Living Large
A Vail ski house expands its horizons.
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The Idylllic mountain retreat of Vailis in European terms, a fairly recent phenomenon. In the thick of World War II, Colorado’s Gore Range was the domain of the army’s soon-to-be-legendary 10th Mountain Division, ski-toting soldiers who were instrumental in securing the jagged reaches of northern Italy for the Allies. Not long after the war ended, division veterans Pete Seibert, Bill Brown and Bob Parker returned to the scene of their training with a crystalline thought: Why not turn a staging ground for war into a mecca for fun?
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The 6,500-square-foot home underwent a dramatic renovation, which included the
restoration of the 22-foot-high wood-beamed living room ceiling. Art adviser
Victoria Espy Burns chose a painting by Ena Swansea to hang over the fireplace
and an African Kuba cloth (a ceremonial dance skirt from the Congo) for the
adjacent wall. Tanzanian ritual house posts stand left of the fireplace. (Click image to enlarge.)
In 1962, their dream became reality as the first skiers schussed their way down Vail’s slopes. Four decades later, the ski area, a few minutes from Avon’s private airport, has become one of America’s most desirable winter destinations, with a staggering array of groomed and backcountry trails as well as a ski town that can party with the best of them. No wonder George and Lainie Garrick decided this was the ne plus ultra spot for their vacation getaway.
An enchanting vision in stone and wood, the home’s showstopping appeal starts with its unique location, just off a ski run not far from Beaver Dam and LionsHead, which comprise the heart of Vail. One of very few private residences with ski-in/ski-out access, the Garrick house is perfectly situated for the family of five’s encounters with area instructors, who simply glide up to the back door to pick up their students.
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For those who prefer to stay warm indoors (Lainie), the 6,500-square-foot,
three-story retreat boasts oversize furniture in most of its supersize rooms,
dramatic naturally finished beams that lend a rough-hewn look and, of course,
views of snow-covered pines and a nearby chairlift from most rooms. It is the
sort of place that seems tailor-made to advertise the lodge life. But the house
did not always exude such charm.
Robert Holgate Design
415.431.6511
www.robertholgatedesign.com
Victoria Espy Burns
Espy
Burns Fine Art
847.835.3660
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