Avery House | Fort Collins

Avery House is a historic house museum located in Fort Collins, Colorado. It is a preserved example of Victorian-era architecture and domestic life in the region.

Visual Characteristics

The house is a two-story Queen Anne style Victorian structure constructed primarily of wood. It features a prominent wraparound porch with decorative spindle work and turned posts. The exterior is painted in a combination of cream and white, with dark green trim. The roof is steeply pitched with multiple gables and a turret. Original stained glass windows are present on the facade.

Location & Access Logistics

Avery House is situated at 328 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521. It is approximately 0.5km west of the downtown Fort Collins central business district. On-street parking is available on surrounding streets, with limitations on duration. The nearest public transport stop is located on Mountain Avenue, served by the Transfort Route 1.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The house was built in 1879 for Franklin Avery, a prominent early settler and businessman in Fort Collins. It was designed by architect W.A.E. Breidenbach. The original purpose was a private residence for the Avery family. It remained in the family until 1975.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guided tours of the house are offered, detailing the history of the Avery family and Victorian domestic life. Visitors can observe period furnishings and architectural details. Exterior grounds are accessible for viewing the house's facade and gardens.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the museum during tour hours. Limited shade is provided by mature trees on the property. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this urban area. No food vendors are located on-site; dining options are available in the nearby downtown area.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal interior lighting during tours, late morning or early afternoon is recommended. The museum operates seasonally, typically from May through October. Specific operating days and hours are posted on the museum's official schedule.

Facts & Legends

Franklin Avery was instrumental in establishing the Cache la Poudre River as a water source for Fort Collins' agricultural development. A local anecdote suggests that the house's turret was designed to provide a vantage point for observing the construction of the Avery family's nearby lumber mill.

Nearby Landmarks

• Old Town Fort Collins (0.5km East)
• Avery Park (1.2km Southwest)
• Colorado State University Campus (1.8km West)
• Fort Collins Museum of Discovery (1.5km Southeast)