New Colony home at the edge of an alpine meadow aims to bring people together
Photos by Scot Zimmerman
Wonderland Atop the Wasatch
At the top of Park City’s Colony, a gated community in White Pine Canyon, is a meadow, cluster of small lakes, an encircling trail, and a group of fine homes situated to appreciate the magical sight. Upland Development (Ryan and Jesica Taylor) just finished construction on the newest home in the small community at the top of the Colony with interior design by Mark and Aly of Park City and architecture by Mark Radford, AIA, of Escondido, California. All the homes in the Colony are ski-in/ski-out, and the alpine run is on the leT of the opening shot. The views from the ample windows and outdoor living are poised to look to the meadow and lakes with an encircling cross-country ski track, and occasional rambling moose and deer. The back of the home looks out to the other homes, and it is designed to have much more of a social face than a mountainside home.
On the front side, a long driveway winds down to the motor court, entrance and garages. You can see the alpine ski run traversing behind the garages. Before you call me out on the Photoshopped fake sky, let me intercede and tell you that was the actual brilliant sunset that evening. What can I say? It was stunning and unfolded while I was standing there with the tripod and camera.
One enters the great room from the left by the circular chandelier, and then a wall of windows looking out to the meadow greets you. A fireplace anchors the seating area, furnished with a plush sectional for long relaxing conversations. The wood, stone and metal accents of the material placed continue throughout in natural tones. I had a sense that the soft-toned interiors amplified the color and drama of the views outside.
Turning the opposite way, the view is to the great room: a bar and wine room to the right, a dining area with a built-in sideboard, and an open kitchen. Behind the wall with the range is a walk-through butler’s pantry equipped for food preparation and staging the courses of the meal. To the left and unseen behind the stone wall is a large banquet that seats 10 or 12. I was struck by how well this home is configured for socially bringing groups as large as 30 together for a meal. In the summer, tables on the patios can easily double this number.
At the end of the upper floor great room (further than the butler’s pantry), is a hearth room or cozy room. It serves as a more intimate gathering space. So often, families tell me that the hearth room is their favorite and most used room when not entertaining. The views speak for themselves, and you can see the big patio just outside the glass doors.
I’ve mentioned that this, like other Colony homes, has ski-in/ski-out access. This is the ski room with a boot drying rack, lockers along the walls for storing gear and a convenient leather bench for putting on boots. The door leads out to the run. Simple as that! The ceiling installation makes a strong statement as to the intended use of the room.
There are two equally fine primary suites with patios and fireplaces. This is on the upper level.
This is the suite’s bathroom, equipped with a soaking tub and shower.
Downstairs is a fully equipped spa with a massage table, sauna, and steam shower. Adjacent are workout and yoga rooms.
The lower level has a more casual social space, and similar to upstairs, it is organized in an open plan. You can see the bar, table seating and the conversation grouping by the television screen. In alcoves to the left are the combination golf simulator and home theater and a pool table. Like upstairs, floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors open to the patio and outdoors.
Here is a peek at the alcove with a big screen that doubles as a gold simulator and home theater.
In all, there are seven-bedroom suites: two primaries; three more bedrooms with king-sized beds; and two bunk rooms. I found this bunk room distinctive with the king-sized bed and side tables and two queen-sized bunks above. This seemed a good arrangement for a couple who wishes to keep the children close.
My overall impression of this home is , first, how well it is configured to appreciate its remarkable location and to connect people with the outdoors. Second, this is a home that can truly bring a large number of people together well and comfortably. I can imagine it very efficient for corporate retreats, a family reunion or holiday, or even a small wedding. Last, it is a great mulM season home—it’s set up for winter sports, but in the summer, wildflowers explode and there are hiking and mountain bike trails to be explored.
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