Cherry Hills Village

Welcome to Cherry Hills Village

Discover a slice of upscale tranquility, where luxury meets a serene, country-like charm.

Cherry Hills Village is one of the most prestigious residential communities in Colorado, known for its luxurious homes, expansive lots, and serene atmosphere. Nestled just south of Denver, this affluent enclave offers an exclusive suburban retreat while maintaining easy access to the city's amenities. With tree-lined streets, stunning mountain views, and a commitment to open space preservation, Cherry Hills Village is a haven for those seeking privacy, elegance, and a strong sense of community. The area is particularly attractive to high-net-worth individuals, families, and professionals who value both tranquility and convenience.

History

Cherry Hills Village emerged in the late 1930s as a semi-rural enclave of “country homes” south of Denver, anchored by Cherry Hills Country Club (founded 1922 and designed by noted golf architect William S. Flynn). Early civic organization coalesced through the Cherry Hills Improvement Association to resist commercialization and protect large-lot residential character. Following World War II, residents—led by figures such as J. Churchill Owen—petitioned for self-governance; an election in June 1945 approved incorporation, with Joseph F. Little selected as the first mayor and Louesa Bromfield as clerk. The new town immediately enacted zoning that prioritized low density and open space, establishing the identity still evident today.

Key founders, planners, and early leaders

J. Churchill Owen (civic leader spearheading incorporation) and the first Board of Trustees (including Caldwell Martin, Edna B. Catron, Albert S. Brooks, J.H.K. Martin, Paul Spencer, Earl Loser) set the governance and zoning framework in 1945. Judge Henry M. Teller appointed commissioners to conduct the incorporation election. Landscape planner Saco R. (Saco Rienk) DeBoer was retained in the late 1940s to guide growth while preserving the semi-rural character.

Landmark estates and institutional anchors

• Foster-Buell (Buell) Estate (1920; Colonial Revival), later the centerpiece of the Buell Mansion neighborhood.
• Little Estate (1941; Tudor Revival), listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Hickerson Mansion, acquired in 1951 to become the campus of St. Mary’s Academy on S. University Blvd., a long-standing educational presence in the Village
• Quincy (Hopkins) Farm (established 1898), the Village’s oldest intact farmhouse and a designated historic resource along the High Line Canal.

Local Culture

The Village cultivates an intentionally quiet, semi-rural lifestyle: large lots, equestrian traditions, and trail access (notably the High Line Canal) define daily life. Municipal policy historically eschews commercial centers, reinforcing a residential, open-space character with an emphasis on community programming rather than retail-driven placemaking.

Civic culture: events and traditions

• Winter Celebration (Village Center, early December): community tree lighting, hayrides, and family activities—signature annual gathering.
• Seasonal stewardship programs: spring cleanup and tree-planting initiatives reflect the Village’s conservation ethos and resident participation through the Village Crier communications.
• Equestrian heritage: periodic horse-show programming at the Village Club and trail-based activities connect to the Village’s long equine tradition.

Public art and local artists

• The Cherry Hills Village Art Commission curates public art, artist talks, and community art events. Notable installed works include Deborah Butterfield’s “Charlo,” Emmett Culligan’s “Crew Series,” and paintings by Kent Lemon and Gay Warren—all sited at civic locations along E. Quincy Ave.
• The Commission also organizes periodic “Art in the Park”/community art engagements and collaborates with local schools and groups.

Nonprofits and stewardship partners

• Cherry Hills Land Preserve (founded 2005) leads open-space education, trails programming, and the revitalization of Quincy Farm in partnership with the City, reinforcing the Village’s conservation-forward identity.
• Quincy Farm (17.5 acres, donated under conservation easement) functions as a nature-and-history hub along the High Line Canal, with the 1898 Hopkins farmhouse as a registered historic landmark.

Local Attractions

Parks & Open Spaces

• John Meade Park – Central green space offering playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, and a tranquil pond, serving as a residential gathering point.
• Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve – Undeveloped grassland and wetland preserve featuring soft-surface trails, wildlife habitat, and views of the Rocky Mountains.
• High Line Canal Trail – A long, tree-lined, multi-use corridor that stretches through the Village; ideal for walking, jogging, cycling; part of Denver area's broader trail network
• Dahlia Hollow Park – Quiet neighborhood retreat with native landscaping, shaded walking areas, ideal for relaxed outings.
• Blackmer Common – Open green area used for informal recreation, seasonal gatherings, and family activities.
• City-Wide Trails & Parkland – The municipality maintains over 25 miles of trails and about 50 acres of parkland and rights-of-way, reinforcing the Village’s open-space identity.

Historic Landmarks & Estates

• Foster‑Buell Estate – Colonial Revival manor designed by Fisher & Fisher (1920), with landscaping by S.R. DeBoer; historically significant and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Little Estate – 1941 Tudor Revival mansion by Jamieson & Stiffler, featuring mature landscaping, pool; NRHP-listed.
• Owen Estate – Early 1920s Tudor Revival property (mansion, gatehouse, ancillary structures), anchored by architect Merrill H. Hoyt; NRHP-listed.
• Maitland Estate – 1925 Tudor Revival home by Hoyt & Hoyt on four acres; historically associated with Denver business leader James Maitland; NRHP-listed.

Recreation & Landmarks

• Cherry Hills Country Club – Prestigious private club established 1922, featuring a championship 18‑hole course (William Flynn, renovation by Tom Doak), nine-hole par‑3, tennis courts, and lap pool. Renowned host of major golf championships (U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, BMW Championship, U.S. Amateur).

Dining & Entertainment

Restaurants & Dining Favorites

• Pino’s Place – Italian classic serving risotto, lasagna, veal parmigiana. Relaxed but refined service, popular for both casual and celebratory meals
• Cherry Hills Sushi Co. – Minimalist sushi bar focused on high–quality hand-rolls and fresh ingredients. Consistency and simplicity are its strengths.
• Osteria Alberico – Elegant Italian restaurant in Cherry Creek offering traditional dishes with modern interpretations; curated beverage program.
• North Italia – Contemporary, open‑kitchen Italian concept for house-made pastas, artisan pizzas; suitable for varied dining occasions.
• Hillstone – Upscale American fare in polished surroundings; menu includes prime rib, grilled salmon, house-made desserts.
• Ocean Prime – Fine-dining seafood and steakhouse with expansive wine list and cocktails; destination for formal dinners and business gatherings.
• LingLon Dumpling House – Chinese comfort cuisine specializing in soup dumplings and hand‑pulled noodles; casual and flavorful option nearby.
• True Food Kitchen – Health-oriented dining with vegan/vegetarian/gluten‑free offerings; seasonal, nutrient-rich menus in a modern setting.
• Cherry Creek Grill – Reliable American classics such as burgers, rotisserie chicken, salads; traditional and familiar.
• fellow traveler – Global comfort food in a casual environment; rotating seasonal menu and craft cocktails

Local Favorites

• Flower Child – Casual, health-focused café favored for lunch.
• Toro – Upscale Latin‑American cuisine.
• Satchel’s – Farm-to-table spot praised for consistency (“delivers every time”).

Nearby Entertainment

While Cherry Hills Village lacks commercial entertainment venues, residents frequently access cultural and social destinations in adjacent areas. Classic theater and live performance options are accessible in nearby communities.

Parks & Recreation

Cherry Hills Village exemplifies an outdoor-oriented lifestyle anchored in open spaces, trails, and equestrian amenities.

Trail Network & Parkland

The City maintains over 25 miles of trails and approximately 50 acres of parkland and rights-of-way, managed by a Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission—a citizen board that collaborates with staff to ensure high-quality maintenance and programming. The Village Trail, a newly signed trail loop, also connects key parks and green spaces; its official map is available for download at the Village Center.

Notable Parks & Features

• John Meade Park: Community-centric park with walking paths, open lawns, and a pond—frequently used for passive recreation and neighborhood gatherings. 
• Three Pond Park: A 9.5‑acre passive-use area featuring tranquil scenery, an equestrian jump course, and public-art sculpture.
• High Line Canal Trail: Long-standing, tree-lined multi-use corridor ideal for walking, jogging, cycling, and horseback riding; the Canal defines much of the Village’s equestrian and trail identity.

Equestrian & Outdoor Lifestyle

The Village preserves a strong equestrian tradition, supported by bridle trails that traverse open country interspersed with residential properties.

Recreation in the wider Denver area also includes Cherry Creek State Park, a 4,200-acre regional resource offering boating, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, camping, and biking—accessible within 15–20 minutes by car.

Outdoor recreation in Cherry Hills Village prioritizes passive, non-commercial experiences across walking trails, equestrian pathways, scenic parks, and nearby state-level amenities. The Village’s landscape supports a quiet, active lifestyle rooted in nature and conservation.

Schools & Education

Cherry Hills Village offers robust educational options, appealing to families through high-performing public schools and reputable private institutions.

Public School Districts

Most of the Village falls under the Cherry Creek School District, one of Colorado’s top-rated districts, serving over 55,000 students across 69 schools. In addition, a portion of the Village is served by Englewood Schools.

Public Schools within the Village

• Cherry Hills Village Elementary School: Recognized with the John Irwin School of Excellence Award for academic achievement and student growth. According to 2025 rankings, Cherry Hills Village Elementary is ranked #11 among Colorado elementary schools. 
• Cherry Creek High School ranks among the top public high schools statewide. 

Private and Independent Schools

• Kent Denver School: A private, co-educational college preparatory institution (grades 6–12) located on a 200-acre campus in the Village. Founded through a merger in 1974, with origins dating to 1922.
• St. Mary’s Academy: A Catholic, independent day school (Preschool to Grade 12) with co-ed Lower and Middle Schools, and an all-girls college-preparatory High School. Recognized three times as a Blue Ribbon School (U.S. School of Excellence). Offers 26 AP courses

More Information

• The Village also hosts West Middle School and Cherry Creek High School within the district map listings.

• The Cherry Creek District consistently ranks among the top 3 school districts in Colorado, validated in 2025 rankings.

Cherry Hills Village supports a family-friendly educational environment with elite public schools in a top-tier district, complemented by prestigious private schools—Kent Denver School and St. Mary’s Academy. These institutions deliver strong academic outcomes, diverse educational offerings, and college-preparatory rigor.

Commute & Accessibility

Highways & Road Access

• Colorado State Highway 177 (South University Boulevard): Runs north–south through Cherry Hills Village, linking SH 470 in Highlands Ranch to U.S. Route 285 (U.S. 285) in the Village; provides direct access toward Denver’s core and southern suburbs.
• U.S. Route 285 (U.S. 285): Forms the Village’s western boundary; a key corridor into Denver and the foothills via the "Hampden corridor."
• E‑470 (toll freeway): Accessible via SH 177; expresses to the east and south, important for bypassing central Denver and connecting to DIA and suburbs. Toll rates range ~$0.37 per mile with mainline station fees of ~$4.15–$4.50; ExpressToll transponders reduce rates by ~20 %.

Airports

• Denver International Airport (DIA): Located ~29–30 miles from Cherry Hills Village; driving time is approximately 31–36 minutes under typical traffic.
  • Public transit to/from DIA:
    • Cheapest option: bus + RTD train, ~1 hour 30 minutes, ~$6.
    • Alternative: bus + train via line 24, ~1 hour 21 minutes, ~$13.
  • Private transport: Taxi or town car available; typical ride ~36 minutes at ~$95–120 (taxi) or ~$107 (town car).

Commuting Profile

• Average commute time: ~21 minutes—below U.S. national average (~26.6 minutes).
• Most residents drive alone to work (≈63.8 %); ~29 % work from home
• Transit options: RTD covers the region with over 100 local/regional and SkyRide bus routes, 10 rail lines, 113 miles of rail service, and 96 park‑and‑rides—though bus/rail service within the Village is limited.

Real Estate in Cherry Hills Village

Market Snapshot (July/August 2025):

• Zillow: Typical home value ~$3.05 million (+3 % year-over-year as of July 2025). Median list price ~$3.65 million.
• Redfin: Median sale price ~$3.225 million in July 2025 (+7.3 % YoY); homes sold in ~17 days.
• Realtor.com: Median listing price ~$3.9 million in July 2025 (–3 % YoY).
• Movoto: Median list price ~$3.85 million in July 2025; average market time ~88 days; 38 homes sold during the month.

The Cherry Hills Village real estate market is high-end, competitive, and strengthening—median values range $3–4 million, rising annually; sales velocity remains brisk, indicating robust demand. You can browse available properties in Cherry Hills Village through our MLS pages:

• Cherry Hills Village Homes/Houses
• Cherry Hills Village Luxury Properties
• Cherry Hills Village Condos

Factors to Consider When Buying or Selling Properties in Cherry Hills Village

Buying or selling in Cherry Hills Village involves dynamics that are very different from a typical suburban market. The combination of estate-scale lots, equestrian amenities, and ultra low-density zoning shapes both value and strategy.

Zoning, Lot Size, and Development Potential: Cherry Hills Village was built deliberately as a low-density, semi rural community. Many properties sit on one acre or more, with strict zoning, setback requirements, and limits on subdivision. Buyers should understand current zoning, any conservation or trail easements, and whether a lot can realistically be redeveloped or expanded. Sellers benefit from clearly documenting lot dimensions, survey information, any past approvals, and how the property fits within current regulations.

Historic and Architectural Character: The Village contains a mix of historic estates, classic ranch properties, and new contemporary builds. Design quality, architect pedigree, and sensitivity to the semi rural character can significantly influence buyer interest and long term value. Buyers should evaluate whether a home is best treated as a preservation opportunity, a candidate for major renovation, or a potential tear down. Sellers of architecturally significant homes can add value by highlighting original plans, renovation records, and any historic designations or awards.

Equestrian Use, Trails, and Easements: Equestrian use and trail connectivity are key lifestyle drivers in Cherry Hills Village. Some properties include bridle paths, paddocks, or direct access to the High Line Canal and Village trail network. Buyers should review any equestrian-related zoning, existing easements on the property, and maintenance responsibilities tied to shared trails or open space. Sellers should be prepared to explain how their property interacts with nearby trails, bridle paths, and open space, especially for buyers seeking horses or enhanced privacy.

Privacy, Setting, and Micro Location: Two homes with similar square footage can perform very differently depending on privacy, tree cover, mountain views, and proximity to key anchors. Properties near Cherry Hills Country Club, Glenmoor Country Club, or in established enclaves like Old Cherry Hills and Buell Mansion often command a premium. Buyers should weigh tradeoffs between seclusion and convenience, and ask how a micro location compares historically on pricing and time on market. Sellers should position the home clearly within its micro neighborhood and emphasize setting, view corridors, and site orientation.

Price Tier, Financing, and Appraisals: Cherry Hills Village operates largely in the luxury and ultra luxury segments. Many transactions involve jumbo financing or cash. Buyers should work with lenders experienced in complex, high price point properties and be prepared for appraisal challenges when there are few recent comparable sales. Sellers need realistic pricing grounded in recent Village activity, not just broader metro data, and should anticipate that some buyers will require additional documentation to support appraisal value and loan approval.

Renovation, Infrastructure, and Operating Costs: Older estates can carry substantial ongoing costs for landscaping, irrigation, pools, and aging systems. Buyers should budget for modernization of mechanical systems, building envelopes, and outdoor amenities at estate scale, not just cosmetic updates. Detailed inspections, septic and well evaluations where relevant, and contractor consultations are critical. Sellers can strengthen their position by providing service records, recent upgrades, and clear estimates for utilities, groundskeeping, and HOA or gated community fees.

Market Liquidity and Time Horizon: Inventory in Cherry Hills Village is limited and highly segmented. Certain pockets can move quickly when a well priced, turnkey home appears, while unique or highly customized properties may take longer to find the right buyer. Buyers should be prepared to act decisively when a suitable property appears and may need patience if they are targeting a very specific micro location or lot type. Sellers should understand that pricing, presentation, and strategic timing are essential in a market where the buyer pool is deep but discerning.

Discretion, Marketing Strategy, and Representation: Because Cherry Hills Village attracts high profile and high net worth residents, discretion and curated marketing often matter as much as broad exposure. Some properties change hands off market or with very targeted campaigns. Buyers benefit from working with agents who know upcoming listings, private offerings, and seller priorities. Sellers benefit from an agent who understands how to balance privacy with effective exposure and how to position a Village property within the wider Denver luxury market.

Architectural Styles in Cherry Hills Village

Architectural Styles

• Colonial Revival: Exemplified by the Foster‑Buell Estate (1920), designed by Fisher & Fisher with landscaping by Saco DeBoer.
• Tudor Revival: Prominent in estate architecture, including the Little Estate (1941) by Gordon Jamieson & Ewing Stiffler, the Owen Estate (early 1920s) by Merrill H. Hoyt, and the Maitland Estate (1925) by Hoyt & Hoyt.
• Modern and Contemporary: New builds blend clean rectilinear forms with natural materials such as limestone and charred cedar siding, as highlighted in a 2021 design using buff-colored Texas limestone masonry and vertical, wire-brushed cedar for texture, set against black metal accents and standing-seam roofs.
• Ranch-style and Bungalow Influences: While less ornate, bungalow and ranch-style homes appear throughout the Village reflecting practical Colorado living sensibilities

Notable Local Architects and Firms

• Historic architects: Fisher & Fisher, Hoyt & Hoyt, Gordon Jamieson, Ewing Stiffler—central to early 20th-century estate architecture.
• Contemporary practices:
  • Arcadea Architecture (Boulder‑based)—delivers cost‑effective, context‑sensitive designs using regional stone and site framing.
  • Architectural Workshop—executed a large, contemporary Cherry Hills residence (7,660 sq ft) featuring mixed metal and wood exteriors to achieve luxurious modern appeal.
  • Blueline Architects—authored bungalow-style homes that harmonize simple Colorado aesthetics with premium execution

Why People Love Cherry Hills Village: What Makes Cherry Hills Village Unique

Cherry Hills Village has a very specific appeal: it feels like quiet countryside, yet it sits just beyond Denver’s urban core. People are drawn to the way it combines privacy, natural beauty, and refined living without feeling showy or overbuilt.

Semi rural setting with true open space: Residents love the large lots, mature trees, and carefully preserved open space. Trails, fields, ponds, and the High Line Canal create a green network that is part of daily life, not just a weekend destination. You can walk, ride, or jog on soft paths and still be at major employment, shopping, and cultural hubs in a short drive.

Equestrian and trail oriented lifestyle: Cherry Hills Village is one of the few Front Range communities where horses remain part of the fabric of daily life. Bridle paths cut through neighborhoods, and many properties back to trails or open space. For buyers who value riding, walking, and low key outdoor recreation over commercial amenities, this balance is hard to replicate.

Architectural character and estate scale living: The Village is known for its mix of historic estates, ranch homes, and high end custom builds. Homes often sit on one acre or more, with thoughtful siting and landscaping that emphasizes privacy and views. Residents appreciate that new construction is held to a high standard and that the overall look of the community remains cohesive, green, and residential rather than intensely developed.

Quiet, purely residential community character: There are no big commercial strips inside Cherry Hills Village. That is intentional. People who live here tend to value the absence of retail and traffic in exchange for a low key, neighborhood focused environment. Daily errands and dining are close by in surrounding areas, while the Village itself stays calm and residential.

Strong schools and long term stability: Access to top ranked public schools in the Cherry Creek School District, along with prestigious private schools such as Kent Denver and St. Mary’s Academy, is a major reason families choose the Village. The combination of excellent schools, careful zoning, and limited land supply creates a sense of long term stability that appeals to both end users and long term investors.

Clubs, culture, and convenience to Denver: Residents enjoy proximity to Cherry Hills Country Club and Glenmoor Country Club, as well as quick access to Cherry Creek, the Denver Tech Center, and downtown Denver. You get high level dining, shopping, arts, and sports within an easy drive, then return to a quiet, dark sky neighborhood at night.

In short, people love Cherry Hills Village because it offers rare alignment: estate level privacy, authentic open space, equestrian and trail amenities, elite schools, and fast access to metro Denver, all within a community that has deliberately chosen to stay low density and residential.

Most Coveted Streets & Estates in Cherry Hills Village

• Old Cherry Hills – Traditional luxury sector featuring secluded, refined estates.
• Other established sub-districts with distinct character: Mockingbird Lane, Cherryridge, Devonshire, Glenmoor, Charlou, Cherry Hills East, Mansfield Heights, and Cherry Hills North.
• Gated communities:
  • Buell Mansion – Hilltop enclave surrounding the Foster‑Buell Estate; includes Georgian Revival and elaborately styled English Manor-style residences.
  • Cherry Hills Park – Known for very large mansions (15,000 – 25,000 sq ft) in a gated setting.
• Proximity-rich zones: Areas adjacent to Glenmoor Country Club (southwest) and Cherry Hills Country Club—often referred to as Cherry Hills Farm and Glenmoor neighborhoods—are among the most exclusive, with spacious estate lots.