A 20,000-Square-Foot Home Blurs Boundaries with Stellar Mountain Views

Angular rooflines, interior and exterior stone and metal finishes, and expansive window glazing on motorized sliding doors and clerestory windows dissolve the boundary between inside and outside spaces. | Photo: Draper White

For years, a five-acre property located five minutes from downtown Aspen sat vacant, deemed “unbuildable” due to challenging topography. A prominent hill on part of the lot gave way to steep inclines around it. A low-lying, rocky gully bisected the land, while neighborhood property and viewshed setbacks further restricted the buildable area.

The difficult terrain didn’t deter a couple who had outgrown their current Aspen vacation home. “I could no longer fit my (adult) children and grandchildren around the Thanksgiving table,” explains the homeowner. After looking unsuccessfully for a larger existing home, the couple decided to purchase the property in question and build a bespoke residence. “The views of Ajax Mountain and Independence Pass are remarkable considering the land is not very far up the mountain,” she says.

Anchored by dual steel-and- glass fireplaces, the great room frames dramatic south-facing views of Aspen and its sur­rounding peaks. A refined mat­­­erials palette and neutral colors prioritize the integration of outdoor elements, ensuring a seamless connection to the landscape. | Photo: Draper White

While the land constraints appeared challenging, architects Charles Cunniffe and Erica Delak at Charles Cunniffe Architects saw opportunity. By embracing site limitations as design catalysts, they not only devised a creative way to fit an almost 20,000-square-foot home on the site that takes advantage of mountain views, but also developed an interior spatial plan that encourages extended family members to visit, stay and interact while having their own pockets of privacy.

“We designed two structures—the main wing on the high point of the site that contains the public rooms, home offices and primary suite, and the guest wing near the quiet hillside forest—which allow the owners to have the separate, intimate spaces they wanted for their adult children’s families, complete with their own patios and private sitting rooms,” says Delak. The architects linked the wings with a floating glass-and-steel bridge that traverses the rocky gully.

The home prioritizes natural light, nature views and calm spaces that promote family gathering. The dining room, for instance, captures the hillside as well as activity in the adjacent living room viewable through the glass fireplace. | Photo: Draper White

Landscape architect Jason Jaynes of DHM Design took advantage of the unusual topography to create a hidden Zen-like garden, connecting the interiors to a “moment” in the landscape. Terraced retaining walls stabilize the steep northern hill and carve out space for a yard where the youngest family members can play outside. “Glass rooms spill into the landscape, where paved patios, gardens and a small lawn transition to native Gambel oak, cottonwood and serviceberry trees at the edges of the property,” he says.

Architecturally, bold roof angles, expansive glass sliders and plentiful clerestory windows invite sunlight deep into the home while fostering a visual connection to the outdoors. Interior finishes—wood floors and ceilings—continue seamlessly on the home’s exterior, further blurring the threshold between indoor and outdoor environments.

A cantilevered staircase of white oak and glass ascends alongside a stacked-stone wall and adjacent window wall, creating an interplay of material contrast and light. | Photo: Draper White

A sense of connection continues inside, where the family can see the activities happening throughout multiple interior spaces through dual glass fireplaces that anchor each end of the living room. From this room, a wall of sliding windows frames dramatic south-facing views of Aspen and its surrounding peaks and invites a walk out to an innovative pool deck that hydraulically transitions between a functional terrace and a multi-depth pool.

While artwork from the family’s collection provides some color, the homeowner collaborated with the design team to create a neutral palette that is restful and relaxed—a respite from the couple’s busy work lives in the city. “A natural palette allows the beauty of nature to shine, and the people’s personalities inside the home become part of the art,” says the homeowner.

Summit Furniture and Cathers Home supplied patio furnishings around a high-tech pool that transitions from walkable decking to adjustable water levels for lounging or swimming. | Photo: Draper White

“This homebuilding project was not my first rodeo,” she continues. “I came into this with a list of must-haves and a vision that became clearer as the architects worked with me. My four adult children and their families can visit the home with us or go on their own. We are so happy here in a place where the whole family can be at the same time.” 

The landscape architect designed a garden between the two wings of the home to enliven a portion of the terrain that was challenging, simultaneously adding visual interest for several overlooking interior rooms. | Photo: Draper White

Built for Family

While the homeowner finally got a dining area large enough to seat everyone, this home also checked off another wish-list item—creating intimate spaces where each one of her four adult children can take their respective families to enjoy alone time. “The guest wing has two sitting rooms for privacy,” she says. “Little ones wake up at odd hours, and the rooms provide a place for parents to take care of them.” She collaborated with the architects to create other intimate gathering spaces and a circulation plan that moves everyone
easily into the main spaces when they are ready to socialize with the larger group.

The primary suite’s angled rooflines frame mountain views and a private lawn and terrace. A built-in bed console conceals the television for unobstructed views when not in use. | Photo: Draper White

PERSONAL CONNECTION  – With eight bedroom suites and a bunk room, the separate guest wing was designed to give visitors space to retreat and connect directly with each other. Each of the suites is strategically positioned to capture secluded views, enhancing privacy and creating a sense of refuge. An adjacent play yard with a seating area and a fire pit encourages intimate family time.

MIX AND MINGLE – The floor plan encourages family interaction. By anchoring interior hallways with sitting rooms, a movie theater, the entry and the dining room, circulation paths provide ample spaces for engagement as family members circulate throughout the residence.

DESIGN DETAILS

ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN: Charles Cunniffe Architects
CONSTRUCTION: Hansen Construction
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE: DHM Design

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

The bridge leads to the main living spaces, which are the central hub for family dining and connection. | Photo: Draper White

The primary bath features the same refined materials palette of wood and stone and clerestory windows as in the public spaces. | Photo: Draper White