Elegance And Brimming History: Miramont Castle
With As Many As Nine Different Styles Of Classic Architecture, This Grand Antiquity Is Open To The Public For Viewing
Staring at the intricate and stunning architecture of the Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs, Colorado, it's hard to imagine that it was once condemned and on its way to being torn down. The four story, 14,000 square foot building was purchased – and saved - by the town's historical society, and its unique exterior and 36 rooms have since been restored to their former glory, antique furniture and all.
Now home to a variety of historical exhibits, the Miramont Castle is a destination in itself, the focal point of the small town and the keeper of its rich history.
The Miramont Castle's size and architecture is the first draw for people passing through. It actually is made up of over nine different styles of architecture, “from its medieval, crenellated battlements” to its “beautiful Gothic front door,” the Miramont Castle has a one-of-a-kind appearance that's hard to describe - or look away from. Shingle-style Queen Anne, Romanesque, English Tudor, Flemish stepped gables, domestic Elizabethan, Venetian Ogee, Byzantine, Moorish, and half-timber Chateau are used randomly throughout the four stories, “a tribute to one man's dream.”
According to research gathered by the historical society, Father Jean Baptiste Francolon was a Catholic priest born in France in 1854, the son of a wealthy, aristocratic family. There was “much unrest” between the old Spanish Catholic Church and the incoming French Catholic Church, leaving Francolon very unpopular. It's said he was even poisoned in the chalice.
Unfortunately, Francolon was not much more popular in Chicago. He had a reputation for being a loner and was disliked by local residents, despite hosting two fundraising balls in 1897.
Francolon and his mother both left for France unexpectedly in 1900, taking all of their artwork with them, but leaving behind their furniture. While he did return to the United States, Francolon never returned to Chicago again.
It's unclear why Francolon left the home in 1900, just five years after the extravagant castle's completion.
“Because he's a Catholic priest, they were really private,” noted the castle's administrative assistant Jennifer Walters. “Researching him – or any priest – is really difficult. We're not sure why he sold it.”
The castle was donated to the Sisters Of Mercy in 1900. It was then used as a sanitarium for patients with tuberculosis until the 1940s, when it became too expensive to maintain. It was then sold to private hands in 1946 and was turned into apartments before being completely abandoned.
The Miramont Castle had been vandalized, damaged and the inside was almost in complete ruin. The city had condemned it and it was set to be torn down. That's when the historical society purchased it for $60,000 in 1976.
“They had lots and lots of volunteers,” said Walters. “Military units, civic units, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church groups... You name it, they got together to help rebuild the castle. Through the years it's been an ongoing project, even up until today. We are currently in the midst of the last renovation project.”
The Miramont Castle is now known not only for its age and beauty, but its condition. Each room is a stunning display of architecture, antique décor and historical exhibits.
“My favorite room in the castle is the solarium,” Walters gushed about the giant room on the third floor. “All of the windows face one direction. This room has a whole bunch of windows. It has an absolutely beautiful view. The windows are about 18 feet tall. It was believed that the ceiling was glass at one point. It's a big, wide open room with a natural light. A lot of people go in and just feel it's a really neat room.”
Once used by the sisters to do minor surgical procedures (“because there was so much natural lighting”), the room now has a few pieces of antique furniture and a few artifacts, but otherwise it's mostly open.
With a flowing layout, the Miramont Castle's 36 rooms and their historical exhibits really allow guests to feel as though they are meandering through someone's extravagant home. There's a parlor, a formal dining room, a kitchen, a chapel, a sunning porch...
But one favorite is the Queen's Parlour Tearoom, a glass-enclosed room where guests have the opportunity to discover culinary treats popular in the 1890s. After spending a few hours exploring the gargantuan mansion, there's nothing better than enjoying some authentic treats of a highly researched 1890s menu, surrounded by delicate and fanciful Victorian décor.
While the tea and a stroll through the gardens are grand bonus discoveries for people who first came just to see the beautiful architecture of the historic castle, the Miramont Castle's rich history is really what people remember, said Walters, who has been with the castle for seven years. “It's just so full of history.”
Olivia Richman
A graduate of East Connecticut State University in Journalism, Olivia has written for Stonebridge Press & Antiques Marketplace among others. She enjoys writing, running and video games.
Make Sure To Stay At:
Rocky Top Motel & Campground is family owned and operated in beautiful Green Mountain Falls, Colorado. It features a variety of accommodations, including motel rooms, kitchenettes, RV sites and tent sites.