The Bliss House: A Crown Jewel of West Colfax History

Built in 1892, the Bliss House stands among Denver’s most significant surviving Victorian residences. Commissioned by Dr. Gerald Bliss—first Surgeon General of the Colorado Territory—and designed by William Lang in partnership with Pugh, the house reflects a moment when architecture in Denver was both ambitious and deeply expressive.

One of only five remaining Lang-designed homes on Stuart Street, the Bliss House is a well-preserved example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture. Its two-story bay façade and prominent two-story turret with open balcony establish a strong street presence, while the overall composition reflects Lang’s belief that each house should carry a defining symbolic motif. Here, that motif is the oak leaf—carved into doorframes and banister railings throughout the interior, a subtle but deliberate signature rarely left intact.

Original features remain unusually complete. Stained-glass windows, rich woodwork, operable transoms, pocket doors, French doors, mullioned windows, and period hardware all contribute to a cohesive interior that has not been stripped or simplified over time. The carved wood staircase rises through the core of the house, anchored by an original tile fireplace that reinforces the home’s vertical scale and craftsmanship.

Modern updates have been introduced with restraint, focusing on systems and livability rather than alteration. New appliances and upgraded infrastructure support daily use, while a spa-style bathroom incorporates a clawfoot AirSpa tub without disrupting the home’s historic character. The finished third floor adds flexible living space and provides direct access to the turret balcony, offering treetop views and seasonal glimpses toward the mountains—an experience few Victorian homes still provide.

The wide, 12-by-24-foot covered front porch is one of the home’s defining features. Properly oriented for shade and morning light, it functions as an extension of the house rather than an ornament. The corner lot allows for privacy without isolation, with a low-maintenance deck, artificial turf, and generous off-street parking, including gated access suitable for an RV pad.

Located three blocks from Sloan’s Lake Park, the house remains connected to one of Denver’s most enduring public landscapes, with easy access to trails, water, and skyline views. At the same time, proximity to downtown, major corridors, and the Rocky Mountains reinforces the home’s continued relevance rather than consigning it to museum status.

The Bliss House is not simply historic by age—it is historically legible. Its materials, symbols, and spaces still communicate the intentions of its architect and original owner, offering the next steward the rare opportunity to live within a fully realized piece of Denver’s architectural legacy.

🏛️ Property Details

🗓️ Built: 1892
🏠 Style: Queen Anne Victorian
👤 Original Owner: Dr. Gerald Bliss
📐 Living Space: 4,120 sq ft
🛏️ Bedrooms: 5
🛁 Bathrooms: 4
🌳 Lot Size: 9,370 sq ft (corner lot)
🧱 Architects: William Lang & Pugh
🪟 Original Features: Stained glass, pocket doors, transoms, oak-leaf carvings
🏡 Outdoor Features: 12′ x 24′ covered porch, turret balcony, deck
🚗 Parking: Extensive off-street, gated access, RV potential
📍 Address: 1389 Stuart Street, Denver, CO 80204
💰 Price: $1,889,000 (recent $50K reduction)