Friday, May 24, 2013
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Nonprofits Crazy about Koi (for a cause)
Posted by Matthew Schniper on Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 11:14 AM
So it didn't make this list of 70 amazing houses from around the world, but I have to say that Pulpit Rock resident Ray Armstrong's house is one of the most amazing homes I've ever toured.
- Matthew Schniper
- No pond is complete without beautiful water features, especialy those that bloom.
Ahead of next Thursday, July 21's fundraiser for Pikes Peak Urban Gardens from 5 to 8 p.m. at the house (details in the link below), I visited last night to snap some photos and meet Armstrong and his partner Barbara Dawson.
Disclaimer: I sit on PPUG's advisory board, which is how I came to first learn about the fundraiser from PPUG director Larry Stebbins, and why I arranged a special visit to the home.
- Matthew Schniper
- The Koi ponds overlook Pulpit Rock and the mountains beyond the highway.
What's most spectacular about the residence, aside from its 360-degree views, is its extensive, internationally recognized Koi pond system designed and nurtured by Armstrong over the past 20 years. The sustainably minded ponds stretch across two sides of the house and into interior pools, accenting artistic wood and stonework that make the structure itself worth a whistle.
- Matthew Schniper
- Ray Armstrong and Barbara Dawson have taught their Koi to eat right from their hands.
Armstrong and Dawson generously offered the home up to PPUG for the fundraiser. The idea is that enjoying the fish and views alongside eats from TAPAteria and Food Designers and drinks from Bristol Brewing Co. and The Wine Store is well worth $50 that goes towards PPUG's mission of serving the community through urban garden initiatives.
Anyhoo, here's further details and a couple more photos:
July_21st_Koi_invitation_.pdf
- Matthew Schniper
- It's hard not to find a meditative mood in environs like these.
- Matthew Schniper
- Among other fun facts I learned last night: Koi can live up to 200 years. They're commonly left in peoples' wills in Japan.
Finally, learn more about Armstrong's house and see more photos on his website, here.
