Photo Friday: On the Cusp with Nature in Promontory

With the fires on the West Coast and the hurricane-force winds in Utah this week, we are all paying more attention to the natural environment. A highlight of my week was nature in another expression. While photographing this home in Promontory, I found myself 10 feet away from bugling elk. The somewhat soft melodic calls are unlike anything else, and the calls can make you forget that they come from such powerful animals intent on physically establishing themselves to their rivals. (And possibly attacking a clueless and inattentive photographer who might get in the way.)

Located on a high prominence with great views to the east to the Uintas and the Weber River drainage, Highland Custom Homes in Alpine built the wood and stone home designed by Aaron Inouye Design with furnishings and accessories by Osmond Designs. The sky with its bright pink slashes of pink is natural, as sunset followed after the great windstorm that cleared the air and created these fast-moving streaking clouds. 

The home is oriented toward the mountain views. An open floor plan allows the views to be fully appreciated throughout, and the design gives definition to the living, dining and kitchen areas through beams, partial walls, and differing ceiling treatments.

Here in the kitchen, the coffered ceiling is lowered to a perfect height for the pendant lights. 

I liked the way the brass dining chandelier interplayed with the pendants. The kitchen has the efficiencies a serious home cook would expect, and the pantry with its cabinets its formal appearance allows it to double as a butler’s pantry. You can see the relationship of the spaces to the front entry. 

Looking to the right from the entry is the hallway to the home office and the bedroom suite. 

In a nice touch, the master suite has its own entry hallway marked by the bronze-shaded light fixture. 

The master has French doors opening to a patio and exposing the same dramatic views enjoyed by the living space. 

Downstairs is the family room with a kitchen area and bar seating. The double doors lead to a music room. Also downstairs are three more bedrooms. 

Promontory is a large development, and this home is near the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and clubhouse. The mix of amenities, while still being surrounded by an expanse of untouched nature makes it a very special location. It certainly provided me with a fine memory of being so close to elk displaying their ritual fall behavior. 

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