What a great investment opportunity for someone wanting to move to the mountains and who would like to be able make a living at the same time! This is the historic Twin Lakes Nordic Inn located in beautiful Twin Lakes, Colorado.  At an elevation of 9,227 feet, the village of Twin Lakes is nestled at the base of Mount Elbert; at 14,443 feet, the tallest mountain in the Rocky Mountains of North America. This historic site has been most recently marketed and operated as The Inn of Black Wolf. The Inn proper has 14 rooms, 5 of which have a private bath.  There are 3 additional shared baths.  The Inn also features a commercial kitchen with a large dining room and full bar. Connected to the Inn is an apartment with 2 bedrooms, one bathroom and full kitchen for use as an additional rental or for the owner’s residence.  The property also includes a separate cabin that offers 3 additional bedrooms with one bathroom and full kitchen, perfect for either rental to larger groups or for the staff.

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, then you really need to look at the history of this property and area. You are surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks with two beautiful lakes at their base. Some of the best skiing in Colorado is just a half hour away and during the summer months you can drive up over Independence Pass and arrive in Aspen in less than 45 mins.

The property could be used as an Inn or Bed & Breakfast depending on your business plan. The Inn would also be a great seminar or retreat facility, and has hosted everybody from movie stars to Hollywood production companies. The Inn was highlighted as the editor’s choice in the February 2009 edition of Sunset Magazine (page 22).  The auto companies regularly use the Twin Lakes area to shoot car commercials and they love to stay at the Inn. You may also recognize the Inn and the village from beer commercials.  This is great opportunity for you to own a little part of history -- or create your own.

The History of Twin Lakes, Colorado

Surrounding the lakes are two historical areas, Twin Lakes Village and Interlaken. Twin Lakes Village is located west of the lakes, where prospectors first settled in 1865, naming it Dayton. In 1879, a combination of events brought new life to the area. Silver had been discovered in Leadville and Aspen, and the need for a route between the two districts became urgent. Lake Creek Valley (Twin Lakes Village) was the most logical route. At the same time, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad completed its rails into Leadville, with stops at Granite and the Twin Lakes Station, allowing visitors to discover the beauty of the Lake Creek Valley.

By 1885 tourism was thriving. Interlaken, a famous resort on the southern shore of the lower lake, was in full operation, and rivaled the famous Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, catering to the rich and famous.  James V. Dexter, a Denver-Leadville mining magnate, had purchased the original hotel on the lakeshore along with 2,000 acres of prime real estate, it sported a 30-foot cutter yacht, a 50-foot steamship, fountains, a dance pavilion and a two story outhouse.

The area became a favorite boating, fishing and hunting area. People came from all over to experience the beauty and splendor of the Lake Creek Valley. Today, hikers and history buffs can visit the historic Interlaken by following the Colorado Trail along the south side of the lake, beginning at the dam. The village and Inn of Interlaken are now maintained by the U.S. Forest Service as a National Historic Site.

 The History of the Twin Lakes Nordic Inn

Built in 1879 by Maggie Webber, who came here from Wisconsin, the Inn was originally called the Twin Peaks Hotel. It served as a stage stop on the Leadville to Aspen Line. Maggie operated it until 1903 when the King family bought it and ran it for the next 50 years. They owned and operated the Inn under the name Twin Lakes Hotel. They were also responsible for most of the modern facilities.

The original building was much smaller than it is today, according to old photographs at the Inn. The current kitchen, main level room, Maggie Webber, Interlaken, and Dayton rooms and the restrooms are part of the original structure. An additional roof was constructed right on top of the old one. The original stove no longer exists; it was located in the northwest corner.

The lobby was constructed circa 1888.  The large fireplace was built in 1948, and the dining room, 2 small restrooms and indoor plumbing were probably added at that time.   The smaller dining room was originally a porch and was enclosed in the 1950s. When originally built, the lounge was 2 rooms -- you can still see where the dividing wall used to be.

 Imagine yourself living and working here!