The Castle
1954: A delightfully eccentric philanthropist changed the Cherokee Ranch forever
Originally, Charles Alfred and Alice Johnson intended to build a modest home on their 160-acre piece of heaven. But perhaps in homage to the magnificent expanse of land before them or because of their interest in English and Scottish architecture, their plans grew.
Ultimately, a castle designed by renowned Denver architect Burnham Hoyt rambled to 26 rooms and more than 10,000 square feet. Named Charlford for sons Charles and Gifford, the castle was purchased in 1954 by philanthropist/art collector/all-around prominent citizen Tweet Kimball, who renamed the edifice Cherokee Castle.
Tweet adored the land and amassed neighboring properties until she owned a total of 4,500 acres. Upon her death in 1999, she willed 1,000 acres of her beloved “Summer Pasture” to residential development and the remaining 3,500 acres to the Cherokee Ranch and Castle Foundation.
A reverence for the land is evident at The Keep: A portion of the sale of every residential property goes to the Foundation to assure its operations in perpetuity. In exchange, The Keep homeowners enjoy special access to the beautiful Cherokee Ranch and Castle.
Castle Highlights
Cherokee Castle is a distinctive landmark with expansive views of the Front Range. Home to a diverse collection of art and antiques, the castle exhibits paintings by fifteenth and sixteenth century European artists and original drawings by Sir Christopher Wren, the architect of St. Paul’s cathedral in London.
The collection of art and antiques took place over several generations. Other collections on display include important literature by Audubon, Dickens, and Shakespeare.
Tweet Kimball’s 14,000 books remain on the shelves and her art and antiques fill the parlors, often overflowing with guests just as they were when she lived there. Performing arts groups call the castle home in the summer months, residents of The Keep host family gatherings, and attend afternoon High Tea, and the castle continues to be a destination for all who are interested in history and art.