Idyllic town embraces lakefront living
Bow Mar may be a small town – it’s one square mile and is home to just under 900 residents – but the lakefront community is brimming with character. “The lots and amenities are well-orchestrated so that it feels like you’re secluded, but you’re really right in the middle of Littleton,” says Sean Murphy, a Realtor with Exp Realty who has been selling homes in the area for over 12 years. “It’s a sought-after place.” The town was originally developed by Lloyd King – the founder of King Soopers – in the late 1940s as he envisioned a small community of custom-built ranch-style homes. Today, Bow Mar preserves its individuality with a private beach, hand-painted street signs and views of the Rocky Mountains just 12 miles south of Denver.
Sprawling estates inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright
The town consists of just over 300 single-family homes nestled on one-acre lots. “Homes don’t come up that often,” Murphy says. “There are a lot of higher-end, Mid-Century Modern designs and ranch-style homes, so it attracts people looking for single-story living.” Bow Mar’s original homes date back to the late 1940s and were built to reflect Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie-style architecture. As such, one-story homes complement Bow Mar’s natural landscape with low-pitched roofs, al-fresco spaces and oversized windows granting panoramic views of the distant Rocky Mountains. Further from Bowles and Marston Lake, homebuyers can find sprawling four-bedroom ranch-style homes starting at around $1.9 million. Waterfront homes tend to be more expensive, with five-bedroom estates ranging from about $4.7 million to $5.8 million.
Top-rated public schools in Littleton
Children in the area attend the award-winning Littleton Public School District, which has an average student-teacher ratio of 17-to-1 and was ranked the fifth-best school district in Colorado by Niche. Kids begin their education at Wilder Elementary School, which earned an A from Niche, before moving on to Goddard Middle School, which earned a grade of A-minus. Teens attend Littleton High School, which also earned an A-minus from Niche and is an International Baccalaureate World School. Students can earn college credit through International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses. Private school options include the nearby Front Range Christian School, which offers a faith-based education to children in grades K-12. Colorado is an open-enrollment state, meaning that students can apply to attend other public schools within or outside of their district.
Nearby country club and private lake access
The nearby Pinehurst Country Club overlooks Bow Mar and is home to both an 18-hole championship golf course and a scenic 9-hole course. Closer to home, residents enjoy private access to Bowles Lake. With its sandy beachfront and marina, the lake is a popular destination for swimming, sailing and fishing thanks to its steady supply of bass and carp. Adjacent to the beach are four outdoor tennis courts, a picnic area and a playground for kids to explore.
Proximity to shopping centers and waterfront dining
Bow Mar is about 4 miles north of several retail centers along West Bowles Avenue. At Bowles Crossing, locals can pick up groceries from Trader Joe’s or catch a movie at the AMC Theatre. Across the street, the Chanson Plaza sits along the shores of the Johnson Reservoir. Enjoy waterfront views and seafood on the covered patio at the Lakehouse Kitchen and Tavern, or grab a sweet treat at Nella’s Frozen Yogurt. Closer to home, Walter’s 303 Pizzeria and Publik House is known for its fresh pies and rotating menu of craft beverages.
Various year-round festivities
The town hosts a variety of year-round festivities. In the summer, the community gathers on the beach for concerts and regattas hosted by the Bow Mar Yacht Club. Popular annual festivities include the Winter Dance and Blackouts, a black-tie formal featuring amateur theatre performances.
Traveling to Denver and beyond
While Bow Mar feels wonderfully secluded, residents are just 2 miles west of the CanAm Highway, which connects 12 miles north to Denver and beyond. For longer trips, the Denver International Airport is about 35 miles away.
Photography Contributed By
Laurel Turton
