what's going on outside, or even in the next room! The home has all new lodge like furniture and state-of-the art electronics. Imagine relaxing on the leather sofa, watching your favorite Netflix movie on the large 50" LED TV with surround sound, while surfing the internet completely unaware of a fierce storm brewing outside.
This isn't your typical vacation rental.
This is a historical treasure. A luxurious home with a yard that is an entertaining sanctuary with a spectacular view on one of the first homesteads in Estes. This is a picture from the living room looking back towards the front door. Even though the neighborhood is already extremely quiet, the home also has R-100 insulation with denim sound insulation, double pane windows, etc. This makes it nearly impossible to hear what's going on outside, or even in the next room! The home has all new lodge like furniture and state-of-the art electronics. Imagine relaxing on the leather sofa, watching your favorite Netflix movie on the large 50" LED TV with surround sound, while surfing the internet completely unaware of a fierce storm brewing outside.
As you arrive, you will immediately feel at home. As you first enter the home, this is your view. You are looking at the living room. You can barely see the leather sofa on the left. On the left of the picture, just outside the frame, are the two extra bedrooms. These are legal bedrooms with walk in closets. These aren't bedrooms squeezed into a porch, attic, or loft! There is a dining table on the far left. The kitchen is on the far right. Straight ahead is the master bedroom suite. There are double french doors on the master bedroom. If you look closely, you will see the fireplace on the far wall within the master suite. The floors in this picture are hand hewn oak.
In late 2014, my wife and I, locals to the Estes Park area, purchased the property and over a 12 month period, completely restored the home. We re-purposed and re-used much of the original material. We also attempted to retain much of the historic character of the original property. Today, the Overlook is a luxurious home that was specifically re-imagined as a vacation rental. We provide many complementary items for your convenience. This includes, but isn't limited to soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, custom bath salts, coffee, tea, creamer, spices, popcorn, internet, cable TV, full cooking and baking equipment, paper plates, napkins, air frier, toaster, water kettle, waffle maker, ground coffee, coffee beans, coffee syrups, propane for grill and firepit, s'mores and hotdog tools for the firepit, games, movies, books, etc. for your enjoyment.
The Overlook property dates back to 1911. Back then, the RMNP didn't exist and there were numerous private properties and businesses in the park and surrounding areas. This included mining operations, lumber mills, and summer cabins. This property was initially mined for gold and minerals. In 1936, the current home was titled. Initially, it was a four bedroom home. We merged two of these bedrooms to create a spacious master suite with sitting area, library, log bed, electric fireplace and walk-in closet. We provide robes, slippers, etc. during your visit. There is even a private patio and seating area directly off the Master Bedroom.
The kitchen was completely redesigned to appeal to those with even the most discriminating tastes. The kitchen's open shelves made of logs were once part of the house support structure. It has quartz counter tops, a granite breakfast bar, heated tile floors, stainless steel full size appliances, ice maker, filtered water dispenser, and all of the small appliances and cooking/baking supplies you would find in your own home, and perhaps a few more. This includes, but isn't limited to a crock pot, Kitchenaid mixer, microwave, waffle maker, toaster oven, spices, insta pot, coffee grinder, pots and pans, baking ware, dinner ware for 12, formal and paper plates and glasses, etc.
While re-imagining the Overlook, we studied what vacationers wanted in a vacation rental. A recent popular trend is a separate coffee bar. As a result, we built a separate coffee and tea bar next to the kitchen. This is a modern trend that our guests love. It includes a coffee pot, Keurig coffee machine, french press, coffee grinder, tea pot, toaster, waffle maker, toaster, and hot water pitcher. We provide complementary coffee, cream, syrups, sugars and even an assortment of teas for your enjoyment. There is even a water dispenser that provides fresh cold and hot filtered water. This format allows a couple of people to be working in the kitchen and yet the rest of your group can enjoy the convenience of a separate area to grab a coffee, tea, toast, waffles, or other breakfast food and step outside to one of the many sitting areas to enjoy the views and wildlife.
The house has been redesigned with an open format. The living room, dining area and kitchen are wide open for your comfort and convenience. There is a formal six person dining table next to the living area and a breakfast bar between the living room and the kitchen. The formal dining room chairs and the breakfast bar stools are all leather. The leather dining room chairs are from the federal courthouse in Denver. There is even an antler chandelier over the dining room table. The living room has a queen size leather sofa bed, large LED television, DVD player, custom log slab coffee table, free internet and cable TV.
The home has two bathrooms. The main bathroom has a large soaking tub overlooking the Estes Valley, a rain fall shower that drops straight out of the ceiling, two vessel sinks, a hair dryer, make-up mirror, custom bath salts, a wide variety of soap, shampoo and conditioner, a bidet toilet with heated seat, and heated tile floor.
The second bathroom is located in the laundry room. This room includes a full size washer and dryers with complementary detergent and bleach, toilet with heated seat, and a pedestal sink. We even have an iron and ironing mat for your convenience. There are sufficient towels for 8, complementary shampoo, soap, and bath salts.
The second bathroom is located in the laundry room. This room includes a full size washer and dryers with complementary detergent and bleach, toilet with heated seat, and a pedestal sink. We even have an iron and ironing mat for your convenience. There are sufficient towels for 8, complementary shampoo, soap, and bath salts.
Imagine relaxing in your own private soaking tub filled with your favorite custom bath salts after a long day hiking in the park. In this picture you can see our soaking tub which is positioned perfectly for overlooking the Estes Valley. Shy? Not to worry. The blinds go up or down! We provide soap, shampoo, conditioners, lotion, cotton balls, cue tips, and MORE! We even have custom made bath salts made with essential oils. Sit, soak, relax, while watching the local wild life. When you're done, your feet will be greeted with heated floors. Your bum will enjoy our heated toilet seats. Your body will enjoy our plush spa like towels. We even have a built in hair dryer and make up mirror!
OUTDOOR SANCTUARY
Although we love our home, the outside yard sets this property apart from all other vacation rentals in the Estes area.
We have a fenced yard.
We have GRASS.
We have a propane fire pit.
We have a romantic swing suspended between trees.
We have a horse shoe pit.
We have an enormous picnic table that seats 14.
We have a stainless steel BBQ grill.
Want more?
We also have a custom gazebo with a full size electric fireplace and HOT TUB.
Wait. You still want more?
In the summer, we have a custom bar with indoor and outdoor seating, a 60" TV that can be watched from nearly anywhere in the yard and a window seat within a bay window that is the perfect spot to sit, relax, read a book and watch the local wildlife. We even have Air Conditioning!
Although these special features are incredible, what really sets the yard apart is the view. Whether you are enjoying the swing (shown in this picture between two trees in front of the water tank), relaxing in the Hot Tub in the gazebo next to the electric fireplace, sitting at the propane fire pit, playing horseshoes, playing Carpet Ball, sitting at the outdoor bar, or sitting in the bay window seat, the view is spectacular.
Imagine sitting by this fire, roasting your s'mores!
You can also see part of the horse shoe pit in front of the fence. The mountain in the distance is Prospect Mountain. This is the mountain the Estes Tram climbs. In fact, you can sit in our yard, at the outdoor bar or in the gazebo and watch the tram climb this mountain. It travels up the left side of this mountain to a small gift shop at the top. You can even see the lights from this shop if you look carefully. On the right of this picture you see the edge of another mountain. This is Giant Track Mountain. This is the mountain used by Glacier Lodge Cowboy Poke horseback riding. You can sit in our yard, and if you look carefully, you will see the riders climbing this mountain. On the fourth of July, you can set and watch the fireworks display directly in front of the Overlook!
You can also see part of the horse shoe pit in front of the fence. The mountain in the distance is Prospect Mountain. This is the mountain the Estes Tram climbs. In fact, you can sit in our yard, at the outdoor bar or in the gazebo and watch the tram climb this mountain. It travels up the left side of this mountain to a small gift shop at the top. You can even see the lights from this shop if you look carefully. On the right of this picture you see the edge of another mountain. This is Giant Track Mountain. This is the mountain used by Glacier Lodge Cowboy Poke horseback riding. You can sit in our yard, and if you look carefully, you will see the riders climbing this mountain. On the fourth of July, you can set and watch the fireworks display directly in front of the Overlook!
Imagine how your family or special friends would be able to bond and build shared memories in this magical sanctuary.
This picture shows the completed custom gazebo with a full size fireplace, the 14 person picnic table, the fire pit, and the outdoor bar. On one of our cool evenings, which is basically every evening, there is nothing better than relaxing in the Hot Tub in the gazebo by the fire, or around the fire pit enjoying your favorite beverage and counting the night stars. During the day, since the home backs up to forest, you will be surprised by the amount of wildlife.
The property backs up to nothing but forest. No houses...just trees!
This picture shows the completed custom gazebo with a full size fireplace, the 14 person picnic table, the fire pit, and the outdoor bar. On one of our cool evenings, which is basically every evening, there is nothing better than relaxing in the Hot Tub in the gazebo by the fire, or around the fire pit enjoying your favorite beverage and counting the night stars. During the day, since the home backs up to forest, you will be surprised by the amount of wildlife.
The property backs up to nothing but forest. No houses...just trees!
Here is a night picture of the yard. You can see the outdoor bar in the center. Just inside the windows you will find a 60" TV that can be seen from most places in the yard. On the right side you can see the edge of a bay window. Within this bay window is a window seat. Outside the windows on the outdoor bar are three swivel bar stools made from tractor seats. Inside are a couple of additional stools. This allows your group to spread out and spend more time at the property instead of spending your precious time in the car driving around town.
Be sure to press the blog tab above for the latest information on the property and surrounding area. To reserve this property, simply hit the RESERVE button you will find within this website.
Below are some addition pictures of the property and surrounding area.
Below are some addition pictures of the property and surrounding area.
SAFETY
As our guests, we take your safety and security seriously. There are many things a vacation rental owner can do to help protect you, your family and friends, and investment in a vacation. Unfortunately, not all vacation rental owners share our perspective.
We are a licensed vacation rental through the Town of Estes. To be licensed, your property must meet strict building code requirements, have sufficient bedding for the number of guests, have sufficient parking, have commercial insurance, pay taxes, etc. If you aren't licensed, your vacation rental can be shut down at any time. Even during your vacation.
The home has carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in every bedroom, fire extinguishers, security flood lights, security cameras, fenced yard, a safe, well lit stairs, and a ramp. The parking is well lit and safe. The neighborhood is extremely quite and the road dead ends just a few hundred yards past the Overlook ensuring limited noise and traffic.
HOW TO DECIDE IF THE OVERLOOK IS "RIGHT" FOR YOU
We know how difficult it can be to decide if this, or another vacation rental is "right" for you and your family and/or guests. We have personally struggled with this decision numerous times for homes we rented around the world. Here are some things to consider when you are looking for the "ideal" home for your Estes vacation. Although these are admittedly biased, I think they might be useful in your decision process.
Do you care if this is a LEGAL vacation rental?
The Overlook is licensed with the town of Estes and the State of Colorado. As a licensed short term rental, we are inspected annually and must meet strict building code requirements, pay for commercial insurance, pay sales tax, etc. This can make our rental fees slightly higher than illegal vacation rentals. However, illegal vacation rentals can be closed at any time. Even during your vacation. If you are willing to take a risk, an illegal vacation might be the lowest priced option.
Are you going to spend all of your time in the park or in town?
The Overlook is designed for groups with one or more individuals that want to spend time at a luxurious home with a yard that is an entertainment oasis. Very few homes in Estes have a yard that is fenced with grass. No other homes in Estes have a custom gazebo with fireplace, outdoor bar, horseshoe pit, fire pit, etc. We have a kitchen that any chef would love. We have a yard where you can spend hours enjoying the view and wildlife, play horseshoes, sit by a fire, etc. We have a spa like bathroom with soaking tub and custom bath salts. If you plan to be gone the entire time, than the Overlook might not be the best choice. You might consider a hotel room.
Do you like driving to all of your local attractions?
The Overlook is located in an ideal location to explore the park or downtown Estes but in a quiet location with fantastic views and lots of wildlife. You can hike directly into the park or in less than mile, walk to shopping, entertainment, restaurants, groceries, etc. If you want to go further into the park or to downtown Estes (3 miles away), the summer shuttle stop for the free bus is less than a half mile from the front door of the Overlook. During the busy seasons, driving can be a challenge in the Estes area. As a result, many individuals enjoy avoiding the congestion and traffic. However, if you don't mind spending time in your car in bumper to bumper traffic, you don't mind lots of traffic noise, you like to be next to all of the action, than you might want to stay directly downtown.
Do you want to stay in a conventional home in downtown Estes with the Traffic, Noise, etc.?
The Overlook is a unique and historic home. It is Estes Park from the past but with modern luxuries and conveniences. Over 100 years ago, this location was selected for a good reason. It has a fantastic view, is protected from some of the ferocious winter winds, has a birds eye view of the surrounding area, etc. It was built before there were tract homes or even cars. It doesn't have a traditional garage, home owner's association, swimming pool, etc. The road isn't paved or within a new residential neighborhood with sidewalks, etc. The Overlook in Estes Park is a bridge between the past and the present. It is luxuriously restored, but it is uniquely located with lots of character, history and a fantastic view. It backs up to nothing but forest. No homes. Nothing but forest. It is located on the side of a mountain with a birds eye view of the Estes Valley. It is on a hill with a dirt road. In winter, you will need four wheel drive to climb the final hill. If you would rather stay on paved roads with sidewalks, park your car in a garage, have neighbors right next door, etc., you might want to consider one of the many tract homes that are in town.
Do you plan to spend time outside the home?
There are lots of fantastic homes in Estes that are vacation rentals. However, the Overlook also has a fantastic fenced yard which is an entertainment sanctuary. The Overlook has been welcoming guests for nearly 100 years. As a hunting and fishing lodge, and later as a fully functional farmhouse, guests from all over the world stayed with the owners of the Overlook during their visit to Estes. If you want to spend time in a fenced yard with grass, grill at the BBQ, making s'mores in a large fire pit, have some wine in a custom gazebo with a fireplace, sit at a unique outdoor bar (summers only), play horse shoes, watch TV from nearly any location in the yard (summers only), etc. with one of the best views in Estes, in a quiet and safe location that has welcomed guests for nearly 100 years, than the Overlook might be the perfect place for you and your family and/or guests.
LOCATION OVERVIEW
From the home, you can walk into the Rocky Mountain National Park (see google map for details). In fact, you can hike or snow shoe right into the Park from the Overlook. During the summer, you can also walk down to the main road to the bus stop for the town and/or the Park. This is simply a 1/2 mile walk. The YMCA of the Rockies is just 1-1/2 miles down the road. The Town of Estes is just 3 miles away. However, there is shopping, groceries, restaurants and entertainment just 1 mile from the Overlook. The closest restaurant is the Rock Inn which is less than 3/4 of a mile away.
OUR PROMISE AND COMMITMENT TO YOU
As owners of the Overlook, we promise the following to our guests and prospective guests:
- We promise to provide simple and easy to understand rates so you aren't surprised with additional unexpected charges.
- We promise to accurately describe and portray the property so we don't over set your expectations.
- We promise to trust you with our home and give you privacy during your stay.
- We promise to be reasonable owners and not burden you with a laundry list of crazy rules and regulations.
- We promise to provide you with timely assistance as needed and not let you fend for yourself during your stay.
- We promise to return all of your security deposit in a timely manner assuming there is no REAL damage to our home or our belongings during your stay.
Why try to rent adjoining hotel rooms for your family or friends when you can stay in a real home where your private space extends beyond the luxurious home to an outdoor oasis made for entertaining with one of the best views and locations in Estes?
To reserve this property, simply hit the RESERVE NOW button. You can also explore more about this property on the other pages of this website. The most recent news and local events are covered in the BLOG area of this website. If you have any questions, please contact us at (970) 232-6885.
Sincerely,
Tim and Karen Rees
To reserve this property, simply hit the RESERVE NOW button. You can also explore more about this property on the other pages of this website. The most recent news and local events are covered in the BLOG area of this website. If you have any questions, please contact us at (970) 232-6885.
Sincerely,
Tim and Karen Rees
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