By Kira Koldeway

For years, David and Sherry had been searching for the right piece of land in Colorado to build a retreat for their family. When they learned of a ranch for sale outside of Red Feather Lakes where David hunted as a child, the couple jumped at the opportunity to own a piece of his childhood, and better yet, to share it with their sons.

The mountain setting was undeniably beautiful, but it was also remote, inaccessible and unimproved, presenting a unique set of challenges for any builder.

Drawing on extensive experience in complex mountain environments, the HighCraft Builders team began by carefully cutting in a gently graded road. From there, precision blasting through bedrock made way for the well, septic system and foundation of what would become the four-bedroom, four-bath custom home.

David and Sherry envisioned a private mountain retreat, one that encouraged time together and deepened their connection with each other, the surrounding landscape, and their history. In collaboration with HighCraft, they embraced a design that frames the mountain views while incorporating dedicated spaces to showcase their family mementos.

As for the home’s design inspiration, they chose the modern mine style frequently seen throughout Colorado’s mountain towns. “Modern mine is a reinterpretation of the structures found at iconic mining claims of the Old West,” says Jill Sanchez, HighCraft’s design manager. “Think tall mineshafts, industrial metal details, timber framing and other rustic finishes that symbolize the rough-hewn history of Colorado, but with a clean, modern aesthetic.”

On the home’s exterior, a three-story tower offers a contemporary interpretation of an 1800s mining headhouse once used to draw ore from the hillside. Nearby, a distinctive prow with walls of windows captures expansive views of the surrounding landscape, while a wrap-around deck encourages seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Thick timbers, natural stone, and heavy steel beams extend from the exterior to the interior, reinforcing design continuity throughout the home. Live-edge siding, milled from rough-sawn pine and stained an aged gray, is also carried inside, echoing the character of wood weathered over time.

In the vaulted great room, a two-story fireplace serves as a striking focal point. “I love the mix of stone and metal panels wrapping all four sides,” Sanchez says. “It really anchors the family gathering spaces.”

The attention to detail carries up to the primary suite on the third floor, where a custom metal railing is crafted as a topographic map of the lake where David spent time hunting and fishing as a boy. It’s a quiet reminder of the memories that first drew him to this place, now shared with his own family.

Modern finishes balance the rustic elements of the home with sleek plumbing and light fixtures as well as drywall-wrapped windows with black frames. In the kitchen, five glass pendant lights hang dramatically from the rafters high above the island. The quartz countertop, with its waterfall edge and pronounced veining, adds rich texture and visual interest. Industrial rivets on the burnished steel range hood lend character and depth to the modern mine aesthetic.

Function was carefully considered throughout the design, with features that support how the family uses the home. Smaller bedrooms and expansive gathering spaces were prioritized to encourage time together. The exception is a six-bed bunk room on the lower level, designed for sleepovers and extended family stays. The cozy reading nook and open gaming area make it a favorite hangout spot. “Our ranch is a place where everyone can just be—whatever they need to feel replenished,” Sherry says. “This is the way we live. Everybody is connected.” With family at the center of it all, HighCraft’s team found the work especially meaningful.

“Sherry and David’s dedication to family and connection to the land is inspiring,” Sanchez says. “It’s been rewarding to design and build a home where they can get away, spend time with each other and the outdoors and create lasting memories together.”

Photos by Summit + Cedar Photography and CassiHise Photography