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Paradise Cabin

Date published: March 03 2016

Colorado, US

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Taking inspiration from the stunning Rocky Mountains to create an experience getaway

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains just outside Vail, Colarado, is a 146 acre ranch owned by businessman and philanthropist Tad Dekko and his wife Patricia. A tasteful property
that stands out for its contemporary and inspirational design, yet remains sensitive to the landscape it sits within. However, this wasn’t always the case. When the Dekko’s first purchased the ranch, the 12,000 square foot main house had a white stucco exterior that bore no relationship to the surrounding land and the nearby river. The Dekkos quickly noticed that guests would not venture outdoors and congregated inside even on the most beautiful summer days.

Mr. Dekko decided to change that by hiring a team of professionals who could re-design the property and essentially make it “an experience” for his family and guests.

Architect Tom Cole, Denver-based interior designer Andrea Schumacher, and builder McCord Construction worked together to create a multitude of out buildings with various purposes. Together they invite guests to meander along a creek to find a wellness centre outfitted with workout equipment, a spa and an exercise pool – all underground and covered by a grass roof.

The main house has been stunningly enhanced with a Western Red Cedar exterior with accents of steel, and a major endeavour of landscaping was undertaken to make the property feel like it sat naturally within the breathtaking scenery which surrounds it. Massive boulders were unearthed in every truckload - some of which were kept on site to preserve the original terrain, while most of them had to be relocated in order to reveal the master plan of the landscape architect. This Colorado Sandstone was used for the deck surrounding the house, which allows the interior to naturally flow into the exterior seamlessly.

“The inspiration for our design really came from the scenery surrounding the house. We wanted to make sure that the design inside brought all the beautiful sights from outside into the house while also keeping a balance between Mountain and Contemporary concepts” said architect Tom Cole.

The interior of the main house was also given a total transformation thanks to the work of interior designer Andrea Schumacher, who has 8

used her expertise at incorporating existing furniture into her designs, which makes her designs feel like they have been put together over time, not just pulled together all at once like a show house.

“All the rooms are pulled together with unique pieces that are found and mixed with new functional pieces to create an amalgamation of mountain and rustic”, she said, “And the ranch has its own distinguished logo that is embellished throughout the home.”

As well as the redesigned main house and its four guest suites, the picturesque ranch in Vail Valley is equipped with a guest house, equestrian facilities, a caretaker’s house and an old log cabin, all of which have been skilfully redesigned and renovated for this project. There is also a living garage, which one can drive into much like a movie drive-in. There, guests can sit in their cars to watch a football game or movie while sipping cocktails from the bar situated adjacent to the main viewing area.

The swanky guest house nearby has been decorated with an edge mountain-modern vibe, which Mr. Dekko had designed with 24 year-old-daughter in mind. Its sitting room is a place for reflection brings the Colorado outdoors in and mixes with refinement and includes a wallpaper called “Lumberjack” featuring a rustic sawn log pattern.

A tent along the river was erected to allow guests to authentically camp out in the Rocky Mountains. It has the feel of a luxury safari tent, but with fresh mountain air rushing at you off the river. A further option for guests is a stunning traditional log cabin with rustic furnishings, sitting at the peak of a mountain and overlooking the valley. Along the river’s edge, it provides shelter from the sun and a great place to entertain in the summer months. A shooting range is nearby.

This paradise project is an eclectic mix of textures, playful accents and finishes which unquestionably pays homage to the rustic landscape and elegant property that reside on the same land.


Photographer: DURSTON SAYLOR

Designer: Andrea Schumacher

Author: Andrea Schumacher

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