Property listing for 818 Riverside Dr, Lyons, CO 80540
ActiveSingle Family Compound (Multi-cabin)

$1,685,000

818 Riverside Dr, Lyons, CO 80540

Three-Cabin Riverfront Compound on the St. Vrain — Rare Retreat

7 Bed · 3,250 Sq Ft

Private ~300' river frontage, 3 cabins, STR-ready compound on ~1.10 acres

7

Beds

3,250

Sq Ft

1940

Built

1.10 acres

Lot

Detached garage/storage structure (convertible)

Garage

About 818 Riverside Dr

818 Riverside Drive is a distinctive riverfront compound that brings authentic Colorado character together with compelling rental and retreat possibilities. The offering includes three renovated historic cabins arranged across approximately 1.10 acres with nearly 300 feet of private frontage on the St. Vrain River. The cabins collectively provide roughly 3,250 square feet and seven bedrooms—comfortably accommodating groups, family gatherings, or multi-unit income use.

Step outside and the river becomes your backyard: firepit sites, riverside lounging, fly-fishing access and room for RV parking or campsite setups create an enviable outdoor program. Inside, each cabin retains its cottage/cabin personality while showing evidence of thoughtful renovation — offering clean, functional spaces for guests or long-term occupants. An existing detached garage/storage structure adds flexibility for conversion to recreation, expanded living, or additional rental space pending permits.

The compound suits a variety of buyer types. Operate the property as a destination short-term rental for mountain-bound visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, live in the primary cabin and rent the others for supplemental income, or maintain it as a private multi-generational retreat. Location is a standout: Lyons’ restaurants, breweries and music venues are minutes away, and Boulder is within commuting distance for those seeking both mountain life and city access.

Practical considerations: riverfront parcels in this corridor frequently fall within FEMA flood zones and are subject to riparian setbacks and town permitting; prospective buyers should verify floodplain status, insurance costs, utility connections and STR registration history. When those factors are accounted for, 818 Riverside Drive represents a rare opportunity to own a multi-cabin riverfront compound in Boulder County—an offering that rarely appears on market.

Home Highlights

Three renovated cabins on ~1.10 acres with private river frontageAccommodates up to ~15 guests — strong STR or retreat use caseDetached garage structure offers renovation upsideMinutes to Lyons amenities and gateway access to Rocky Mountain NP

Property Features

Interior Features

  • Three renovated historic cabins offering 7 total bedrooms
  • Approximately 3,250 total finished square feet
  • Flexible layout ideal for groups, retreats, or multi-unit rental
  • Cozy, cottage and cabin-style interiors (renovation details in disclosures)

Exterior & Lot

  • ~1.10 acres with nearly 300' of private St. Vrain River frontage
  • Detached garage/storage structure with conversion potential
  • Riverside terraces, firepit areas and RV/camp parking zones
  • Riparian landscape and mature river corridor vegetation

Location & Neighborhood

  • Riverside community — short drive to Lyons downtown (shops, eateries, breweries)
  • Easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park
  • Approximately 35 minutes to Boulder; Denver International Airport accessible for regional travel
  • Active outdoor recreation neighborhood with trail, bike and fishing access

Walkability & Recreation

  • Walkability Rating: 40/100
  • Immediate access to riverside walking and local trailheads
  • Close to mountain biking routes and fly-fishing spots
  • Short drive to national park trailheads and alpine recreation

Neighborhood & Location

The Riverside sector of Lyons is a low-density river corridor characterized by a mix of historic cabins, newer mountain homes and riparian open space. Residents enjoy easy access to the town’s restaurants, breweries and frequent music events, while outdoor enthusiasts benefit from immediate water access and nearby trail networks. The neighborhood attracts second-home buyers, outdoor recreationists, and locals who value a quieter, nature-adjacent lifestyle.

Market Insights

Lyons and the greater Boulder County market continue to command a premium for properties with unique natural amenities like river frontage and mountain access. Inventory in the mountain towns tends to be tight, especially for compound-style listings that support multiple guest units. Over the past 12 months the market has shown modest appreciation; motivated buyers can still find opportunities where condition, permitting, or regulatory clarity creates negotiation leverage. For this property, the premium is concentrated in the river frontage and guest capacity—factors that support strong seasonal STR demand. Verify permit and flood constraints to size net returns and insurance costs before finalizing an offer.

Nearby Schools

Lyons Elementary School

Elementary · 1.5 mi

7/10

Lyons Middle/Senior High School

Middle|High · 1.5 mi

6/10

Walkability & Recreation

40
Walkability
92
Recreation

Exceptional access to river-based activities, nearby mountain trails and Rocky Mountain National Park for hiking, fishing, skiing and biking.

Investment Highlights

  • Approximately 300' of private St. Vrain River frontage on ~1.10 acres
  • Three renovated historic cabins totaling ~3,250 SF and 7 bedrooms—STR-ready layout
  • Strong proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, Lyons amenities, and regional trails
  • Compound configuration supports owner-occupy + rental or full STR operation
  • Detached garage structure offers renovation/expansion upside (subject to permits)

Key Findings

  • Listed price: $1,685,000 (AVM ~ $1,589,589)
  • Lot size: 47,916 SF (~1.10 acres); building area ~3,250 SF
  • 7 bedrooms across three cabins; year built: 1940 with renovations noted
  • Strong outdoor recreation demand and limited supply of riverfront compounds
  • Probable floodplain/riparian restrictions and local STR permitting requirements

Things to Consider

  • Potential FEMA flood zone and higher insurance/mitigation costs
  • Unverified utility connections (water/sewer) and permit history for STR use
  • Unknown number and condition of bathrooms and mechanical systems — inspect before close
  • Historic structures may be subject to preservation, foundation, or upgrade needs

Opportunity Analysis

Acquire a rare riverfront compound that captures both lifestyle and income value: live in one cabin while generating STR income from the others, or operate as a retreat venue given proximity to RMNP and regional demand for unique outdoor stays. Value is driven by limited supply of true riverfront compounds within Boulder County.

Potential Use Scenarios

  • Verify floodplain, insurance costs and allowable uses — prioritize feasibility before offer.
  • Consider an offer based on conditional inspection and title review focused on riparian easements.
  • If STR operation is desired, secure local registration/permits and model gross revenue seasonally.
  • Leverage the garage structure as a marketing differentiator—convert to a recreation space or additional rentable unit if allowed.

Risk Factors

  • Floodplain exposure and associated mitigation/insurance costs
  • Regulatory limits on STRs or riparian development
  • Potential capital outlays for mechanical, septic/wastewater or foundation repairs
  • Seasonality of STR demand in mountain markets

Buyers should conduct independent due diligence before making any purchase decisions.

AI Valuation Estimate

Low

$1525K

Midpoint

$1650K

High

$1775K

$518/SF estimated price per square foot

65% confidence

Estimate anchored to list price ($1,685,000) and AVM ($1,589,589), adjusted for unique riverfront, multi-cabin income potential, and local market conditions. No live comparable sales search performed — verify with broker or appraiser.

As of 2026-03-13

This is a computer-generated estimate for informational purposes only and is not an appraisal or professional valuation.

Market & Area Data

Market Trends

Area Median Price$800,000
Avg Days on Market60 days
Inventory3 months
1-Year Appreciation+300.0%

Demographics

Population (1 mi)1,500
Median Income (1 mi)$80,000

Lyons and surrounding Boulder County attract outdoor-driven buyers and second-home owners. Population growth modest; demand for riverfront and mountain-close properties remains strong among buyers from Boulder/Denver.

Nearby Points of Interest

  • Lyons downtown (1.5 mi)
  • Rocky Mountain National Park (entrances ~20-30 mi depending on access)
  • Estes Park (25-35 mi)

Immediate access to St. Vrain River, regional trail networks, mountain biking routes, and local restaurants/breweries in Lyons. Property is a short drive to outdoor recreation and gateway towns for Rocky Mountain National Park.

School District

DistrictSt. Vrain Valley School District (RE-1J)
ElementaryLyons Elementary School (St. Vrain) — approx. rating 7/10
MiddleLyons Middle/Senior High (combined) — approx. rating 6/10
HighLyons Middle/Senior High (grades 6-12) — approx. rating 6/10

Market data is based on aggregated public records and may not reflect real-time conditions.

Property Details

Building Details

Year Built1940
Constructionwood frame
Basementnone
Conditiongood

Lot & Site

Lot Size1.1 acres (47,916 SF)
Topographysloping
Parkingdetached_garage_and_driveway
Parking Spaces6
FrontageApproximately 300 feet of private St. Vrain River frontage per listing remarks; subject to boundary verification.

Utilities

Zoning & Land Use

DescriptionResidential/rural riverfront; likely single-family / small multi-structure residential use. Local ordinances and floodplain overlays likely apply.
JurisdictionTown of Lyons / Boulder County (mix of town/county regulations may apply)

Allowed Uses

Single family residenceMultiple accessory structuresShort term rental (may be allowed with town permitting/registration)Accessory dwelling/guest units (subject to local code)
Current Useresidential

Tax & Sale History

Tax Assessment

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