Avery House | Fort Collins

The Avery House, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a beautifully preserved Victorian-era home that serves as both a historic landmark and a museum. It offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle, architecture, and social culture of late 19th-century Fort Collins. Managed by the Poudre Landmarks Foundation, it is a cherished symbol of the city's pioneer heritage.

1. LOCATION & HISTORY

Address: 328 W. Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, CO

Built: 1879

Architectural Style: Late Victorian, specifically a blend of Queen Anne and Gothic Revival

Original Owner: Franklin Avery - a prominent surveyor, banker, and civic leader who was instrumental in laying out Fort Collins’ wide streets and founding key institutions.

2. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

The Avery House stands out for its well-maintained and elegant details:

Exterior:

Constructed with locally sourced sandstone

Ornate wood trim and stained glass windows

A steeply pitched roof and multiple gables

Large wraparound porch, typical of Queen Anne homes

Interior:

Authentic period furnishings and antiques

Carved woodwork, original light fixtures, and patterned wallpaper

Rooms include a formal parlor, library, dining room, bedrooms, and kitchen

Historical artifacts reflect the domestic life of an upper-middle-class family in the late 1800s

3. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Franklin Avery played a central role in shaping Fort Collins:

Helped establish the First National Bank of Fort Collins

Founded the Larimer County Bank

Advocated for irrigation projects that helped turn the region into an agricultural hub

Helped create the wide street layout that characterizes Fort Collins today

The Avery House remained in the Avery family until the 1960s. After falling into disrepair, it was saved from demolition by local preservationists and restored for public use.

4. CURRENT USE & TOURS

The Avery House is now a museum offering:

Guided Tours: Available on weekends (typically Saturdays and Sundays) for a small fee or donation. Docents provide stories about the Avery family, Victorian customs, and Fort Collins history.

Self-Guided Tours: Occasionally available during open house events.

Group Tours: Can be arranged in advance for school field trips, history groups, or private organizations.

5. EVENTS & PROGRAMMING

The house is also used for seasonal events and community activities:

Victorian Teas: Afternoon tea events with historical themes

Holiday Open Houses: During Christmas, the house is decorated with period ornaments and festive Victorian touches

Historic Lecture Series: Talks on local history, architecture, and Avery family genealogy

Weddings & Rentals: The house and its gardens are available to rent for small weddings and gatherings

6. GROUNDS & GARDENS

The home is surrounded by a peaceful, manicured garden area featuring:

Heritage roses and seasonal flower beds

Iron fencing and mature trees

A historic carriage house and informational plaques

The garden adds to the historic ambiance and serves as a favorite spot for photographers and visitors seeking tranquility in the middle of the city.

7. VISITOR EXPERIENCE

The Avery House offers:

A deeply personal experience of Fort Collins’ pioneer past

One of the most photogenic and preserved Victorian homes in Northern Colorado

Insight into the transformation of Fort Collins from a frontier town into a prosperous city

It’s best suited for:

History enthusiasts and architecture buffs

Families looking for educational weekend activities

Couples seeking a charming cultural stop in Old Town Fort Collins

The Avery House is a quiet yet powerful reminder of the city's roots, lovingly preserved and presented with care by volunteers and historians who keep Fort Collins’ story alive.