Salt Lake City is a place of neighborhoods. Even for those who think they know the City well, there is always a surprising enclave of homes that you never knew were there. One neighborhood that I really like is west of Canyon Rim and east of the Salt Lake Country Club: quiet, interesting homes, shady tree-lined streets, and friendly neighbors who say hello as they pass walking their dogs. It was a delight to be there making photographs of a crisp white cottage just built by Living Home (Chris Towson) and designed by Brian Junge of Axis Architects, and it was a surprise to learn that it is a second home.
Photos by Scot Zimmerman
From the driveway view, you can appreciate the pleasing pitch of the gables, the vertical boards and batten wood exterior, the shed roof sheltering the porch, and the warm wood of the garage and front doors. The neighboring modern home to the right is also designed by Brian Junge and built by Living Home, demonstrating the professional versatility of both firms.
The deep porch and cottage exterior fit into the neighborhood with a comfortable street presence.
In the rear view, the home retains its cottage elements with a shift to a central gable. However, the extensive outdoor living is more consistent with a home designed for recreation, parties, and large groups. Both upper patios connect with the open-planned living, dining, and kitchen spaces. The lower patios feature a spa on one side and an outdoor firepit on the other, and the doors lead to the family room.
In a closure view, you can appreciate the number of people that can be accommodated by the patios.
The central spine of the home has an open beamed ceiling over the dining and living area, and a black metal fireplace unit anchors the space. The kitchen area is set off by a soffit and an island with hanging pendant lights. It’s evident the space is designed to gather big groups together for communal meals with a table that seats ten and an island that accommodes six.
Pulling back, the living area with its soft furnishings is in the foreground.
The kitchen has generous countertop work areas and an efficient triangle of sink, range, and refrigerator.
The primary suite is on the main level on the fireplace side of the central spine. It has doors to a balcony patio that overlooks the country club.
The primary suite’s bathroom maintains the black, white, and wood color palette of the exterior and main living space.
The downstairs family room is long and connected, similar to the upstairs. The walls are horizontal shiplap, another pleasant cottage treatment that is also washable and durable.
Just off the pool table area is this spacious sauna, perfect after a day skiing and snow playing. Adjacent is a space for home gym equipment.
Two of the bedrooms have bunkbeds for accommodating family and friends who may join them on vacations. This is the larger of the two with six bunks. There is an additional guest room in a quiet corner, as well.
A Salt Lake vacation home makes a great deal of sense. This family has roots in Salt Lake, and in fact, in this neighborhood. Additionally, the home is close to Park City and the Cottonwood Canyons’ ski resorts, it’s right on the golf course with the country club amenities close by, and it is minutes from downtown and the cultural life we enjoy.
I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up photographing more Salt Lake vacation homes in the near future.
Salt Lake is filled with eclectic homes, explore more cottage retreats here!
