Thinking of tying the Knot in a Victorian Castle? Look no further...

Castle Marne is a great place to get married!

Ever dream of exchanging your vows in a historic Victorian Castle?  Castle Marne is the perfect place to be married.  Below are a few photos of a lovely wedding held here last month.

Tom and Julie Seaba invited 15 very special guests to join them in celebrating their wedding.

Julie had a  cake with the top layer Yellow Cake with Raspberry filling

and Chocolate Cake with German Chocolate filling.

Her bouquet was long stemmed Calla Lilies with ivory ribbon

Tom and Julie make it official.

Her beautiful bouquet with some of the Castle's silver in the background

The Castle Marne can accommodate a small intimate elopement with just the two of you or go as high as 35 for a stand-up cocktail reception.  

For  more information on weddings in Castle Marne, give us a call.  Melissa and her professional staff are eager to assist you in planning and celebrating your perfect wedding.  303-331-0621, 1800-92MARNE.

Celebrate the Holidays with Afternoon Tea at Castle Marne B&B

Imagine Christmas carols in the background, the aroma of fresh baked scones filling the air, you are surrounded by vintage Christmas lights and decorations all while nibbling on tasty finger sandwiches at a truly Victorian Afternoon Tea at the Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast.

The Castle serves Afternoon Tea everyday, year around, but there's something special about sipping piping hot tea in a Victorian Castle at Christmas time.  Give us a call, space is limited.  We'll be keeping the decorations up until Sunday January, 8th if you can't join us sooner.  303-331-0621

Merry Christmas!

Tasty Christmas Morning Muffins

Planning your Christmas menu?  This is a great recipe for Christmas morning breakfast.  Make the batter ahead and bake off as you need to.

Eggnog Muffins


1 egg beaten
1/3 c. canola oil
3/4 eggnog ( Silk brand Eggnog works beautifully for those who cannot tolerate milk)
1/4 c. rum

2c. flour
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2/3 c. sugar

1 t. nutmeg to sprinkle on top of the muffins.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a small bowl stir together beaten egg, oil, eggnog and rum then set aside.  Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a medium-size bowl.  Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the egg mixture.  Mix together just until dry ingredients are moistened.  Spray mini muffin pans.  Fill the cups with the muffin batter 3/4 full and sprinkle the tops with the nutmeg.  Bake approximately 15-20 minutes or until the tops are lightly brown.

Makes 36 mini-muffins.  Enjoy!

Denver East High School does it again!

Congratulations to the East High School "We the People" Constitutional Scholar Team.

Congratulations to the East High School "We the People" Constitutional Scholar Team.  Our Constitutional Scholars won the Colorado State Championship yesterday, December 12, 2011, at the Colorado State Capital.  Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast extends our congratulations to the whole team and specifically to our own Louie J., Castle Marne Innkeeper and junior at East High School for winning this prestigious competition.   We are proud of each of our scholars, along with their coach, Mr. Mark Thalhofer, as they head to Washington D.C. in April to compete in the National "We the People" Competition. East Angels, you ROCK!

Jane Austen Celebrates her 236th Birthday at the historic Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast

This past Sunday, December 11th, some of Jane Austen's biggest fans gathered at Denver's historic  Castle Marne B&B to toast the lauded lady author and wish her a very happy 236th birthday.  The party-goers enjoyed tasty finger sandwiches, delicious quiche and scrumptious scones and desserts.  The authentic loose leaf Earl Grey Tea was a big hit as well.

The Jane Austen Society of North America, also known as JASNA is an organization of over 4,000 lovers of her novels.   Some of her most well-known stories are "Sense and Sensibility", "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma".  The Denver/Boulder Region of JASNA gather throughout the year to share many pleasures: discussing Austen's novels; toasting her on her birthday (December 16th); listening to lectures, panels, and performances, illuminating her writing, life and era: learning English country dancing and 19th-century card games and much more.

To learn more about joining JASNA visit their web-site www.jasna.org or email Rae Wiseman at rae.wiseman@comcast.net.

On behalf of the family and staff of the Castle Marne B&B have a very Happy Birthday Jane!

Annual Victorian Holiday Home Tour was a Huge Success!

Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast, the Colfax Business Improvement District www.colfaxave.com, along with 5 other Victorian mansions ushered in the 2011 Christmas Season last week with the 2nd Annual Victorian Holiday Home Tour.

Thank you to all the wonderful tour goers for supporting the Denver Children's Home www.denverchildrenshome.org, by attending this wonderful event.  Over 400 visitors stopped by for some Christmas cheer and toured the historic homes on Denver's Upper Capitol Hill.

The weather was cold but sunny and folks were treated to a free carriage ride.

Two fabulous choirs set the holiday tone by singing traditional and contemporary carols.  For more information about the carolers, please visit their web-sites.  The Original Dicken's Carolers www.originaldickenscarolers.com, and The "Last Note Singers"   http://www.ponydesign.com/LastNoteSingersWebsite/LNS_StartPage.htm.  They donated their time and lovely voices to entertain everyone.  

Cara Schuman treated tour goers with her piano playing inside the Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast.  We met Cara while she and her boyfriend were overnight guests here at the Castle Marne.   Cara has played piano for the annual historic candlelight tour, at the home of Washington Irving in New York's Hudson Valley where they used to live.  She offered to play for us, we were thrilled to say the least.  

When all was said and done, this was a very successful event.  For next year, 

plan ahead and put Saturday November, 24th, the first Saturday after Thanksgiving on your calendar.  

On behalf of all of us at Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast, the Colfax Business Improvement District, the elegant and historic Victorian mansions on the tour and the Denver Children's Home, have a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Great Thanksgiving dinner recipes

We've got some great Thanksgiving recipes for you to try.  

If you like pumpkin and you like soup, try our Pumpkin Bisque.  Should be made a day or two ahead and reheated before serving, this allows the flavors to blend.

2 T. butter

1 large onion, diced

1 1/2 lbs. pumpkin, diced or 3 cups pumpkin puree                                      

6 c. homemade or canned chicken stock

3 T. all-purpose flour

1/2 t. salt

1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped

Melt butter in a large saucepan.  Add diced onions and saute until soft.  Add pumpkin and chicken stock.  Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes.  Take out 1 cup of pumpkin mixture and add flour to make a rue.  Whisk until all the lumps are gone.  Add rue mixture back into the soup and whisk to prevent lumping.  Cook about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally to cook flour.  Adjust seasonings to taste.

Note:  We let the soup cool and blend with a blender.  Re-heat and serve with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top for garnish.  Tastes great with homemade croutons.  Serves 8.

How to make great home made croutons: Butter a couple of slices of bread liberally with soft butter. (Butter substitute works great too.)  Sprinkle bread with onion salt, garlic salt and dried parsley flakes.  Cut bread into cubes and bake on a cookie sheet for about 10 minutes in a hot oven.  Take the tray out and with a turner, turn the croutons over to bake evenly for another 5-10 minutes or until golden brown and       

                                                      crispy.  Enjoy!

How about those turkey leftovers?  We've got a tasty Turkey  Pasta Salad.

Turkey Pasta Salad

3/4 c. mayonnaise

1T. Dijon mustard

1/2 t. dried thyme

8 oz. fettucini, cooked and drained ( for a change try bow tie pasta instead)

1 c. diced turkey breast (smoked turkey adds a delicious flavor too)

3/4 zucchini, sliced and halved

1/2 c. red bell pepper, cut into small strips

1/2 c. yellow bell pepper, cut into small strips

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mustard and thyme until well blended.  Add pasta, turkey, red and yellow pepper and toss together.  Season with salt and pepper.  Chill well.  If salad is too dry, add a little more mayo just before serving.  Serves 6

On behalf of the family and staff of the Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast, Happy Thanksgiving!

Great Thanksgiving dinner recipes

We've got some great Thanksgiving recipes for you to try.  

If you like pumpkin and you like soup, try our Pumpkin Bisque.  Should be made a day or two ahead and reheated before serving, this allows the flavors to blend.

2 T. butter

1 large onion, diced

1 1/2 lbs. pumpkin, diced or 3 cups pumpkin puree                                      

6 c. homemade or canned chicken stock

3 T. all-purpose flour

1/2 t. salt

1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped

Melt butter in a large saucepan.  Add diced onions and saute until soft.  Add pumpkin and chicken stock.  Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes.  Take out 1 cup of pumpkin mixture and add flour to make a rue.  Whisk until all the lumps are gone.  Add rue mixture back into the soup and whisk to prevent lumping.  Cook about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally to cook flour.  Adjust seasonings to taste.

Note:  We let the soup cool and blend with a blender.  Re-heat and serve with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top for garnish.  Tastes great with homemade croutons.  Serves 8.

How to make great home made croutons: Butter a couple of slices of bread liberally with soft butter. (Butter substitute works great too.)  Sprinkle bread with onion salt, garlic salt and dried parsley flakes.  Cut bread into cubes and bake on a cookie sheet for about 10 minutes in a hot oven.  Take the tray out and with a turner, turn the croutons over to bake evenly for another 5-10 minutes or until golden brown and       

                                                      crispy.  Enjoy!

How about those turkey leftovers?  We've got a tasty Turkey  Pasta Salad.

Turkey Pasta Salad

3/4 c. mayonnaise

1T. Dijon mustard

1/2 t. dried thyme

8 oz. fettucini, cooked and drained ( for a change try bow tie pasta instead)

1 c. diced turkey breast (smoked turkey adds a delicious flavor too)

3/4 zucchini, sliced and halved

1/2 c. red bell pepper, cut into small strips

1/2 c. yellow bell pepper, cut into small strips

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mustard and thyme until well blended.  Add pasta, turkey, red and yellow pepper and toss together.  Season with salt and pepper.  Chill well.  If salad is too dry, add a little more mayo just before serving.  Serves 6

On behalf of the family and staff of the Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast, Happy Thanksgiving!

Castle Marne B&B Sends Muffins Overseas to Afghanistan for the Holidays

It's that time of year again, the Holidays, time to bake hundreds of muffins and ship them off to America's fighting forces in Afghanistan.  Code named "Operation Muffin Drop" two years ago, the family and staff of the Castle Marne B&B in Denver decided to bake and mail the Castle's famous muffins overseas.

The response has been heart warming.  "We are proud to do our part in doing what we do best, baking the sweet taste of home and sharing with those so far away from family and loved ones." says owner Jim Peiker.  "It's the least we can do to support our troops."


This photo of Castle Marne is courtesy of TripAdvisor

For information on joining "Operation Muffin Drop" visit us at http://www.castlemarne.com/en-us/index.htm.

 Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Merry Christmas!

Castle Marne B&B says "Thank You" to Vets on Veteran's Day

Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast in conjunction with over hundreds of bed and breakfasts across the US and Canada, offered free rooms to veterans as a special thank you for their service.  Each inn donated at minimum 1 free room.  Castle Marne got all goofy and opened our entire house, all 9 rooms.

 Owner Jim Peiker had grandson, Charlie put out a few flags so the guests wouldn't get lost.

 We told the group we'd love to take photos for the blog.  David Benavides brought his uniform.  He looks great.

 Castle Marne is proud to be affiliated with Select Registry, an association of inns and bed and breakfasts throughout the US and Canada.  Select Registry and the Professional Association of Independent Innkeepers along with A Better Way To Stay organized this year's Veteran's Day special.  For more information on A Better Way To Stay visit this website.  http://www.betterwaytostay.com/current-promotions/bbs-for-vets/

For more information on the Select Registry collection of inns and b & b's click here: http://www.selectregistry.com/index.asp

 Guests started arriving in time for afternoon tea served in the Victorian Parlour.  We served shortbread, lemon bars, hand rolled truffles, raspberry bars and scones with lemon curd and preserves.  Tom Osieczanek helps himself to some treats.

 Gathering for one of Castle Marne's fabulous breakfasts.

 Group photo in the Parlour

Group photos out in front of the Castle

Beau and Carolyn DeClue

Kate and Aaron Silberman

Mark Labrecque and Zabeth Farr

Amanda and Andy Sharma at Tea Time.  Tom and Ruth Ann are seen in the background.

Jeffery Elwell pouring tea, his wife Audrey is in the background.

On behalf of the family and staff of the Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast it was our pleasure to have these 18 wonderful people join us for Veteran's Day.  We look forward to opening our home again next year!


http://www.betterwaytostay.com/current-promotions/bbs-for-vets/

2nd Annual Victorian Holiday Home Tour

 Visit Six of Denver's Grandest Victorian Homes.
A Great alternative to the Malls on Saturday, November 26, after Thanksgiving!

Six mansions all dressed up for the holidays open their doors for a walking tour to the public for the second year in a row.  11:00 to 4:00

This tour is a fund raiser for the Denver Children's Home.

Denver Children's Home is the first nonprofit in the State of Colorado.  Throughout their 135-year history of service, the organization has consistently met the needs of children and families.  On a daily basis, DCH serves an average of over 100 children and families and over 1,000 children and families in our community annually!  For more information about Denver Children's Home please visit their site, http://www.denverchildrenshome.org

Tour includes:
                        * Castle Marne B & B      * 1572 Race St.
                        * Adagio B & B               * 1430 Race St.
                        * Holiday Chalet B & B   * 1820 Colfax Ave.  
                        * Denver Tea Room         * 1820 Colfax Ave.
                        * Unity Temple                 * 1555 Race St.
                        * McAllister House           * 1565 Race St.
                        * Bailey/Siller's Mansion  * 1617 Vine St.

Details:            * $12.00 in advance.  Buy now:  http://colfaxave.com, click on Vict. Hol. Home Tour
                        * $15.00 the day of.
                        * Children 9 and under are free.
                        * Tour begins at Castle Marne, where you will receive the map
For more information please call 303-331-0621.

What else is going on?  Listen to the "Original Dickens Carolers", the "Last Note Singers", Bagpipes, Harpist, Pianist and Free Carriage Rides.  Come, enjoy and proceeds go to the Denver Children's Home.

Westboro Baptist Church pickets Denver's East High School

Remember the Westboro Baptist Church from Kansas?  The folks who picket fallen soldier's funerals?  The people who thank God for every soldier who dies because God is punishing America for tolerating Gay and Lesbian lifestyles?  The people who hate Jews and blame them for the problems of the world?  Check out the photos.

Yesterday several members of the church were in Denver to protest the National Allied Jewish Federation convention being held at the downtown Sheraton.  They had some extra time on their hands and decided to picket East High.  The school was notified on Friday.  My boys, Louie J. and Charlie decided to call for a peaceful counter demonstration Monday at 7:00, school starts at 7:30.  The message went out via social media.  The kids decided to wear purple in support of fellow gay and lesbian students and bring only positive posters.

Big Louie, the kids and I showed up early before anyone else had gathered.  Charlie was worried that no one would show.  At 7:00 a.m.  6 Westboro Baptist Church members set up their boom boxes and played "We will, we will rock you" by Queen at the corner of 17th Ave. and Esplanade (one of 3 the main driveways to enter the high school).  We thought it ironic they would play a song from an openly gay dead musician as their theme song.  They'd wrapped themselves in the American flag, drug a Gay flag on the ground and held up "God Hates Fags", "God Hates Jews" and "Jews killed Jesus" signs.  It didn't take long for the students to gather.  Denver Police, DPS Security were present as were school administrators.

Soon hundreds of kids holding "God even loves you" and "God loves everyone" surrounded the church people.  The kids sang songs and the school cheer.  I actually teared up when I realized that Denver's East High School Angels overpowered the ugly hate with love.  By 7:20 church members packed up their signs and boom boxes.  They were planning to picket for 30 minutes. Hundreds of kids politely escorted them to their car.

Other high school mascots are Hawks, Trojans, Cougars, Devils, you name it but East High are the Angels.  Westboro Baptist Church picked the perfect school to picket.

As the parent of two East kids, I am so proud of all 2300 students.  From the kids all the way to the top administrators and principal, this was one very classy event.  Melissa (Mom)

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Castle Marne B&B Honors Vets this Veteran's Day

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,"
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills just got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fears...
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."


Author Unknown~


In honor of America's fighting forces, Castle Marne B&B is giving retired and active military a free night in Denver's premier Bed and Breakfast this Veteran's Day.

We're grateful for your service, it's our turn to serve you.

Thursday, November 10th, all 9 rooms will be filled with vets and their companions.  The next morning 18 rested folks will wake up Veteran's Day to a fabulous breakfast in the Castle's Peacock Dining Room.

A group photo will be taken.  Watch for video and photos.

If you are active or retired military and were unable to join us this Veteran's Day, Castle Marne is offering a 20% discount indefinitely.

On behalf of the family and staff of Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast, thank you!

1st snow of the year at Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast in Denver.

Tuesday October, 18th, Denver weather went from warm and balmy 80's to 35 degrees of snow and cold.  We got upwards of 8 inches of heavy wet snow in less than 24 hours.  Check out the before and after photos.  All over the city tree branches heavy with late season leaves broke plunging thousands of Denver residents into darkness.  Luckily the Castle Marne was warm and cozy.