In a small town of approximately 5500 residents, you probably wouldn't expect to find much more than a Hamby's and a General store... but this little town has so much more!  Manitou Springs , CO, a mere 10 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs and only 45 minutes south of Denver, is home to rich, American history. 

One of many award-winning establishments in Manitou is the Cliff House.  This luxury hotel has been host to many historical dignitaries including Clark Gable, Teddy Roosevelt, PT Barnum, Buffalo Bill Cody and Thomas Edison.  Cliff House features celebrity suites reflective of these past guests and dining that is simply extraordinary.  Originally built in 1874 as a 20 room boarding house, it has since come a long way.  Recent hotel and dining awards include:

Four Diamonds - AAA Historic Country Inn 2002 - 2008

"Top 100 Hotels of the World" - Travel & Leisure Magazine 2006

DiRoNA Award 2004 - 2008

Four Diamonds - AAA Fine Dining Restaurant 2002 - 2008

"Best of Award of Excellence" - Wine Spectator Magazine 2004 - 2008

"Award of Unique Distinction" - Wine Enthusiast Magazine 2005 - 2008

 While discovering Manitou, another "must-see" is Fountain Creek Villas, Manitou's premier, luxury townhome community.  Fountain Creek Villas holds 7 distinguished, industry awards from the 2007 Parade of Homes including:  Best Architecture, Best Overall Home, Best Master Suite, Best Kitchen, Most Innovative, Best Interior Design & Best Landscape.  With a stunning creekside patio for entertaining, a balcony that cantilevers over Fountain Creek plus views of Pikes Peak... you won't want to miss this!  Starting at $780,000 with exceptional standard features.

This market has bred all kinds of incentives for Buyer's agents but do they really make a difference?  You can't really talk someone into buying a home because you'll be awarded a trip to Vegas, win a 1 year Escalade lease or be entered into a $10,000 cash drawing.  We have to continue to put the Buyer's needs over our own... that's what makes us REALTORs. 

But does this type of incentive land that particular home at the top of the list... above the 182 other property matches?   With so many homes available meeting the client's criteria, there has to be some determining factor.   What's yours? 

Tucked between the foothills of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the gods, you'll discover the little town of Manitou Springs rich in history, scenery, food and education. 

Originally known for it's healing waters, Manitou Springs developed quickly.  It was laid out like a European Spa Town with numerous public facilities, bath houses and parks.  Today, you'll find mineral spring bubblers throughout downtown... many locals still believe in the healing powers of these waters.  It's fun to take your own taste tour from mineral spring to mineral spring.  You may very well see deer and other wildlife along the adjoining parks & trails during your walk.  Stop by the mom & pop shops, restaurants and motels... they are aplenty and always full during the spring and summer season.  Don't let this small town fool you.... they have big city tastes!  From Mexican to Italian to Fondue, Kosher, casual and gourmet... Manitou has it all.  Did I mention it's also home to world renowned Cliff House and Briarhurst Manor?  Oh, on a separate note, it's school system is ranked in the Top 3 in the Colorado Springs area.

Although it's a small town, it's events are big and frequent.  Many of the town's events feature cook offs, festivals, parades, art walks, races and runs.  Bring your guitar and the performer in you is welcome to step up to the outdoor stage & entertain the passersby.  The NY TIMES "Travel" section recently recognized Manitou's unique charm and wrote a story terming the town a "Hippie Mayberry":  NY Times On Manitou Springs

If Manitou sounds like your kind of getaway, you must checkout their one of a kind luxury townhome community, Fountain Creek Villas... just like the town itself, this is a small community and is limited to 8 luxury homesites.  In keeping with the town's history, Fountain Creek Villas has used traditional stone, designs and materials inherent to the area in an innovative, tuscan style.  Winner of 7 Awards at the Colorado Springs Parade of Homes this is truly something you must see for yourself!  http://www.fountaincreekvillas.com/