A Multilevel Slope-Side Home With Panoramic Views
Featuring a creek, ponds and views of the distant vistas of the continental divide
A glass bridge connects the home’s two structures, spans the original lot line and the watercourse, and looks out to a meadow and aspen grove. | Photography by Dallas & Harris Photography
The property was a real find—more than two acres right on one of Snowmass Mountain’s main ski slopes—for the Illinois-based family who, for more than 30 years, had owned a ski-in, ski-out condo further down the slope. “Our kids grew up skiing in Snowmass and Aspen,” they say. Now that their children were grown, the homeowners wanted to build a legacy vacation home in which current and future generations of family and friends would gather.
The great room has floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that open to nature and the soothing sounds of water. Massive trusses (fashioned mainly from reclaimed beams) and steel tie rods give the room a contemporary yet rustic look.
“We fell in love with this piece of the mountain and wanted a home that fit seamlessly into the landscape,” the husband says. They chose architect Kenneth Adler, principal of Basalt, Colorado-based KA Designworks, in part, because “he arrived wearing jeans and hiking boots and walked the property with us.”
Portland, Maine-based Aceto Landscape Architects worked with the existing “river course” (originally a culvert under the road) to design a creek that meanders down through natural features and aspen trees to form a pond.
Adler recalls that first meeting: “There are two lots. One is right on the slope with no road access; the other has access to the road, but it has a series of naturally occurring streams and ponds. We decided to embrace all that water and to make it the centerpiece of the home.” Right after the meeting, Adler made a sketch of the bridge that, when constructed, would not only connect the home’s separate structures but also preserve the water-course and frame both near and distant views.
The dining room’s large Low-E windows open to the outdoors.
Adler’s quick sketch ultimately translated into one of the home’s most impressive architectural features— a glass bridge that spans the meandering creek and waterfall. “When you come in the front entrance, you’re essentially in a glass box with uninterrupted views of aspen groves, ponds, meadows, mountains and nature,” says Adler.
An eat-at island with pendant lights centered above is the centerpiece of the kitchen. A hidden pantry contrib- utes to the abundant storage space. The kitchen opens to a deck with an outdoor fireplace, under-cover seating area, and a built-in grilling and dining space.
Because the home sits on two sloped lots and because Snowmass Village has strict height restrictions, the 6,700-square-foot, six-bedroom, eight-bath home was built on different elevations. Each space flows effortlessly into the next, making entertaining easy. Sliders and swing doors open every room to the outdoors. A grand, double-sided stone fireplace unites the formal living area and the family room. The main living space opens onto a large covered deck with multiple seating areas, a fireplace, outdoor kitchen and views of the ski slope.
The truss-and-tie-rod look continues in the main bedroom, which looks out to the ski slopes. An office (not pictured) offers a buffer between public spaces and the main bedroom suite.
On the lower level, there are three guest rooms with ski-out access, an eight-person bunkroom (the lower bunks are queen-size) and a family/game room. An oversize ski room and laundry has multiple washers and dryers, boot warmers and individual gear-storage cubbies. “We ski in big groups,” the wife says with a smile. “We frequently host 20-plus weekend guests during ski season.” The room’s ski-in, ski-out entrance opens to a large stone patio with recessed hot tub and gas fire pit.
The creek flows down and around large boulders, creating small waterfalls.
Asked about their favorite rooms, the homeowners agree that the kitchen is everyone’s best-loved gathering place. “This is true of our other homes too,” says the wife. “I’m happy anywhere you can see and hear the creek,” says the husband. For that first cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening, they often choose one of the home’s outdoor spaces—to sit and sip while enjoying the sounds and colors of nature, especially in autumn when the aspen trees start to turn.
