The historic Highlands Ranch Mansion and ranch stand today as valuable pieces of history, reflecting the lifestyle of early settlers and pioneers of the area now known as Highlands Ranch. More than 100 years old, this magnificent structure has been home to some of Denver's notable families. The Mansion offers more than 22,000 square feet and lists 14 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, five fireplaces, a great room, a ballroom, a dining room, a library, a billiard room, a butler’s pantry and kitchen, and a private courtyard.

The Mansion was built by John W. Springer, a wealthy man with ties to politics, banking, and law, who began construction in 1891. The original building reflected a Russian castle style and contained nearly 60 percent of the present structure. Springer quickly rose to local prominence and was active in politics, running for mayor of Denver.

In 1926, Frank E. Kistler purchased the Mansion and the land surrounding it. He and his family conducted expensive renovations and added additional rooms to the Mansion. Kistler converted the ranch into a breeding ranch specializing in dairy and Angus cattle, purebred sheep, hogs and chickens. The ranch was then known as the Diamond K Ranch. Local parks are named after Kistler and the Diamond K Ranch. At the same time, Kistler added the final 40 percent of the mansion and altered the style to a classic Tudor. The six fireplaces, nine bedrooms, hardwood floors and a secret passageway were reminiscent of the European homes and allowed for entertaining in grand style.

During the Great Depression, Kistler sold the Mansion for $250 due to financial problems to Lawrence C. Phipps, Sr., who made his fortune with Carnegie Steel. Lawrence Phipps, Jr., used the property for cattle ranching and changed its name to Highland Ranch. Phipps died in 1976 and the ranch was sold to Marvin Davis, of Davis Oil Corporation, for more than $13 million. He re-sold the property in 1978 to Mission Viejo Company, which had a vision of a master-planned community. In 1997, Mission Viejo Company was purchased by Shea Homes, the current owner of the ranch and Mansion.

About the Ranch
The ranch encompasses 250 acres. While the main purpose of the ranching operation has been beef production, the ranch also included a dairy operation, which was located in the northern barn. The brick silos connected to the barn provided storage for cattle feed during the winter. The bunkhouse west of the dairy barn afforded lodging for many of the ranch hands who worked on the property. The next barn was used for general maintenance activities within the ranch. The corrals to the south and east of the barns were typically used during the calving and branding operations.

The windmill south of the mansion is the site of the primary well used for the ranching headquarters and mansion. The well is still in operation, however, the pump is now powered by electricity. There were quite a number of wells drilled throughout Highlands Ranch so that water would be available for cattle in each pasture.

The Highlands Ranch Historical Society maintains information on this valuable piece of the community's history. The Metro District of Highlands Ranch owns and manages the property.