An Atypical Idea Inspires a New Build in the Rockies

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.