Living for decades in Douglas County and understanding its rich history, Greg Vigil is in a perfect position as the new executive director of Cherokee Ranch & Castle (Castle) in Sedalia.

The Colorado native and his wife, Sandi, raised three sons and a daughter in Castle Pines, first moving to The Hamlet in 1994 and then to a home they bought in 2004 on Buffalo Trail. Greg has been a longtime member of Castle Pines Golf Club and has taken full advantage of being in close proximity to some of the best fly fishing in the state.

“Castle Pines is a great place to live and raise a family,” Greg said. “I’m fond of the views, and you feel like you’re in the country but not far from the city,”

Graduating from the Colorado School of Mines with a degree in petroleum engineering, Greg spent his career in the oil and gas industry working for various oil companies, including BP. Greg co-founded Arma Dei Academy in Highlands Ranch, where he served 10 years as a volunteer. He recently became a first-time grandfather to Isabella and plans to spend many years enjoying life in our community, being a family man and taking in the seemingly endless picturesque views the area offers. However, Greg is admittedly not one to ever sit still for very long.

“I always have to be doing something,” Greg said. That penchant brought him to the venerable job of overseeing one of the crown jewels of Douglas County, after serving on its board for five years. He first became aware of the Castle more than 20 years ago when Sandi attended a tea party at the 15th-century-style castle. One of Greg’s first experiences at the protected, 3,441-acre historical property was a successful elk hunt with his youngest son.

The Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation is a nonprofit geared toward educating the public about geology, archaeology, wildlife and land conservation; it holds more than 560 events a year. The Castle houses a collection of world-class art, antiques and rare books, and hosts everything from princess parties and nature hikes to holiday lightings and historical talks. The Castle is celebrating 100 years this year, and multiple events have been held in honor of longtime owner Tweet Kimball, a local luminary with her own fascinating past.

One of Greg’s primary tasks going forward is educating and inviting the public to get to know the property. When asked how he would describe the Castle to those who have never been, he said, “It’s one of the treasures of Douglas County and Colorado with a 100-year-old Scottish castle on it. We were the first conservation easement in the county and have a working cattle ranch. Come see it.”

Other plans for the property include upgrading and widening the entrance off of Daniels Park Road and conducting fire mitigation activities alongside authorities.

 

 

By Chris Michlewicz; photos courtesy of Greg Vigil