Nestled in the historic mining town of Breckenridge, Colorado, the Highlands (H1) Residence is a unique mountain home combining Tennessee cabin and rustic Colorado aesthetics. Each room is carefully laid out, containing old-fashioned furniture and vintage textiles collected over the past four decades. Embodied with feelings of warmth, simplicity and coziness, while maintaining an artistic flair and attention to detail, this dwelling positively illustrates a collective design between client, architect, and contractor.
The owners both grew up in Tennessee near the Smokey Mountains, which are infamous for a variety of historic cabin structures. Inspired by the square timbers and old barn-wood aesthetic, the clients wanted a home that spoke to their childhood memories as well as a place in the Rocky Mountains for the entire family, grandkids and all, to retreat to after long days of skiing and hiking. After the home was completed, they remarked,
“Both Dudley and I are drawn to the warmth and simplicity of old log structures. I modeled a lot of the house after a family friends’ home where I spent a lot of time as a child in Tennessee. This home brings back many good memories.”
This breath-taking mountain home began with the clients’ vision; an old Appalachian square log cabin essence, not too lofty, no huge picture windows (yet still capture views and outdoor access), an open floor plan on the main level, and a rustic feel using soft finishes and old materials to complement the antiques and vintage quilts. Both teams from Allen-Guerra Design Build and Avalanche Construction met with the couple from day one, helping them select every material, especially the reclaimed timbers from a 200 year old grain silo that was deconstructed and used throughout the home. Both took notice and commented,
“We liked Suzanne and Ethan from the beginning. They both really listened and incorporated all of our desires and goals without being condescending. With a great reputation and perfectionistic tendencies, our home reflects their hard work, especially attention to details.”
Every single detail is custom designed or selected; each door handle is distinct and each room personifies a unique character. The trim on the interior is primarily a light country blue, fashioned after the family friends’ home Nancy loved as a child. The reclaimed timber beams are intertwined and assembled just as a true Appalachian cabin would be constructed. Railings are composed of tree branches and square timbers are exposed in the interior spaces, preserving a rustic authenticity at all levels.
This family’s childhood memories and dreams of a Tennessee cabin complemented with the collection of antique furniture, textiles, and quilts have led to an extraordinarily authentic and unique home in the Rocky Mountains.
