Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Cowboy Lodge in Oregon
A working ranch and lodge-style home on a knoll round up equestrian art, warm wood tones and reminders of cowboy roots
Part working ranch, part rustic hunting lodge, the True residence embodies the dream of a cowboy who wanted to retire in the West's woodsy, rural environs. "Johnny True is living the American dream as a cattle rancher," says designer Eric Schnell. Originally from South Dakota, True's descendants migrated to Oregon as farmers with little money and big dreams of making something out of themselves in the Pacific Northwest.
For Schnell, the most gratifying aspect of this project was the appreciation shown to him by the True family when construction of their home was far enough along that they could envision their new life as cattle ranchers — and as doting grandparents to their many grandchildren.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A retired couple
Location: Just outside Bend, Oregon
Size: 5,300 square feet
That's interesting: Ranch owner Johnny True is a true-blue cowboy.
For Schnell, the most gratifying aspect of this project was the appreciation shown to him by the True family when construction of their home was far enough along that they could envision their new life as cattle ranchers — and as doting grandparents to their many grandchildren.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A retired couple
Location: Just outside Bend, Oregon
Size: 5,300 square feet
That's interesting: Ranch owner Johnny True is a true-blue cowboy.
A visit to the True residence makes it clear that great efforts were made to bring the outdoors inside: vaulted ceilings, open wood trusses, equestrian art, warm wood tones and walls reflecting the green tones of surrounding vegetation immediately evoke a hunting lodge.
The living room and dining area share the same see-through stone fireplace.
From this perspective, the house's position on a small knoll is evident. "The house is literally raised to enable the Trues to enjoy the majestic views of the Cascade mountain range," says Schnell. The elevated position of the house hides the lower level from approaching guests and keeps the large house from overwhelming the site.
In keeping with its natural surroundings, the home's exterior uses a combination of wood and stone, with the roofline mimicking the mountain range in the horizon.
The driveway and front of the house have direct access to the kitchen for the sole purpose of enabling the clients to unload their groceries with ease. The kitchen also allows guests to appreciate the mountain views, and according to Schnell, "if the residents aren't ready to do the dishes after a dinner party, they can close off the kitchen easily with sliding barn doors."
See more photos of barn doors
See more photos of barn doors
His-and-hers sink fixtures and toilets, and a tub that's solely used by the woman of the house, fill the bathroom. Doors on both sides lead to separate master bedrooms.
One for her ...
... and one for him. "Designing a home with two master bedrooms that share one bathroom with no crossing of paths was one of the more challenging aspects of this project," says Schnell.
Equine art is displayed throughout the residence. "The grandkids ride horses throughout the property and can fish for rainbow trout and bluegill in the pond," says Schnell.
The covered indoor-outdoor living room is situated at the end of the home, closest to the outdoor activities. In the background is a small house that came with the property; the Trues use it for visiting family and friends.
"Mr. True's father was a cowboy, and although he grew up not knowing his father very well, he understood and eventually was drawn into the cowboy lifestyle," says Schnell. The saddle displayed at the end of the hallway belonged to True's father, a daily reminder to True that he has come back home to his cowboy roots.
More:
So Your Style Is: Rustic
My Houzz: Ranch Home in the Northwest Suburbs
Lodge Love: 7 Ways to Get the Look
More:
So Your Style Is: Rustic
My Houzz: Ranch Home in the Northwest Suburbs
Lodge Love: 7 Ways to Get the Look