WOODLAND RETREAT
Nothing declares a mountain residence more definitively than a timber-framed home with authentic beams and wooden pegs. An elegant woodland home tucked into the steep hillside across from the HoliMont Ski Area in Ellicottville is such a residence.
“We wanted something close to where we live, someplace beautiful and filled with activities for our children and grandchildren,” say the homeowners. Ellicottville, a charming four-season resort town near the Allegheny Mountains was just the place.
Additionally, a mountain retreat made the perfect companion to the homeowners’ beachy vacation home in Florida.
Timberbuilt, known throughout the region for its rugged, hand-some and green approach, designed and constructed the frame. Philip Vogt Construction provided all the finishes. “We decided that if you really want the benefits of living in a mountain area you should get the expertise of the builders who specialize in that style and know the region,” say the homeowners. In this case, they needed experts who understood how to build a stylish chalet on steep, challenging terrain that could handle the burden of heavy snowfall while meeting the homeowners’ lifestyle desires.
The ruggedly elegant holiday home instantly sets the mood for a luxurious vacation in the woods. The timber frame is functional too. Naturally strong, it can easily sustain Ellicottville’s abundant snowfalls.
The home is designed with numerous separate living areas to comfortably accommodate up to 25 people. Three master bedrooms, two guest bedrooms and a bunk room are bundled with multiple kitchens, bathrooms and fireplaces. The heated upper driveway hosts a three-car garage and seven parking places.
A secondary garage houses a tractor for snow removal. Assertive stone pillars extend up to anchor the front porch railing. Earthy textures accentuate elegant angles and abundant light throughout the interior. The homeowners selected their own countertops, cabinets and flooring, then worked with a decorator who helped put it together. In a search for contemporary surprises to balance the rustic timbers, the wife found leopard print, outdoor furniture at Arthur’s Furniture for the covered back patio and fire pit.
The homeowners each have their own favorite part of their house. He loves the sports bar/man cave/bunk room over the garage. She loves the main kitchen that opens up to the family room. It’s no surprise, for all the home’s splendor, it is ultimately built on a foundation of family.