Retreat on the Ridge is a spacious contemporary house built into a hillside high above the valley in the renowned Spring Creek Ranch resort. There are gigantic, uninterrupted views from Retreat on the Ridge’s huge windows and wide porches: wide plains roll away to the base of the towering Tetons, a buck and rail fence follows the curve of a snowy hillside. Spring Creek Ranch borders a wildlife sanctuary, and eagles, elk, moose, mule deer and fox frequently pass by the house. Retreat on the Ridge is a winter idyll, removed from the bustle of the ski village, in which the comfort, long easy mornings and quiet evenings of a private house are made all the better by its proximity to the many, many cold weather pleasures of Jackson Hole.
Retreat on the Ridge presents itself quietly from the drive, giving no clue to the great unfolding of space and light within. Just past the front door and small foyer, a vast two story great room opens up, a room of creamy white walls and warm wood floors, a great vaulted ceiling spanned by natural wood beams arching overhead. The living and dining areas are here, warmed by a wood burning stone fireplace, and a wide deck runs the length of the room. The high windows are filled with mountains, snow, sky – a grand, ever-changing vision of Wyoming in winter. An open loft holding the office and fitness areas expands the living and dining space into the second floor. Simply and comfortably furnished, with an emphasis on clean lines and smooth textures, Retreat on the Ridge at Spring Creek Ranch is a true sanctuary.
A “floating” staircase rises through the house and pauses, open, at the kitchen and great room before continuing on. The kitchen is compact and beautifully efficient. Smooth wood cabinetry and a pantry hold all you need, and an adjacent sun-filled breakfast room is a peaceful spot in which to begin the day. A window over the kitchen sink looks to the wooded hillside; and in the other direction, out across the dining table; the western mountains are visible through the big windows.
The master bedroom stands just off, and slightly below, the great room and kitchen. It is a perfectly proportioned refuge, simple and restful. A door opens to a private deck, and the mountainous panorama enfolds the room. The wicker bed, facing the views and a flat-screen TV, is centred between two entrances to the master bath. The bathroom is built out from the house so that from its windows all that is visible are the hills falling away to the valley, the spiked horizon of mountains, and the sky. A big soaking tub, a separate shower, and double sinks round out the master bath.
Below the living room, down a floating staircase, are two guest bedrooms, each with walk-in closets and sunny, mirrored bathrooms. One of the rooms has its own private exit to a lovely landscaped sitting area. Above the living room, an open upper story holds the office and intimate, well-equipped fitness room. Both have wide flat screen monitors, windows to the great room and exterior views toward the wooded hillside.
At the base of Retreat on the Ridge, right under the master deck, is a comfortable, fun theatre room. Leather couches and armchairs are grouped around a big, wall-mounted movie screen. When the show comes to an end, doors lead to an outdoor terrace.
Retreat on the Ridge can be a haven to hole up in or the perfect launching pad for all that Spring Creek Ranch and neighboring Amangani have to offer: fabulous dining, a pool and fitness center, horseback riding, and a shuttle to and from town and the ski slopes. In winter, the activities are endless: dog sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, snow tubing, yoga retreats, and, of course, stupendous alpine and cross-country skiing. And afterwards, it is always a joy to return to the comforts and peace of Retreat on the Ridge at Spring Creek Ranch.
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