Maximized Views and Bold Design Transform a Mountain Townhome
A Vail remodel centers around the large kitchen island
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
