Like the Hamptons are to New York, so is Aspen to Dallas and Houston. Texans have an affinity for Colorado’s elevated living, and DEMESNE has recently completed two inspired ranches in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley, both for clients from Dallas.

AT THE JOB SITE

Eagle Creek Ranch is located 16 miles from downtown Aspen near the Roaring Fork Club. The property’s calling card is the emphasis on access to thoughtful exterior spaces that celebrate elevated living in the Roaring Fork Valley. “The owners are members of the Club and purchased adjacent land. They wanted to remain involved in Club culture, but desired a larger home than existing residential cabins,” says DEMESNE co-founder Richard Mullen. “It’s compatible with the Club’s existing architectural vocabulary yet embraces the lifestyle and aesthetic of the client.”

Additionally, the Residence at Roaring Fork Meadows overlooks an existing pond, which was expanded to create a reflecting pool. This lends a notable first impression and supports on-property fishing and swimming. Situated on 16-acres, the six-bedroom, eight-bath house uses Colorado’s rural vernacular to not only break down the massing of the home’s long façade, but represents the client’s expanded vision of a Colorado cabin. “The house was sited in a natural hallow with privacy in mind,” Mullen explains. “As a result, no other buildings are visible. Downtown Basalt and the Roaring fork Club are just a five-minute drive away, yet you feel in the middle of the Rocky Mountain Wilderness.”

IN THE FIELD

We recently returned from the annual Lodging Conference, staged from Phoenix in late October, which we attended with our Con Amor client from Costa Rica.

Founded by Jamie Olsen Ali and Richard Mullen, DEMESNE celebrates lifestyle and legacy in both the physical and built environment. Whether designing a ranch estate, mountain enclave, townhome, beach retreat, or boutique hotel, DEMESNE leverages its collective skills to craft unique environments and the objects that define them.