Joe Howard

Near Castle Rock, CO in Bannockburn (Franktown, CO) on 5 acres this home has been beautifully remodeled. Upgrades include gorgeous hardwood floors and a brand new gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, high-end cabinetery and slab granite countertops.

The open layout flows from the kitchen to a great family room with a travertine tile fireplace and surround. Through french doors from the family room is a very large study with a gas log stove and a gun closet hidden by a book shelf door that adds character to the room..

French doors off the kitchen and the other side of the family room lead out to a marvelous deck and patio area that are perfect for entertaining and enjoying the pines and first class mountain and city views.

Did I mention views? Not just from the deck and patio but this home has a large balcony off the second floor master bedroom that has spectacular mountain views and the distant city lights can be seen cleat from downtown Denver. What a spot for morning coffee.

This is great horse country. If horses are your passion we have it. The present outbuilding used as a garage and shop could easily be modified for stable/barn use. An area of the land formerly used as an arena is large flat and perfect for training. While neighborhood trails offer plenty of terrain for your riding pleasure.

Castlewood Canyon State Park just a few miles away is a great place to take visitors for a picnic and hike. Explore the ruins of the old dam or hike along Cherry Creek itself.

This property offers country living with city convenience. This home is less than 10 miles to either the King Soopers in Castle Rock on Ridge Road or the one in Parker off Parker Road and Stroh Road or only 6 miles to Wal-Mart in Elizabeth. The Denver's Tech Center is a short commute. This is one great property.

For more information on this property visit my website www.Castlerockfinehomes.com, featured properties.

The Old Stone Church Restaurant one of several Great Happy Hours in Castle Rock

The Chaplain's Bar in the Old Stone Church - These guys are good.

Located in the middle of town, the Old Stone Church restaurant and bar is a Happy Hour in Castle Rock favorite, especially on warm evenings when the outside patio offers extra room for the crowd.

Daniel, the bar manager, and long time staffers Steve and George do a good job looking after the clientele. Theirs is a relaxed old-world style of service that is confident and friendly but not showy.

The building originally was a Catholic church built in the 1880s. I know, if you're from Europe or even the East Coast, the 1880s seems like yesterday, but here in Colorado something more than one hundred years old is a kind of a big deal. The stone and stained glass make for a nice atmosphere. Seating is limited in the bar and that can be a problem for groups on some evenings but the happy hour menu and drink specials usually make up for it.

Speaking of which, during Happy Hour Bud Light is on tap at half off or $2. How about that? Try a Bud Light with one of their tasty and unusual $5 Happy Hour appetizers like Shrimp and Goat Cheese Enchiladas, Cajun Blackened Tuna, Southwest Crab cakes or Grilled Brie Cheese, but save some room for desert. Jojo likes to order their Creme Brule. We usually get it with two spoons and as we're kind of a competitive duo - it dissapears fast. Come on, if you're married you probably know what I mean.

Also keep your eye on their white board for specials of the day. Mussels are often up there and we love them. Crane Lake Chardonnay, Merlot or Cabernet are $3, well drinks are $3.50 and a decent house margarita is $5.

At the Stone Church, Happy Hour is Tuesday thru Saturday 3PM to 6PM. Enjoy and drink responsibly.

This is part of a Happy Hour web log series talking about great Happy Hour locations in and around Castle Rock and the South Denver Metro area. Written by myself, Joe Howard, a Realtor with Prudential in Castle Rock. Check out my website www.CastleRockFineHomes.com.