Journal 15: Pinehaven’s Historic Timeline

The development of Pinehaven spans over a century, beginning with John L. Powell’s 1905 homestead claim under the Homestead Act of 1862. Over the decades, the land passed through the hands of family heirs and visionaries like John C. Vories and Steve Pierotti, who transformed rugged forest terrain into a planned mountain retreat. 

Key milestones include the subdivision filings in the 1970s and 1990s, and the critical infrastructure upgrades in 2007–2008. In 2021, our family began a new chapter of stewardship and renovation for the cabin at 80 County Road 406, building on a legacy of dreams, development, and community resilience. 

Pinehaven’s Historic Timeline

The timeline below visually captures these pivotal moments in Pinehaven’s evolution.

1862 – Homestead Act signed into law, encouraging western settlement by offering land to citizens willing to improve and live on it.

1905 – John L. Powell (homesteader/rancher) homesteads land in the Cuchara Valley that would
eventually become Pinehaven.

1920 – Powell passes away; the land is inherited by his children.

1922 – The Powell siblings deed their interest solely to Charles R. Powell, consolidating ownership.

1943 – John C. Vories (visionary investor) purchases 137 acres from Charles R. Powell, intending to create a mountain resort community.

1948 – Full ownership of the land is transferred to Vories; he begins laying out Block 11, the first cabin sites.

1950s – Vories sells his interest to Steve Pierotti, who takes over the Pinehaven vision and begins expanding development.

1970s–1990s – Filing #1 of Pinehaven is completed; individual families begin purchasing and building summer cabins. 

1990s – Filing #2 is planned and developed by Pierotti, including Roads 405–407 and upper Road 401.

2001 – Lot 9 (now 80 County Road 406) is sold to C.E. Butridge for $52,000.

2006 – Butridge constructs the first cabin on the lot, featuring a rustic design and modern conveniences.

2007–2008 – Major infrastructure and improvements through Cucharas Sanitation and Water District (CSWD) extends water and sewer lines; roads are completed under county oversight.

2018 – Spring Creek Fire forces evacuation of Pinehaven and causes environmental damage in nearby areas.

2021 – Gene and Rhonda Roncone purchase the cabin at 80 CR 406 for $375,000 and begin family use and improvements.

2021–2025 – The Eagles Nest undergoes renovation, safety upgrades, and modernization, becoming a central retreat for the Roncone family.

Still Writing Our Pinehaven Story

The Eagles Nest cabin is truly a gem in Cuchara, Colorado! It represents an incredible journey of family and nature, deeply rooted in the area’s vibrant history. From its beginnings as a wilderness homestead to becoming a cherished retreat, this cabin beautifully illustrates the joy of preserving local heritage while creating unforgettable family memories! 

 

Cherished moments that our family will never forget have been made here. Cuchara isn’t just a place you visit, it’s a story you step into; one filled with quiet wonders, wild beauty, and moments that linger long after you leave. But the best part is, the story isn’t finished. The trails, the stars, the laughter echoing from the village… they’re all waiting for us to write the next chapter, one that lives on in our family’s heart, long after the mountains fade from view.

Tell Your Story

We know our story is just one thread in the rich tapestry of Pinehaven’s history. That’s why we’ve created this companion blog where you can add your own memories, stories, and reflections. Whether it’s a link to a treasured photo from a summer hike, a funny cabin mishap, or a family tradition passed down through generations, we invite you to share your piece of the Pinehaven legacy. You can even include links to your own photos or online albums. Together, we can preserve the spirit of this special place one story at a time.Submit your story at

Submit your story or cabin's history at

www.cabininthepinescuchara.blogspot.com 

or email 

cabininthepinescuchara@gmail.com

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1. Author’s note: In preparing this article, the author used AI-assisted tools for research support, proofreading, fact-checking, and stylistic refinement. The narrative, analysis, and historical interpretations are the author’s own, and responsibility for accuracy rests solely with the author. The blog’s research methodology statement is available at:

https://cabininthepinescuchara.blogspot.com/2019/03/methodology-sources-and-use-of-research.html