A Telluride Penthouse With Million Dollar Views

Photos by Draper White Photography

Located in the heart of Telluride is a stunning penthouse residence within the historic Transfer Telluride Project. For years, the project stood as an abandoned warehouse, but is now being transformed into a community art and event space that also includes modern residences in the historical heart of this mountain town.

“Transfer Telluride rests in a historical part of town known as the Warehouse District,” says Margaret Selzer, owner of RIVER+LIME, a full-service interior design firm. “The project represents the beginning of a rebirth for one of the most historically significant neighborhoods of downtown Telluride.”

Originally at the epicenter of the mining boom, it is now being redeveloped as an epicenter for the arts, transforming into a community and cultural center for public benefit.

The project also includes 12 new modern mountain residences–one of which is this 3,876-square-foot, 5 bedroom/5 bathroom Fir Street Penthouse that offers million dollar mountain views of Telluride’s unrivaled beauty. The home, bedecked in neutral colors and stunning textures, is a reflection of the homeowners and their family.

RIVER+LIME worked on the initial Transfer Telluride project design with the developer, Meriwether Companies, and architect, CCY Architects, and was then hired by the Fir Street Penthouse buyers to furnish the home–a young Midwestern family who had been coming to Telluride for years prior to purchasing the penthouse as a second home.

We spoke with Selzer about the project, her process and design influences, and her favorite room in this dream home.

What inspired the design of the penthouse?

The clients hired RIVER+LIME because they wanted our help to complete the project with furniture selections that kept with the architecture and interior fixed finishes.

The design of the penthouse was more contemporary than their home in the Midwest, and they wanted to ensure that the home was finished cohesively. The penthouse has stunning views of the San Juans, Bridal Veil Falls and the ski area, so all rooms were oriented to maximize the views.

When we begin a project, we like to ask our clients how they want to feel in their home. This family responded with “peaceful and comfortable,” preferring a neutral palette as opposed to bright colors. With this in mind, we focused on pieces that were comfortably scaled and upholstered them in cozy, textural fabrics.

How did the mountain location affect the materials and overall design of the project?

The project is unique in that it’s located in the heart of Telluride–within steps to the ski areas, hiking and restaurants–yet lives like a single-family home. The expansive views almost double as artwork, and we wanted the interior to work with the setting, not to compete with it.

How does RIVER+LIME approach any design project? 

Our goal is to get to know our clients and understand how they want to use the space, as well as how they want to feel when they are in that space–which is always my first question. It’s not their responsibility to tell me how they want it to look and some clients can be intimidated and/or overwhelmed when they try to focus on specific designs. It’s much easier to start with the feeling and then we can create an interior environment that responds accordingly.

What’s your favorite room or space in this penthouse? 

One of my favorite spaces is the master bedroom and bathroom. It showcases all the elements that make this particular property so unique, including an iconic Telluride view of Bridal Veil Falls. It’s like having art in the room and is more stunning every time you see it. In the bathroom, the bathtub is set in front of two windows that face the historic Transfer Warehouse building. I love the contrast of old and new it creates.

Why was this project fun from a design perspective? 

The clients really trusted us to bring their vision to life and were open to anything we brought to them. We also had the opportunity to work with some craftsmen on custom furniture pieces which is always fun.

Any challenges along the way? 

Craning a custom live edge bed up to the third level was certainly a challenge. I think I stopped breathing for a bit!