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Show a jv Left: The brightly painted exterior of the Christmas House appeared in the book. Painted Ladies, a trib- ute to the country's restored Victorian homes. Below: The Tannenbaum Room includes a beer stein collection as well as the 1889 house's original kitchen cabinets. ill!?; B JD The Christmas House Bed and Breakfast, Ouray George anil Allvson were looking for a I (or their new heil and breakfast in Ouray, they didn't have to look lar. Si nee die 1930. the 188J Victorian had been painted red and green, earning it the nickname The Ghristmas House,' from locals. It came with a built-i- n theme," says who moved a lo Ouray in George, lawyer lJJ7 from Oklahoma Giiv. The ( "rosins took the theme and ran with it. bach of (he 5 rooms has a Christmas-relate- d name: Theres the Tanncnhaum, the Noel, the Fnglish Ivy, the I lolly and the Mistletoe. bach room has a distinct flavor," says Allvson. For example, the Tannenbaum has Herman decor, including a collection of authentic beer steins. The Fnglish Ivy is styled in the spirit of an Fnglish hunt, with a red and green plaid comforter, and darker, woodsy colors. Fach room has private baths, private entrances, Jacuzi tubs for two, TVs, decks, fireplaces, mini icfrigcrators and microwaves. And coming next spring, three outdoor, wood-side- d saunas w ill be added. I he Christmas theme is also carried over to the downstairs, where a snack bar serves hot chocolate with marshmallows jnd Christmas cookies made bv Allyson and her daughter. An artificial Christmas tree graces one corner and is decorated to reflect the changing seasons: There's a Wliui 12 a Cross Currents - February 18, tree fr Valentines Day, the 4 ill of July and Faster, among others. We take it outside and hose it off twice a year," says Allyson, adding that the upkeep is much better than that of a real tree. There's even a Santa Claus hat hanging by the front door that George uses to greet new guests. Despite the Christmas Houses warm and cheery interior, George and Allyson admit it was not always that way. When the last lady bought it, it wa s condemned, say George, Tlic ceiling was falling down and water was running down the walls," adds Allyson. lankily, the former owner saw the possibilities, and began refurbishing the house into a duplex. The makeover was so successful that the Christmas House eventually earned itself a page in the book Painted Ladies , a historical compilation of restored Victorians throughout the country. And although little of the antique furnishings from the house remains, the Crosbys did manage to salvage the original kitchen counter which can be found in the Tannenbaum room. But perhaps more important than the physical reminders of the houses past arc the historical memories held by the old timers of Ouray. Originally this was a shotgun house, says Allyson. We once talked to a man who was bom in the back room." full-col- or WHAT ABOUT IT? Where to find it: 81427; (970) 325-XMA- S Main Street, Ouray, or (800) What you pay: $70 - $100 .325-499- 2. (until Apr. 30). What you get: 5 guest rooms with private entrances, bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs, TVs, decks, mini refrigerators, microwaves and fireplaces. Saunas coming 2000. walk to Ouray What to do: Hot Springs. in nearby ice park. Jeepinghiking in San Juan Mountains. A lit Five-minu- te tle more than an hour from Telluride What's on the menu: No more early wake-u- p calls: Guests can choose what they want to eat and when they want it from a menu the night before. Both George and Allyson participate in the cooking, which can include waffles, egg dishes, ham, sausage, cereal, fruit, fresh coffee and juice. What else: "Sound conditioners in each room lull guests to a heavenly peace. Winter rates also include Telluride lift tickets and hot springs passes. half-pric-e half-pric- e 2000 POOR IT |