Timeless & Transitional Retreat

Homeowners Mendi and Chris Hamill were looking to build their forever home, and when they found this peaceful property, they knew it was perfect for their family. Mendi says, “Chris has always wanted to live on a big piece of property, and when he saw it, he just knew this was the place.” Chris adds, “I just thought, if we do this right, my grandkids will have a place to live. In some ways it was a legacy-type property.”
“Since we’ve built this house, our two daughters also built homes on the land,” Mendi shares, “so all of our kids and grandbabies are already here.”

In addition to housing the tight-knit family, this sprawling property boasts a large fishing pond, acres of forested land to explore, and – at present – 16 head of cattle. What functions as a giant playground for the little kiddos is also a welcome retreat for empty nesters Mendi and Chris. While the move brought a period of change for the family, this chapter also marked new beginnings.

The Hamills had an idea for a Colorado ranch-style home, something that was appropriate for the countryside setting but was also polished and contemporary. The house achieves this effect with a use of light brick alongside pale timber beams and transoms. Black features offer a modern flourish without overshadowing the simplicity of the natural elements used on the exterior.

The exterior is carried inside with brick accent walls surrounding the foyer. “I’ve learned my style is transitional,” Mendi says, “I wanted this house to be very classic.” Favoring calm neutrals and pops of earth tones, the interior space is breezy and bright, with large windows opening up the heart of the home. The living room soars with a vaulted ceiling, which is intersected by a single exposed timber beam. A diamond-shaped candle chandelier hangs down to illuminate the space.

This living area, shared with the kitchen and dining room, is spacious by design. “We have a large family, so we wanted larger rooms to have space to spread out when we’re all gathered here,” Mendi says. Chris agrees, adding, “We can have 30 people in this house just in the dining room, kitchen, and living room alone – and everybody’s comfortable.”

This gourmet kitchen is built to entertain with double islands and expansive counter space. A sleek waterfall edge finishes off the second island, while the same creamy dolomite seamlessly extends from the countertop to the backsplash surrounding the range. Square tiling behind the farmhouse sink adds a touch of gloss, while perimeter cabinets in Natural Cream shine with burnished, golden hardware. Walnut-stained cabinets below the islands layer in a rich wood tone to the lustrous, monochromatic space.

Adjoining the kitchen, a large dining room provides space for several to gather. Pleated drapes dress the wide windows with views of the hills beyond. “You can see the sunset over the ridge from here, and some nights it looks like the sky’s on fire,” Mendi says. The dining table is accompanied with ladder-back chairs, while ceramics and greenery round out the décor.

With an expansive family like the Hamill’s, one needs a laundry room designed to accommodate the whole crew. “I love this room, it’s just super functional,” Mendi says, adding that it’s a big step-up from previous laundry rooms that were the size of a closet. With ample storage space, rolling baskets, and floating shelves, this stylish laundry room is perfect for meeting any housekeeping needs.

Entering the primary suite, a stunning accent wall in Retreat green stands out with shadow box trim. The remainder of the space is the selfsame warm neutrals of the living area, with terra cotta, sage, and soft blue accents. Wicker nightstands add a mid-century accent alongside a traditional-style area rug in subtle patterned motifs.

The ensuite is swathed in marble, from the floor to ceiling. “The whole master bath was designed around these two marble slabs,” Mendi explains, pointing out the format-style tile slabs on either side of the walk-in shower, creating a seamless effect. The perpendicular gray-veined marble wall is broken only by an obscure window with raindrop-pattered glass. Here, mixed metals appear in the gold and black hardware, including the sconce lighting and cabinet pulls.

Stepping outside, a turquoise pool is the perfect escape for a quiet evening or, more likely, accommodating several energetic kiddos. The pool deck offers plenty of seating for the family, including a covered patio with vaulted, paneled ceilings. And in the cooler seasons, the Hamills can remain in the comfort of the living room and look out on the same view, catching glimpses of deer and foxes moseying around in the backyard. “It’s just so peaceful here,” Mendi shares. “I think that a lot of people wish for a place they can have their kids and grandkids grow up all together.” For the Hamills, this home promises a tranquil retreat, while loved ones are never more than a stone’s throw away.