Overlooking one of Colorado Spring’s famous landmarks, Kissing Camels at Garden of the Gods Park, sits the premier private club, Garden of the Gods Club. With August marking the club’s 60^th anniversary, the dreams of original owners Al Hill and wife Margaret, to build a private club, luxury resort, and residential community that would pair manmade elegance with an unparalleled natural settings still holds true.

Construction of Garden of the Gods Club began in May 1950. When doors opened, Garden of the Gods Club launched as a premier private club in the western United States. The same year, The Gazette Telegraph described the club as “a mecca for those interested in fine taste and splendor.” Garden of the Gods Club quickly became an exclusive retreat for Hollywood’s elite, captains of industry, and political and literary luminaries. Visitors included Robert Mitchum, Claudette Colbert, Gene Autry, John Wayne, and Walt Disney. Members and guests enjoyed the immaculate tennis courts, gorgeous pool, gourmet dining, and extravagant events.

The club was designed to be a tennis club, only open in the summer, but Al Hill’s golfing friends eventually convinced him to add a golf course to the property. J. Press Maxwell designed a world-class, 18-hole, 7,000-yard golf course. “Throughout the years, Members and guests have enjoyed challenge, competition, and camaraderie amongst the splendor of the golf course and surrounding scenery,” stated Gene Gabelmann, Director of Golf at Kissing Camels.

In 2007, Sunrise Company purchased Garden of the Gods Club from Hill Development.  Since then Sunrise has invested $4 million dollars into the Club including adding a 4,900 sq. ft. Sports Club.  In addition, Sunrise has started building new homes on the remaining land with five new homes under construction as well as many beautiful golf and view homesites available to build one of nine new floorplans.  All of the Sunrise homes have a membership to the Garden of the Gods Club included and to celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of the Club, any new home purchased before Labor Day 2011 includes a free finished basement.  “We are very excited to be starting a new chapter at Garden of the Gods Club with the new offering of homes and homesites,” Bob Jacobson, Sales Executive.

The Hills’ original vision for a private club, luxury resort, and residential community is alive and well today. Whether golfing their 27-hole championship course, competing on the tennis courts, staying fit at the Sports Club, relaxing at the Spa, playing with their kids at the Recreation Center, or meeting friends for dinner, Garden of the Gods Club members and home owners find their days filled with family, friends, and experiences that will continue to leave a legacy of excellent living in one of the nation’s most picturesque cities. For information about membership and home sales visit www.GardenoftheGodsClub.com.