Bluestem Village | About Houses

The History

Each of our homes at Bluestem Village carries a name that reflects the rich history, character, and spirit of the La Junta community. These names: Holbrook, The Dry, Timpas, and Toonerville, honor the nearby towns, waterways, and settlements that helped shape southeastern Colorado’s story. By connecting our modern homes to these historic places, we celebrate the resilience, warmth, and deep community roots that continue to inspire life at Bluestem Village today, all in the comfort of home.

HOLBROOK:

The Holbrook home takes its name from one of the lower Arkansas Valley’s most beloved landmarks, Holbrook Lake. Nestled approximately 11 miles northwest of town, Holbrook Lake has been a part of local life for well over a century. Originally constructed in the late 1800s, Holbrook Reservoir was built to store water for the region’s growing agricultural community. The reservoir played a vital role in supporting area farms and ranches, helping transform the southeastern plains of Colorado into rich farmland. Over the years, what began as an irrigation reservoir became a favorite spot for fishing, boating, hunting, and family gatherings a place where generations of local residents have made memories.

Today, Holbrook Lake remains a treasured part of Otero County’s landscape, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and still serving both irrigation and recreation. Its calm waters and long history reflect the spirit of the La Junta community — hardworking, resilient, and deeply connected to the land and one another. At Bluestem Village, our Holbrook Home honors that same spirit of connection and community in a comfortable, caring environment built on tradition, care, all, in the comfort of home.

THE DRY:

The Dry Home is named in honor of The Dry, a small but once-thriving settlement located south of Manzanola. Established in the early 1900s, The Dry was part of Colorado’s homesteading movement, where families came west in search of land, opportunity, and a fresh start. Although farming in the area proved challenging due to limited rainfall (which gave this community its name), residents of The Dry became known for their perseverance, neighborly spirit, and determination to make the best of the harsh prairie environment. While much of the original settlement is now gone, the memory of The Dry remains a symbol of endurance and community qualities that live on in the name of this home. At Bluestem Village, The Dry Home honors those early settlers’ strength and the deep sense of togetherness that helped them thrive, even in difficult times.

TIMPAS:

Timpas Home takes its name from the nearby Timpas Creek and the historic Timpas community, an early settlement southwest of La Junta. The name “Timpas” comes from the Spanish word “tembladeras,” meaning “shaking or quivering land,” inspired by the unique geological formations along the creek. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Timpas served as a vital stop along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad and was home to local ranchers, farmers, and merchants. The Timpas region is also rich in natural history with nearby areas revealing fossil beds and traces of prehistoric life that tell stories of the land’s deep past. Timpas home at Bluestem Village celebrates both the natural beauty and the quiet strength of this historic area a tribute to the people and landscapes that shaped Colorado’s southeastern plains.

Toonerville:

Toonerville Home celebrates the legacy of Toonerville, a small rural community once located near Las Animas. Likely named after the popular early 1900s comic strip “Toonerville Folks,” the community reflected the humor, resilience, and friendly spirit of small-town life on the plains. Toonerville served as a close-knit farming settlement—simple, hardworking, and full of character. Though small in size, communities like Toonerville played a big role in shaping the region’s agricultural heritage and sense of neighborly connection. At Bluestem Village, Toonerville home carries forward that same welcoming energy and sense of belonging—a place where everyone knows each other, lends a hand, all in the comfort of home.

What Families Are Saying…

Amazing place for residents and staff to enjoy comfort as well as community!
~Marlo B

Working with us

Thank you to all those who are working with us to make this dream come true.