Originally built during the Colorado Gold Rush and on the National Register of Historic Places, Gable House Bed & Breakfast blends modern comforts with Victorian-style architecture and antique furniture. Rest your head in beautifully restored rooms of the former hospital building, surrounded by sepia-toned photographs and period-specific decor. Then, wake up to homemade breakfast — with all the fluffy eggs and crispy bacon your heart desires — before you explore.
What makes it special?
The building’s three-story Queen Anne brick walls, wraparound porch and iconic gabled roofs were originally erected back in 1892. And since then, more than a century’s worth of Coloradans have called the Gable House home. The first residents ran a flour mill and mercantile in town. By the early 20th century, one of the most renowned doctors in the Four Corners region, Dr. Ochsner, purchased the home and converted the building into a private clinic — and, in 1942, it became the county’s first public hospital. The community staple was converted into the Gable House Bed & Breakfast in 1970, welcoming guests to experience its homey, Gold Rush-era ambiance.
Fast forward to today, where the current owners make it their mission not only to share the building’s rich history with visitors, but also to support the community by serving up Durango-made delicacies like Animas Chocolate, 81301 Coffee and fresh produce from the local farmers’ market. This special spot perfectly encapsulates this corner of Colorado.
The most Colorado thing about this place
We’re going with the view right outside your window. Snag the Schutt room (the chamber of the very first owners) featuring a balcony. It’s perfect for sitting out and sipping fresh-brewed coffee in the morning while gazing at the La Plata peaks. Depending on the time of year, they may be speckled with golden aspens, capped with snow or blanketed with a rainbow of wildflowers (you’ll have to plan a hike or two to see those babies up close). Options like the Marie room overlook the home’s lush, flower-speckled gardens below.