When an Alabama-based couple set out to create their Breckenridge vacation home, they arrived with a clear vision: as little visible drywall as possible. With Collective Design at the helm, that vision took shape in a way that feels both rustic and refined—rooted in reclaimed materials and crafted details that honor the character of place.
The first step was sourcing texture-rich materials to take the place of standard finishes. Longtime collaborator Hank Chapell, a Georgia-based wood supplier, introduced a palette of reclaimed woods from across the South. These storied materials became the foundation for a home defined by warmth, authenticity, and craft.
In partnership with BHH Partners and Pinnacle Mountain Homes, the 6,500-square-foot retreat was carefully designed and constructed over three years. The process required precision, given Breckenridge’s 9,600-foot elevation and the unique demands of snow load, watershed, and seasonal extremes. With engineering by Carl Warnke at Engineering Designworks, every system and layout was tailored for year-round resilience.
From the moment guests step through the custom eight-foot walnut-and-steel front door, the home makes its statement. Contrasting dark and light wood floors lead into an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, anchored by a grand wall of windows framing alpine views. Richly textured reclaimed walls, cold-rolled steel accents, and warm finishes bring the homeowners’ rustic vision to life—with no drywall in sight.
Custom details abound. A live-edge walnut bench greets visitors at the stairway. Over the dining table, a bespoke fixture—designed by Fusion Design, fabricated by Hubbardton Forge, and fitted with LED lights—mimics a constellation-filled night sky, fulfilling one of the homeowners’ most personal requests.
Upstairs, his-and-hers suites reflect complementary visions: one spa-like and serene, the other strong and masculine, unified through overlapping textures and a palette of soft grays. Additional guest suites, bunk rooms, and gathering spaces create a retreat as functional as it is inviting.
For the Keiths, Breckenridge was a return to a beloved place. “We settled on Breckenridge because we used to live in Denver in the ’90s. We wanted to return to the state, but in a city we knew we could enjoy year-round,” the husband shares. With skiing in the winter and biking, rafting, and hiking in the summer, the home was envisioned as both a family retreat and a year-round base for adventure.
The design embraces its surroundings with multiple raised patios, offering uninterrupted views and even the occasional wildlife encounter. “In this particular build, a moose commonly strolled onto the lot and tore up the landscaping,” recalls Bruno of Collective Design, laughing. The ever-changing natural backdrop—whether fragrant evergreens or snow-dusted peaks—cements the home’s identity as a true mountain retreat.
This Breckenridge residence is a testament to what happens when a client’s clarity of vision meets the collaborative expertise of Collective Design, Pinnacle Mountain Homes, and BHH Partners. The result: a home that is textured, personal, and deeply connected to its setting—proving that reclaimed materials and thoughtful design can elevate even the most rustic inspiration into something extraordinary.
