Charles Bluth of Bluth Developments is a prominent American property developer known for his significant contributions to the real estate industry across the United States. With a career spanning several decades, he has developed a reputation for innovative urban projects, luxury residential developments, and commercial properties. Charle Bluth’s keen eye for prime locations and architectural design has allowed him to shape numerous key city landscapes while his work often focuses on creating high-end, sustainable spaces that blend modern living with environmental consciousness. Widely respected in his field, Bluth continues to influence property development with his visionary approach.
Early in 2024, Bluth asked Haddonstone’s US team to help in making spectacular the exterior of his magnificent Château V property, located in Evergreen, Colorado.
Here, Nicola Clements of Haddonstone talks to Charles about his property development career and why he chose to commission the company.
- As the owner of Bluth Development, you have been building high-end residential homes for more than 50 years. Could you tell me what inspired you to move into this sector?
I had the desire to create homes that are one of a kind; ones that gave me a lot of self-satisfaction. I started my property career at 29 years old with just $5000 and with smaller investments and it grew from there. Then came Whispering Pines in Arcadia, California, which is a great community of 50 high-end homes where property prices start at $5 million. That’s capitalism for you!
- Classical architecture appears to be a style that you are attracted to. Could you tell me more about why this is please?
In the USA, are many homes that all look alike which results in little or no character in the streets. Classical architecture is a style that lasts forever and it’s all about the finish; it exudes architectural distinction. European designs are thousands of years old and unique. They will never go away, and people remember them.
- You purchased Château V, located in Evergreen, Colorado, several years ago. This European-style château has been called ‘America’s answer to France’s Palace of Versailles’. What first attracted you to this property?
It was the most beautiful home I’d ever seen and there was nothing like it. I find that lots of homes in the USA are built with a lack of workmanship, but this property is the real deal.
- You’ve spent several years developing the interior and exterior of the property. Could you tell us more about what you have done in that time?
The exterior was perfect expect for the front which had a fixed double door that was around 10 feet high. It was here that I needed Haddonstone. The existing doors were replaced with a custom door; with a Haddonstone door surround which included dentil cornice and a decorative architrave. The team also manufactured cast stone cladding slabs and window surrounds for the property; and several beautiful Adam Troughs raised on Adam Supports, as well as some of the internal columns.
- Château V is a limestone residence, and you chose Haddonstone to complete some of the exterior stonework. What made you choose to work with our team?
I’d seen the Haddonstone catalogue and was very impressed. I obviously wanted to check out if the stonework quality really matched up to what was promised; could the team meet my needs? I decided to travel to Haddonstone in Pueblo, Colorado, to see for myself. I was given a tour of the facility, and the team answered all of my questions. So, I was confident that the craftspeople could do a good job and weren’t just “style over substance”.
- Could you share some feedback about the quality of the cast stonework and service you have received from Haddonstone, please.
Having been in construction for so many years like I have, I’m able to rank the quality of a company based on what I see and experience. For me, working with Haddonstone has been excellent. Everything from my contact with the team to the detail that goes into everything they do was really, really good.
- Bluth Developments founded the non-profit “Defenders of Freedom” program in Reno, Nevada, and that it built and donated a custom home to an injured Iraq Veteranand his family. Could you tell me more about the program and why this was important to you?
Yes, I served in the military between 1957 – 1961 and, luckily for me, that was a quiet time. I was very fortunate that I didn’t have to go to war or go to any dangerous places. But there are so many servicemen and women who put their life on the line and do so much for our country. I became aware of a young man who had undertaken 22 military operations. He lost a leg while his other leg was very badly injured. Despite this, he works with other injured military personnel to help them rebuild their lives. I wanted to do something to support him and his family because you can never do enough for our servicemen and women. I was able to get some of my sub-contractors to donate their time to help build the house, so they were a part of it as well.
- What do you like best about property development?
I love developing high-end homes which provides me with an opportunity to put my creative abilities to work. To have that talent is a true gift. Building homes for people is incredibly rewarding – you get so much satisfaction when you finish a home. For my generation, accomplishment is so important, and that is what I have experienced in my career.
- What advice would you give to anyone working within the residential property development sector?
First and foremost, my advice has to be to have patience. Young people sometimes want to know how to do everything straight away, but I think they need to try to learn from past history and from people already working in the business. Second to that, is to treat people fairly and honestly. If they’re part of your team, they’re part of your dream and your creation. I’ve seen so many large corporates that only care about their bottom line. For me, if an individual has talents, then it should be treated respectfully.
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