history of riversong
Welcome to Riversong. We are a small, privately owned country inn at the doorstep to the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountain National Park. At one time this beautiful estate was owned by families of wealth that threw Great Gatsby like events. Those days have given way to a quiet, nationally recognized mountain retreat on the edge of Estes Park, Colorado.
A QUIET FAMILY RETREAT
Construction of Marshall Lodge began in 1922 in Estes Park. Built as a summer lodge for a banking family from Lincoln, Kansas, the lodge became a retreat from the hot Midwest summers and hosted much-anticipated family gatherings. This was a place where children played games of hide and seek among the rock outcroppings. Kids splashed each other in the cool mountain stream and enjoyed the rainy summer afternoons inside the lodge working on puzzles. The aroma of the fire in the fireplace and pancakes, sausage, and coffee filled the chilly morning air as grandma Marshall worked her kitchen magic. It’s much the same today, a century later, as our staff lovingly prepares an elegant breakfast for our guests who are here to seek their own adventure and fantasies at this magical country inn. The lodge started out as a single-story building with a cistern for water. A wood stove in the kitchen provided hot water, laundry was done in the sink, and lanterns and starlight provided light in the night.
When patriarch Abe Marshall died in Lincoln, Kansas, his wife Belle married her childhood sweetheart from California, Frank Chase. Mr. Chase, a wealthy entrepreneur who made his fortune in the California orange business, began remodeling the lodge – adding 4 bedrooms upstairs and an ambitious project of building ponds, canals, hiking trails, rock walls, and gardens. The gazebo down by the river had a water wheel that turned a flower carousel, much to the amazement of family and friends. A full-time summer gardener was needed to tend to the flower and berry beds and chase away the deer. During WW II, husbands met their families at the cabins on leave from action in the Pacific. One can only imagine how precious each moment was while they played with their kids, fished in the ponds, and fought back the tears when it came time to leave.
When Frank Chase passed away, his daughters inherited the lodge. Ultimately, a buyer from Florida named N.R. “Tubby” Field became the new owner. Tubby, a little wider than tall, gave lavish parties for his friends and provided “cowboys and indians” costumes for the festivities. Housekeepers and butlers from Florida would arrive early in the summer to open the lodge. Tubby motored down the road to town in a white Cadillac, leaving in a cloud of dust and cigar smoke, and always a friendly wave to the few neighbors along the way. After Field’s death in 1971, the lodge lay abandoned for 10 years, until the Warren family bought the property for their home and raised their kids at the lodge. In 1985, the Warren family moved back to Dallas and put the property up for sale. RIVERSONG BED & BREAKFAST INN
The year 1986 meant hard times for Colorado’s economy. The collapse of the oil market, over-building of homes and office buildings along the front range at a time of sky-high interest rates, and high unemployment spelled disaster for the real estate market. But this also spelled opportunity for Gary, as real estate broker, and Sue Mansfield. They traded their home in Denver for their new lifestyle. With the help of loyal friends to paint and build a new bath on the main floor of the lodge, Gary and Sue opened the lodge as the RiverSong Bed and Breakfast Inn on Memorial Day 1986 with their bank account balance at just $500. But being the hard working optimists that they are, success came just in time to meet expenses month after month.
In 2017, after a long search for new owners, Gary chose Jay and Krystal Jakosky to keep the fires burning brightly at RiverSong. For Jay and Krystal, the opportunity came at the perfect time, with their youngest headed off to college and Jay ready to move on from a 30-year career in high technology. What a joy it is to trade cubicles and computer screens for working riverside among the pine trees.
RiverSong celebrates decades of sharing romance, peace, and nature with others. And the magic of this wonderful place continues to build new memories for guests just as before.
See Why guests Return Year After Year to Our Riverside B&B
From breathtaking views of the Rockies to unexpected glimpses of our local wildlife, weekend getaways at the Riversong Inn are an opportunity for rest and romance in one of Estes Park’s most idyllic destinations. Explore our galleries for more of the sights and scenes that make our B&B a truly unforgettable experience.
Find All You Need for Your Romantic Escape
Whether you opt for one of our B&B packages or create your own unique experience, you will be able to take advantage of the abundant charm at the RiverSong Inn and our focus on enjoying a vibrant life with options to nourish, relax, and indulge.
- Breakfast – All of our guests are invited to breakfast in the dining room every morning of your stay. Our cooks delight in providing healthy, balanced, and delicious dishes made from wholesome ingredients to fuel your mountain adventures. We can accommodate most food allergies, and we offer a Breakfast-to-Go option (24-hour notice) for those needing an early start. Learn more about our Breakfast offerings.
- Add-Ons – From fresh flowers to sweets to picnic backpack lunches and more, our B&B offers a variety of options to put that perfect final touch on your stay with us. Browse our available Add-Ons and mix-and-match for your ideal getaway.
Experience the Riverside Romance that Keeps Couples Coming Back for More
Whether for a wedding, a romantic weekend, or a winter getaway, the RiverSong Inn has been a special place in the lives of countless couples throughout our 100 years of history. Hear what our lovebirds have to say about our stunning property and our exceptional customer care.
For more reactions and insights into what makes our bed and breakfast special, browse our reviews.
Discover All That the RiverSong Inn Has to Offer
Whether you’re searching for the perfect venue in which to take your vows or simply want an escape to the grandeur of the Rockies, the RiverSong Inn is perfect for special occasions and weekend getaways alike. Explore our various offerings and contact us to book your Estes Park romance today.
Weddings and Elopements
With the Rocky Mountains in the background and your love front and center, our bed and breakfast provides an environment like no other in which to take the next step in your relationship. Our venue accommodates weddings of up to twenty people for an intimate streamside experience in all the wooded beauty of our Estes Park property. Browse our Weddings and Elopements page and learn more about making Romantic RiverSong Inn the site of your special day.
Activities
With a wealth of options, our B&B is the ideal destination for anyone looking to enjoy an escape to the tranquil scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about the various Activities available on our property or look forward to simply relaxing in the fresh mountain air of Estes Park, Colorado.
Couples Getaways
Our ten rooms each have their own unique ambience while remaining true to the cozy charm that characterizes our entire inn. There’s nothing like the serenity of our riverside property to keep your love burning strong. From our Shooting Star Suite to the lofty Meadow Bright Room, discover the spaces that keep couples returning year after year and book your own stay in one of our Rooms today.
Experience the Romance of Our Bed and Breakfast in Estes Park, Colorado
Situated only 75 miles from central Denver, the RiverSong Inn in Estes Park is a prime destination for guests from throughout Colorado and around the world. Our bed and breakfast is accessible year-round via Lower Broadview Rd, which offers riverside views along its winding curves all the way to the privacy of our wooded property.
For more information about our property, visit our About page.
Inspire Your Life with a Stay at RiverSong Inn
From the awe-inspiring majesty of the Rockies to the tranquil serenity of an afternoon spent beside a gently flowing river, the RiverSong Inn has everything you need for a mountain escape that will refresh and inspire your relationship and your life. No matter the season, our B&B in Estes Park is your ideal destination for exploring the charm of the town and the rugged scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park. Contact our office to have all your questions about our property answered and book your stay with us today.