by Angela Engel
Nestled among towering pines and the serene waters of Black Mountain’s reservoir, the stone house stands as a silent witness to a century of history. From bootlegging to dude ranching, and now as a peaceful retreat, Black Mountain Ranch’s story is as rich and timeless as the stunning natural backdrop surrounding it.
The history of Black Mountain began in 1916, when George Welch and O.C. Hurt likely acquired the 432-acre parcel through the Homestead Act. Before being subdivided, the land included the 100-year-old stone house, the original apartment complex, and what is now known as Black Mountain Estates.
“The Meyers ran the property as a guest ranch, offering cattle and horseback riding.”
The Legend of Black Mountain
According to local legend, Black Mountain was named after the activities of Charlie Welch, a local figure known as “Charcoal Charlie.” Welch operated kilns on the mountain, where he burned wood to produce charcoal, which he then transported to Denver by horse-drawn wagon. Some say his “other ventures” may have included bootlegging, though it’s unclear whether the mountain’s name stemmed from the charcoal production, the stills, or a forest fire he once started.
The Meyer Era: A Vision Built in Stone
The first major construction on the property was undertaken by Franz and Frieda Meyer. Franz, a clock and piano maker from Germany, arrived in the United States as a young man. He later married Frieda, who came for a visit but decided to stay after meeting him. The land was purchased from John Carny on August 20, 1923, and they began transforming it into a guest ranch.
With the help of Frieda’s nephew, John, they first built a stone barn in the German style, with living quarters on the north side and horse stalls on the south. A hayloft spanned the second story. In 1927, the two-story stone house was completed, crafted from pink granite and white quartz hauled into place by the two men and a mule. The original windows and doors were salvaged from streetcars. The small crew also constructed three stone cabins and four log cabins—several of which remain today, nearly a century later.
The Meyers ran the property as a guest ranch, offering cattle and horseback riding. Frieda was renowned for her cooking, preparing meals on her large woodburning stove for local horse stables and trail riders. The couple’s legacy includes the stone house, surrounding cabins, hiking trails, ponds, and even a fountain. Local lore suggests that Franz Meyer sold 75 percent of his clock collection to Orville Hagans, which eventually became part of the Rockford Time Museum in Illinois, later moving to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
After nearly three decades of development, the Meyers sold Black Mountain Ranch in 1951 and moved to Englewood. Franz passed away in his 80s, and Frieda returned to Germany with her nephew, John.
Jean and Hugh Bayne acquired Black Mountain Ranch on July 12, 1951. They immediately began renovations with plans to turn the property into a restaurant, converting Frieda’s woodstove into a fireplace and adding modern appliances. However, their dream of a restaurant never materialized, and after two years, the property was sold following their divorce.
The Turnquist Family: The Resort Era
In 1953, attorney John Turnquist and his family purchased Black Mountain for an estimated $50,000. The Turnquists added a heated concrete swimming pool, renovated the cabins and expanded the stables. They operated Black Mountain Ranch as a summer resort from 1953 to 1963, advertising in newspapers in Chicago, Kansas and Dallas. The resort offered activities like cookouts, square dances, swimming, hiking, camping trips, hayrack rides and trout fishing, with cabins rented for just $5 per night.
The Turnquists also made numerous improvements, including a six-unit inn over the original barn and the construction of the Maxwell Creek reservoir. As Highway 285 developed, Black Mountain Ranch, along with nearby resorts like Brook Forest Inn, Troutdale, and Lazy Valley Inn, became a popular vacation destination.
When their children left for college, the Turnquists sold the property to developers Holdt Chew and Husley Farrill in 1963. Tragically, Bea Turnquist passed away shortly after, at the age of 46. Kathy and Reid Turnquist, now adults with families of their own, often reflect on their cherished memories at Black Mountain. Kathy even returned with her family for a reunion in the fall of 2024.
The Development of Black Mountain Estates
In 1964, the property was sold to developers Sullivan Stenzel, James Martin and C.L. Martin, who subdivided the land into 1-acre lots and created Black Mountain Estates. By 1972, all lots were sold, and streets were named after family and friends, including Jill Drive, Sandy Lane and Griffin Drive.
In 1976, Larry and Nadine Ilg purchased the remaining property, including the stone lodge and apartment complex, for $140,000. After a legal battle, they secured the water rights to the reservoir in 1997.
The Duck Days
Bruce Duck purchased Black Mountain Ranch on October 3, 1997, just before the water rights were finalized. Known for his colorful character, Duck had previously rented one of the apartments above the barn. After purchasing the property, Duck oversaw significant renovations, including rebuilding the apartment complex after it collapsed during the 2003 blizzard. With the help of contractors, he renovated the stone house, including a new kitchen, upstairs five-piece bathroom, adding stained glass windows and custom woodwork.
Duck also filled in the swimming pool and transformed the front deck into a sunroom. The large back deck he built covers the original stone stairs leading to the reservoir that locals have fondly named “The Duck Pond.” Bruce Duck passed away in the fall of 2022, leaving behind a legacy of stewardship for Black Mountain.
A New Chapter: Black Mountain Retreat
In 2023, my husband, Bruce, and I became the proud owners of Black Mountain, exactly 100 years after the Meyers first purchased the land. After an extensive three-year search, we were captivated by the property’s breathtaking beauty—the golden aspen, tall pines and serene pond. Inside, we marveled at the craftsmanship and stunning views, though we quickly realized the considerable work that lay ahead.
The house had no septic system, and the old vault beneath the deck needed an upgrade. We undertook extensive upgrades, including new electrical lines, a new boiler, plumbing and insulation. We replaced all the appliances, installed a water treatment system, and revamped the heating system. The exterior also received significant attention, with tuckpointing around the stone, staining of the wood paneling, and the addition of a new roof and gutters. The result is Black Mountain Retreat—an updated sanctuary that beautifully blends modern comfort with the property’s rich legacy.
Until retirement, we are offering Black Mountain Retreat as a corporate and short-term rental, welcoming others to experience the beauty and tranquility of this iconic landmark.
As we stand at the threshold of Black Mountain’s next chapter, we are mindful of the land’s first inhabitants: the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne peoples. Bruce, an engineer, is of Native and Hispanic heritage, and carries a reverence for nature, wildlife and the preservation of the land. I am an author, educator and facilitator. Together, we share a love of all things outdoors and a deep commitment to community. We are honored to contribute to the legacy of Black Mountain and its place in the history of mountain living.
