Denver Old-Money Neighborhoods: Legacy & Quiet Luxury

When most people think of Denver’s wealthiest residents, images of flashy new mansions in Cherry Hills or Castle Rock often come to mind. But Denver’s true old money resides quietly in a handful of historic neighborhoods, where family wealth and architectural heritage have been preserved for nearly a century. These areas are defined by stability, history, and craftsmanship, not ostentation.

For over 20 years, Daeco Painting has had the privilege of working in these neighborhoods, helping maintain and enhance homes that carry multi-generational legacy. Understanding each home’s architectural nuances is key—from a 1920s Tudor Revival to a 1950s Midcentury Modern ranch, each requires a specialized approach.

What “Old Money” Means in Denver

Old money in Denver is about legacy, continuity, and architecture, not flashy display. Families in these neighborhoods often hold the same homes for three to five generations, preserving not just property, but a way of life.

Key traits include:

• Generational ownership: Properties are inherited over decades rather than sold.

• Historic architectural styles: Including Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, and Midcentury Modern.

• Price stability: Homes retain value across market cycles.

• Privacy and exclusivity: Tree-lined streets, large lots, minimal turnover.

Architectural Callouts:

• Tudor Revival: Steep gables, half-timbering, brick and stone façades—requires precise trim and masonry restoration.

• Colonial Revival: Symmetrical façades, classic columns, decorative cornices—perfect for highlighting period moldings.

• Midcentury Modern: Flat planes, large windows, minimal ornamentation—paint techniques must respect original materials.

Denver’s Historic Neighborhoods of Old Money

(Custom-branded “Old Money” neighborhood map showing Country Club, Belcaro, Polo Club, Hilltop, Crestmore, Cherry Hills Village, with key landmarks and estate highlights.)

1. Country Club

Country Club is Denver’s pinnacle of historic prestige, with treelined streets and architectural masterpieces from the early 1900s. Its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places reflects its cultural significance.

• 2026 Median Listing Price: $2.6M

• High-End Estates: $4M – $9M

• Notable Property: 181 Race Street – 12,000 sq ft, 6 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms

Architectural Highlights: Georgian, Spanish, and Tudor homes with intricate brickwork and detailed moldings—ideal for preservation-focused painting.

2. Belcaro & Polo Club: Quiet Mega-Wealth with Generational Roots

Belcaro and the Polo Club showcase Denver’s discreet, multi-generational wealth, with sprawling ranch-style homes and gated estates.

At the heart of Belcaro stands the Phipps Mansion, built 1931–1933 for U.S. Senator Lawrence C. Phipps and designed by Fisher & Fisher. Alongside the Denver Polo Club, these landmarks shaped the neighborhood’s ethos of privacy, exclusivity, and leisure.

• 2026 Median Prices:

  • Belcaro: ~$1.8M

  • Polo Club Estates: $4M – $10M

Architectural Highlights:

• Ranch & custom estates with wide eaves, handcrafted wood trims, and integrated outdoor spaces.

• Preservation requires lead-safe, high-altitude-appropriate paints and meticulous attention to period-accurate finishes.

Neighborhood Anchors:

• 7th Avenue Parkway: Scenic thoroughfare connecting estates

• Denver Polo Club: Historic social hub for elite families

• Phipps Mansion & Gardens: Cultural cornerstone

Belcaro and Polo Club attract longstanding Denver families and professionals who value legacy, discretion, and privacy.

3. Cherry Hills Village: Where Legacy Meets Celebrity

Cherry Hills Village balances heritage wealth with high-profile residents. Established in the 1920s and incorporated in the 1940s, it preserves rolling hills, horse estates, and 1-acre minimum zoning.

• Median Price 2026: $3.4M – $4M

• High-End Estates: $20M+

The Wilson Estate Update: The record-setting $25M entry and subsequent $21.5M sale in March 2024 highlighted that even in modern celebrity circles, Cherry Hills remains Denver’s ultimate gated prize.

Architectural Features: Large custom estates, stables, and country-club facilities—paint work must respect historic wood, stucco, and stone finishes.

Neighborhood Anchors:

• Cherry Hills Country Club (historic golf and social venue)

• Horse trails and equestrian estates

4. Hilltop: Residential Continuity in the City

Hilltop offers sweeping Rocky Mountain views and family-centered neighborhoods, mixing Colonial Revival and Midcentury Modern homes.

• 2026 Median Price: $2.3M

• High-End Listings: $4M – $6M

• School Anchor: Graland Country Day School – prestigious K–8 private education

Architectural Highlights: Preservation includes wood siding, intricate trim, and large window framing, all requiring period-accurate coatings.

5. Crestmore: Quiet Money at Its Purest

Crestmore represents Denver’s most understated historic wealth, with homes held for 60–70 years or more.

• 2026 Median Listing Price: $2.5M

• High-End Listings: $1.5M – $5M

Private amenities like Cresmore Park and Cresmore Swimming & Tennis Club (capped at 350 families) create generational continuity and community bonds.

Architectural Focus: Midcentury ranches and traditional homes—requires precision painting on hand-crafted moldings and preserved facades.

Curb Appeal at a Glance

Denver Old-Money Neighborhoods at a Glance (2026)

• Country Club – Vibe: Presidential & Grand | Architecture: Georgian, Spanish, Tudor | Median Entry Price: $2.6M

• Polo Club – Vibe: Gated & Secluded | Architecture: Ranch & Custom Estates | Median Entry Price: $4M+

• Hilltop – Vibe: Academic & Family | Architecture: Colonial & Mid-Mod | Median Entry Price: $2.3M

• Crestmore – Vibe: Understated Luxury | Architecture: Modern & Traditional | Median Entry Price: $2.5M+

• Cherry Hills Village – Vibe: Legacy & Celebrity | Architecture: Estate & Equestrian | Median Entry Price: $3.4M+

Preserving These Historic Homes

These neighborhoods are curated communities. Preserving a century-old Tudor in Country Club or a sprawling ranch in Polo Club requires specific stewardship:

• Knowledge of historic materials and paint chemistry

• Lead-safe, UV-resistant coatings for pre-1978 homes

• Attention to micro-details: dental molding, crisp trim lines, hand-painted finishes

(Visual Suggestions: Micro-detail gallery showing restored moldings, trim contrasts, and hand-painted doors.)

Conclusion: Expertise Meets Legacy

Denver’s old-money neighborhoods are living history, showcasing multi-generational stewardship, architectural significance, and enduring value. From Country Club to Crestmore, these communities are defined by heritage, privacy, and stability.

For over 20 years, Daeco Painting has quietly supported homeowners in these neighborhoods, providing the expertise and craftsmanship needed to preserve historic homes for future generations.