Main Living Space The multipurpose room includes an open kitchen with handcrafted cabinets and White Macaubas quartzite countertops. The Gracie Oaks swing arm lamps, Mercury Row pendant lights and Kody vegan leather stools are all from Wayfair. | Photo: Maddy B Creates

Where some people see obstacles, others discover opportunities. That was the case for Nathaniel Farber, a recent college graduate who happened upon a two-acre parcel of land for sale that had been scorched by Boulder’s Fourmile Canyon Fire in 2010 but had a stunning view of Sugarloaf Mountain.

“I thought it would be really cool to have a piece of land and do some kind of project,” Farber says. “Fresh out of college and yearning for a creative outlet, I saw an opportunity to turn this blank canvas into something special.” And he certainly did. But it would end up taking 10 years.

Exterior The cabin includes a spacious front porch for enjoying mountain views. | Photo: Maddy B Creates

Farber decided to build a home, using his background in mechanical engineering to sketch basic blueprints and eventually secure a building permit. After removing the charred remains of a previous house—renting a backhoe and picking up excavation skills—Farber started work on a new structure.

With hands-on help from friends, family and his then-girlfriend Katie Albee (who later became his wife), Farber devoted weekends and evenings to construction. “My plans were nothing fancy, leaving plenty of room for improvisation along the way,” he says. “I pretty much had to learn everything, but I wasn’t afraid of any of it.”

Living Room A Nova sofa and Ceni chair from Article are joined by a marble-topped pedestal coffee table and Foundational glass table lamp from West Elm, with a Brightech Mason floor lamp from Wayfair. | Photo: Maddy B Creates

Although he did consult with a structural engineer, Farber taught himself a myriad of skills, from understanding complex building codes and operating heavy machinery to becoming a certified welder and figuring out how to build concrete forms. “As construction progressed, I set up a workshop within the partially finished space where I learned the art of woodworking and metalworking,” Farber says. “I crafted every interior and exterior door, the staircase, all the cabinets and many of the furniture pieces.”

He used exterior materials including corrugated metal and dense cumaru wood to meet ignition resistance requirements. The home fits into the hillside, oriented toward the south with a wall of windows to take advantage of stunning mountain views and passive solar gains. A garage/workshop and entrance are on the lower level, while the upper level (approximately 1,000 square feet) consists of a single high-ceiling space with  Douglas fir beams offering zones for kitchen, dining, living and sleeping functions, plus a separate bathroom. The aesthetic is simple and minimalist, with an open and airy design partly inspired by city lofts.

Hallway Artwork by Sue Jachimiec hangs above a Farber-built console table. | Photo: Maddy B Creates

And, thanks to radiant floor heating and abundant sunshine, the home remains cozy even when the mountains are blanketed in snow. Albee, who now specializes in interior design and real estate at Boulder-based Care Realty Co., collaborated with Farber to determine the interior layout and final material choices. “It felt right to choose design elements that were mostly natural in color and understated, while also maintaining the feeling of light and expansiveness,” she says.

“It was about getting the balance right of warm and cool elements and hard and soft elements to maintain our vision of what felt to us to be ‘Mountain Modern.’” Finally, after a decade of hard work and undaunted ingenuity, Farber finished his home. “With each challenge I faced, I learned valuable lessons,” he says. “The cabin stands today as a testament to perseverance and the joy of creating something with my own two hands.”

Bedroom World Market chairs are matched with a Target ottoman and a Lulu and Georgia Taza rug beside a bed handcrafted by Farber. The white capiz Lotus pendants and Cyra table lamps are also from World Market. | Photo: Maddy B Creates

Exterior The compact and contemporary two-story structure includes ample garage and workshop space below a high-ceilinged living space, with plenty of windows to welcome the Colorado sunshine. | Photo: Maddy B Creates

Photo: Maddy B Creates
Architecture: Nathaniel Farber
Interior Design: Katie Albee
Construction: Nathaniel Farber and Katie Albee

Exterior The stonework on the exterior is a custom blend from Castleton Masonry, combined with New Mexico Buff flagstone. The Double Box pendants are from Hammerton Studio, and the sconces are Rook by Hinkley. The lush landscape design was installed by Rocky Mountain Custom Landscapes. | Photo Kimberly Gavin

As the popular Colorado saying goes, “You come for the winters but stay for the summers.” For Stacey and Trey Odom, that was definitely the case. The Houston-based couple bought a small duplex in the Arrowhead development in Edwards 16 years ago, thinking they would just use the home for ski vacations in the colder months. But, then, Stacey says, they found a community. “At first, we would only come in the winters, but then we started coming in the summers, making friends through our activities.

Now, these are my people, my best friends,” she says. “We travel with them all over the world. I wanted to stay here all the time and got FOMO when I wasn’t here.” But, Stacey continues, their dated home in Arrowhead wasn’t quite right. “The look and colors weren’t really us,” she says, so they started looking for something else. When the couple attended a party in 2018 at a friend-of-a-friend’s home nearby, the Odoms realized exactly what they wanted. “I fell in love with this house. It was light and airy and contemporary but really transitional.

Living Room A Pauillac Round chandelier from RH hangs above a sofa and ottomans by Lee Industries. The Tacto coffee table is from Taracea, and the accent and end tables are from Arteriors. The Jules swivel armchairs by the window are by Hickory Chair. | Photo Kimberly Gavin

It wasn’t old-school mountain rustic,” says Stacey. She quickly located the team behind the home and hired the same builder and interior designer to create a similar feel for a house they had recently purchased, also in Arrowhead. Builder/designer Rick Hermes of Resorts Concepts took on the massive renovation, gutting the 8,300-square-foot home and redesigning the space in accordance with his clients’ ideas. “My goal was to get the bones of the original house to align with their specific vision,” says Hermes.

“We took it down to the bare studs and revamped the entire house to add more light and outdoor living space.” Every window and door was replaced, and eventually Hermes added on 2,000 square feet, plus a four-car garage. Because the home had been previously renovated multiple times, the team encountered surprises—and challenges—along the way. Interior designer Katy Allen, who had actually designed the home for prior owners 12 years earlier, says even she was surprised by the magnitude of the remodel. “We blew open a wall in the lower level and found another 20’ x 20’ room,” she remembers. “So we needed to figure out what that room needed to be. It was kind of designing as you go.”

Entryway The spacious entryway features a rug by The Scarab, Palacek baskets, and the Sydney white oak table by Robert James. The 60- inch mirror is from RH, and the Myla Tall clear glass lamps are from Visual Comfort. The custom steel-and-glass front door was fabricated by Vail Manufacturing. | Photo Kimberly Gavin

The finished result is spectacular, says Allen, a timeless home that exudes refined mountain elegance with a comfortable, open floor plan. “It’s light-filled, soothing and calm, with zen like accents of blues and grays and greens. It’s almost spa-esque,” she says. Allen designed the interior in a warm, neutral palette with comfortable furnishings accented with pops of color from the Odoms’ personal art collection. Although the two-year project was definitely extensive and consuming, the timing couldn’t have worked out better for the Odoms, whose two adult children each now have young children and visit often. “The way the house is designed is a fluke in that it’s so perfect for us now,” says Stacey. “We added separate staircases which go up to two bedrooms each—so both families have their own little wing.”

The primary bedroom is on the main floor, making the home feel more cozy and intimate when it’s just Stacey and Trey there. The Odoms, who now spend Christmas through March, and June through October, at their mountain home, use their entertaining spaces year-round, hosting parties in their expansive outdoor living area or in the elegant bottom floor complete with a bar, game room and shuffleboard table, opening onto the outdoor living space. Inevitably, “the party always spills out to the patio with live music,” says Stacey. Stacey’s favorite spot in the house? The cozy, small hearth room off the kitchen. “I remember walking in after the install and literally saying, ‘I can’t believe this is my home.’ It was just that beautiful. I felt like I walked into a magazine article.” And, two years later, she did.

Outdoor Patio All outdoor patio furniture is the Balmain collection in iron finish by RH. The custom iron railing was fabricated by Vail Manufacturing. The Rook sconces are from Hinkley. | Photo Kimberly Gavin

Dining Room The Panama dining table in white oak is flanked by custom Moss chairs by KAID (Katy Allen Interior Design). The rug is from The Scarab, and the Pauillac Linear chandelier is from RH. Drapery is by Tailored Interiors with Jorma Acorn fabric by Maxwell. The art is by David Yarrow. | Photo Kimberly Gavin

Kitchen A White Macaubus quartzite island by Stone Concepts anchors the lightfilled kitchen, as Conrad counter stools by Palacek provide ample seating. The hanging pendant is by KAID, and the custom white Shaker cabinets were fabricated by Genesis. The kitchen sink is the Riverby by Kohler.. | Photo Kimberly Gavin

Lower-Level Bar The elegant basement bar cabinetry was fabricated by Genesis with pulls by Rocky Mountain Hardware. The countertop is Caesarstone Concreto, and all accessories were sourced by the homeowner. The Bailey leather stools are by Bernhardt, while the artwork is from Vail International Gallery. | Photo Kimberly Gavin

Primary Bedroom A Mitchell Gold bed sits on a rug from The Scarab, with Conrad side tables from Made Goods. The sofa is from Lee Industries, and lamps are by John-Richard. Bedding and draperies are all custom by Tailored Interiors in Edwards. | Photo Kimberly Gavin

Primary Bathroom Custom Shaker cabinetry by Genesis with Ashley Norton hardware is highlighted by the Refined Rib sconce from Visual Comfort. The Kallista freestanding bathtub is by Laura Kirar, and the floor tile is from Decorative Materials. The drapes are by Tailored Interiors. | Photo Kimberly Gavin

Family Room A cozy hearth room features a Lee Industries sectional, the Collins chair by Theodore Alexander, and the Jaime end table from Arteriors. The Arc floor lamp is from Regina Andrew, and the rug is from The Scarab. The accent pillows in Kravet fabric and the draperies were all made by Tailored Interiors. | Photo Kimberly Gavin

Builder/Designer: Resort Concepts
Interior Design: Katy Allen Interior Design
Landscape Design: Rocky Mountain Custom Landscapes
Cabinetry: Genesis Cabinet Co.

Resources

General
Fireplace Surrounds: Materials Marketing//White Limestone
Fireplace Stone: Custom Stone Blend from Castleton Masonry — 60% Charcoal Gray//40% Platinum
Wood Floors: White Oak//Arrigoni Woods//Chestnut Tessin
Wall Color: Modern Grey//Sherwin Williams 7632
Base Board Color: Grey//Sherwin Williams 7632
Windows: Sierra Pacific
Beams: Genesis//Rustic White Oak Wrapped Beams
Front Door: Custom Design//Vail Manufacturing//Steel and Clear Glass
Iron Railing: Vail Manufacturing//Custom Design

Exterior
Stone: Custom Stone Blend from Castleton Masonry — 60% Charcoal Gray//40% Platinum
Flagstone: 16×32 New Mexico Buff Flagstone
Fascia: Custom Black Stain
Siding: Custom Gray Stain
Lighting:
Pendant: Hammerton Studio//Double Box Pendant
Sconces: Hinkley//Rook

Living Room
Sofa: Lee Industries//2617-03//Voyage Sands
Accent Pillows on Sofa: Custom//Tailored Interiors//Mark Alexander Empire Blue Cedar
White Accent on Sofa: Custom//Tailored Interiors//Kravet Bewitching Cream
Side Tables: Arteriors//Britney End Table
Lamps: Visual Comfort//Lohan Large Table Lamp
Swivel Arm Chairs by Windows: Hickory Chair//Jules Chairs//4029-68
Floor Lamp: Visual Comfort//Swing Articulating Floor Lamp
Side Table: Arteriors//Haven Accent Table
Accent Pillows: By Owner
Armchair: Hickory Chair//Montgomery Chair/Fabric 4008-62
Coffee Table: Taracea//Tacto Coffee Table
Ottomans: Lee Industries//Leather Cocktail Ottoman 9097//Wyatt Truffle
Rug: The Scarab
Coffee Table Tray: Square Feathers Lucite Tray
Chandelier: Restoration Hardware//Pauillac Chandelier Round
Oil: John Taft
Drapery: Tailored Interiors//Fabric JAB Timeless

Entry
Rug: The Scarab
Baskets: Palecek
Table: Robert James//Sydney White Oak and Hammered Gunmetal
Mirror: Restoration Hardware//Metal Floating 60” Round Mirror
Lamps: Visual Comfort//Myla Tall in Clear Glass

Patio
Restoration Hardware//Balmain//Iron Finish

Dining Room
Rug: The Scarab
Drapery: Tailored Interiors//Fabric Maxwell Jorma Acorn
Table: Robert James//Panama Dining Table//White Oak with Metal Details
Chairs: Moss//Custom Design by KAID//Fabric Kravet 35641-16
Chadelier: Restoration Hardware//Pauillac Linear with Glass Shade
Art: David Yarrow

Kitchen
Pendants: One of a Kind by KAID Round Top
Counter: White Macaubeus Quartzite//Stone Concepts
Cabinets: Genesis//Custom White Shaker SW Modern Gray//Custom Slab Door Rustic Oak Island
Sink: Kohler Riverby
Faucet: Brizo//Rook//Polished Nickel
Cabinet Hardware: Classic Brass//Apres//Polished Nickel
Stools: Palecek//Conrad Counter Stool//Shagreen Leatherette Champagne
Range: Wolf 48” Dual Fuel

Lower Bar
Cabinets: Genesis//Custom Iron Ore Painted Cabinet and Wall Paneling//Custom Walnut Cabinet with Smoked Glass
Harware: Custom Rocky Mountain Hardware Edge Pull
Counters: Caesarstone Concreto
Barstools: Bernhardt//Bailey Leather Barstool//Groundworks
Accessories and Lamp by Owner
Artwork: Vail International Gallery

Master Bedroom
Bed: Mitchell Gold//
Nightstands: Made Goods//Conrad 36” Dresser//French Grey Faux
Sofa: Lee Industries//3009-11//Regency Haze
Lamps: John Richard
Rug: The Scarab
Drapery: Tailored Interiors//Fabric Pindler 4984 Conway Linen Pinstripe
Bedding: Tailored Interiors Custom
Euros Fabric: Durable 1570 Barnwood Mineral
Shams Fabric: Pierre Frey Robinson Ecru
Accent Pillow Fabric: Kerry Joyce Woodlands Spa

Master Bath
Plumbing: Brizo Virage//Polished Nickel
Tub: Kallista Free Standing Bath Tub by Laura Kirar
Floor Tile: Decorative Materials
Sconces: Visual Comfort//Refined Rib Sconce//Polished Nickel
Cabinets: Genesis//Custom Shaker//SW Modern Gray
Hardware: Ashley Norton//Axion//White Bronze
Drapes: Tailored Interiors//Fabric Pindler 4984 Conway Linen Pinstripe
Drink Table: By Owner

Hearth Room
Sectional: Lee Industries//3943 Sectional//Oasis Ecru
Chair: Theodore Alexander//Collins Chair//Fabric 1102-92//Leather 9008-92 On arm and base boarder
Coffee Table: By Owner
Console Table: One of a Kind by Owner
Side Table: Arteriors//Jamie End Table
Floor Lamp: Regina Andrews//Arc Floor Lamp
Accent Pillows: Tailored Interiors//Custom//Kravet Couture 34820-52//Kravet Barbara Barry Awash Color 516 Water
Rug: The Scarab
Drapery: Tailored Interiors//Fabric: JAB Travor

As featured in CH&L’s September/October 2024 Issue

Deck with a View Architect Beth Levine remodeled the end unit, originally constructed in 1982, to take advantage of the picturesque scenery. A refreshed deck accessible from the living room provides easy flow from inside to out, and new sliding doors increase the natural light indoors.| Photo: Kimberly Gavin

Sean Raftery still recalls the day in 2020 when his father-in-law called to tell him an end-unit townhome in Vail’s coveted Potato Patch neighborhood was on the market and that he and his wife, Karen, should buy it. “I immediately called the realtor, and we bought it sight unseen,” he says, noting the decision wasn’t as rash as it might seem. “Karen’s family owns a townhouse in the same area, and she was used to spending winter and summer vacations there when we met. And we knew the location was a good one.” “Good” might be an understatement about the easternmost unit that nestles into a stand of aspens, has a high degree of privacy, and enjoys heady views of Vail Mountain. Architect Beth Levine, who worked with Raftery’s father-in-law previously, appreciated the townhome’s prime location.

Living Room An oak waterfall console table backs the modular sofa placed for optimal viewing of the relocated fireplace. A black oak Aero table doubles as a place for eating and playing games. All furnishings are from RH. | Photo: Kimberly Gavin

“It feels so spacious,” she explains. Constructed in 1982, the townhome had a dark and dated interior, and remodeling goals focused on maximizing the views, increasing the amount of natural light and creating an open-concept design. To this end, Levine and her team added steel structures to the ceiling and outer walls. “This enabled us to remove previously load-bearing walls and columns, which allowed us to open up the space as much as possible,” she explains. Among the improvements, the fireplace was moved from the south wall to the west wall to make way for a bank of windows under the existing skylights.

Kitchen Brown leather-and-oak counter stools from RH line the expansive granite countertop designed as the main gathering place in the refurbished condo. All the appliances including the KitchenAid range were intentionally placed on the perimeter to keep the island clear for entertaining. | Photo: Kimberly Gavin

Rearranging the layout involved a bold move that placed a kitchen island large enough to seat 12 at the center of everything. “It’s not your typical kitchen with a dining room table,” says Levine, who collaborated with Kathryn McCurdy of Thurston Kitchen + Bath on materials like the statement making granite island top and backsplash. “Instead, it’s a fabulous room with this huge island where everyone gathers.” All the appliances and functionality are on the perimeter, and a strategically placed bar complete with a wine fridge makes it easy to pour an après-ski cabernet on the way to the hot tub. Outside, the remastered bi-level patio is packed with functionality including a kitchen, fireplace and living room. “The area gets lots of light, and on a beautiful sunny winter day you just want to be outside,” Levine adds. When it came to outfitting the refurbished digs, the homeowners turned to RH for inspiration.

Exterior “We upgraded the patio to maximize space as much as possible and to create a harmonious indoor/ outdoor living area,” says Levine. The welcoming space includes an outdoor kitchen, hot tub and fire pit. | Photo: Kimberly Gavin

“We went with ideas and a general layout from Beth on where we could place things,” says Raftery, noting the couple’s fondness for clean lines and neutral grays and tans. “We ended up buying everything to furnish the entire house right there.” Things like the modular gray sofa, charcoal-colored coffee table and hand-knotted wool rug proved perfect complements for the stained alder kitchen cabinets and bulletproof tile floors. The result is an unconventional kitchen-centric layout perfectly suited to its inhabitants. “We love company and we love sharing,” Raftery says. “We wanted enough room for overnight visitors and space for game night and private chef dinners. This place provides it all.”

Architecture: Beth Levine Architect 
Kitchen & Bath: Thurston Kitchen + Bath

As seen in CH&L’s September/October 2024 Issue

Exterior The glass and stone residence was 80 percent completed when the homeowners bought it, allowing them to select their own finishes. It was designed to offers views from inside and out, spanning the seasons. | Photo: Nathan Schroder

When it was time to build their vacation home in Aspen, a Dallas couple knew it had to have room for not only them and their four kids but also their children’s friends, adult friends and family members. Upon learning about a five-bedroom Bob Bowden – designed house for sale that was 80 percent finished, the Texans jumped at the prospect. Just as quickly, they brought interior designer Morgan Farrow on board. “They are a very vibrant, fun and energetic family,” Farrow says of her clients. Her mission was to help make the house “an expression of who they are as a whole” by creating multiple zones where the family and their guests can gather, dine, relax, be entertained and sleep. Furniture had to be comfortable, neutral and multipurpose, while artwork and lighting would add pops of color and personality.

“We loved the location, just east of Aspen,” the homeowner says of the hillside property. “It has both mountain and valley views. It’s a five-minute drive or a 30-minute walk to town.” Mark Janian, general manager of B2Builders and a partner at Bowden Homes, says his company builds a lot of spec homes because buyers want the convenience of having the siting, permitting and early stages of construction out of the way. “It takes a long time and is an arduous process,” he says. The home’s Mountain Modern design, open layout and outdoor living spaces were appealing to the homeowners, as was the fact that they could still customize cabinetry, countertops, tile and other aspects of the design.

Dining Room The custom dining table has an 11-foot-long live-edge top and a cast bronze base. Chairs from Arhaus are plush yet compact. | Photo: Nathan Schroder

The 5,750-square-foot home is the largest allowed per zoning requirements, and every inch inside was thoughtfully designed for maximum use. Janian explains, “We oriented the house to have a two-story living room with glass on one side to get the best views and light.” It’s spacious enough to contain the family plus many friends. Another priority was a comfortable primary bedroom suite and a welcoming guest bedroom suite. Additional bedrooms needed to have flexible sleeping options. That’s where interior designer Farrow’s expertise came into play. “This house was considered moderate in size,” Farrow says. “Knowing they are a big family and it was on the smaller size for how they live and travel, we had to maximize the sleeping areas.” Most of the bedrooms contain king-size beds, so that either the children or an adult couple is comfortable sleeping in them.

In addition, sofas in multiple spots convert into beds when it’s a full house. The philosophy extended to eating areas. “We wanted to get as many seats as possible around the dining table,” Farrow says. They sourced a tree for the 11-foot live-edge table and had it custom made with a cast bronze base. The chairs have a club-style back with no arms, so they are plush yet compact. From both the dining areas and bedrooms, doors lead outside. “I love the fact that the rooms have a door that goes to a balcony or patio space. We spend a lot of time outside,” the homeowner says. There’s a trout pond behind the house and a hill for sledding. Winter sports include skiing for the kids, while the summer is filled with hiking, biking, golf and trips into town. “We usually spend six weeks in the summer, and also come in the fall,” the homeowner says.

Outdoor Patio Multiple outdoor spaces for gathering and dining appeal to the Texas family. Low-maintenance but comfortable furnishings off the living room include an RH sofa, Lexington Home chair, and a concrete-and-resin Made Goods table. | Photo: Nathan Schroder

Entertaining is often on the agenda. “We’ve hosted a wedding shower for a friend, I’ve brought girlfriends up, and we’ve had couples’ trips.” Farrow recalls, “I knew when we started this project the interior was going to be more earthy because of the location. We needed to find the balance between what makes [the homeowner] happy but also the kind of warmth and coziness you think of in the mountains. “ The collaboration between the homeowner and designer resulted in a residence that has more color and pattern than is typical for a Colorado mountain home, and that reflects the homeowner’s aesthetic. The designer enjoyed curating the art and introducing color that reflected the family’s approach to life. “It was so much fun discovering artists and making each room come alive with the art we chose.” “I love color. It makes me happy,” the homeowner says.

Kitchen The mixture of woods on the ceiling, cabinetry and floor were chosen to complement the wood on the home’s exterior and to add texture. Bar stools
with woven leather seats are by Thomas Hayes Studio; the waterfall island is made of leathered quartzite. | Photo: Nathan Schroder

Wall Art Artist Christina Watka was commissioned to create a version of her Murmurations series, a collection of hand sculpted glazed porcelain pieces in white, cranberry and gold that cover a curved wall and appear posed for flight. | Photo: Nathan Schroder

Living Room Comfortable seating options include a pair of George Cameron Nash sofas in leather and tweed and geometric patterned Holly Hunt armchairs. The custom coffee table has brass clips at the sides holding a shagreen leather-wrapped top. | Photo: Nathan Schroder

Entryway The homeowner and designer saw art by Vicki Sher at an Aspen gallery and commissioned pieces for either side of the entry hall. The chandelier from M2C Studio is overscaled to make a statement in the two-story space. | Photo: Nathan Schroder

Outdoor Dining Space The family enjoys hosting alfresco meals around an RH table with Palacek chairs in woven rope and teak. The materials were chosen for their ease of maintenance and style. Custom lanterns top the adjacent stone columns. | Photo: Nathan Schroder

Primary Bathroom With its many windows, the upper- level primary bathroom feels like being in a treehouse. The shower is surrounded by glass, and the soaking tub lends a spa-like quality. Calacatta Gold tile and an antique Turkish rug add warmth. | Photo: Nathan Schroder

Guest Bedroom Neutral colors in the bedroom offer a soothing backdrop for bright accent furnishings, including block prints found on Etsy above the bed, and Laura Park pillows. The night table is from Villa & House, and the green resin chair was found at a pop-up in Aspen. | Photo: Nathan Schroder

Guest Bedroom An antiqued brass canopy bed from Arhaus features a leather headboard. The stools with chunky bouclé tops are from Worlds Away. Woven baskets make an artful statement on the wall behind the bed while a vintage-look Oushak rug is layered over a sisal rug on the floor. | Photo: Nathan Schroder

Interior Design: Morgan Farrow Interior Design
Design: Bowden Homes 
Construction B2 Builders
Architectural Drawings: Bill Poss Architecture + Planning and Interior Design

As featured in CH&L’s September/October 2024 Issue

Exterior Inspired by traditional treehouses, this 1,600-square-foot property with a further 1,000 square feet of deck sits on 26 steel posts above the treeline in Bailey, Colorado. | Photo: Oatis Green

When homeowners Peter and Delinda Fatianow first approached Cary Dunn at Back Country Builders about constructing an elevated property on the edge of a steep slope above timberline in Bailey, Colorado, he thought they were crazy. “I looked like a deer in headlights and thought it wasn’t possible,” Dunn recalls. “But many discussions later and with a lot of creative thinking, we made it happen.”

The atypical home was the brainchild of Peter, an entrepreneur and longtime Colorado resident. He and Delinda own seven other properties around the United States, which they rent out to vacationers. During a trip to Atlanta, Georgia, they stumbled upon a treehouse design, which inspired a vision to create a bigger and better one in the Rocky Mountains.

Kitchen Webber counter stools from Sunpan bring a richness against the practical laminate panels on the cabinetry. | Photo: Oatis Green

An extensive search led them to a steep lot at the end of a dirt road with uninterrupted views of Deer Creek Valley. The duo engaged Denver-based architect John Coffey to draw up plans for the structure, which would tower 30 feet above tree line with a seven-foot bridge to access the front door.

“It took over a year to suss out how we could make it work, and it ended up being much grander than what we set out to do, but we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out,” Peter says. “The whole project was really a four-year labor of love.”

Dining Room A Bane dining table with orange Marcus club chairs from Sunpan, give the dining area an edgy presence. | Photo: Oatis Green

The 1,600-square-foot home straddles the hillside, perched on 26 steel posts with cross beams to prevent movement. A further 1,000 square feet of deck space flanks one side of the building to enable a seamless connection for outdoor living.

The house is divided into three interconnected sections: the primary suite; kitchen, dining and living room; and a guest suite. Clever angles in the design enable a sense of privacy for each area on the deck. “We wanted people to feel like they could come here and switch off from daily life,” Delinda explains.

Glamping Tent An additional structure was made to house a permanent glamping tent, which offers an immersive connection to nature on the property. | Photo: Oatis Green

With that in mind, the duo added what they call “The Relaxation Deck,” a sheltered space with a hot tub, barrel sauna, grill and fire pit. To choreograph the exterior finishes and interior design, the pair engaged Eric Mandil and Sean Hughes of Denver-based Mandil Inc., who they’d worked with before.

“The first thing we had to consider was the visual of the structure from across the valley so it would blend in,” Mandil says. “Secondly, we knew everything inside the home would take a direct hit and finishes needed to be robust.”

Bedroom Flet ottomans by Room and Board sit at the foot of the Greyson bed frame by Sunpan. | Photo: Oatis Green

The Fatianows wanted a contemporary Euro­pean aesthetic that emanates high-end hospitality while being cognizant of cost and extensive usage. With those goals in mind, Mandil and Hughes chose laminate panels for the kit­­chen cabinetry, vinyl wallpaper accents, and prefinished engineered wood and textured porcelain tile for flooring.

“We needed hard-wearing finishes that won’t chip and won’t show dirt,” Mandil says. “It’s practical but feels luxurious, like you’ve arrived at an exclusive little resort.” The hillside getaway was expanded in 2023 to include a glamping tent protected by a permanent structure, a stone’s throw from the main house.

Hillside Getaway Access along snaking switch-­backs on the dirt road to the property proved a challenge to overcome during construction. | Photo: Oatis Green

Self-contained with basic kitchen necessities, a gas fireplace, indoor shower and a deck with a fire pit, it’s an even deeper connection to nature and the treehouse experience. “Whenever we come here, I never want to leave.” Delinda says.

Photo: Oatis Green
Architecture: Coffey Associates
Interior Design: Mandil Inc.
Construction: Back Country Builders, Inc.

Exterior Having a swimming pool as a centerpiece was essential to the homeowners along with all the main living areas opening to it. Aluminum chairs provide poolside seating while high poufs offer spots for warming by the fire pit. All seating is by Kettal. | Photo Eric Lucero

Anne and Brad Dressler each have strong connections to the ocean. Two decades ago she founded Hawaii Hideaways—a company dedicated to providing luxury rental properties to island visitors—and he was a key player in the Florida real estate business. The decision to add Aspen to their list of favorite getaways led to the purchase of a piece of prime real estate near the base of Shadow Mountain, where the couple was determined to bring the feel of sun and surf of their other residences to the rugged locale. As Anne explains, “In Florida and Hawaii our houses have huge sliding glass doors with the family room and kitchen overlooking the pool, and that’s exactly what we wanted to build here.”

After settling on a three-story, upside-down floor plan that would place the main living areas and pool on the top level—“We wanted to see Red Mountain from the living room,” Anne explains— builder Chris Madigan of Madigan + Company took on the first of many challenges associated with the architectural plan. “To conform to local zoning restrictions we had to build the house into the mountain, which required excavating and shoring up the hillside,” says Madigan. “And having a pool as the star of the show and on the upper level mandated an unconventional and extremely robust concrete structure.”

Kitchen Seven distinct light fixtures in varying earth-tone hues—all from Rejuvenation—cast a glow on the polished Cambria countertops. Cabinets by VR Cabinetmakers feature natural oak inset slab doors with whitewashed oak surrounds. The mushroom-colored leather swivel counter stools are by Palecek. | Photo Eric Lucero

But all that paled in comparison to the request for a spiral staircase with sensual curves reminiscent of a Hawaiian canoe the homeowners saw at the Andaz Maui hotel. “The house had already been framed according to the plans for the original square staircase design when the owners decided they wanted more of a grand, sweeping feel instead,” Madigan recalls. “It was literally like fitting a round peg in a square hole. The end result isn’t a true helix but we made the geometry work.”

Upon approach, the first thing visitors see is a sculpture by Maui artist Tim Garcia, one of many wood references to Hawaii. “We used a variety of woods throughout for texture and to add a sense of movement,” says interior designer Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories. “The walnut fireplace wall in the living room complements the rich, warm white oak floors, and the textured oak in the ceiling is a rustic nod.”

Entry “It was the biggest, heaviest shipment we have ever received,” says homeowner Anne Dressler about the sculpture by Maui artist Tim Garcia. The opening statement is perched on a custom pedestal; come evening, the piece is backlit. | Photo Eric Lucero

Those warm tones also serve as a backdrop for the furnishings upholstered in neutral high-performance fabrics selected with the couple’s three young boys in mind. But everything intentionally takes a back seat to the artwork. In front of the fireplace, for example, a pair of understated walnut-wrapped swivel chairs and a textured leather ottoman allow the artwork by Canadian artist Trevor Kiernander to shine. Soft- toned fabrics and walnut elements repeat in the family room, where a painting by Spanish artist Ramon Enrich garners attention.

In the dining room, leather chairs backed with burnt- orange fabric with striations of blue, gray and cream join the walnut wall in syncing with the home’s landscape, framed by large expanses of glass. Hues in touch with the landscape continue in the kitchen, where seven light fixtures in varying shapes and earth tones make a great conversation piece.

Fireplace “We used thinner strips of wood to emphasize the richness of the walnut,” says interior designer Miranda Cullen about the wall that backs the long fireplace—a living room focal point. The swivel chairs are A. Rudin and the leather ottoman is by Lee Industries. | Photo Eric Lucero

Come winter, snow white is the dominant outdoor color—but inside, a variety of blue accents serve as reminders of island life. “The cut velvet pillows on the living room sofa, the Kelly Wearstler stove hood tiles, and the palm tree fabric on the primary bedroom headboard are all reminiscent of the ocean,” Cullen says, noting that the playful interjections also answered the homeowners’ request to keep things devoid of local references. As Anne adds, “Aspen is so small that when something is trendy, you see it everywhere. What we created here is a complete departure from that and totally unique.”

Winding Staircase Three chandeliers by Tech Lighting help highlight the swooping design brought to life by builder Chris Madigan. The staircase features custom steel stringers, oak treads and risers to match the floor, curving glass and a hand-applied stitched-leather handrail. | Photo Eric Lucero

Living Room Thayer Coggin sofas are positioned for easy conversation, and the coffee table was fabricated by A&E Custom Metal Fabrication and Welding. Chairs are Lee Industries, and the ottomans are from Bernhardt. | Photo Eric Lucero

Dining Room The height-adjustable Larose Guyon chandelier featuring blown-glass balls and black iron accents is suspended from multiple points in the ceiling. Host and side chairs by Vanguard surround a table—also Vanguard, large enough to accommodate 10, and Katy Skelton sconces flank the picture window. | Photo Eric Lucero

INTERIOR DESIGN – Miranda Cullen, INSIDE STORIES

CONSTRUCTION – Chris Madigan, MADIGAN + COMPANY

As featured in CHL’s March/April 2024 digital issue