When you first visit the Twenty Mile Ranch home, the stunning, 360-degree views of the valley and nearby Emerald Mountain through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows are probably the first thing you notice. But then, your eyes are drawn to the natural stonework. The timber trusses also capture the imagination. Combined, these elements—along with so many more—create an awe-inspiring home with a cozy aesthetic.
The home embodies both coziness and nature
The vision for this custom home began with the homeowners taking a simple hike to the hilltop of their recently purchased land. Then another. After setting up a bench and firepit in the exact spot they wanted their home to revolve around, they knew it was time to hire our team of experts to bring to life their vision of a craftsman home pushed to the edge of the hillside.
“We wanted our home to feel solid yet cozy and be made up of materials that remind you of nature, like stone and wood,” the homeowners said.
Creating a welcoming and livable outdoor space was as important as the home’s interior. The team’s design concentrated on creating a rustic home with floor-to-ceiling windows in all the main living spaces that would invite the outside in, marrying the rugged scenery with the home’s warm and welcoming interior.
“We were able to pinpoint the precise views they wanted to see when entering the home and enjoying their outdoor spaces,” said architect and interior designer Sarah Tiekeken O’Brien. “From there, we strategically oriented the home on the site to make it happen.”
The home’s deliberate placement allows for phenomenal panoramic views of the Flat Top mountains, Hahn’s Peak and more
It was no easy feat. The first step was installing a 900-foot-long driveway that gains 80 feet of elevation as it reaches the top of the ridge. This allowed the home to be placed on the edge of the knoll, following its gentle arch shape and opening to unimpeded 360-degree views.
Vertical Arts created multiple outdoor spaces to capitalize on the stunning scenery. Just beyond the dining room is a covered outdoor patio with a plein aire dining area and kitchen for seamless inside/outside access. A smaller patio located off of the kitchen on the home’s leeward’s side offers a sheltered oasis to enjoy the sun and fresh air, even on windy days. A separate, private deck off of the second floor office provides a bird’s eye view of the surrounding peaks and landscape below.
“We spend nearly every evening outside watching the sky change colors, spotting wildlife and listening to the sounds of nature,” the homeowners said.
Each area of the home brings the outdoors in
We designed the home’s interior with an emphasis on creating inviting spaces that worked in concert with the site’s natural surroundings. A clear sight line from the front door sweeps through the entire home, with particularly impressive views to the west. The large windows in the main living space feature an encompassing view of the valley, while the fireplace anchors the room, and bold ceiling truss work draws the eye upward.
Roller shades integrated into the window frames provide the perks of curtains and blinds without bulky hardware blocking the views. Intentionally omitting upper cabinets in the kitchen created a simple and elegant flow through the main gathering areas. Open the floor-to-ceiling glass doors from the dining room to the patio when the weather is nice, or simply admire the views through the insulated glass and enjoy watching the winter weather blow in. To round out the home, the three-sided windows in the office space offer an unrivaled vantage point of the sprawling views.
“We open the windows and doors throughout the home both to let the fresh air in and to help regulate temperature. It’s like being in nature when you’re inside the home,” the homeowners said.
The interior design captures the abundant natural light, pairing a clean, streamlined layout with more rustic features, such as wooden beams and iron and bronze light fixtures. The kitchen’s modern, flat-paneled cabinetry, made from reclaimed wood, serves as an appliance wall for a cohesive look.
The reclaimed oak bartop and breakfast bar offer casual dining spots with delightful views
The private main bedroom and bathroom suite, located across a small bridge, also ranks among the home’s most standout features. Attached to the rest of the house with a lovely foyer that serves as a waypoint with its own television, library, and double-sided fireplace, the main bedroom is a sanctuary of peace and privacy. The main bathroom’s private patio is perched on the edge of the hill and includes a hot tub perfect for stargazing. Both the tiramisu travertine on the bathroom’s shower walls and the milky cream cabinets in the bathroom offset the home’s rustic style with a refreshing airiness.
The couple loves the blend of natural materials and praised our balanced integration of stone, wood, glass and steel.
There are opportunities in every part of the home to enjoy the outdoors
“The use of stone makes the home feel sturdy. It’s like the stone was already there and the glass, wood and steel was built around it,” the homeowners said.
Beginning with an unforgettable hike, the couple described the finished product of their vision as “exactly what we wanted.” Their dream home on the hilltop delivers ultimate comfort and a true sense of oneness with the surrounding landscape.
“In our home, we feel connected to nature and connected to each other,” the homeowners said.
The Twenty Mile Ranch project was featured in the Fall 2021 issue of Homelink Magazine and will be included in an upcoming issue of Log & Timber Magazine. For more details and photos of the home, visit our project feature. Don’t miss our latest project updates on our website, Houzz, Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about how we can help you design your dream mountain home, contact us.