The Manor House Restaurant in Jefferson County’s Ken-Caryl development will close this month, and part of the historic mansion it occupies will be converted to office space.
The mansion was purchased for $2.4 million this month by an investment group led by Denver businessman Michael Shinn. The manor was constructed in 1914 by newspaper and cattle baron John Shaffer, who owned the Rocky Mountain News from 1913 to 1926.
Shinn’s company, National Home Buyers Assistance, is relocating its corporate headquarters into a portion of the main house and the nearby guest house. The remainder of the property will be used as an event center and tavern. The group is also considering proposals from two groups interested in operating a restaurant on the site.
“I’ve been buying and dealing in real estate all my life, and this is the most impressive piece of real estate in Colorado,” Shinn said.
He plans to invest more than $2 million in property upgrades and landscaping. He also said he intends to pursue historic designation for the property.
Don Coufal, president of the Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association’s board of directors, said residents have expressed concern about proposed changes to the property. The association has formed a task force to explore the possibility of purchasing the manor if it ever goes back on the market.
The Manor House Restaurant, which has received numerous accolades, will close March 25. Owner Dean Peterson said he is “trying to retire” and that the 5.7-acre property is too valuable to continue operating solely as a restaurant.
Peterson’s seven-restaurant empire once included Simm’s Landing, Marina Landing and H. Brinkers. He also founded Glendale’s Bull & Bush tavern, now run by his nephews.
The Manor House will honor gift certificates through its final day. It also will offer refunds for unused gift certificates that were purchased from the restaurant.
Staff writer Kristi Arellano can be reached at 303-820-1902 or karellano@denverpost.com.
