Photos courtesy of Natural Element Homes
When you live your life in the fast lane, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s nice to be able to retreat to a second-home getaway that’s intimate, inviting and downright dreamy. Enter the Big Chief Mountain Lodge. Located in Wenatchee, Washington, based in the foothills of the Cascade Range, the home feels more like a cozy cabin than a mountain lodge, but that doesn’t mean it’s not set to impress.
“The homeowners wanted a timber home, but also wanted a western-style exterior,” explains Robert Lambert, founder and president of Natural Element Homes, based in Sweetwater, Tennessee. “They were going for a look that would blend in nicely with the surrounding landscape.” To accomplish this, Lambert and his team created a design that paired a full Douglas fir interior frame with a mix of exterior elements, including round logs (used as support columns, posts and decorative accents), cedar shingles and board-and-batten siding.
To fit the wooded lot, they also settled on a narrow plan that maximizes the breathtaking views. “This house was designed for an executive couple based in Seattle as a place to rest, relax and take in the natural beauty of the area,” says Lambert. “The house, combined with the beautiful location and outdoor living spaces, more than accomplishes just that.”