Living under a rock can be literally luxurious when the conflict of modern comfort meets the consequences of ancient geology.
At a Glance
- A 2,423 sq ft home in Larkspur, Colorado, is built around a 35‑ft‑tall, 200‑million‑year‑old red boulder.
- The house was built in 2000 and extensively renovated from 2021 to 2025 with $200,000 in upgrades.
- The boulder is fully integrated into interior walls and outdoor amenities, with no geological restrictions on its use.
- Maintenance, including sealing the rock against pests, costs about $2,000 every two years.
- The property is listed for $1,000,000, up from its previous $640,000 sale price in 2021.
A Stone That Defines The Home
Nestled in the Perry Park neighborhood about an hour south of Denver, the residence at 6619 Apache Place literally embraces a massive red boulder estimated to be 200 million years old. The 2,423 sq ft home features two bedrooms and two bathrooms wrapped around the rock, which forms part of the interior walls and outdoor features. The property spans just under an acre and sits on a quiet cul‑de‑sac.
The Fountain Formation, common to Colorado’s Front Range, creates iconic red sandstone outcroppings like those at Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs—the listing agent even noted the property felt like a “mini Garden of the Gods.”
Renovated for Convenience and Character
Originally built in 2000 by someone drawn to its unique geological centerpiece, the home was acquired in 2021 and underwent about $200,000 in renovations. Updates included custom iron floating stairs, redesigned floor plan to maximize rock visibility, a new kitchen, refreshed bathrooms, landscaping, and revamped decking areas—including an outdoor dining space carved into the boulder itself.
To address pest concerns, the homeowners seal the rock every other year with epoxy, a service costing roughly $2,000 per application. That kind of upkeep is a small price for owning what one buyer described as a home with “plenty of character” in an era of “cookie‑cutter” builds.
Watch a report: Homes with Natural Rock Features: The Rock House of Colorado.
Market Appeal and Uses
The current list price of $1,000,000 reflects both appreciation and enhancements since the 2021 sale at $640,000. Local properties average around $302 per square foot and typical values near $945,000, according to Zillow housing data. The monthly mortgage payment for this home is projected at about $5,627 with 20 % down under current 6.31 % 30‑year fixed rates.
Beyond private residence uses, the home offers potential for short‑term rental income—some neighbors do so—and even event hosting, including wedding inquiries.
Historic and Geological Context
The famed paramagnetic red sandstone along Colorado’s Front Range is part of the Fountain Formation, dating from roughly 290–340 million years ago. These iconic rocks also shape landmarks like Red Rocks Park and Garden of the Gods. This home is a private, inhabitable twist on that same ancient geology—bringing the outdoors inside in literal fashion.
With its blend of dramatic natural elements, recent renovations, and strong market positioning, this Colorado “Rock House” is one of the most unusual—and potentially rewarding—homes available today.
