From the Editor: The Aha Moment

A note from Colorado Homes & Lifestyles' Editor in Chief, Darla Worden.

9 hours ago

Darla Worden,

Photo: Povy Kendal Atchison

When looking to buy, build or renovate a mountain home, many of us experience an “aha moment”—that instant when something clicks into place. In this issue, homeowners share their stories, from one family finding the right place to build a home in Vail (even though they hadn’t been looking) to another deciding to buy an Aspen home while biking. A third family considered a move from their beloved Aspen condo when they needed more space—only to come full circle and decide that with a remodel, it was the best place for them.

An outdoor-loving Atlanta family had been coming to the Vail area for decades, living in the home they thought was their long-term place—until they discovered a remarkable lot with creekside access and a seasonal waterfall. They decided to jump in, figuratively, and build a new home tailor-made for them. “Being able to step outside and sit by the creek and fish or sit by the water is a simple luxury that never gets old,” says the homeowner.

In the 1970s, designer Caitlin Dirkes’ late grandfather purchased a condo just two blocks from the gondola at Aspen Mountain, enjoyed by the entire family. But as time passed and the family grew, their needs changed. When searching other mountain towns for a solution eventually brought them back to their beloved condo, Dirkes undertook a total make-it-work customization. “It was like living in a boat, everything was so tiny,” she recalls of the challenge. Her personal account runs in full on our website.

For a Mexico-based couple who had visited Aspen for years, a bike ride through the West End was the light bulb moment. “We looked at each other,” says the homeowner, “and said, ‘Let’s buy a house right here … right now.’” The growth of their family sparked a renovation that included more beds, creating clever sleeping spaces with style, page 58.

Our mountain issue arrives in your mailbox as we segue into spring—a perfect time to get in some spring skiing and have a mountain getaway of your own.