History has always been a part of my life. I think back to when my interest was first peeked on seeking ancestral information on both sides of my family and the quest for understanding the past. It probably helped to have a father who was a high school history teacher and insisted that we stop at every museum and historical marker when we traveled.
Until we purchased the turn of the century Holden House, I was content to acquire a small amount of genealogy information, refinish a few pieces of antique furniture and reside in a 1948 home while Welling was serving his country as a naval officer in San Diego. Then, in the early 1980’s, the bug to start a B&B prodded both of us and we were off to pursue our dream of owning our own bed and breakfast inn. Our years of research of the B&B industry, then in its infancy among the Western states, offered up seminars and small-business workshops while we continued to look for the perfect place to welcome guests into historical surroundings. Even before guests began crossing the threshold of the inn, my subscriptions to everything historic from Old House Journal to Victorian Homes magazines cluttered our coffee table.
(Above: Sallie and Welling Clark on the steps of the Titanic reproduction set at the exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada-look out Leonardo and Kate!)
While the desire to pursue the historical decorating model would never have completely made sense in our 1948 adobe bungalow in Coronado, California, here at the Holden House we eventually found a match that fit perfectly. I have to say that while both of my grandmothers were very appreciative of ancestry, of greatest interest to me was my Grandma Blackman’s farm in Pueblo—which provided an old barn, attic, outbuildings, storm cellar and chicken houses, open for us kids to explore during my childhood summers in Colorado. When we finally moved to Colorado Springs, that intrigue of the past for dust covered treasures turned into reality for the taking, with Grandma being only too happy to oblige my interest. In fact, she frequently handed her antique treasures to us as Welling and I walked out through the doors of the old farmhouse.
Today, because of our family’s sense of history, our guests are invited to share our appreciation for the heirlooms and Victorian décor that grace Holden House. Whether it’s the display of a hand-stitched quilt or family bible, Gaudy Welsh china from Upper Cymtwch Wales, family photographs in gilded frames with curved glass which line our stairway or my grandmother’s 1924 silk wedding dress, these and more are tastefully displayed for our guests to enjoy.
In 1985 Welling and I renovated and restored our 1902 Victorian and on that same historical theme, named the house for its first owner, Isabel Holden. In my following blog postings, I’ll discuss the history of our five guest suite names and the historic Colorado towns for which they are named. Thanks to the mining interests of the Holden family, each of the rooms is dedicated to these historic locations. 
Our family history and beautiful Victorian surroundings are ready to meet you with a warm and friendly greeting. Isn’t it time you planned a romantic getaway to the Pikes Peak region? We have availability and are offering some great specials and packages to give you a great deal. Call us at 888-565-3980 or visit our website at Holden House for details and to make a reservation.
Looking for our annual Christmas and holiday decorations? Hurry, the decorations will be up only until January 4th. Make a reservation now!