Situated on almost 12 acres of groomed open land and natural forest, this majestic estate is the epitome of gracious Sun Valley living. It combines fine European craftsmanship with an authentic palette of native materials to create an enclave that seamlessly melds formal elegance and detail with the sprawling grandeur of the classic lodge aesthetic.
The property consists of a grand lodge-style main house, a
spectacular outdoor entertaining area and quarters for the household
manager. Massive windows under deep eaves frame views of the surrounding
Boulder Mountains, Griffin Butte and the Bigwood River as works of art,
while a series of wings off of the main axis are defined by the home’s
expansive cedar shake roofline, creating a sun-drenched enclave that is
seamlessly integrated with its surrounding grounds, yet carefully
screened on all sides by stands of evergreen forest.
The main
house is voluminous in scale, offering 15,000 square feet of opulently
appointed living space, yet its sumptuous selection of building
materials and surfaces ensures that every room maintains a sense of
intimacy and approachable luxury. Four bedrooms and six baths are
discreetly spread over two stories, with old-growth logs used to great
effect as structural elements that also convey warmth and history.
Meticulously hand-carved woodwork provides a counterpoint of European
refinement and luxury and virtually all of the public great spaces
feature two-story vaulted ceilings and classically detailed paneling,
augmented by decorative plaster that changes tone with the light
throughout the day. No fewer than six fireplaces provide both literal
and figurative warmth throughout the interior, with a central river rock
mantel and chimney serving as the first floor focal point.
There
is an artisan’s hand evident in every detail of this singular
residence, from its raw materials to its finishing touches. Every log
used in its construction was hand selected from the Bitterroot
Mountains, resulting in a timber frame structure that is testament to
the builder’s art, and of a scale seldom seen in contemporary or even
historic buildings. Stonemasons meticulously selected and mixed the
locally sourced river rock that clads the house to achieve a perfect
blend of color, scale and texture, and the front entryway is simply a
masterpiece of deep relief woodcarving that must be seen to be
appreciated. Inside, some of the most accomplished woodcarvers in the
world were employed to handcraft thousands of linear feet of custom
moldings, paneling and architectural elements, many of which feature the
same intricate leaf pattern used on the entry.
Public areas are
designed to offer vast amounts of space for entertaining and casual
relaxation alike, with cathedral vaulted ceilings, hand-troweled plaster
finishes and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the house with natural
light and capture stunning views of the Boulder Mountains and
surrounding nature. The centerpiece of the house is a grand living room
with a formal dining room and bar area on either side. This is a
dramatic space, defined by a finely crafted log structure that supports a
two-story vaulted ceiling with the property’s signature stone fireplace
rising through its center. The dining room is ornately paneled, with an
oval coffered ceiling and direct access to the grounds through French
doors, while the bar functions as a relaxed lounge area for conversation
or after dinner cocktails.
The kitchen is both a convivial hub
of the home and a spacious venue for casual entertaining. It is
elegantly appointed with custom carved maple cabinetry, exotic slab
granite counters, artisanal tile backsplashes and a limestone and wood
parquet floor. A cooking alcove supports a commercial gas range with
matching ventilation, while twin SubZero refrigerators, a built-in wall
oven and warming drawer and a Miele dishwasher complete the compliment
of appliances. The large central island is a natural gathering place for
cooking or casual meals, while an attached great room contains space
for a dining area and fireplace hearth with plenty of room for seating.
The
main level master suite offers mesmerizing views over the pastures from
its walls of windows, as well as a terrific sense of volume afforded by
its vaulted ceilings and paneled fireplace wall. There is ample space
for sitting areas and display, and the suite includes separate baths and
dressing rooms for each of its occupants. One bath features a deep
soaking tub with its own gas fireplace and a wall-length vanity, while
the other offers a huge steam shower and a fully illuminated ceiling.
Dressing rooms are appointed with custom storage cabinetry and
upholstered walls to match those found throughout the suite.
The
house affords every comfort and amenity imaginable to its residents and
guests. There is a stunning mahogany paneled office on the main floor
with its own fireplace and library that is the ideal home base for
business and reflection. A dedicated fitness wing provides a world-class
workout facility that includes a private massage room and dedicated
bath. The media room is a wonderful private enclave for relaxing at the
movies, with integrated theater-quality audio and video systems, a wet
bar and stadium seating, while a large wine room provides plenty of
long-term storage for favorite vintages.
Thoughtful details
abound throughout the property to make daily living effortless and
endlessly indulgent. All hallways feature lit coffered ceilings for
indirectly illuminated passage at all hours, and many rooms offer
beautifully upholstered walls for sound deadening and a warm sense of
enclosure. Guests are treated just as graciously as full-time residents
in two upstairs suites that each include balconies overlooking the
mountains, large sleeping quarters and spa-like baths with soaking tubs,
steam showers and walk-in closets. Even the powder room is a work of
art, with an octagonal coffered ceiling and ornate antique vanity with
copper sink. A state-of-the-art Crestron home automation system controls
all HVAC, lighting, blinds, music and media, while high-tech networking
ensures connectivity throughout the house.
,A truly breathtaking
outdoor living space sits off the back of the residence, with numerous
carefully delineated seating areas and a covered and heated pavilion
with its own fireplace. This is a spectacular enclave for al fresco
entertaining and taking in views of the Boulder Mountains and Griffin
Butte. Altogether, the property includes 1.5 acres of paved patio and
pathways for easy enjoyment, and it is gated and fully fenced for
privacy and security.
Of course, a residence of this pedigree is
built from the inside out with state-of-the-art systems to ensure
generations of robust, trouble-free living. Originally designed by noted
lodge specialist, James Ruscitto of Ruscitto, Latham, Blanton
Architectura, the house was painstakingly constructed by Intermountain
Construction using a steel structure with curtain wall framing and logs
that came from Ruscitto’s own mill. It includes a pumping system to
mitigate flood risk, and high-efficiency hydronic heat. All tiled floors
are radiantly heated, and the front entry paths and driveway are warmed
by a snow-melt system for easy and safe passage. Finally, a comfortably
appointed residence for the household manager includes a butler’s
pantry, laundry and bed and bath suite.
This is as fine a
mountain retreat as has ever been conceived, and it is one of the crown
jewels of Sun Valley’s exceptional landscape of country estates. With
twelve acres of exquisite mature landscaping, unparalleled outdoor
spaces for entertaining and relaxation and a residence that is without
equal in craftsmanship and timeless design, it is the pinnacle of
Western country living in one of the country’s most cosmopolitan, yet
down to earth ski resorts. Sun Valley’s year-round cultural and
recreational amenities make this an ideal retreat or full-time residence
for the discerning nature lover.