This gorgeous ranch house has undergone a complete transformation by the architectural studio Design Workshop, nestled in the mountains of Old Snowmass, Colorado. Old Snowmass is a hamlet nestled northwest of Aspen that is known for its large ranches and the natural beauty of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The sprawling 72-acre property consists of a main house, fishing cabin, pavilion, caretaker house, and an equipment barn. 

Grounded by restraint and authenticity, this rustic ranch celebrates Western land stewardship. Just like most agricultural and ranch lands in the American West whose fate is tied to adequate water and constant upkeep, this ranch was a neglected property populated with ad hoc improvements, debris, noxious weeds, and barren soils.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE Design Workshop INTERIOR DESIGN Pearson Design Group BUILDER North Fork Builders

Despite its unsightly appearance and unproductive landscape, remnants of its ranching heritage remained, including a century-old barn. Intrigued by the property’s conservation potential, the landowners set a course to rehabilitate and integrate the historic structure into a family homestead that reflects the beauty and history of its surroundings.

From the beginning, restraint—in design, development, and construction—was key to success in this high-elevation, arid montane meadow and shrubland environment.

As such, the design introduces a collection of understated, rustic structures and landscape interventions, each sited sensitively to assume a reciprocal relationship to the context.

To improve wildlife forage and cover, dense oak stands were selectively thinned while supplemental plantings enriched woodland, meadow, and riparian ecosystems.

Unified by a curated palette of stone, the transformation reestablishes the character and values of this once-neglected site.

What We Love: This ranch house has undergone a complete transformation into a beautiful family homestead surrounded by the magnificence of nature. The property offers complete privacy with plenty of space to roam while offering a host of options for accommodating guests. There is an abundance of wood and stone to create an atmosphere of rustic warmth, idyllic throughout the seasons. Overall, we think the project team did a fabulous job of producing a timeless home that is luxurious yet inviting. 

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Note: Have a look at a couple of our favorite home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the interior designers of this project, Pearson Design Group: Rustic-modern mountain ranch nestled in the rugged Montana landscape and A rustic chic family hideaway in Big Sky: Freedom Lodge.

Photos: David O. Marlow Photography