The pandemic created a longing in many of us to escape the hustle-bustle of city life and find retreat in the beauty of the outdoors. For a Chicago-based family of five, they were a few years ahead of the trend. In 2018, they “began to crave the energy of a mountain town with air to breathe and lots of outdoor recreation,” recalls the owner. “We chose Stowe, Vermont for its quality schools, easy access to airports for travel, and the safety of living in a small community.”
They spent a year in a rental home as they explored different neighborhoods in Stowe. They eventually settled on an idyllic 5-acre plot in the high-end neighborhood of Robinson Springs with direct sightlines to Stowe Mountain Resort. “Once we saw the ski slope views, we knew immediately this was the perfect spot for our future home,” she explains.
They purchased the land in September 2019 with the vision of crafting a new primary home in a modern mountain style – a notable departure from Vermont’s ubiquitous farmhouse aesthetic. “With our breathtaking view of the surrounding slopes, we were inspired to build a ski chalet that would feature the stunning landscape,” she notes. Indeed, the ski resort can be seen from almost every vantage point within the stunning 6,761 square-foot home. Tapping the expertise of local Vermont builder, Red House Construction, along with ELD Architecture, Krista Fox Interiors and Brenna B Interiors, the family endeavored to make the most of its inspiring alpine location. The result is “a new ultra-luxury home that harmonzies nature with the luxuries of modern mountain living” says listing agent McKee Macdonald who co-listed the property with Maggie Macdonald, The Smith Macdonald Group, owners of Coldwell Banker Carlson Real Estate in Stowe.
A tour inside reveals the wisdom of their foresight. Unmatched custom detailing beams throughout the home. Over 50 different species of wood were incorporated into the home. “All of the colors and textures work together to create a warm, cohesive home that feels like a marriage between the natural environment and luxury design,” reveals the owner. The main living space is anchored with a spectacular floor-to-ceiling stone hearth, highlighting soaring cathedral ceilings and a pocketed glass wall that faces the slopes and ushers the outdoors right into the living room. Opening from here is the gourmet kitchen with a large center island, custom cabinetry, luxury appliances and an adjacent butler’s pantry and wet bar allowing for plenty of storage while keeping things out of sight. “Lifestyle and entertaining are the central focus,” notes Maggie Macdonald.
In addition to designing the home so that it can be enjoyed not just in winter ski months but in all four seasons, the family sought to create a floorplan that brings together spaces for every member of the family to enjoy. A screened-in porch with a fireplace is a family favorite for enjoying sunsets over Stowe Mountain Resort as well as cool autumn nights or warm weather blooms. Meanwhile, an Italian porcelain stone patio with an in-ground Gunite pool and in-ground hot tub invites endless summer fun during Vermont’s hotter months. A briliantly designed lower level entertaining space also houses a a rec room complete with basketball hoops and media center, plus a guest bedroom and bath.
A total of five bedrooms comprise the home, including a primary suite on the main level with direct mountain views, a gas fireplace, a spa-level bath and custom closets. Upstairs, there’s an en suite guest bedroom, and two well-appointed guest bedrooms with a shared bath. Remote work even comes with a view from the home office located adjacent to the home gym above the garage. A stylized Vermont mudroom will be the envy of any skier. And if the next homeowner wants to make this modern mountain masterpiece their secondary home? There’s a hidden bonus: Red House Construction also provides property management services. “They take care of all of our ongoing seasonal needs,” the owner tells us. “We never have to worry about scheduling maintenance, which is one less thing on our plates. And because their team built our house and knows it intimately, they care for it like it is their own.”
From beginning to end, the residence is the perfect place to embrace Vermont’s lifestyle in all its natural splendor.
View the complete listing by Smith Macdonald Group of Coldwell Banker Carlson Real Estate in Stowe.
