Showcasing his finest "wares” in the 8,500 square foot mansion, each room featured a different type of wood varying from oak to cherry to sycamore, maple and more. With an eye for detail, every fire place mantle included distinct carvings and fine details. Wood in the dining room included numerous carved rosettes representing the varied species of trees used in the guest rooms, each which had its own private bath and a phone. The third floor, which the Mouat’s utilized to host lavish parties, featured a 20 foot pyramid ceiling and a shining maple floor. It was the largest and grandest house in the neighborhood.

Alas, like many historic buildings, the mansion passed through a number of hands through the decades until it finally was nothing more than a run down tenement building. It was during this time that a terrible event occurred – the murder of two young women. In 1970, a 17 year-old runaway girl who was living in the building was brutally raped and strangled to death. Shortly afterward, her 18 year-old friend had the unfortunate timing of stumbling upon the murder. The killer then shot the second girl. The murder, which remains unsolved, is allegedly blamed for the paranormal activity that takes place in the building today.

By the 1990’s the building was in such terrible shape that the city had condemned it. However, in 1991, the once glorious structure was saved by Walter and Julie Keller. Fully restored today, the Kellers went through the long and tedious process of removing the many years of neglect and restoring the building’s original grandeur. Today, it serves as the Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens, one of Denver’s most beautiful examples of Queen Anne architecture, plays host to weddings, murder mystery weekends and overnight guests.

Since it has re-opened, the Inn has experienced a number of haunting incidences, including sightings of a young woman. Often, phantom footsteps are also heard.

Investigated several times by paranormal groups who have used Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP’s), some have said they were able to contact the two murdered women, who, although relaying their horror, have obviously not given enough clues to arrest a killer. The murder investigation continues.