A Barn Fit for Kentucky Derby Royalty

optimal-indoor-and-outdoor-living-space1

Whether you’re a Kentucky Derby favorite like Game Winner or merely a member of the Tazi string like champion reiner, Hollywood Golden Gun, these Larkspur, Colorado ranch and equestrian facilities are fit for thoroughbred royalty.

In fact, Tazi Ranch was named 2017 Home of the Year by Colorado Homes & Lifestyles – a recognition bestowed largely for the primary residence on the property. But with the Derby just days away, Stable Style gave the equestrian facilities a second look. Here are some highlights of this regal residence we had the honor of master planning and designing.

BY THE NUMBERS:

  • 131.1-acre site
  • 6,600-square-foot single family residence
  • 15,000-square-foot indoor riding arena
  • 4,360-square-foot barn
  • 1,300-square-foot hay storage
  • 1,340-square-foot implement shed
  • 775-square-foot bunkhouse
bringing-the-outdoors-inside-your-home-1

LAY OF THE LAND

Rooted between rugged bluffs and boasting sweeping views of the surrounding valley, the expansive 131-acre Tazi Ranch strikes a harmonious balance between modern and earthy. The property’s equestrian facilities are grouped around a central drinking trough and landscape feature, with the arena strategically tucked into the hillside to reduce its mass impact on the overall site.

Smaller buildings like the hay storage and barn flank the lower edge of the site, allowing the complex to feel balanced and improving access to the facilities. Rather than using traditional agricultural buildings the client wanted to create something that was visually striking and unique. We utilized exposed steel structures combined with a unique, low-maintenance material palette of stucco, rusted steel, wood siding and bonderized metal, giving each building authentic Western character without the typical wooden barn.

THE BARN

The barn features wash and grooming stalls, a hay and bedding stall, tack room, plus a locker room for employees complete with a washer and dryer. Our team focused on designing a functional space to ensure optimal ventilation and cleanliness, ensuring a healthy environment for the horses. The courtyard-style facility protects the animals from wind and winter elements, and was also inspired by the owner’s Moroccan heritage.

Large garage doors were installed in the barn to allow for plenty of ventilation on warm summer days. The installation of an automatic cleaning system for the stalls makes the barn easy to maintain. Our design also includes a specialized three-step composting system with an aeration mat near the barn.

THE INDOOR ARENA

The barn is connected to a staging area and heated indoor arena by a drivable breezeway, allowing the horses to stay indoors year-round. We incorporated translucent panels on the top story of the riding arena and barn to allow light in while reducing shadows, glares and bright spots that can spook horses. The lounge, viewing area and office are attached to the indoor arena and inside there is a kitchen, bathroom and fireplace.
the-indoor-arena-1
the-indoor-arena-two-1

THE BUNKHOUSE

Where better to cozy up and cheer on your Derby pick on Saturday than in the Tazi Ranch bunk house. This spacious bunk house features a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room with fireplace, as well as an adjoining implement shed and workshop.

 

More about Tazi Ranch and images of the stunning residence can be found on our website, or on Colorado Homes & Lifestyles’ website.

the-bunkhouse-1
the-bunkhouse-two-1

Photos: Gibeon Photography