EXHIBIT 23.1

                       Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement No.
333-60330 on Form S-8  pertaining to the M.D.C.  Holdings,  Inc.  401(k) Savings
Plan of our report dated April 3, 2001, with respect to the financial statements
and  supplemental  schedule of the M.D.C.  Holdings,  Inc.  401(k)  Savings Plan
included  in this  Annual  Report on Form 11-K for the year ended  December  31,
2000.

                                                    /s/Ernst & Young LLP
                                                    -------------------------
                                                    Ernst & Young LLP

Denver, Colorado
June 19, 2001