The tides are officially changing in Denver, where Isaac Slade and his wife Anna have placed their one-of-a-kind Victorian mansion on the market for $3 million. The Fray frontman (“How to Save a Life,” “Over My Head,” “You Found Me,” “Love Don’t Die”) acquired the property back in 2009 for $950,000. Originally designed by noted local architect William Lang and built in 1890, the current homeowners undertook a significant renovation; the structure’s current iteration includes classic touches paired with fancy updates, including a decked-out basement complete with a performance stage and hidden speakeasy.
Nestled behind ornate wrought-iron gates in the city’s historic West Highland neighborhood, the home stuns from the outset with its extravagant red brick façade and eye-catching turret, plus a charming front porch flanked by four small bowling pin-esque columns anchored in black brick blocks, and the space is accented by a nostalgic swing chair.
Once inside, expect four bedrooms and four baths spread over 5,000-plus square feet of living space on three levels, with the magic beginning with an enchanting entry foyer topped by a vintage light fixture, highlighted by a staircase adorned with original woodwork. To the side, a cozy fireside conversation room clad in tile culled from the home’s original hearth connects to a private reading nook squirreled away in the turret.
The main level also sports a fireplace-equipped living room with red walls and a green ceiling. (That Christmas-themed space happens to be the exact spot where Slade wrote many of The Fray’s hit singles.) The chic gourmet kitchen goes fully modern with an island topped by a handmade, black walnut butcher block, plus a small fortune’s worth of high-end appliances — a candy apple red, cast-iron AGA stove and pasta station among them — and a wood floor inlaid with a custom pattern designed by Anna Slade.
Upstairs, the master retreat boasts hand-carved wood details, plus a spacious walk-in closet outfitted with shelves shipped from a Parisian boutique and separate sitting room with fireplace. Abutting the sitting room is a turret space housing a clawfoot tub encased in hand-painted Mexican tiles, and there’s also a bath equipped with a marble-lined steam shower. A second kitchen, living space, additional bedroom and terrace also can be found on the upper level, making it the perfect spot for an au pair, guests or in-law suite; and stairs from this floor lead to attic spaces that can be used as a playroom, bedroom or office.
With its own private entrance, the fully independent lower level has a stage for at-home performances, along with a speakeasy-inspired lounge and built-in bar. An added bonus: a ceiling covered in a collage of airplane and hotel keys from the band’s tours. Holding court in the grassy backyard is a hand-crafted pergola imported from Asia and detached garage with sliding barn doors that Anna used as an art studio.
Mckinze Casey of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty holds the listing.