HISTORY
Ferncliff was platted in 1910 by John Webber and the area directly to the north was homesteaded by John’s nephew, James Webber, in 1914. Several of the existing buildings on the northern side of the Ferncliff area are associated with James Webber. A dairy and store were reportedly in operation around 1919 when Scott and Bertha Vanatta took ownership of much of the area. The dairy was sold to Ruby and Michael Marden in 1939, and in 1943 the dairy became the first certified dairy in Colorado. The Ferncliff-area parcels continued to evolve as different parts were carved off and bought and sold by different owners for decades. The dairy was bought by Don and Eileen Kvols in the 1960s. The Kvols eventually acquired many properties in Ferncliff, turning the area into a resort that offered a supermarket, liquor store, laundromat, a motel, rental cabins, a gas station, and a fishing pond. After the Kvols passing in the early 2000’s, over time the town fell into disrepair, with many of the buildings becoming dilapidated and run-down… and no longer being managed as an operating resort.
In 2018, Oracle Lynn, a dynamic and visionary builder, saw the potential to completely renovate and re-enliven the historic town of Ferncliff back to its original glory, and then some. Lynn had lived much of his life in the mountain communities west of Boulder, and began using reclaimed materials to renovate structures in his early teens. By the age of 30, he had built several homes and had become known in the area for his blend of rustic and reused materials with modern, fantastic furnishings and finishes. It took him nearly three years to get through the replat process with Boulder County while simultaneously spending countless hours meticulously rehabilitating each space across the Resort, Ranch and Sleepy Hollow properties.
Finally, in 2021, Alison & Travis Robinson partnered with Oracle to support the completion of the renovation process while bringing operational and retreat experience. WIth over three decades in Boulder County working on community-related projects, they believe that Ferncliff Ranch & Resort can be the most fun and impactful project they’ve ever had for visitors and the local community alike.
