Crested Butte is the Setting for Year-Round Fun and Restful Vacationing
A Texas-based family finds a home in Crested Butte that celebrates place
Entry The light- filled entry offers a staging area for family adventures with seasonal gear ready to go. | Photo: Nathan Schroeder
Nestled in the saddle of the Elk Mountain Range in Western Colorado rests the charming 1880s mining town of Crested Butte. Often referred to as “the last great Colorado ski town,” the mountain paradise offers an abundance of winter recreational activities including world-class Nordic and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Come summer, snowpacked peaks give way to sun- kissed mountain vistas, with mountain biking, hiking, and fishing presenting outdoor opportunities. An adventurous family from Texas chose Crested Butte as their secondary residence not only for the exciting winter scene but also for restful summer vacationing. The family came upon a well-appointed property a five-minute drive from town that captures stunning mountain views and boasts high-altitude style.
Exterior Located in a valley five minutes from downtown Crested Butte, this mountain retreat offers stunning views of the landscape. Defined by corrugated metal, the exterior of the home is designed to withstand harsh weather. | Photo: Nathan Schroeder
Kitchen Custom built with entertaining in mind, the polished kitchen boasts chic pendant lighting by Urban Electric. A handsome contemporary For- mations table is the perfect spot for family and friends to gather. Overhead, locally sourced reclaimed beams add a rustic touch to the bright and airy space. | Photo: Nathan Schroeder
When interior designer Ashley Cathey of Avrea and Company was brought onto the project in November 2019, the residence was near completion. Cathey worked with the owners’ hobbies and lifestyle to design the interior of the 4,850-square- foot home, which utilizes corrugated metal on its exterior, chosen for its durability and stable performance during the winter months. (It’s also an eco-friendly option.) Open and airy with an abundance of natural light, the house is perfectly laid out with a series of smaller living spaces and several guest suites to host family and friends.
Soft gray- blues and creamy colors illuminate the main spaces, which include an oversize family room and a comfortable dining and kitchen area. Salvaged ceiling beams contribute to the welcoming ambience of the home, and oversize windows bring the outside in, offering expansive views of the nearby hills and valleys.
In the Living Room, a colorful vegetable platter adds a splash of color and bright focal point; the design team created the interior color palette using soft gray-blues and creamy colors and camels; layers of texture from pillows and throws, combined with organic materials of a log vase and natural bouquet, create an inviting space. | Photo: Nathan Schroeder
The Study The design team incorporated darker shades of camel, navy and gray to make the room feel cozy. | Photo: Nathan Schroeder
In a cohesive mode, the main-level primary bedroom and main guest suite embrace a soft, earthy color palette. The upstairs spaces take on a different approach, each room outfitted with whimsical and cheerful theme-based bedding. Equine artwork adds visual interest to many of the rooms, creating a living experience inspired by the West.
“We used several different equestrian-themed pieces, quilting the spaces all together with a general story,” says Cathey. Client and designer enjoyed the process of designing the home, despite the challenges that COVID-19 presented. “This home was so fun to work on because I feel like we designed it in a vacuum of sorts, and it was a peaceful process, looking back. It was also wonderful working with very chill and lovely clients.”
Photo: Nathan Schroeder
Photo: Nathan Schroeder
Reading Area Awash in natural light, the comfortable sitting area is cloaked in a calm neutral color palette. Expansive windows offer a connection to the surrounding picturesque terrain. | Photo: Nathan Schroeder
Bedroom When the homeowners need rest and respite from a busy day, they head to the peaceful primary bedroom, which features a dreamy bed with nature-inspired accents. | Photo: Nathan Schroeder
ARCHITECTURE – BUCHANAN ARCHITECTURE
INTERIOR DESIGN – AVREA AND COMPANY
CONSTRUCTION – MICHAEL WEIL CUSTOM HOMES
