A Luxurious Penthouse in Deer Valley

Photo by Doug Burke

Jodi and Greg Perlman had been skiing Deer Valley for 15 years, traveling to Utah from Southern California to stay in rented homes and, for many years, at Chateaux Deer Valley. But with the kids grown, they realized they would have the flexibility to spend more time on the slopes. “And if so,” says Jodi Perlman, “we wanted something with views.”

Their search began with freestanding homes, then expanded to residential options at the valley’s hotels. When the couple stepped into the Montage hotel’s empty penthouse, with its sweeping views to the north and south, she recalls, “We looked to the left, we looked to the right, we looked at each other and we said, ‘This is it!’“

Owners Greg and Jodi Perlman immediately saw the potential in an unoccupied penthouse in Deer Valley’s Montage hotel. Opening up the space to the views and creating an unobstructed floor plan brought light and nature indoors. Photo by Rochelle Jahdi.

The Perlmans had researched local design firms and found that all of Jodi’s favorite looks had been done by Jennifer Chipman of Alder & Tweed. “Design is my passion, my hobby, and I know what I want,” Jodi Perlman explains. “Every image I had saved in my binder, she had done. I watched one of Jennifer’s tutorials online and loved her energy. I told my husband, ‘I feel like she’s speaking to me.’”

Designer Jennifer Chipman from Alder & Tweed worked with the owners to choose furnishings such as the nature-inspired “Forest” quartz-crystal chandelier from Currey and Company. Sliding barn doors to the TV room can be closed for privacy or left open to enhance the sense of space. Photo by Doug Burke.

Chipman in turn was enthusiastic about both the Perlmans and the apartment. “We instantly connected,” she says, “and I was drawn into the project because the space had some challenges. The property had sat vacant since the hotel opened. Although it was a residential penthouse available for sale, no one had yet seen its potential. The floor plan needed some work; the main great room area was walled off on all four sides with the intention of being a dining room. The kitchen was a galley design that was far too small for the size of the residence. We instantly knew we needed to blow out some walls and redesignate the spaces.”

The bar is given a touch of glam with Walker Zanger’s ebony marble tile with brass accents. Photo by Doug Burke.

First they removed walls to open up to the views on both sides. “We really wanted to be able to see completely across the entire width of the penthouse from window to window because the views of the mountains are incredible,” says Chipman. “It also helps to bring the outdoors inside. If you stand in the dining/kitchen area you can look completely across the great room and into the lounge and right through the windows to the gorgeous pine trees!”

A custom sectional upholstered in emerald-green Ralph Lauren wool mohair sets the tone for comfort in the cozy lounge. Photo by Doug Burke.

A simple, elegant palette prevails in the kitchen; the cabinets were custom made by Green Valley Cabinetry, the globes are from Urban Electric. Photo by Rochelle Jahdi.

Next they turned their attention to the kitchen, now freed of its confining galley space. “We pulled everything out and put in new cabinets and floors,” Jodi Perlman says. Fireplaces were added to the living area, master suite and TV room, the latter cleverly designed with sliding barn doors that can be shut for privacy or left open to enhance the sense of space.

Phillip Jeffries’ three-dimensional “coffered wood” veneer wall covering adds depth and enhances the layering effect in a bedroom. Photo by Rochelle Jahdi.

Photo by Rochelle Jahdi.

The resulting aesthetic is rich, textural and colorful—one bedroom in blues, one in greens, for instance, and a den in dark greens, with a handsome bar. “These colors are just an intensified version of what we can see right outside the windows,” Chipman explains, “so it helps keep the feeling of nature a part of the design.” The master bath has a bold fuchsia couch and beautiful views from the freestanding tub. And as Jodi Perlman loves wallpaper, “I wanted it in every room in the house,” she says. Explains the designer, “We incorporated textured wall coverings, mohair upholstery, velvets, cashmere throws; we even added a tufted leather touch to the bar in the lounge. Texture creates warmth and interest, which are needed in a mountain setting.” Art was purchased specifically for the house and supplemented with pieces the Perlmans already owned.

Jewel-toned accents—a green corner chair, a blue headboard wall—lend a sense of richness and glamour and make items such as Bernhardt’s mosaic bone inlay bachelor’s chest pop. Photo by Doug Burke.

For a couple who both have hectic full-time jobs, Jodi Perlman says, “Deer Valley is our happy place. When we get there we just light up.” And when they walk into the hotel lobby and are greeted with “Welcome home!,” they actually feel they are coming home.

Custom wallpaper adds interest and texture to a small space. Photo by Doug Burke.

The Stress-Free Hotel Living Option

Not every mountain home has to be a house. Or a condo. The clients hadn’t considered apartment living for their permanent ski home. But once they looked into it, they were hooked. Not only do they get all the amenities of a five-star hotel, including valet ski care and gourmet room service, but the staff knows their names. And when they open the door to their penthouse apartment, there’s nowhere that feels more like home.

Falling under the category of “Never thought they needed it and now can’t live without it”:

• Not lugging wet skis inside;
• Dining out without putting on a coat;
• Not worrying about snow removal, bursting pipes and a whole host of weather-and-climate-related issues;
• Access to additional bedrooms for overflow guests;
• All-hours help with catering and party planning, plus insider news and access to special events;
• Shutting the door after a glorious weekend, being able to leave without worry.

DESIGN DETAILS 
INTERIOR DESIGN Alder & Tweed Design Co.