Hidden Mine Ranch. Crested Butte, CO

Whetstone Retreat

Tucked into a spruce and aspen forest at the base of Whetstone Mountain, this all electric, high performance home was designed as a peaceful retreat for a Front Range couple seeking deeper connections to nature and family. Set at the end of a quiet road with direct trail access, the home embraces its remote surroundings with a compact footprint and meditative flow.

The light-filled, linear plan gently ascends with the slope of the land, leading visitors from shared gathering spaces to tranquil private rooms. Anchored by a vaulted central living area that opens to south-facing views of aspen meadows and rugged rocky peaks beyond,, the layout prioritizes calm, connection, and uninterrupted mountain sightlines.

The home’s energy-efficient systems include air-to-water heat pumps, a detached solar photovoltaic array, and thermally broken window assemblies to support year-round comfort. A blend of light-colored glulam beams and dark cedar siding play on the strong contrast of the forest. Stone columns firmly root the building into its natural setting.

A unique double-column structural system removes columns from the wall to allow continuous glazing. A dedicated listening room doubles as an office and offers a seamless transition to a work patio. Contemplative meditation spaces offer opportunities for solitude in nature.

This thoughtful and efficient modern alpine retreat reflects the lifestyle and values of its owners.

Status:

Completion 2026

Type:

New Construction

Use:

Single-Family Residence

Size:

2,800 sqft

Landscape Architect:

Rewild Design Studio

Structural / Mechanical Engineer:

Resource Engineering Group

Interiors:

Interni Design Studio

Contractor:

Smithworks Natural Homes

Design Highlights:

  • Linear layout designed to follow natural slope of the site
  • Vaulted great room with panoramic views of Whetstone Mountain
  • Seamless indoor–outdoor flow via operable glazing and forest-facing patios
  • Dedicated listening room and home office with access to outdoor workspace
  • Energy-efficient building envelope with double-column structure and high-performance windows
  • All-electric heating system
  • Photovoltaic array on roof structure adjacent to home provides power
  • Blended palette of glulam, stone, and cedar siding to root home in its environment

Related Projects:

128 Silver Sage Dr.
206 Pyramid Ave
45 Silver Sage Dr. West