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Sunnycrest, the Story of the Cheyenne Cañon Inn

Construction of the new Sunnycrest took three years because there wasn't
enough money to build the house all at once. Cheyenne Canon Inn founder
John Starr suspects that the original Sunnycrest was located just west of the new
structure due to his discovery of the charred remains of an earlier house located
underneath what is now the manmade stream and water fountain near the
entrance to the inn. While working on other outdoor projects, he also uncovered
the ruins of a smaller two-story house that was built to the north of the inn, as
well as the water pipes and other remnants of a dilapidated cottage that once sat
on the northeast corner of the property. Perhaps this is where the Casey family
lived and housed any guests while the new Sunnycrest was being built.

Once the new Sunnycrest was completed, it was obvious that Lillian had chosen
her site well. Her dream house was prominently displayed high above Cheyenne
Boulevard where everyone could see it. It even appeared grander when visitors
ascended the stone steps from the street to the covered entrance porch. Along
the way, they could admire the grounds and views by sitting on one of the stone
benches built into the hill or congregate around the water fountain that bubbled
on another landing just below the porch. A narrow lane, later named Oak Way,
connected the house to Cheyenne Boulevard a little further to the east. It was
mainly used for delivering supplies like coal and groceries to the rear of the
house. The new Sunnycrest became officially recognized on the county tax role
in 1921. This time there was a substantial jump in property values.

Many of the Colorado Springs bluebloods also jumped when they saw the new
Sunnycrest. Indeed, it was a big enough house to be worthy of the
neighborhood, but it was shockingly modern, a distinct departure from the
standard Victorian and Little London architecture commonly built throughout the
Colorado Springs area. Lillian had championed Mission Style, an architectural
offshoot of the Arts and Crafts trend that would be made famous throughout
America by such maverick architects as Frank Lloyd Wright, John Morris; and
Gustav Stickley. The new Sunnycrest was regarded as either an eye opener or
an eyesore.

Regardless of what anyone thought about the exterior appearance, the new
Sunnycrest was an elegant and spacious showplace inside. Everyone of the
ground floor living rooms was large, with an open floor plan that enhanced
roominess. The tasteful placement and choices of furniture were selected for
comfort and opulence. Oriental rugs and other luxurious floor coverings
complimented the rich artwork and textures decorating the walls. Sunnycrest
was also fully wired for electricity. There were many elegant light fixtures that
could be turned on by pressing one of the numerous silver plated wall switches.
Matching silver chandeliers, a potpourri of designer floor and table lamps, and
stylish wall sconces shaped to resemble candles provided a soft, warm,
provocative atmosphere.

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