Stillwater River Retreat

By Julie Green, Magic City Magazine
Posted: Saturday, July 10, 2010 12:00 a.m.

Few sights are more stunning than the Stillwater River flowing out of the Beartooth Mountains. Sunlight and shadows bounce playfully off the water as it cascades over boulders, flowing rapidly through centuries-old channels.

Nestled next to the river in a forested setting, their home seamlessly blends the look and feel of a rustic lodge with every modern comfort. And despite its traditional appearance, it is anything but.

Inspired by a fishing lodge near Ennis, the home’s exterior looks as though it is constructed with rough-hewn logs.

Looks can be deceiving.

The “logs” are actually EverLogs.

Made out of a patented composite, they are crafted to have the exact character, texture and warm appearance of quality wood logs, minus the maintenance. They are also fire resistant — a significant advantage when building in forested areas.

Inside, the great room boasts cathedral ceilings with exposed cedar trusses. Sunlight streams through a wall of windows overlooking the river, and is reflected on the light-colored travertine floors. A rock fireplace with sandstone hearth not only adds warmth on cold winter nights, but also enhances the home’s retreat-like feel.

Also on the main level is the home’s bright kitchen, with knotty cherry cabinetry, shining appliances and swirling granite counter-tops. Off the kitchen is a second large deck perfect for outdoor dining and entertaining. The spacious master suite features a corner fireplace and large, private deck. Adjacent to the suite is the master bath, with a jetted tub, over-sized shower with tumbled travertine walls and slate flooring. A walk-in closet was a dream-come-true for the owners who, along with their children, lived in a small home with virtually no storage for three years while their home was being built.

A sweeping staircase with iron banisters leads upstairs. In the center is a loft area with dramatic views on two sides — perfect fora home office. Two more bedrooms, each with a full bath and small balcony, are located on either side the loft.

The lower level is completely finished and features a large exercise area, steam sauna, comfortable media and game room and a second kitchen. Doors open onto a ground-level patio complete with a barbecue and dining area. Unseen, yet integral to the home, is state-of-the-art integrated technology, which controls everything including the lighting, heating and cooling, security, satellite reception, home theater, even the window shades. Such a complex system might conjure thoughts of a jumbled pile of remote controls, the beauty of this customized system is its operational simplicity.

Wireless, touch screen key pads with simple control icons make the complex system intuitive and easy to control — from anywhere in the world. Blending rustic charm with modern amenities, this lodge along the Stillwater is a perfect family sanctuary.

It is this amazing view that greets one Columbus family every morning, while the sounds of fast-moving water sing them to sleep each night.