Home is a word that well describes the feeling in every corner of this historic Bed & Breakfast Inn. The explanation for this is simple... Gerald Swanson, owner and proprietor of this local landmark, is a native of Silverton and his family has lived here almost as long as there has been a town.

Gerald’s grandparents, John and Dominica Dallavalle, immigrated to San Juan County from Austria in 1890. For the first few years, John worked in the mines, but eventually the couple invested their hard earned savings to open one of Silverton’s first boarding houses. This began what has become a family tradition: ‘A Tradition of Hospitality!’

John and Dominica finished their Inn in 1901. From 1938 to 1987, the structure would serve the community as a grocery store, owned and operated by Mary Dallavalle Swanson, oldest daughter of John and Dominica, Gerald’s
mother. After Mary’s retirement, Gerald operated Swanee’s Gifts & Sweets in the building until the fall of 1994. At this time, he and his wife Nancy made plans to revamp the building to accommodate a first class Bed & Breakfast Inn. Thus began a period of extensive renovation and remodeling. Gerald & Nancy’s efforts were directed toward developing a decor that reflects Silverton’s colorful past. The end result of this effort is that every room in the Inn depicts a particular chapter of the Dallavalle/Silverton history. From the period furnishings to the family portraits and documents adorning the walls, the entire building exists as a living testimonial; a testimonial to a southwestern Colorado mining town and one family’s relationship to that town.

Villa Dallavalle Inn is located on ‘Notorious Blair Street, close to local shops and restaurants, and only one-half block from the terminus of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Train. In our lobby, we offer internet and a reading library. Just a step down the street is Swanee’s Sluice & Mining Company, our authentic placer mining experience. Your children will LOVE it!

And in addition to our first class accommodations, we also offer our guests a buffet breakfast and light evening libations. All of our rooms include private baths, television, telephone, and magnificent views of the San Juan mountains.  

We look forward to welcoming you to Silverton, our little slice of heaven!