The Demand for Luxury Housing Takes Over Colorado
Retreats across the state offer sanctuary and comfort

Building by Iron Forest Building Co., Architecture by Stais Architecture, Design Styled by EK | Photography by Carl Scofield
Colorado has an illustrious history of opportunity for exploration and adventure. It’s a place where homes serve as sanctuaries for those who love the beauty of nature and year-round outdoor activities. In part, the global pandemic has fueled a renewed interest in escaping the confines of big cities and retreating to privacy with room to breathe fresh air and take in the beauty of mountain surroundings.
The luxury housing market in Colorado is booming as homes are built to accommodate part-time and year-round residents in our Rocky Mountains. Great care is taken to ensure that new dwellings are pleasing to the eye, comfortable and functional inside and out and can withstand the mountain climate requiring little regular maintenance and upkeep.

Building by Iron Forest Building Co., Architecture by Stais Architecture, Design Styled by EK | Photography by Carl Scofield
Paul Steinweg with Iron Forest Building Company reinforces the reality of the booming market. His firm is almost completely booked through the end of 2023. Specializing in high-end homes, Iron Forest builds throughout Summit County. “Our homes are generally built to customer specifications in a mountain modern style,” he says. “The exteriors are built with durable materials including metal, stone and reclaimed wood.” Steinweg emphasizes that clients often prefer a living area incorporating the kitchen, dining and living spaces into one open space. “Our kitchens feature one or more large islands for food preparation and seating and we incorporate the highest quality finishes, beautifully appointed primary bathrooms and generously proportioned indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces complete with wet bars, built-in outdoor cooking and comfortable seating areas.”
Greener, tighter homes often with solar capabilities keep energy costs lower and help conserve and protect the environment. “We use natural materials and color schemes that complement the style of the home and its location so it harmonizes with the surrounding geography,” says Steinweg.

Building by Iron Forest Building Co., Architecture by Stais Architecture, Design Styled by EK | Photography by Carl Scofield
“A consistent, timeless style with a modern slant is a lot of what we’re building right now,” says Rick Hermes with Resort Concepts in Edwards. One of the signature features in our homes is the use of larger glass packages and large floor-to-ceiling windows to provide uninterrupted views.” Resort Concepts uses the site’s orientation when designing homes to maximize the primary view. “Comfortable living both indoors and outdoors is the key to a beautiful mountain home,” Hermes says. Covered, heated outdoor space helps facilitate the opportunity to enjoy both indoor and outdoor living throughout the year.
“Ultimately, our client has a vision and we are dedicated to building the right house in which they can make a special home of their own, notes Hermes.”