The decision to build a second home is usually based on a lifelong dream of at least one party involved. In the case of John Caserta and Joyce Oster?s game-time decision, the Federal Reserve Chairman was the driving force. "It's not very romantic," Joyce says, "but interest rates had a lot to do with it."
The house in question is a 3,800-square-foot timber home tucked into a cul-de-sac at the Three Peaks golf community in Silverthorne, Colorado. Abutting the Eagle?s Nest Wilderness Area, the back of the house opens onto the forest and showcases soaring views of three rugged peaks of the Gore Range?Buffalo Mountain, Red Peak and Willow Peak.
Inspiration Points
In building the home where they will eventually live year round, the couple wanted to strike the perfect balance between traditional western style and the Craftsman touch of Frank Lloyd Wright. The dramatic post-and-beam Raven Golf clubhouse at Three Peaks impressed them, so they sought out the same builder: Ontario-based Normerica Authentic Timber Frame Homes.
A Custom Stamp
Not only did John and Joyce purchased their timber package from Normerica, they also hired the company to serve as general contractor for the project. This legwork allowed them to save money and put their personal imprint on the house.
The room they were most eager to mark with a custom stamp: the kitchen. To accommodate two chefs in the kitchen, they installed two sinks "so we don't have to be too together," Joyce explains. She also hired cabinetmaker (and friend) Farrell Oldroyd of Morgan, UT, to build their cabinets. The resulting cherry cabinets, which are stained a rich, dark red, provide a colorful accompaniment to the natural wood hues of the posts and beams.
Back to Basics
John and Joyce relied on simple trimmings, such as durable bamboo flooring and uncomplicated, modern light fixtures, to avoid detracting from the outdoor views and the beauty of the frame. "We chose to make the house the center of attention," Joyce says. "Why do all this post-and-beam work, if we were going to over-furnish the place?"
And though the house showcases artwork culled from the couple?s world travels, it?s the giant windows framing the mountains and forest that mean, in this space, nature is the greatest work of art.
Read the full story in the September/October 2006 issue of Timber Home Living.
Photo by James Ray Spahn
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