The Routt County Retreat homeowners fell in love with an 11-acre farm in the heart of the south valley in Steamboat Springs and sprang into action renovating and restoring the property. When their beloved barn was deemed unsafe they felt a strong obligation to honor the historic site and knew only one local firm could deliver their desires – Vertical Arts.
The historic barn renovation sits in Steamboat Springs’ beautiful south valley.
Our team was up to the challenge of restoring a cherished old barn in a town known for its ranching heritage. As with any project, we guided the homeowners through the architecture planning and design process to collaborate and rebuild the iconic barn. During our proprietary envisioning process we delved into what was important to our clients through touring the site with them and asking copious questions designed to explore their hopes and dreams for enjoying the rustic retreat to its fullest potential.
Owner Jennifer Durburg wanted the barn to be a balance of old and new, functional and hip, safe and cool. Additionally, with the barn housing animals and a farming operation, function was just as important as design for the family.
“Most importantly, I wanted the exterior to be weathered,” said Jennifer.
The weathered exterior siding Ghost Wood is complemented by old barn wood cladding inside.
Vertical Arts sourced the perfect material – a weathered siding called Ghost Wood that was then used on additional buildings on the property. Our team was able to address all needs for the barn and delivered an end result that encapsulates the spirit of the American West.
To honor the historic barn and reuse materials, half of the interior is clad with old barn wood. The first floor of the barn features three heated stalls, a pass through for farming equipment, plumbing, a state-of-the-art wash basin, storage and more.
Alongside beautiful views and reclaimed wood siding, the first floor of the barn is functional for the whole family.
Perhaps the highlight of the barn renovation is upstairs in the “party loft” – the best spot in the South Valley to enjoy après ski and alpenglow sunsets. The homeowners often host friends and family in the space and With modern finishes like the steel and cable staircase and the exterior sliding barn doors, as well as a high tech sound system wired by Imagine Technology Service, the loft is prime for hosting get togethers with friends and family. The party loft’s modern touches are balanced by the homeowners’ cherished 1970’s beer can collection proudly displayed in the rafters.
In the loft, modern touches of leather and steel balance the warm wood rafters and flooring alongside the rustic reclaimed wood siding.
The Routt County Retreat was originally featured on the cover of Homelink’s Winter 2019 issue. For more Vertical Arts projects, visit Houzz, Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about our services, feel free to contact us.