Strokes of Genius Bring a Sun Valley Home to Life

Jennifer Hoey teamed up with Lee Gilman Builders to create a home on an exclusive golf course with views of Dollar and Bald Mountains. | Photo: Gibeon Photography

Combine stellar views of Dollar and Bald Mountains with the well-manicured greens of an exclusive golf course, and you’ve got the makings of one of the, well, fore-most neighborhoods in all of Sun Valley, Idaho. So when a piece of property that showcased both became available, a couple decided to take their shot.

The only downside? The lot came with already-in-place house plans. Luckily, they had an ace in the hole: Jennifer Hoey, owner of Ketchum- and Bozeman-based design firm Suede Studio. “We had worked with her on a remodel project before, and we knew she would be the perfect one to help us execute this project,” says the homeowner.

Friends and family take in golf course views from a seating area that features a grand fireplace, rug by Marc Phillips, Verellen chairs upholstered in olive green boucle fabric, a suede Gamma sofa and a custom concrete coffee table created by Elements Concrete and Suede Studio. Painting is “Steady My Stead” by Tom Chambers. | Photo: Gibeon Photography

Although Hoey usually works directly with architectural teams during the planning phase of new construction to create one-of-a-kind spaces for her clients, the designer was more than game to personalize the construction plans once she learned that she’d be teaming up with Ketchum-based Lee Gilman Builders. Says Hoey, “They’re absolutely top-notch, and we have a great rapport. Creating a home this special without an architect isn’t easy, but knowing that they were onboard made it an easy yes.”

Lee Gilman on-site superintendent Mike Pfau was equally game. “I’ve worked with Jen quite a bit on different projects, including personal ones. Collaboration is easy when you’re working with her,” he says. “It helped that the homeowner understood what the plans lacked and could play a big part in making choices that would lead to something special.”

The kitchen is loaded with special touches including a dramatic oven hood, custom concrete tiles that catch the light beautifully, Croft House leather stools and pendant lights by Allied Maker. | Photo: Gibeon Photography

The trio teed off by putting pencil to paper in order to move some elements within the plan’s existing five-bedroom footprint, make spaces like the kitchen and pantry work more efficiently, expand the entry and open up the great room. “We were able to make structural changes to eliminate obstructions like beams that dropped down too low and a post that was in an awkward spot—important things that would make the house flow better,” says Pfau.

A stone wall sets the stage for a warm entry along with fine furnishings including vases by Audo Copenhagen atop a console table by Skram, mirror by Palacek and chandelier by CTO Lighting. | Photo: Gibeon Photography

From there, the team had to figure out literally everything else. Hoey recalls, “It really was a blank slate, so we worked with the clients to choose the wood, stone and siding on the exterior.”  The look definitely fits in with the luxurious neighborhood and the surrounding landscape.”

That refined mountain aesthetic extends to the interiors, laying the groundwork for a neutral palette and an abundance of natural materials. Says the homeowner, “We wanted the home to be comfortable and the design to be driven more by texture than bold colors.”

Outdoor entertaining is a perk here thanks to an inviting living area where loved ones can pull up a chair, sit and sip pre-dinner drinks around a fire pit. | Photo: Gibeon Photography

That translated to elements like sculptural steel beams and wood-plank ceilings, accent walls clad in Chief Cliff stone, and a showstopping kitchen featuring basalt stone honed countertops, a one-of-a-kind concrete backsplash made from 14 different molds, and a custom blackened-steel range hood.

Hoey also layered in luxe textiles, custom furnishings, sculptural lighting and the homeowners’ well-curated art collection. “It’s nice when a client has art I actually like,” the designer says with a laugh. “My clients wanted a neutral setting, but the art definitely adds another level of vibrancy and personality to the rooms.” 

Later, the party continues in the dining “room,” which is outfitted with a table by Gloster and chairs from Sutherland. | Photo: Gibeon Photography

Even though the joint effort didn’t include feedback from the greenside retreat’s architect who drew up the original plans, Hoey thinks he would appreciate how all the thoughtful additions add up to a totally unique home. “The client gave us the design and asked us to run with it—I think he would absolutely love it,” she says. “I never met him—that’s what I mean about this all being so rare—we had no contact. But there’s no question that it turned out successfully.”

An abundance of natural materials and a sleek design come together in a home that fits in seamlessly with the upscale golf course community as well as the surrounding mountain landscape. | Photo: Gibeon Photography

DESIGN DETAILS

INTERIOR DESIGN – Suede Studio
CONSTRUCTION – Lee Gilman Builders

As seen in Mountain Living’s July/August 2026 Issue.

Artwork from the homeowners’ extensive collection pops up throughout the house, including the stairwell, along with sculptural lighting by Allied Maker. | Photo: Gibeon Photography

Marble mosaic flooring, vanities topped with honed Infinity white quartzite and a Hydro Systems bathtub make for the perfect spot to unwind after 18 holes. | Photo: Gibeon Photography

Kene Sperry artwork sets the scene for serenity in the primary bedroom alongside seating by Holly Hunt, bed and nightstands by Parker Burkhart and Roll & Hill lighting. | Photo: Gibeon Photography