Healthy Living in Red Rocks

A stunning mountain abode brings the outdoors in and promotes an active lifestyle

July 16, 2024

Richa Mitchell,

Exterior The retreat is long and linear and follows the lines of the rock ledge. “Certain areas of the home jog in and out along the deck and property so that both the inside and outside feel as if they are nestled into the rock ledge,” explains architect Katrina Eckelhoff. | Photo: Alison Vagnini

Hiking and mountain biking the endless pristine trails near his home in Morrison is a thrill for the active 60-year-old homeowner of a spectacular new build retreat nestled into the peak of the Dakota Hogback near Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

The skilled bicyclist was searching for the perfect home to quietly age in place while enjoying perfect Colorado weather.“The homeowner has lived in the neighborhood for 25 years and has always loved the location. He instantly knew this was where he wanted to create a home to live out his life,” explains architect Katrina Eckelhoff, of StudioHOFF Architecture.

Kitchen Designer Bree Halax outfitted the kitchen with custom cabinetry designed to balance wood tones throughout the home. | Photo: Alison Vagnini

Envisioning a residence in harmony with the surrounding natural environment, he commissioned Eckelhoff, along with Bree Halax of Halax Interiors, to create a comfortable retreat that seamlessly blends the inside with the outdoors.

Eckelhoff explains, “The majority of the rooms are oriented toward the southwest, where the expansive views are located. Uninterrupted spans of glazing were used to create an indoor-outdoor connection for when the weather requires one to be inside.”

Covered Patio Outdoor spaces broaden the home’s living areas. A stylish fireplace allows for outdoor living in the colder months. | Photo: Alison Vagnini

Every aspect of the home was designed to promote healthy living and aging in place. The main living spaces—including the great room, primary bedroom, bathroom and office—are located on the main floor. In addition, “Wide spaces to access the main areas of the home >> plus flush floor levels from the interior to the exterior provide ease of access if mobility is ever an issue,” explains Eckelhoff.

Designed with nature’s beauty in mind, the impressive great room captures the romance of the mountains. A custom fireplace creates a focal point, adding an organic feel to the welcoming space. Large sliding glass doors further enhance the indoor-outdoor connection.

Stairway Uniting two floors, an eye-catching staircase featuring white-oak stairs that keep the space feeling light and bright. “The warmth of the white oak is contrasted by steel railings,” says Eckelhoff. “Also, we went with open treads on the staircase to keep the stairs feeling light and for light to pass through.” | Photo: Alison Vagnini

Says the architect, “The connection of the interior to the exterior encourages one to get outside, not just on the property, but to be active, such as jumping on a mountain bike and hitting the endless trails.”

Perfectly centered over the impressive kitchen island are eye-catching pendants that imbue the home with a modern vibe. “The kitchen backsplash was designed to mimic pottery, emphasizing the natural form of clay, and pull in the warm and cool tones found in nature,” says Eckelhoff.

Great Room A custom-designed light fixture draws the eye upward. “The hand- blown glass reflects the unpredictability of the exterior landscaping in the home’s interior. The other goal was to see a beautiful fixture driving to the house at night when it was lit up,” says Eckelhoff. | Photo: Alison Vagnini

Living in the remarkable home that promotes healthy living and a low impact on the environment has been a dream for the sporty homeowner, who cites the mountain views as inspiration to keep him moving. “I love the feeling of being immersed in the outdoors, but also having the comfort of being at home,” he says.

Water Feature A babbling water feature provides the perfect relaxing soundtrack for the homeowner, who enjoys the sounds of the water bubbling and splashing at night. The small stream creates its serene music along the house from the primary bedroom to the covered outdoor room. | Photo: Alison Vagnini

Bedroom Inspired by the verdant palette that’s visible just beyond the oversize windows, the homeowner layered neutral fabrics and materials to create a relaxing and tranquil feel in the restful bedroom retreat. | Photo: Alison Vagnini