This 1956 Post-and-Beam A-Frame in Denver Radiates Vibrant Vintage Vibes

On the market for $800K, the Frenchie Gratts design features mahogany beams that touch down in the middle of the living room.
Text by

A bohemian pad was just listed in Denver's coveted midcentury modern neighborhood of Lynwood. Built in 1956 by the local firm of Gratts & Warner, the unique home blends two architecture styles into one: a post-and-beam construction and an A-framed central great room. Exposed rafters from the A-framed section are anchored right in the middle of the living room, creating a triangular style that is repeated throughout the home.

This 1956 A-frame in Denver, Colorado, was designed by architects Frenchie Gratts and Ed Warner of the firm Gratts & Warner, with Gratts mostly credited for the final product. A brick wall defines much of the facade while enclosing a large courtyard off of the living room.

This 1956 A-frame in Denver, Colorado, was designed by architects Frenchie Gratts and Ed Warner of the firm Gratts & Warner, with Gratts mostly credited for the final product. A brick wall defines much of the facade while enclosing a large courtyard off of the living room.

"Homes throughout this community were originally built to bring optimistic, informal, and affordable home designs to Denver," says listing agent, Jack Urbano. "The builder-architect team drew inspiration from successful West Coast designs, like those from Joseph Eichler, but were also inspired by Midwest and East Coast designs as well." The home currently for sale captures all of these vibes and more.

The home's tangerine-colored front door screams midcentury charm—a feeling that is dually rewarded as soon as you step inside. The interior is filled with eclectic furnishings and artwork.

The home's tangerine-colored front door screams midcentury charm—a feeling that is dually rewarded as soon as you step inside. The interior is filled with eclectic furnishings and artwork.

The nearly 2,700-square-foot property packs an expansive great room and three bedrooms into the first floor, along with a funky lounge and bar in the basement. Individually styled rooms are decked out in colorful vintage furniture and colorful fabrics, all of which blend with original Philippine mahogany woodwork and modern updates. A sunny courtyard and large backyard round out the amenities. Keep scrolling to see more of this retro Denver abode, currently listed for $799,500.

The entryway opens into the expansive great room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the courtyard. Original Philippine mahogany paneling runs along the wall separating the space from the kitchen. 

The entryway opens into the expansive great room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the courtyard. Original Philippine mahogany paneling runs along the wall separating the space from the kitchen. 

Exposed rafters from the A-framed section are anchored in the middle of the great room, creating a nook currently used as the formal dining area. A large window above the painted brick frames views of the treetops.

Exposed rafters from the A-framed section are anchored in the middle of the great room, creating a nook currently used as the formal dining area. A large window above the painted brick frames views of the treetops.

The living area also features an original brick fireplace. Crisp, white walls contrast with various shades of wood and pops of color throughout the home.

The living area also features an original brick fireplace. Crisp, white walls contrast with various shades of wood and pops of color throughout the home.

The updated galley kitchen mixes retro style with modern amenities. A black-and-white checkered pattern lines the floor, complementing the cabinetry and quartz counters. A pass-through connects looks into the living and dining area.

The updated galley kitchen mixes retro style with modern amenities. A black-and-white checkered pattern lines the floor, complementing the cabinetry and quartz counters. A pass-through connects looks into the living and dining area.

Triangular windows above the cabinets cap the opposite end of the A-framed section. Ahead, a hallway leads to the master bedroom while stairs lead down to a funky lounge and home bar.

Triangular windows above the cabinets cap the opposite end of the A-framed section. Ahead, a hallway leads to the master bedroom while stairs lead down to a funky lounge and home bar.

The master bedroom surprises with a mirrored vanity and Tiffany's-blue decorative accents. 

The master bedroom surprises with a mirrored vanity and Tiffany's-blue decorative accents. 

The master bathroom is comparatively more muted, with a calming, all-white color scheme. Glass blocks and a skylight pull natural light into the space.

The master bathroom is comparatively more muted, with a calming, all-white color scheme. Glass blocks and a skylight pull natural light into the space.

A look at one of two secondary bedrooms. Wood paneling sets a moody atmosphere.

A look at one of two secondary bedrooms. Wood paneling sets a moody atmosphere.

The third bedroom features French doors that open onto a private deck and the backyard.

The third bedroom features French doors that open onto a private deck and the backyard.

Downstairs, the basement takes on a life of its own with a plush sectional and shaggy carpet. Shades of chocolate, marigold, and lilac collide to form a cosy retreat.

Downstairs, the basement takes on a life of its own with a plush sectional and shaggy carpet. Shades of chocolate, marigold, and lilac collide to form a cosy retreat.

The basement is ready for entertaining with a large bar as well.

The basement is ready for entertaining with a large bar as well.

A large pergola imitates the structure's post-and-beam design. The patio flows out onto a grassy lawn and other shady sections of the 10,000-square-foot lot.

A large pergola imitates the structure's post-and-beam design. The patio flows out onto a grassy lawn and other shady sections of the 10,000-square-foot lot.

1778 South Jasmine Street in Denver, Colorado, is currently listed for $799,500 by Jack Urbano and Peter Blank of Milehi Modern.

Know of a home for sale or rent that should be featured on Dwell.com Find out how to submit to Dwell.

Published

Get the Dwell Newsletter

Be the first to see our latest home tours, design news, and more.