Nestled in the heart of Denver’s prestigious Polo Club Place neighborhood, the mansion at 17 Polo Club Drive stands as a testament to architectural elegance and personal legacy. Once home to former NFL quarterback Brian Griese and his wife, Brook, this 8,254-square-foot Tudor-style residence has captured attention for its opulent design, rich history, and the remarkable story of its owners. Purchased in 2009 for $3.2 million, the Grieses transformed this property into a haven of luxury before listing it for $8.8 million in 2023 and ultimately selling it for $5.9 million in May 2025.
This article delves into the intricate details of the mansion, its significance in the context of Brian Griese’s life, and the broader allure of the Polo Club neighborhood, offering a comprehensive exploration of a home that blends grandeur with personal meaning.
The Architectural Splendor of 17 Polo Club Drive
The mansion at 17 Polo Club Drive, constructed in 2004, is a masterpiece of Tudor-style architecture, characterized by its soft color palette, large windows, and high ceilings that create an atmosphere of both elegance and warmth. Spanning over 8,200 square feet, the home boasts six bedrooms and nine bathrooms, making it an ideal retreat for a family seeking both space and sophistication. The exterior, with its classic brick facade, exudes timeless charm, while the interior is a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern upgrades, many of which were introduced by the Grieses during their ownership.
Upon entering the home, visitors are greeted by a grand two-story foyer that sets the tone for the residence’s luxurious ambiance. A Neirman Weeks Venetian lantern chandelier illuminates the space, casting a warm glow over the three-story stairway that serves as the home’s architectural centerpiece. The main level features a formal living room and a separate dining space, both designed to accommodate gatherings with ease. The walnut-paneled library, complete with a limestone fireplace, offers a cozy retreat for quiet moments, while the custom-designed kitchen by Thurston Kitchen + Bath is a chef’s dream, featuring a spacious island, butler’s pass-through, wine storage, and a breakfast nook.
The Grieses’ enhancements to the property elevated its status as a quintessential family home. A standout addition is the two-story loggia, a covered deck that extends off the family room and office, complete with a high-beam ceiling. This outdoor space, equipped with an outdoor living room, fireplace, new grill, and dining gazebo, provides a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor entertaining. The lower level of the loggia houses a secluded spa and hot tub area, offering a private oasis for relaxation.
The second floor includes a primary suite with a private balcony, walk-in closet, and spa-inspired bathroom, alongside four additional bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms and walk-in closets. The lower level further enhances the home’s versatility with an exercise room, a guest suite, a home theater, a wine cellar, and an arts and flex room, catering to a wide range of lifestyle needs.
The Polo Club Neighborhood: A Haven of Exclusivity
The mansion’s location in Denver’s Polo Club Place neighborhood adds to its allure, as this enclave is renowned for its exclusivity and serene environment. Situated on a half-acre lot, the property is enveloped by mature evergreens and benefits from the neighborhood’s 24-hour armed security, ensuring privacy and peace of mind. Polo Club Place, comprising just 63 homes, is celebrated for its tree-lined streets and diverse architectural styles, ranging from Tudors to contemporary designs.
The neighborhood’s proximity to Cherry Creek North, one of Denver’s most vibrant mixed-use areas, and the charming Bonnie Brae neighborhood, enhances its appeal, offering residents easy access to upscale dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.
The Polo Club neighborhood has long been a magnet for Denver’s elite, with its reputation for luxury and security making it a sought-after address. The mansion at 17 Polo Club Drive, described by listing agent Jeff Hendley as “a little piece of heaven in a safe, peaceful neighborhood,” embodies the neighborhood’s ethos of refined living. Its heated driveway and walkways ensure convenience in Colorado’s snowy winters, while the attached three-car garage provides ample space for vehicles. The neighborhood’s dedicated police patrol further reinforces its status as one of Denver’s most prestigious communities, making it an ideal setting for a home of this caliber.
Brian Griese: The Man Behind the Mansion
The story of 17 Polo Club Drive is inseparable from the legacy of Brian Griese, a former NFL quarterback whose career and personal endeavors have left an indelible mark on Denver. Born in Miami, Florida, in 1975, Griese followed in the footsteps of his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob Griese, to become a celebrated quarterback.
After a stellar college career at the University of Michigan, where he led the Wolverines to a 1997 national championship and earned MVP honors in the 1998 Rose Bowl, Griese was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played for the Broncos from 1998 to 2002, earning a Super Bowl ring as a backup to John Elway in Super Bowl XXXIII and a Pro Bowl selection in 2000.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Griese’s personal life and philanthropy have defined his connection to Denver. In 2004, he married Brook McClintic, a clinical psychologist, and together they established Judi’s House, a grief support center for children named in honor of Griese’s mother, Judi, who passed away from breast cancer when he was 12.
The couple’s commitment to supporting grieving children has made Judi’s House a cornerstone of their legacy, with the organization serving over 11,000 youth and caregivers since its founding in 2002. Griese’s dedication to philanthropy earned him the 2011 Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy, recognizing his contributions to the community.
The purchase of the Polo Club mansion in 2009 marked a significant chapter in the Grieses’ life in Denver. Acquired through the Brook McClintic Griese Trust for $3.2 million, the home became a sanctuary for the couple and their two children, Lia and Nathan. The Grieses’ thoughtful upgrades, including the addition of the loggia and other modern amenities, reflected their vision of creating a space that balanced luxury with functionality. Their decision to sell the home in 2023, initially listing it for $8.8 million, was driven by Griese’s career transition from coaching with the San Francisco 49ers back to a focus on family and philanthropy in Denver.
The Journey of the Sale
The sale of the Polo Club mansion is a story of market dynamics and strategic adjustments. When the Grieses first listed the property in September 2023 with Compass-Denver, they set an ambitious asking price of $8.8 million, reflecting the home’s extensive upgrades and prime location. However, after nearly two years on the market, the couple relisted the property in April 2025 with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty for $5.9 million, a significant reduction that aligned with market realities. The sale closed on May 16, 2025, to buyers Eric and Stephanie Poole, represented by Jeffrey Plous of Hatch Realty, for the relisted price of $5.9 million.
The price adjustment underscores the complexities of the luxury real estate market in Denver, where even a property as exceptional as 17 Polo Club Drive faced challenges in securing a buyer at its initial valuation. The final sale price, while lower than the original asking price, still represented a substantial return on the Grieses’ initial investment, nearly doubling their purchase price from 2009. The transaction highlights the enduring value of the Polo Club neighborhood and the appeal of a home that combines architectural distinction with a storied history.
The Mansion’s Legacy and Future
The sale of the mansion to the Pooles marks a new chapter for 17 Polo Club Drive, as it transitions to its third owners since its construction in 2004. The home’s legacy is deeply intertwined with Brian Griese’s journey, from his days as a Broncos quarterback to his role as a philanthropist and family man. The property’s design, enhanced by the Grieses’ thoughtful additions, ensures that it remains a standout in Denver’s luxury real estate landscape. Its new owners inherit not only a magnificent residence but also a piece of Denver’s cultural and sporting history.
The mansion’s features, from the home theater to the wine cellar and outdoor living spaces, cater to a modern lifestyle while preserving the charm of its Tudor roots. The lower-level hot tub and grotto area, along with the four fireplaces, add layers of comfort and sophistication, making the home a versatile space for both intimate family moments and grand entertaining. The neighborhood’s exclusivity and proximity to Denver’s vibrant urban offerings further enhance its value, ensuring that 17 Polo Club Drive remains a coveted address.
Conclusion
The Polo Club mansion at 17 Polo Club Drive is more than a luxurious residence; it is a reflection of Brian Griese’s legacy and the life he built with his family in Denver. From its architectural grandeur to its role as a family home and a backdrop for philanthropy, the mansion encapsulates a story of success, resilience, and community impact. Its journey through the real estate market, from a $3.2 million purchase to a $5.9 million sale, underscores its enduring value in one of Denver’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
As the home embarks on a new chapter with its latest owners, it remains a symbol of elegance and a testament to the enduring influence of Brian and Brook Griese in the Mile High City. Learn more about iconic homes like this at thisolderhouse.
