# The Peter MacFarlane Home > A fully modernized 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom luxury historical mountain home built by Central City pioneer Peter MacFarlane, in the heart of Central City, Colorado, 35 miles from downtown Denver and minutes from the Black Hawk and Central City casinos. Sleeps 8. No cleaning fee or chores list, dog friendly, cannabis friendly, free Level 2 EV charging, and the largest private parking lot in town. The Peter MacFarlane Home (also known as MacFarlane Home and Central City Getaway) is a whole-home vacation rental in Central City, Colorado, next door to Black Hawk. Together they are the Colorado casino towns closest to Denver. Guests book the entire house directly with the owners at https://centralcitygetaway.com. ## Key facts - Type: entire house (whole-home vacation rental), built in the 1870s - Location: 222 Eureka St, Central City, CO 80427, US (Gilpin County, elevation 8,500 ft) - Bedrooms: 3; Bathrooms: 4; Sleeps: 8; 2,068 sq ft - Beds: 1 King, 1 Queen, 2 Twin bunk, 1 Futon - Check-in: 15:00; Check-out: 11:00; self check-in with a smart lock - Pets: dogs welcome; Smoking indoors: not allowed - Rating: 5.00 out of 5 from 14 guest reviews on Airbnb and VRBO (https://centralcitygetaway.com/reviews) - Hosts: Jeof & Cassidy - Contact: info@centralcitygetaway.com - Book direct: https://checkout.lodgify.com/en/jeof-oyster/825341/reservation ## Amenities - Free Level 2 EV charger (NACS & J1772) - Private parking for 5-6 cars or a toy trailer - Starlink high-speed WiFi - Chef's kitchen - Washer and dryer - Dog friendly with enclosed dog run - Cannabis friendly - No cleaning fee - Soaking tub - Private veranda - Wood-fire and gas grills - Yard games - Four TVs with streaming - Upright piano - Travel crib and high chair - Heating - Smart-lock self check-in ## Distances - Downtown Denver: 35 miles, 30 to 45 minutes by car - Denver International Airport: about 60 minutes by car - Boulder: 35 miles, about 1 hour by car - Central City casinos and Main Street: 5-minute walk - Central City Opera House: 2-minute walk - Black Hawk casinos: under 2 miles, a 5-minute drive or free tram - Idaho Springs (full grocery store): about 15 minutes by car - Golden Gate Canyon State Park: about 15 minutes by car - Echo Mountain ski area: about 30 minutes by car - Eldora Mountain Resort: about 35 minutes by car - Loveland Ski Area and Winter Park Resort: 50 to 60 minutes by car ## Good for - Families with kids - Groups of up to 8 - Dog owners - Casino trips to Central City and Black Hawk - Skiers and snowboarders - ATV and off-road trips - Hiking, biking and fishing - Remote work (Starlink WiFi) - Electric vehicle drivers - Cannabis-friendly stays - Small gatherings and retreats ## Current offers - Fire Fighter Discount: 15% off for wildland and structure fire fighters, with credential. Minimum 3-night stay. Code FIREHERO. - PreK-12 Educator Discount: 15% off for PreK-12 teachers, administrators and support staff, with school ID. Minimum 3-night stay. Code TEACHERHERO. ## Things to do nearby ### Vacation Home For Rent Near Colorado Casinos (https://centralcitygetaway.com/things-to-do/casinos) - Century Casino Central City, Central City (https://www.cnty.com/central-city/) - Grand Z Casino Hotel, Central City (https://www.grandzcasinohotel.com/) - Dragon Tiger Casino, Central City (https://www.maverickgaming.com/dragon-tiger-casino-co/) - Dostal Alley Brewpub & Casino, Central City (https://www.dostalalley.com/) - The Famous Bonanza and Easy Street Casino, Central City (https://www.famousbonanza.com/) - Monarch Casino Resort Spa, Black Hawk (https://monarchblackhawk.com/) - Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk, Black Hawk (https://www.ameristarblackhawk.com/) - The Lodge Casino, Black Hawk (https://thelodgecasino.com/) - Horseshoe Black Hawk, Black Hawk (https://www.caesars.com/horseshoe-black-hawk) - Saratoga Casino Black Hawk, Black Hawk (https://saratogacasino.com/) - Bally's Black Hawk, Black Hawk (https://casinos.ballys.com/black-hawk/) - Sasquatch Casino, Black Hawk (https://sasquatchcasino.com/) - Red Dolly Casino, Black Hawk (https://www.reddollycasino.net/) - Bigfoot Casino, Black Hawk - Black Hawk & Central City Tramway (free shuttle), Black Hawk (https://www.cityofblackhawk.org/public-works/page/shuttle-service) ### Dining Options in Central City & Black Hawk, Colorado (https://centralcitygetaway.com/things-to-do/food-drink) - Safeway, Idaho Springs - Peak-to-Peak Market & Liquors - Bravo Italiano Caffè 42, Idaho Springs - Eureka Street Popcorn, Central City (https://eurekastreetpopcorn.com/) - Black Hawk Bean & Cream (The B&C), Black Hawk (https://thebandc.com/) - Mountain Moonshine, Idaho Springs - Monte Lobo Tacos y Tequila - JKQ BBQ & Grill - Copper Kitchen Pizzeria - Lan-Yap Cafe - Dostal Alley Brewpub, Central City (https://dostalalley.com/) - Mid City Grill, Central City (https://www.cnty.com/central-city/food-drink/mid-city-grill) - Monarch Chophouse, Black Hawk (https://monarchblackhawk.com/dining/fine-dining/monarch-chophouse) - Bistro Mariposa, Black Hawk (https://monarchblackhawk.com/dining/bistro-mariposa) - Timberline Grill, Black Hawk (https://www.ameristarblackhawk.com/dining/timberline-grill) - White Buffalo Grille, Black Hawk (https://thelodgecasino.com/restaurants/white-buffalo-grille/) - JINYA Ramen Bar Black Hawk, Black Hawk (https://www.jinyaramenbar.com/locations/black-hawk/) - Dragon Tiger Noodle Bar, Central City (https://www.maverickgaming.com/dragon-tiger-casino-co/) - Monarch Buffet, Black Hawk (https://monarchblackhawk.com/dining/the-buffet) - Centennial Market Buffet, Black Hawk (https://www.ameristarblackhawk.com/dining/centennial-market-buffet) - Seasons Buffet, Black Hawk (https://thelodgecasino.com/restaurants/seasons-buffet/) - Rick's Steakhouse, Central City (https://www.rickscentral.com/) - Mountain Poppy Wine Bar - Bar 8042, Black Hawk (https://www.ameristarblackhawk.com/dining/bar-8042) ### Colorado Vacation Rental for the Opera & History Lovers (https://centralcitygetaway.com/things-to-do/history-arts-culture) - Central City Opera House, Central City (https://centralcityopera.org/) - Gilpin History Museum, Central City (https://www.gilpinhistory.org/) - Gilpin County Arts Association, Central City (https://www.gilpinarts.org/) - Hidee Gold Mine, Central City (https://www.hideegoldmine.com/) - Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel, Idaho Springs (https://argomilltour.com/) - Phoenix Gold Mine, Idaho Springs (https://www.phoenixgoldmine.com/) - Edgar Experimental Mine, Idaho Springs (https://mining.mines.edu/edgar-experimental-mine/) - Black Hawk Sculpture Tour, Black Hawk (https://www.cityofblackhawk.org/sculpture-tour) - Georgetown Loop Railroad, Georgetown (https://www.georgetownlooprr.com/) - Hotel de Paris Museum, Georgetown (https://hoteldeparismuseum.org/) - Hamill House Museum, Georgetown (https://www.historicgeorgetown.org/) ### Colorado Mountain Adventure Vacation Home (https://centralcitygetaway.com/things-to-do/summer-outdoors) - Golden Gate Canyon State Park (https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park) - Maryland Mountain & Hidden Treasure Trails, Black Hawk (https://www.comba.org/blackhawk) - Virginia Canyon Mountain Park, Idaho Springs (https://www.comba.org/virginiacanyonmountainpark) - Mighty Argo Cable Car, Idaho Springs (https://mightyargo.com/) - St. Mary's Glacier Trail - Yankee Hill OHV Route - Apex Road Loop - Chase Gulch Reservoir, Black Hawk - Clear Creek whitewater rafting, Idaho Springs - Indian Hot Springs, Idaho Springs (https://www.indianhotsprings.com/) - Raspberry Hot Springs (https://www.raspberryhotsprings.com/) ### Vacation Home Near Skiing, Tubing, and Snowshoeing (https://centralcitygetaway.com/things-to-do/winter-outdoors) - Loveland Ski Area (https://skiloveland.com/) - Eldora Mountain Resort (https://www.eldora.com/) - Echo Mountain (https://echomtn.com/) - Winter Park Resort (https://www.winterparkresort.com/) - Keystone Resort (https://www.keystoneresort.com/) - Copper Mountain (https://www.coppercolorado.com/) - Golden Gate Canyon State Park snowshoeing - Georgetown Lake ice fishing, Georgetown (https://visitclearcreek.com/ice-fishing/) - Indian Hot Springs, Idaho Springs (https://www.indianhotsprings.com/) - Raspberry Hot Springs (https://www.raspberryhotsprings.com/) ## Frequently asked questions ### How far is Central City from Boulder, Colorado? Central City is located approximately 35 miles south of Boulder. The scenic drive takes about an hour via Highway 119 through Nederland (the Peak to Peak Highway), providing an easy escape from the festival footprint without long travel times. ### Why stay in Central City during the Sundance Film Festival instead of Boulder? Central City offers a quiet, high-alpine refuge away from festival gridlock, packed shuttle lines, and inflated hotel prices in downtown Boulder. You get luxury mountain accommodations, serene snow-dusted surroundings, and fast access to ski slopes while avoiding urban festival stress. ### Can Boulder homeowners rent out their primary residences during Sundance? Yes. Surging demand for lodging during festival week allows Boulder homeowners to list their residences on Airbnb or VRBO for premium nightly rates. Escaping to Central City for the week lets you monetize your home for top dollar while enjoying a relaxing high-country retreat under an hour away. ### What ski resorts are closest to Central City? Central City serves as a convenient central hub for several Front Range winter sports destinations: Eldora Mountain Resort: ~35 minutes north via Highway 119. Echo Mountain: ~30 minutes south. Loveland Ski Area & Winter Park Resort: ~50 to 60 minutes west via I-70. Copper Mountain, Keystone Resort, and Breckenridge are just a little bit farther than Loveland. ### Is The Peter MacFarlane Home family-friendly for a winter getaway? Yes. Designed as a modernized, family-ready luxury mountain estate, the property features spacious living areas, a fully equipped kitchen, a deep soaking tub, and a private yard with plenty of room for kids to play in the snow. ### When is peak fall foliage in Central City and Black Hawk, Colorado? Peak fall foliage in Central City and Black Hawk typically occurs from mid-September through mid-October. Sitting at an elevation of 8,500 feet, the surrounding aspen groves turn vibrant shades of gold, amber, and orange early in the season, particularly along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. ### How far is Central City from downtown Denver? Central City is approximately 35 miles west of downtown Denver. Depending on traffic, the drive takes about 30 to 45 minutes via I-70 West and the Central City Parkway (or Highway 119 through Clear Creek Canyon). ### Where does the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway begin? The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (Colorado Highway 119) officially starts in Central City and Black Hawk. It stretches 55 miles north to Estes Park, winding through Nederland and offering panoramic views of the Continental Divide and golden autumn valleys. ### What are the top Halloween and ghost tour events in Gilpin County? The most famous October event is the annual Creepy Crawls, hosted by the Gilpin Historical Society in October. These guided evening lantern tours take visitors through historic Victorian buildings, haunted sites, and legendary gold rush landmarks like the 1872 Teller House. ### What outdoor activities are available near Central City in October? October offers crisp weather ideal for high-altitude outdoor recreation, including: Hiking & Mountain Biking: The Maryland Mountain Hidden Treasure trail system sits 15 minutes away. Off-Roading & OHV: Dirt trails around Yankee Hill and Columbine offer rugged 4x4 access through yellow aspen groves. Hot Springs: Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs is a 20-minute drive south. Historic Trains: The Georgetown Loop Railroad operates fall foliage runs 30 minutes away. ### Where is the best luxury vacation rental located near Black Hawk casinos? The Peter MacFarlane Home in Central City provides a private, modernized luxury retreat nestled among private aspen groves. Located just 5 minutes from Black Hawk's casino district, it combines quick access to fine dining and gaming with a peaceful mountain setting featuring an outdoor veranda and deep soaking tub. ### Is it better to stay at a casino hotel or a vacation rental when visiting Black Hawk? Vacation rentals in neighboring Central City offer far more space, privacy, and authentic mountain character than standard casino hotel rooms. While resorts like Monarch and Ameristar put you directly above the gaming floor, they also come with continuous casino noise, crowded elevators, and expensive dining. A private luxury home like The Peter MacFarlane Home provides multi-bedroom layouts, a fully equipped chef's kitchen, and a peaceful retreat just a scenic 5-minute drive from the casinos. ### Can you stay near Black Hawk casinos with kids and pets? Yes, but you will need to look outside the casino resorts, which generally ban pets and restrict under-21 guests. Booking a private vacation home in neighboring Central City—such as The Peter MacFarlane Home—allows families and dogs to stay together in a luxury space just 5 minutes down Gregory Street from the gaming strip. ### How far is Central City, Colorado from the main Black Hawk casino strip? We're literally next door! Central City directly adjoins Black Hawk. Driving down historic Gregory Street takes about 5 minutes (roughly 1.5 miles) to reach major resorts like Monarch Casino Resort and Ameristar. ### Are there cannabis-friendly lodging options near Black Hawk and Central City? Most high-rise casino hotels strictly prohibit cannabis on their properties and enforce steep fines. However, the Peter MacFarlane Home is a vacation rental in Central City that welcomes adult-use cannabis, giving visitors a relaxed 420-friendly option near the casinos. We're the only vacation home that treats adults like adults and allows for this responsible consumption. ### What are the main benefits of renting a vacation home versus booking a casino hotel room in Black Hawk? Vacation rentals offer multi-bedroom layouts for whole groups, fully equipped kitchens that eliminate forced resort dining costs, private multi-car parking lots, and quiet nights free of slot machine hum and elevator traffic. ### Can I use Black Hawk casino resort amenities if I stay at a vacation rental? Yes. You do not need to be an overnight hotel guest to enjoy top casino amenities. Monarch's rooftop Ara Spa, award-winning steakhouses, sportsbooks, and gaming floors are fully open to all visitors. You can enjoy resort luxury by day, then return to your private mountain home to unwind. ### Why is the Peter MacFarlane Home the best vacation rental in Central City, Colorado? When you want a vacation home in Colorado's Mountains, the Peter MacFarlane Home in Central City is your ideal basecamp for all sorts of Mountain Fun. Just 35 miles from Denver and right in Central City, you have easy access to Colorado's casinos, a quick walk to the Central City Opera and other historical sites, and fantastic outdoor activities like hiking & biking trails, ATV and snowmobile trails, etc. After staying at a lot of places around the world, we've taken the best ideas and fixed the most annoying problems with renting a vacation home. We think of ourselves as the most renter-friendly vacation rental in Colorado: No cleaning fee, and no chores list Local hosts that won't nickel-and-dime every little mess, mistake, or accident Family-friendly, with amenities that suit all age ranges Dog-friendly Cannabis friendly Large property with plenty of space indoors and outdoors ### Why is the Peter MacFarlane Home better than other large properties in Gilpin or Clear Creek Counties? There are beautiful homes to rent in Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties in Colorado, but the Peter MacFarlane Home is located right in the heart of Central City, Colorado. There's no treacherous drive up steep, icey dirt driveways in the winter, because our roads are plowed several times a day or night. We're a few minutes from great restaurants and attractions, making it easy to go out for a meal without driving crazy mountain roads at night. And with three bedrooms, a flex room, and capacity for 8 people—plus a huge parking area and yard–our home ensures your large family or group of friends has all the space they need for a great stay. ### What is parking like in Central City, Colorado? The Peter MacFarlane Home is the largest private-use parking area available in Central City. Parking at most vacation homes in the Colorado Mountains is usually limited to one or two street spaces, if you're lucky. At our vacation home, we have a full lot that can accommodate at least 5 or 6 cars, or you easily bring an ATV / Snowmobile Trailer and park it safely right on our property. ### I drive an Electric Vehicle (Tesla, Rivian, IONIQ, etc) - is visiting the Colorado Mountains a good idea? Is there a place to charge my EV? We have an dedicated, private, Level 2 EV Charger available for our guests! It's a Tesla Universal unit with NACS & J1772 adapters. It's free for guests to use, so plug in your car and by the next morning you'll be good to go for the next day's adventures. ### Where's the best place to stay for casinos in Black Hawk or Central City, Colorado? We think our vacation rental, the Peter MacFarlane Home, is the best choice for a weekend at the Black Hawk or Central City casinos. Casino Hotels are rather underwhelming, and since the pandemic their amenities and service have dropped off. When you stay at our Vacation Home, it's a 5-minute walk or 5-minute drive to Colorado's best casinos. ### I want to ride ATVs or Snowmobiles in the Colorado Mountains, can I bring my toy trailer? Yes! The Peter MacFarlane Home boasts the largest private-use parking area available in Central City, with room for a small to medium ATV or Snowmobile Trailer on completely private land. We recommend a max length of 16-ish feet, though larger trailers could be parked at the larger public lot 500 feet up the street. In both places you should be good at reversing your trailer. ### Is it easy to get to the Central City Opera from your vacation home? We're the closest vacation home to the Central City Opera. The Peter MacFarlane Home is located just a 2 minute walk up Eureka Street from the Central City Opera and most of Central City's historical buildings. Our home is literally next door to their rehearsal hall, which used to be Peter MacFarlane's Foundry, so you are likely to get treated to a surprise aria on any random afternoon or evening. ### What's the historical significance of the Peter MacFarlane Home? Peter MacFarlane is the man who basically built Central City with his bare hands. He came here to make his fortune in America's Great West, and spent more than 50 years as an entrepreneur building and equipping homes, churches, storefronts, and especially the mills that helped extract tens of millions of dollars worth of gold from Gilpin County. Without Peter, Central City may have never been the Richest Square Mile on Earth. It was also Peter MacFarlane that helped save the world-famous Central City Opera House. The county was going to turn it into a government building and the citizens hated that idea. Peter ultimately bought up all of the shares to keep it as a world-class arts and entertainment facility. After his death, his son and daughter-in-law donated the Opera House to the University of Denver and founded the Central City Opera Association, and since 1932 the CCOA has become a world-famous cultural institution. Central City's downtown is lined with beatiful historical homes, most of which are owned by History Colorado or the Central City Opera and are primarily used for artist housing in the summer. The Peter MacFarlane Home has been privately preserved for more than 150 years, and as its latest stewards we are proud to open this home to guests. When you sleep under its roof, you're sleeping in the same space as the man who built Central City. ### Is this a good place to stay for those with accessibility needs or limited mobility? The Peter MacFarlane Home is a historical property. While it's been preserved and modernized into a luxury mountain home, there are still architectural quirks that cannot be changed. The main staircase is a bit steep, and the stairs are shallow - so please use the handrails to avoid a slip or fall. There are stairs from the parking lot to the main entry of the home. Inside, there are some uneven areas and possible trip hazards between rooms, so please watch your step. The home is not wheelchair accessible. Those with specific mobility needs should contact us with specific questions so we can advise on whether this is the right place to stay for you. ### Can I smoke weed or vape in your vacation rental? Yes, we are 420-friendly. We allow smoking cannabis products inside the home (and will recommend our favorite local shop, too). Vaping is okay too. Tobacco smoking is not allowed inside. ### Can I work remotely from your Central City, Vacation Home? How's the cell phone and WiFi coverage? Yes, you can work remotely from The Peter MacFarlane Home. We have good cell coverage here, and our WiFi is powered by Starlink. You'll be able to stream your favorite shows and movies on any of the four televisions, or hop on that important Zoom. ### Are there wildlife concerns - bears, moose, etc - in Central City? We do occasionally get a visit from wildlife up here, though it's rare at the Peter MacFarlane Home. Our home is surrounded by steep mountain landscape, a creek and fences, so we've never seen a large animal on our property. Moose, which are still pretty rare, tend to stick to the hills across the street which are more open and grassy (we have some great video from the Blue House across the street). ### Is The Peter MacFarlane Home a child-safe rental home in Central City? Yes, we've done our best to make the home great for families and safe for kids. We've installed safety bars on the floor-level windows, and have outlet covers in all floor-level electrical outlets. There is an unfenced creek that runs along the front of the property, so you should watch your kids while outside. We also supply a travel crib and high chair for families with infants. ### Can I bring my dogs to your Central City vacation home? Yes! We love dogs. We've supplied dog-friendly amenities too, including a water bowl, food bowls, a crate, and a comfy fleece doggy blanket, and waste bags. There's an enclosed dog run area (though you should not leave them unattended). ### Is there really no cleaning fee and no chores list? What's the catch? There's no catch! We don't charge a cleaning fee, and don't have a chores list or annoying set of rules to follow when you're trying to pack up. Our only ask is don't trash the place and don't leave it a filthy mess. But we're not going to gripe about every little thing. If you mess up a towel, break a glass, or accidentally damage something, we just ask that you let us know so we can repair or replace it. We're super relaxed hosts. ### Can I host a small party at The Peter MacFarlane Home? Yes, you can, but all gatherings, events, parties, or retreats must be pre-approved. We do charge an extra cleaning fee for these events as well, because there's more stuff to clean up with more people around. The home and its large yard is perfect for a garden party, gender-reveal party, small wedding, family reunion, yoga retreat, business meeting, meditation retreat, birthday party, or whatever else you might want to do. We don't have outdoor party furniture (tables, chairs, tents), so these need to be rented. ### I'm a content-creator or social media influencer, can I create content at your vacation rental? Yes! Our vacation rental is great for content creators on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or spicier platforms, and we're continuously working to add flair to the spaces. Please share your creations with us, or tag us in your photos and descriptions. We love creativity and would love to see what you create, even if you think it's not our "taste." ### When's the best time of year to visit Central City & Colorado Mountains? There is no bad time to stay at the Peter MacFarlane Home in Central City. In the summer, we have a ton of things going on in town - from quirky local festivals to the world-famous Central City Opera Festival every July. There are fantastic hiking, bking, and ATV trails nearby. And if the summer heat is draining you in Denver or on the Front Range, know that we're usually 20 degrees cooler up here. In the winter, things are a little quieter in Central City but it's still a wonderful place to visit. Go snowmobiling. We're within decent driving distance of ski resorts, especially Loveland, Eldora, Echo Mountain, Copper Mountain, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Or you can just get cozy as the snow comes down in our very warm and well-appointed vaction home. ### Is the Kitchen actually well-equipped for a chef? Our vacation home has a fully-equipped chef's kitchen, with nearly pot, pan, utensil, and supply you could possibly need to serve a world-class meal. We even supply spices and cooking basics, because no one wants to buy more of what you already have at home. Check out our complete amenities list. ### Where is the closest grocery store to Central City, Colorado? While Central City and neighboring Black Hawk have smaller convenience stores for basic snacks, drinks, and essentials, the nearest full-service grocery store is in Idaho Springs, about a 15 minute drive away on the Central City Parkway. We recommend stopping for groceries on your way here. But Instacart works here too! ### What is the elevation of Central City, and do I need to prepare for altitude sickness? Central City sits at a beautiful elevation of about 8,500 feet (2,590 meters) above sea level. If you are visiting from lower elevations, you will likely feel the thinner air. We recommend drinking plenty of water, taking it easy on your first day, and pacing your alcohol and cannabis intake until your body adjusts. ### How do I get to Central City from Denver International Airport (DIA)? The Peter MacFarlane Home is about a 60-minute drive from Denver International Airport. Renting a car is the easiest way to get here, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties, visit ski resorts, or access trailheads. There are also casino buses and shuttles that run from the Denver metro area if you prefer to skip the mountain driving. ### Are there restaurants and bars within walking distance of the house? Absolutely. You are just a short stroll or drive from Central City's Main Street and Black Hawk, where you can grab a bite or a local pint at spots like Dostal Alley Brewpub or JKQ BBQ. We have a bunch of great options including family-friendly places (outside of casinos) and some award-winning restaurants for adults as well. ### Is there public transportation between Central City and Black Hawk? Yes! If you want to explore the casinos but prefer not to drive or move your car from our private lot, there is a free shuttle service that runs continuously between Central City and Black Hawk. It's a convenient, safe way to enjoy a night out on the town. The nearest stop to The Peter MacFarlane Home is on Main Street, about a 5-minute walk (with a hill). ### How does check-in work, and what are the check-in/check-out times? We want your arrival to be as easy as possible, so we offer a seamless, contactless check-in process using a secure smart lock. Standard check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. And because we don't have a tedious chores list, your check-out morning is completely stress-free—just pack your bags and lock the door behind you. ### Do you offer heating and air conditioning (A/C)? Our historical home is equipped with a modern, cozy heating system to keep you perfectly warm during those snowy mountain winters. Like most homes in the high country, we do not have air conditioning. Fortunately, at 8,500 feet, summer temperatures are usually a comfortable 20 degrees cooler than in Denver, and opening the windows for that crisp mountain breeze cools the house down beautifully. ### Is your vacation home available for Thanksgiving? Yes, you are welcome to host your family for Thanksgiving at our vacation home in the Colorado Mountains. It's a wonderful venue, with a chef's kitchen for the perfect turkey, a large dining table, and plenty of seating. The large yard means the kids can play yard games outside, and there's plenty of parking for everyone. For Thanksgiving, we won't charge an extra fee for family events / gatherings. ### Is your vacation home available for Christmas and New Years Day? Yes, you are welcome to host your family for Christmas, Hanukkah, and/or New Years Day at our vacation home in the Colorado Mountains. We'll even decorate and put up a Christmas Tree for you. For Christmas and Hanukkah, we won't charge an extra fee for family events / gatherings. ### Are we allowed to use the piano in your vacation home? Is it tuned? Yes! Any home this close to the musical excellence of the Central City Opera should have a piano. Ours is a spinet upright piano, and as historical preservationists we're glad to say this was a part of its previous family for 75 years, and happy to give it a new home in this special place. We do have it professionally tuned periodically, but in full disclosure we are not musicians so do let us know if it needs another tune-up. ## Guest reviews - 5/5, Brian B., VRBO, 2026-10-12: "We enjoyed the stay! We will try and come again!" - 5/5, Brady, Airbnb, 2026-10-10: "Jeof and Cassidy’s place is absolutely wonderful! The home is beautiful, accommodating, thoughtful, and so much fun. We had a relaxing blast. A close-to-Denver getaway where the beautiful surroundings was only matched by the comfort of the home. Would recommend and return again and again. Thank you so much Jeof and Cassidy!" - 5/5, Jennifer, Airbnb, 2026-10-05: "Jeof & Cassidy's place was great! They were friendly and accommodating. Everything was neat and exactly as described. It's hard to find locations in town, so this was a perfect location for us. They were super pet friendly which is always a plus!" - 5/5, Brandy, Airbnb, 2026-09-28: "Most peaceful - beautiful house! All of Us were tired from a long working week- had a nice 2 days of sunning on the deck- watching the leaves turn- to resting in the living room watching TV or reading local history books the Host Provided, sleeping comfortable in the nice beds, having a nice BBQ and cooking in the beautiful kitchen. Even the Dogs loved their stay!l No one wanted to leave! The Hosts thought of Everything a Person would need for supplies. The Hosts very responsive and super Good People. Peter MacFarland home was remodeled so beautiful-I loved every detail of it. Amazing for a historic home over 150 years old. Felt amazing to stay and kind of relive the awesome history thru reading about and staying in this historic Central City home. ❤️❤️" - 5/5, Cheryl, Airbnb, 2026-09-23: "Wow! This place has so many beautiful updates; it is extremely cozy and is in a perfect location! My favorite part of the house is the master bedroom/outdoor patio. It is a wonderful place to sit for a private morning meditation or with friends for an evening night cap. A true hidden gem in Central City!💎" - 5/5, Jessica D, Airbnb, 2026-09-20: "We had a wonderful stay at the McFarlane House! It beautifully blends historic character with modern comfort and was clean, spacious, and perfect for our group. The location is fantastic—just up the street from the Central City Opera House. Since we aren’t gamblers, we especially appreciated the hosts’ suggestions for other fun things to do. We loved touring the Gilpin History Museum and learning about the area. As people who enjoy cooking, we were delighted by the well-stocked kitchen and variety of spices. The hosts also provided nearly anything a guest might forget, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant. Every detail felt thoughtful and welcoming. We would absolutely stay again—five stars!" - 5/5, Delaney, Airbnb, 2026-09-10: "Head and Cassidy were extremely responsive and respectful! The home is beautiful and has everything you could need! We would stay again!" - 5/5, Chelsea, Airbnb, 2026-09-08: "This home is absolutely stunning! The property is walking distance from the little town but also tucked away in its own little peaceful area full of picturesque aspen trees. They literally provided anything and everything you could possibly want or need. I not only felt like I was a valued guest in their Airbnb, but it felt like you were a guest in someone’s actual home, it was so cozy and charming. They went above and beyond by not just providing the basic amenities, but they had so many extra thoughtful things around the home. Yoga mats, games, puzzles, books, coloring books, charging docks, and every bathroom amenity you could want or need on vacation! They even went the extra mile and brought us a gift because the internet was out for a very short time during our stay. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to stay in the greater Denver area….only 30 min drive to Red Rocks!! Hope to be back again some day soon." - 5/5, Emilee, Airbnb, 2026-09-02: "This place is in my top five stays! So many thoughtful amenities. Beautiful home" - 5/5, Amber, Airbnb, 2026-08-30: "Absolutely gorgeous and very clean! Exceeded our expectations for being a pet friendly home!" - 5/5, Isaac, Airbnb, 2026-08-28: "This is an amazing place! Well worth the stay. Walking distance from Central City. My son wants to add that it is cozy. They offer a pack and play and a high chair. Customer service was absolutely amazing+)!" - 5/5, Corey, Airbnb, 2026-08-23: "By far the best short term rental experience we’ve ever had. The property was amazing with so many cool features. The setting couldn’t be any better. Walkable to down town, but still felt very private and provided the mountain feel we were looking for. The amenities were very generous and we were extremely comfortable throughout our stay. The hosts were friendly and went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we could possibly want for our stay. I can’t recommend this property enough. We were all sad to have to leave, but were already talking about returning in the near future. A big thank you to the great hosts for providing such great memories for my family and I!!!" - 5/5, Kenny, Airbnb, 2026-08-20: "This place really blew our minds! The host hit all the marks. Every detail you could think of has been covered, everything you would need in the kitchen is there, and any essentials you may have forgotten or not known you needed is ready for you. The space is large and comfortable. It is a short, scenic walk to restaurants, casinos, stores, and even some historical destinations. This would be an ideal location for a family with kids and pets to home base and explore some of the best areas Colorado has to offer. You are within 2 hours of tons of options including a National Park, skiing, Garden of the God's, downtown Denver, a bunch of mountain towns to choose from, mine tours, 2 different 14ers you can drive up and a bunch more to hike, countless hiking trails and lakes to fish, etc. This truly is an ideal location that embodies Colorado's beautiful history as well as modern comfort and convenience." - 5/5, Peter, Airbnb, 2026-08-19: "Beautiful home in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood. Was blown away by how nice this place was for what I paid. I was only there for one night but really enjoyed my short stay. Plenty of places to walk to. Some places to eat, gamble, or grab a cocktail. Took the Tram, which was close to the house and super convenient, to the Monarch casino and played some blackjack. My dog also loved having some space to play. This house is huge. Have already recommended this pace to a few friends in the Denver area." ## Pages - [Vacation Home for Central City, Black Hawk & Idaho Springs](https://centralcitygetaway.com): Luxury Vacation Home in the Colorado Mountains. Family-Ready, No Chores or Cleaning Fee, Dog Friendly, Cannabis Friendly, EV Charger. Close to Casinos, Hiking, Biking, ATV Trails, Culture, and History. - [Frequently Asked Questions About our Colorado Vacation Home](https://centralcitygetaway.com/faq): Get all your questions answered about staying in Colorado's most renter-friendly vacation home, in Central City. - [Travel Blog: Visit Central City, Colorado](https://centralcitygetaway.com/blog): Central City Colorado has been up to something since 1859. From casinos to outdoor adventures to the world-famous opera, Central City starts at the Peter MacFarlane Home. - [House Rules & Requests - Colorado Vacation Rental](https://centralcitygetaway.com/rules): We're the most chill hosts and renter-friendly vacation home in Colorado. Check out our house rules & requests (and maybe enjoy a laugh or two). - [Photo Gallery | The Peter MacFarlane Home, Central City CO](https://centralcitygetaway.com/gallery): Photos of the Peter MacFarlane Home: a historic 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom luxury vacation rental in Central City, Colorado with a chef's kitchen, private veranda, huge yard and the largest private parking lot in town. - [Guest Reviews | The Peter MacFarlane Home, Central City CO](https://centralcitygetaway.com/reviews): Read 5-star guest reviews of the Peter MacFarlane Home, a dog-friendly luxury vacation rental in Central City, Colorado, from Airbnb, VRBO and direct guests. - [Luxury Historical Vacation Home in the Colorado Mountains](https://centralcitygetaway.com/our-home): The friendliest vacation rental in Colorado. Family-ready, dog-friendly, no cleaning fee or chores list, laid-back hosts, and a beautiful luxury historic home. - [Promotions & Discounts | Central City, CO Vacation Rental](https://centralcitygetaway.com/promotions): 15% off for fire fighters and PreK-12 educators, plus discounts for local clubs and businesses at the Peter MacFarlane Home in Central City, Colorado. - [Friendly, Local Vacation Rental Hosts in Central City, Colorado](https://centralcitygetaway.com/your-hosts): Meet your hosts - we're locals, laid back, and ready to help you have a wonderful vacation in Colorado's mountains. - [Things to Do Near Central City, CO](https://centralcitygetaway.com/things-to-do): Casinos, gold-rush history, the Central City Opera, ATV and hiking trails, skiing and great food: your host-written guide to things to do near Central City, Black Hawk and Idaho Springs, Colorado. - [Vacation Home For Rent Near Colorado Casinos](https://centralcitygetaway.com/things-to-do/casinos): When visiting Central City's and Black Hawk's casinos, our vacation home offer better value and more comfort than the casino hotels. - [Dining Options in Central City & Black Hawk, Colorado](https://centralcitygetaway.com/things-to-do/food-drink): Your complete guide to eating and drinking in Central City & Black Hawk, including some excellent choices for families outside the casinos. - [Colorado Mountain Adventure Vacation Home](https://centralcitygetaway.com/things-to-do/summer-outdoors): The perfect basecamp for ATV Riding, Hiking, Biking, Whitewater Rafting, and Hot Springs in Colorado - [Vacation Home Near Skiing, Tubing, and Snowshoeing](https://centralcitygetaway.com/things-to-do/winter-outdoors): Avoid the high prices and crowds at the ski resorts with our easy-access vacation home. - [Where to Stay in Black Hawk Colorado: Casino Hotels vs Vacation Homes](https://centralcitygetaway.com/blog/where-to-stay-in-black-hawk): For travelers searching for a vacation home near casinos in Colorado that balances gaming excitement with authentic mountain serenity, a luxury rental in neighboring Central City offers the best of both worlds. - [Colorado Vacation Rental for the Opera & History Lovers](https://centralcitygetaway.com/things-to-do/history-arts-culture): We're the perfect vacation home for the Central City Opera - easily walk through our historical mining town. - [October in Central City & Black Hawk: Your High-Country Fall Guide](https://centralcitygetaway.com/blog/things-to-do-colorado-october): Explore Peak to Peak fall foliage, historic ghost tours, and casino nightlife in Central City & Black Hawk this October. Stay at The Peter MacFarlane Home. - [Escape Sundance in Boulder: Central City, CO Winter Retreat](https://centralcitygetaway.com/blog/escaping-sundance-boulder-colorado): Rent your Boulder home during Sundance and escape to Central City, CO. Enjoy luxury mountain views, ski resort access, and high-country peace. Book direct!