Steamboat Springs mountain modern custom built retreat for the generations to gather.
The owners have been coming to Steamboat for over 12 years. They’ve happily owned a slopeside duplex where they vacation with their three daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. They love the skiing and the mountains as much as the authenticity of the town and the people who live here. Steamboat is where the family connects with nature and family—a place where they can continue to create meaningful and fun shared experiences.
While they loved their duplex and mountainside setting, they had always been interested in designing and building a house. When the vacant lot next door became available, the family purchased it. The location was ideal, but it presented substantial challenges. The land was steep, the access was difficult, and the ground was predominantly granite. Questioning precarious possibilities was not only the first step in building their impeccable home, it was also the enticing mindset throughout the three-year design-and-build process. One whole year was singularly devoted to excavation and more than 250 tons of granite were ultimately removed.
The home the Gendersons envisioned was to be large enough for future generations, with a mountain contemporary style—but not cold—and a touch of rustic. Ski-in, ski-out was also important, and taking advantage of the sweeping views extending from the South Valley to the Sleeping Giant was a must.
The first level opens to a large, open, and inviting foyer. Just inside is a formal mudroom and theater with stadium seating for 16 movie-goers. The second level has an exercise room and an elegant row of five bedrooms for children and grandkids. The third level has the master suite with corner office, a 424-bottle glass and stone wine bar, and the common living area inclusive of the great room, the dining area, and the kitchen. The east deck wraps around from the office to the kitchen, which features a pass through window for easy, multi-generational barbecuing. The kitchen’s Taj Mahal granite is a gorgeous, kid-resistant surface and its sleek Ferguson appliances are modern and safe. The west deck extends, seemingly forever, off the great room. This level is home—it’s intimate and cozy, open and spacious. The fourth floor is a rec room and ski room with ski-in, ski-out access. Made specifically for the grandkids, the build and design team added whimsically appointed covert closets for playing, put light switches at kid height, and hung a good-natured warning sign: “For kids only, except for Pa.”
The elevator is a central feature in the home. For practical purposes, the elevator ensures the family will be able to use the home as they age and multiply—going up four flights with newborns, strollers, ski gear, and groceries is no easy feat. Aesthetically, the elevator is encased within the stairs and serves to highlight their intricately woven wood and steel design and showcase the circulation, air flow, and open living concept as well.
With integrity of design in every detail, every element, and every decision, the building is tight and built to last. With a clear vision of a family home for generations and a unified collaboration among talented professionals, the home is cohesive.