An icon recently launched in Hayden has had multiple uses over the past few decades, as a restaurant, café, and most recently as a home for Devin and Felicia Cook. But what sits on its roof perhaps makes it the most unique.
Devin Cook stands on top of the windmill structure after purchasing the property in 2018. (Courtesy photo)
“It could easily be the only windmill in northwest Colorado,” said Doug Labor, general manager and broker at Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty in downtown Steamboat Springs, the city’s landmark. “
Located at the east entrance of Hayden on US Highway 40, the windmill was first built in the 1970s when it opened as the Dutch Mill Restaurant and Drive-Inn. In 1979 it was converted into Speedy and Marie’s Mexican food. In the 2000s, the Timberline Candy Bouquet candy store and then GG’s coffee shop were established here.
The chefs, who came from the Colorado border in Vernal, Utah, bought the property in January 2018. At that point it was empty and various small businesses had popped up inside over the years. But instead of starting a business, the chefs envisioned the windmill as their family home – the first time the property had been converted into living space.
Devin Cook, a general contractor, had found work in Steamboat, so the family bought the house as a second home while keeping their Utah home.
“We always find places where people don’t know what to do with them,” said Felicia Cook, 32.
While 35-year-old Devin Cook kept his job at Steamboat, the family worked together to renovate the Hayden room. That meant completely gutting the interior; take it off down to the studs; and restoring the plumbing, electrical, insulation and drywall works.
The open living, dining room and kitchen in the windmill. (Courtesy photo)
“It was fun to have something that no one else has,” said Felicia Cook. “If we tell people where we are, they all know.”
From the time the windmill was built, the second level was mainly used for storage. But the chefs turned the room into a second bedroom. Above is an attic, followed by the towering windmill structure. It hasn’t been in service for years and just needs a new motor to turn again. Though it still doesn’t work, Devin Cook rebuilt the mill’s blades last year.
The property and its 0.21 acre lot, plus an adjoining 0.29 acre vacant lot that can also be sold separately, was listed for $ 613,000.
“Since this is a commercial zone, what it could be is up to the new owner’s imagination,” Labor said.
Labor said it would be a great buy for someone looking to open a flower shop. Based on the Dutch theme of the property, a florist could open his sales area in the windmill and grow on the free property next door.
“Or even a mixed-use living / working situation where they can live in the windmill and operate on the property next door,” he said.
The Cook family poses in front of their new home in Hayden. (Courtesy photo)
The two-story house has two bedrooms and a bathroom with an open plan living room, dining room and kitchen.
It’s easy to maintain as a turnkey home, but the chefs have remodeled the building so it easily fades back into a living and work area or a commercial area.
“It would be good for commercial marketing,” remarked Felicia Cook.
While the remodel worked well, the first time the chefs bought the windmill, they weren’t entirely sure what to do with the tall tower, which has since become one of the few major landmarks in Hayden.
“Shall we take off the top? Do we keep it? “Felicia Cook remembered wondering.
The family bought it from Iowa-based Chieftan Corp., which owns Kum & Go gas stations and convenience stores that wanted to demolish the structure. That was ultimately not allowed, so the property was put back on the market.
“When we first bought it, people stopped and asked what we did with it,” said Felicia Cook. “People were excited that we didn’t tear it down.”
The only reason the family is now selling is because work brings them back to Utah full time.
A windmill makes the property at 745 E. Jefferson Ave. unique in Hayden. It recently launched for $ 613,000. (Courtesy photo)
“We love and still want to stay in Hayden and the Steamboat area, but we’re just looking for the next adventure,” she said. “Our kids loved it. They love being in the tower and all the memories we have of fixing it and staying there. “
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