Unique Rocky Mountain adventure "base camp" for 12

We were a group of 4 adults, 3 teenage boys plus a 10-year-old who thinks he is a teenager. I was hoping to find a location that would suit adults looking for relaxation and a break from cellphones for the boys. It worked. Arrival day we adults planted ourselves on the BBQ deck with a view of Americas Mountain and a pitcher of margaritas… the boys, abandoned cellphones for highly contested pool and Foose ball in the game room. Our first day we dropped the older boys at the nearby trail head for the Craigs Trail, (goes partially up the back side of Pikes Peak), and with the 10-year-old drove another 20 minutes up the mountain to Cripple Creek, a fascinating gold mining town. Left a few dollars on the casino tables, had a great lunch, and a steam engine trip with the 10-year-old through the mine country. The large living room with a woodburning fireplace was a plus on a cool mountain evening, the jungle themed hot tub room/garage and vibrant quirky colors in each room added to the fun. As indicated in a previous review, the exterior of the house is barn-like, but I give the experience 5 stars for the location, and well-equipped, clean, spacious interior. I found David, the manager, responsive to my questions and requests.

While this property doesn't have great drive up appeal, it has a pretty view of Pikes Peak and on the inside is decorated in a very fun style with each room having it's own personality. It was well stocked with everything we need (although you need to be careful opening drawers). The welcome gift of taffy and caramel corn was a nice treat. Our main complaint, is the listing is supposed to accomodate 12. We had 10, and there was no way to play games at the table in the kitchen area as it was very cramped. The living area is so large, that we would reccomend the owner reconfiguring it and putting the dining table out in that area where everyone isn't so cramped. A couple of the women complained of being cold as their bed coverings were too light and we did not find extra blankets in the closet. David, the owner was a delight to converse with before our visit and was very helpful. Our ladies especially enjoyed the jungle room with the wonderful jacuzzi.

Great location to national forest and camping access. Home had everything we needed.