USA Houzz: Rusticity Rules in an Alpine Retreat
This wood-panelled holiday home provides access to views and outdoor activities for its adventurous homeowners
Sam Smith
30 January 2017
This house nestled in the North Cascades mountains in Washington, USA, reflects the rugged landscape around it while also possessing a modern, airy and stylish vibe. The remote holiday house is owned by a Seattle couple who were instinctively drawn to the beautiful setting of pine forests, crystal clear rivers and diverse topography, and where they spend their free time skiing, rock climbing and hiking.
Photos by Johnston Architects
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple who live full time in Seattle and work for aircraft manufacturers, Boeing
Location: Mazama, Washington, USA
Size: 127 square metres; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
After finding a 1-acre plot with killer views, the couple collaborated with Mary Johnston of Johnston Architects to build a second home that would be cosy and easy to maintain. “All of the finishes used add to the rich simplicity of the home,” Johnston says.
Although the site was challenging, Johnston and her team were able to incorporate the location’s spectacular views into the planning of the 127-square-metre residence, which has an open-plan living area, two bedrooms and ski-in, ski-out access.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple who live full time in Seattle and work for aircraft manufacturers, Boeing
Location: Mazama, Washington, USA
Size: 127 square metres; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
After finding a 1-acre plot with killer views, the couple collaborated with Mary Johnston of Johnston Architects to build a second home that would be cosy and easy to maintain. “All of the finishes used add to the rich simplicity of the home,” Johnston says.
Although the site was challenging, Johnston and her team were able to incorporate the location’s spectacular views into the planning of the 127-square-metre residence, which has an open-plan living area, two bedrooms and ski-in, ski-out access.
Walkways lined with concrete and bluestone surround the back deck. An outdoor fire pit and teak chairs from a friend create a timeless setting for entertaining.
The unpretentiousness of the foursquare house begins with its exterior. The cedar siding and bluestone and concrete walkways also are durable and low-maintenance materials.
Since most of their time is spent engaging in the outdoors, the couple felt it was important to have designated areas for storing sporting equipment. A long bench provides a spot for removing skis and boots. A contemporary glass door contrasts nicely with the adjacent metal grating, which offers a surface on which to lean skis and bikes while providing some lightness and texture.
Since most of their time is spent engaging in the outdoors, the couple felt it was important to have designated areas for storing sporting equipment. A long bench provides a spot for removing skis and boots. A contemporary glass door contrasts nicely with the adjacent metal grating, which offers a surface on which to lean skis and bikes while providing some lightness and texture.
The clean look and rustic design continue past the front door and concrete floors of the entry, providing an unobstructed view to the back of the house. Pine-panelled ceilings flow throughout the house.
At the far end of the hall, a custom sliding barn door leads to a gear room where the couple store sporting equipment and can sharpen their skis. The other oversized doors lead to a closet.
At the far end of the hall, a custom sliding barn door leads to a gear room where the couple store sporting equipment and can sharpen their skis. The other oversized doors lead to a closet.
The warm wood tones are punctuated by blackened-steel pendants on the entry hallway ceiling.
Pendants: Caravaggio
Pendants: Caravaggio
Both homeowners are avid cooks, so a functional yet stylish kitchen was a must. Seamless fir cabinets were chosen for their rustic, mountain-home feel.
Soapstone covers the perimeter and island benches, while a raised steel bar offers a spot for breakfast seating.
More modern pendants in black matt finish hang above the island.
Refrigerator: Liebherr; cooktop: Wolf; oven: Thermador; dishwasher: Bosch; microwave; KitchenAid; windows: Loewen; pendants: Caravaggio; stools: Room & Board
Soapstone covers the perimeter and island benches, while a raised steel bar offers a spot for breakfast seating.
More modern pendants in black matt finish hang above the island.
Refrigerator: Liebherr; cooktop: Wolf; oven: Thermador; dishwasher: Bosch; microwave; KitchenAid; windows: Loewen; pendants: Caravaggio; stools: Room & Board
A dining room table and chairs sit between the kitchen and great room. The shelving was custom made to display accessories such as teapots, photographs and books.
The couple wanted to have some fun with their other lighting choices, so instead of selecting traditional recessed lighting, they opted for black outdoor sconces that are typically used for signage lighting.
The couple wanted to have some fun with their other lighting choices, so instead of selecting traditional recessed lighting, they opted for black outdoor sconces that are typically used for signage lighting.
In the sitting area of the great room, a sliding barn door hides a flat-screen TV and video equipment. A built-in bench runs the width of the room, inviting guests to curl up with a book or take in the fabulous mountain views. It is also long and deep enough to convert into a bed for two children.
Brown leather chairs and a sofa provide ample seating for gazing at the landscape through rows of expansive windows. A wood-burning stove brings a collected feel to the home and keeps it cosy and warm when temperatures plunge. “The homeowners spend very little time inside, but they wanted to make sure that it was very comfortable when they did,” Johnston says.
Sliding glass doors open the great room to the back deck.
Deck: ipe wood
Deck: ipe wood
The couple kept the master bedroom clean and sparsely decorated with only a bed and two bedside tables. Adding a bit of drama, the fir wood panelling was continued from the wall onto the ceiling.
Mesh fencing on the master bedroom balcony keeps the space from appearing too dark.
TELL US
What do you like about this mountain getaway? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
TELL US
What do you like about this mountain getaway? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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