A 1970s Single-Story Ranch House Transformed into a Peaceful and Quiet Homestead
A 1970s Single-Story Ranch House Transformed into a Peaceful and Quiet Homestead
Name: Alexandra Rodriguez (owner/steward), Ralph (dog/rodent hunter), Cooper (livestock guardian dog), Fozzy (livestock guardian dog), SquirtDiggity (Blue Heeler/herding dog)
Location: Boulder County, Colorado
Size: 2,000 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years, owned
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It might be hard to picture, but this thoughtfully put-together farmhouse was once a sad, gray, stained carpeted nightmare (think Woodstock circa 1975, velour textures and all). After working on a 100-acre hemp farm just a few miles down the road, a close colleague of Alexandra’s introduced her to the property. Beneath a canopy of old satellites, overgrown junipers, and fence lines on the verge of toppling over, Alexandra and her mother, Robin, saw a gem waiting to be restored to its ranchette glory.
The single-story house here was built in the 1970s. Even though there was a major amount of gutting, updating, grading of the driveways, landscaping, and remodeling of the interior rooms, it has remained true to its original ranch style form. It is a simple space that is perfect for hosting guests without ever feeling too cramped.
You enter via the mudroom, which is in the middle of the east side of the house and opens up to the kitchen and living room. With windows on all sides, morning light pours in while drinking a cup of coffee and pulling on boots to go feed the animals. The previous owners were all stewards of the land. Some raised hogs and goats. Now, sheep rotationally graze the pasture. Moving sheep through the pasture brings fertility to the land, helping to regenerate soil, plant, and animal health.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Modern Ranch
Inspiration: Nature’s seasons here in Colorado. Setting our mind and body clock to nature’s rhythm is peculiarly life-affirming.
Favorite Element: The 180-degree view from the living room. The living room was an add-on that lets in natural light throughout the entire day. The views of Long’s Peak (a Colorado 14’er in Rocky Mountain National Park), the animals out at pasture (especially while snow falls), and the flames of the fireplace create rejuvenating moments of deep appreciation for the land. This element of home is perfect for recharging depleted batteries.
Biggest Challenge: Coming from Charleston, South Carolina, we were spoiled with home decor studios and boutiques. It was most difficult finding adequate help being new in the area. It was in getting to know our neighbors that we were able to connect with expert tradesmen and women. Cultivating community is what helped to bring our visions for this home to life.
Proudest DIY: Renovating the barns, and kitchen. Learning to install new flooring, roofing, and building barn doors, were some of the more challenging DIY projects. Thanks to all of the friends that helped us along the way!
Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? Consume things that are viscerally appealing to you. In all cases: home goods, food, clothing, art, music, plants. Conscious consumption always seems to result in timeless style.
Resources
ENTRY
- Sespe Hats — Laura Fullilove
- Wood Bench — Harwood Lumber
SMALL DINING ROOM
- Black and White Print — Habitat Home and Garden
LIVING ROOM
- Round Wooden Coffee Table — Crate and Barrel
KITCHEN
- Countertops — Hardwood Lumber
- Charcuterie Board — Soon to be released on Jane and Her Joe
- Stools — American Furniture Warehouse
FRONT ROOM
- Textile Block Prints — Habitat Home and Garden
- Media Console — HD Buttercup
- Artwork above Console — HD Buttercup
- Bookcases — American Furniture Warehouse
- White Chairs — Woodley’s Furniture
PRIMARY BEDROOM
- Bedding — Cedar and Hyde
- Bedside Bar Cart/Table — Serena & Lily
- Artwork by Closet — Annual Native American auction, held at Boulder County Fairgrounds every October. The artist’s name is: R.C. Gorman
GUEST BEDROOM
- Humming Bird Oil Paintings — Local Artist: Amanda Faubus
- Bedding — CB2
BATHROOM (EN SUITE)
- Appliances — Delta and IKEA
- Robe — Hotel San Jose in Austin, Texas
OFFICE
- Light — Lumen Area
Thanks Alexandra!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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