COLLECTING HISTORY of the COLORADO
HIGH COUNTRY
Story by Kathryn Retzler. Roger Young photography.
AT FIRST GLANCE, you
wouldn’t
think these two homes have a lot in
common other than geographic location. But they do. Although
vastly different in concept and architectural style—late Victorian
versus present-day Santa Fe Southwestern, both dwellings are filled
with art and artifacts lovingly collected over many years. These
collections pay tribute to and highlight the cultural heritage of
the area.
Most importantly, packing little more than a toothbrush, you could comfortably move into any of these homes tomorrow. Both homes might be filled with museum-quality collectibles, but neither is a museum or art gallery with silent “do not touch” signs gratuitously posted. Both abodes shout “Welcome Home!” in capital letters.
Most importantly, packing little more than a toothbrush, you could comfortably move into any of these homes tomorrow. Both homes might be filled with museum-quality collectibles, but neither is a museum or art gallery with silent “do not touch” signs gratuitously posted. Both abodes shout “Welcome Home!” in capital letters.
For the most part,
the interior of the older home, built in the late 1800s by one of
Ouray’s pioneering entrepreneurs, is a classic example of the American
Arts and Crafts period. Inside, you will find Mission style furniture
in beautifully finished natural woods and upholstered chairs and sofas
in leather, velvet, and lovely natural fabrics. Accent pieces
(especially occasional tables, chests and cabinets) are often painted
or inlaid, or have a distressed finish. Floors are hardwood, some of
them intricately inlaid in contrasting woods. Walls and ceilings are
covered in period wall coverings and finished with decorative friezes
and moldings. Red appears as a dominant accent color throughout. Area
rugs are woven in medieval European, Oriental, and Islamic design—all
precursors to Native American weavings (especially fine Navajo rugs)
which are also part of that design movement. 
Except
for the decorative wall coverings, much the same description applies to
the newer home—wood floors (note the intricate inlay on the kitchen
floor on the left), fine fabrics, intricately finished accent pieces.
The dining room (of the southwestern home, bottom, right) even sports
three deep red walls! Both homes also make use of stained glass in
windows and light fixtures, and both include collections of glass,
pottery, bronzes, and original paintings and photography. A common
theme runs through these collections: careful preservation of a place
and time. A quick walk through either provides an overview of
southwest Colorado and the Four Corners. A leisurely perusal is a
pleasant history lesson. Because the older home dates back to Ouray’s boomtown mining and railroad days, memorabilia of that era is prevalent in photography and collectibles. Even the original owner’s business card is on display.
The most obvious
difference
between these two homes is how the
architect used light and incorporated the views that are so much a part
of Ouray County. In the Ouray home, heavy drapes and gauzy curtains
partially cover many (but not all) of the windows. The Ridgway home
embraces the light. Windows are large and mostly uncovered. “We wanted
to take advantage of the views as much as possible,” the owners stated.
The main living area faces south, allowing for a sit-down view of Mt. Abrams. Even the laundry room has a small, oval glass window (brought from the owner’s previous home in New York) that allows a peek of the mountains while folding the sheets. Another surprise is what appears to be a collectible cupboard, but when the doors are opened, they open onto yet another view. No room is without one.
Like so many people either born or transplanted here, these homeowners love the area’s tumultuous, eclectic, and colorful history. Their homes faithfully reflect their fascination with the past, while discreetly incorporting modern ammenities. A neat feat, and one nicely accomplished in both properties.
The main living area faces south, allowing for a sit-down view of Mt. Abrams. Even the laundry room has a small, oval glass window (brought from the owner’s previous home in New York) that allows a peek of the mountains while folding the sheets. Another surprise is what appears to be a collectible cupboard, but when the doors are opened, they open onto yet another view. No room is without one.
Like so many people either born or transplanted here, these homeowners love the area’s tumultuous, eclectic, and colorful history. Their homes faithfully reflect their fascination with the past, while discreetly incorporting modern ammenities. A neat feat, and one nicely accomplished in both properties.
Photo Captions from top to bottom
1. Top: Santa Fe style blended with contemporary and traditional furnishings, then accented with Oriental and Native American art contrasts with Victorian home faithfully furnished (right down to the wall coverings and light fixtures) in the American Arts and Crafts style.
2. Center right: Dining rooms of both homes reflect owners taste in furnishings, glass and collectibles.
3. Center Left: Victorian home features a working cookstove and intricate, inlaid floor Southwestern home uses hand-crafted wood in cabinetr and center island accented by brass and glass.