
This European-style modern mountain retreat is perched on a rugged lot surrounded by sweeping views of the mountains to the west and the valley below. Custom built with sustainability in mind, the home features every eco-conscious upgrade imaginable and was designed to incorporate the natural environment–preserving the trees, moss rocks, and boulders that give the land its character.
The rugged lot sat vacant for some time until it was purchased by a couple with the vision to see that the land provided a perfect opportunity to build a one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art home with unobstructed mountain views. They hired Barret Studio Architects of Boulder to custom build a modern-style retreat inspired by their love of German architecture, artfully uniting the industrial style of Europe with high-end sustainable building materials. No expense was spared in the construction and finishes of this home. Special attention was placed on the energy efficiency of the home, keeping monthly energy costs extremely low. The finished Colorado mountain home is truly a marriage of building philosophies, showing how eco-friendly building and modern technology can come together to create a livable work of art.
View this and more Colorado Real Estate at Sotheby’s International Realty.
1105 Valley View Dr, Larkspur
3 bedrooms / 2 baths
MLS#: 1032752
Offered at: $640,000

Erika Vandervlugt
858 Happy Canyon Road
Suite 100
Castle Rock, CO 80108
erika.vandervlugt@sothebysrealty.com
Mobile: 303.656.7808
Office: 303.660.8800
Fax: 303.660.8999
From the homeowner: Building a dream
Ever since we first saw modern style building in Germany and other places in Europe, we were hooked. By chance and totally unexpected we sold the last house we built without it even being on the market. This left us with the question “what now”. We knew that we wanted to stay in the beautiful area of Highway 105 between Palmer Lake and Sedalia. So we purchased a lot that had been for sale for a very long time and that obviously nobody wanted because of its difficult terrain. What we saw in it was the big potential it had if it was done right.
At 7480 foot it comes with spectacular views, trees, moss rocks and boulders galore. It seems to be remote, but we are only 10minutes from grocery stores, restaurants, doctors, movie theatres and all other conveniences. Since we are retired military it was important for us to have a base close by. USAF Air Academy is 15 min. away. So, this time we would build what we saw in Europe and here in Colorado mainly in brochures. It would just be smaller, suited for retirement and easy maintenance. We also knew that energy efficiency and modern would come with a price tag. So searching for an architect that considered the environment, sustainability and our budget, brought us to Barret Studio Architects in Boulder. We could not have chosen better. It was an absolutely perfect match for what we wanted and what they designed keeping a budget in mind.
During the planning phase the whole lot was fire mitigated and prepared for site work. Now, finding a local builder that understood the design and could execute it was another matter. One even just shook his head and walked away. He also didn’t want to work with architects on his side. During the construction phase, it was a constant fight to preserve trees and rock formations, have them adhere to the plans, use the proper materials and not just build another cookie cutter style house with run of the mill materials. One even suggested that it be easier and the usual to just cover gaps and shortcomings with wood trim. The concept of having formaldehyde free OSB boards and other woods or metal siding and exposed concrete was very foreign to them.
To keep cost at bay, we actually purchased most high-end bathroom fixtures and bathroom furniture overseas and had it shipped. The security triple lock front door was still sitting in the garage in its original Lufthansa crate when it was finally put in place. It took actually six burly men to carry it to its proper place for installation. To top it off, the modern stainless steel mailbox was transported by my son from Germany in his suitcase which caused uproar at the airport. Even after paying for shipping, it was still more cost efficient than purchasing everything here. Knowing the system, the stores and the language is crucial to do it this way. Fortunately, with our architects’ involvement, we had a lot of support during what sometimes seemed to be an impossible task. After two years we finally had what we dreamed of, a beautiful, modern, passive solar, fire resistant and energy efficient house that flows with the hillside. The tight envelope and high R values were achieved by 6inch walls, 10inches in the ceiling, vapor barrier, sealed crawl space, open cell insulation, airtight seals throughout and additional manual sealing of all seems inside and outside. All Rheem and Lennox HVAC is high efficiency. Because of its location and window design the house does not need air-conditioning. Utility costs are very low.
At 2236 sft. with its open floor plan, three bedrooms, two baths and one level living, the house is easy to maintain and suited for retirement. Surround sound in the living room is connected to the office and North deck. We prepared for a future dumbwaiter to bring groceries up from the garage and the recycled birch wood stairs are wider than usual to accommodate a stair lift if needed. Garage and downstairs are finished and have epoxy flooring throughout. Tiles are porcelain, mimicking a concrete floor (without the cracks). Carpet is an off-white Berber. There are two concrete steps leading to the office, concrete fire place surround and concrete walls in the master bath by Concrete Jungle of Colorado Springs. All glass doors are by DGI Denver. Doors for all closets and pantry are from Raydoor, New York (their work in our house is displayed on their website). The modern kitchen was designed and installed by KBI, Colorado Springs. All stainless steel appliances are Bosch, quiet and energy efficient.
On the exterior the house is fire resistant because of its standing seem metal roof, stucco and metal siding. There is also a ¾ “ gravel base as a safe zone around the house. Both decks are 24 gauge powder coated aluminum (by IntraWest Seamless, Colorado Springs). Yes, it sounds awful but it looks amazing. Railing has glass insets. Natural and watering free landscaping was performed by Avalon Design, Parker and flows with the treed environment. No boulders or rocks were purchased. All was saved from excavation and reused. Some of these boulders were 10-15 tons and needed to be moved with a crane. That was quite a scene.
With the house finished now, in summer we enjoy daily dinners at the North deck with its breath taking views, peace and quiet. The decision to move was a very difficult one. But in order to be close to our children, who live overseas, and not to deal with the stress of flying anymore, we decided this to be the best. We only hope that whoever acquires our place will appreciate and enjoy it as much as we do.