Architecture & Interiors
Harmonious Haven
A sunny Breckenridge retreat where family and friends are always welcome was designed from the ground up for easy entertaining and gracious hospitality

ARCHITECTURE: Suzanne Allen-Guerra, Allen-Guerra Design Build, 970-453-7002, www.allen-guerra.com
INTERIOR DESIGN: Tracey Egolf, Egolf Interiors, www.egolfinteriors.com; and Anne Morris, 813-313-9378
CONSTRUCTION: Ethen Guerra, Ethen Guerra, Inc., 970-390-2621

It may be grand, refined and elegant, but this home near Breckenridge Ski Resort is not the least bit stuffy. “I want people to feel like they can relax, kick their shoes off and get comfortable here,” homeowner Teri Wendt says of her family’s getaway in the Baldy Ridge Estates subdivision. The 7,730-square-foot house is a secondary residence for Teri and Doug Wendt and their extended family; five bedrooms, six bathrooms and one bunk room give guests of all ages plenty of room to spread out.

The couple chose architect Suzanne Allen-Guerra, principal of Allen-Guerra Design Build, to create a house that would meet the needs of their extended family while offering plenty of space for guests. “The large wooded lot that Doug and Teri found is unique in that the developer combined several old mining claims,” Allen-Guerra says. “We discovered mining tailings and test holes around the property, but fortunately didn’t run into any problems.”

“The site and surroundings suggested a design with a Western ranch aesthetic, but we chose to utilize post-and-beam construction with logs rather than a traditional stacked log home,” Allen-Guerra says. “The property has beautiful views, and I wanted to highlight those vistas. One bedroom is oriented toward Peak 10, one suite is oriented south toward Hoosier Pass, and the great room and master bedroom look out on Peak 8 and Breckenridge Ski Resort.”

The massive spruce and pine logs came from Sitka Log Homes of British Columbia. Builder Ethen Guerra — who happens to be Allen-Guerra’s husband — was on site throughout the home’s construction and carefully hand-picked logs with burls and knots for many of the home’s interior posts and beams. The timbers were coated with a dark stain to further define their unique characteristics. The home’s hardwood floors are made from wood reclaimed from old tobacco barns, and a radiant in-floor heating system gently warms the house while conserving energy.

The three-story home is connected by a staircase made of beams sourced from an old western Colorado mill. The stairs lead up to a master suite, guest suite and library/loft on the upper floor, while the walk-out lower level is “all about the kids,” according to Teri. The expansive space includes a children’s theater, bunkroom, arcade, recreation room and two additional bedrooms.

The home’s main floor is the primary gathering space, with a large kitchen designed for entertaining, a formal dining room and an expansive great room that overlooks the ski area. “The great room is where we all end up spending most of our time,” says Teri.

The Wendts worked with interior designer Tracey Egolf of Egolf Interiors for the initial design specifications. Later, Teri’s good friend and interior designer Anne Morris helped her choose accessories and furnishings. “Our goal was to bring as much of the outdoors inside as possible,” Teri says. “From the unusual wood columns to the moss rock stonework to the paint colors, we chose many elements, colors and textures from nature.” The rooms are warm, welcoming and comfortable — so much so that guests just might be tempted to put their feet up and stay awhile.