Isabelle and her husband have lived all over the world, but when they want to feel “at home” they retreat to Aspen, Colorado.
World travelers, the couple has seen the best of everything. From Brazil to France, New York to Chicago, and London to Philadelphia, they have lived in some of the most exciting and enviable regions in the world. When they visited Aspen, Colorado, they discovered a place unlike any other, and knew instantly they had to have a piece of it for themselves.
Five years ago, the couple came to Colorado on a weekend trip, not knowing how it would change their lives. Isabelle was especially affected, as she took in the natural beauty of the area. “I loved it instantly,” she says. “I had always liked the French Alps, but this is even better. The views are more open, and I think the skiing is better, and safer.” Knowing they would want to come back again and again, they decided to look for a vacation home that would meet their need for both relaxation and fun.
They wanted a place large enough to accommodate guests located close enough to town to take advantage of the ski slopes, and the view had to be stunning. As soon as they saw Starwood Estate, they knew they had found what they were looking for. “We actually were only looking for a vacation chalet,” says Isabelle, but when the couple saw the house and all its features they were sold. “The views are unmatchable, the house has a 180-degree view of all four mountains which is really hard to find.” They bought the property that same weekend.
A complete renovation of the house had been completed just before they bought it and Isabelle eagerly took on the task of decorating and designing the home to her exacting standards. With the help of interior design company Starwood Designs, she selected both the furniture and the décor. Even the artwork was specially commissioned. Every detail reflects her elegant tastes, and love of fine things.
One of the best features of the home is that it has several fireplaces. “We are lucky enough to have two of the very few wood-burning fireplaces in Aspen, because the original structure is old,” Isabelle explains. “They are illegal to include in new houses now.” To highlight this unique and beautiful feature, she designed panels that flank the fireplace, filled with beautiful cut logs.
One of their favorite spaces in the home is the open kitchen and cozy breakfast room. “We love that there is a fireplace in the breakfast room; that’s where everyone spends their time. It’s really where the life of the house is.” They also love having amenities right inside the house such as a gym, a private cinema, and a wine room. In fact, Isabelle advises guests to “plan activities before arrival. The house is so nice that if you don’t plan some activities ahead you’ll never leave it!”
The size of the home makes it the perfect place to entertain friends and family. “We love the social life here. We can entertain huge groups and play games, or soak in the spa while admiring the view.” In the summer, the pool doors open completely to create an indoor-outdoor pool. There is plenty of space for everyone to have their fill of either solitude or activity – without ever having to leave the house.
Of course, Aspen offers plenty of temptation to get out and explore. It is located in a small valley in the Rocky Mountains, with the Roaring Fork river running through its heart. Its remoteness grants visitors privacy and peace. People come here to get away from the pressures of their lives and the noise and rush of civilization. It has long been a favorite retreat for celebrities, writers, politicians and corporate executives alike.
Starwood Estate is just minutes away from some of the finest skiing in the USA. The four ski areas are open from late November into April, providing groomed ski trails which are both challenging and fun. Just last season, Isabelle’s son won a silver medal in Aspen’s Nastar, a national ski competition.
If you want a unique winter vacation experience, the couple suggest you try ride through the countryside with a dog-sledding team. Krabloonik Restaurant & Dog Sledding offers and exhilarating ride through beautiful countryside, followed by a gourmet meal in a romantic log cabin.
When the seasons change and the snow melts, Aspen continues to offer plenty of reasons to visit, with events like the Aspen Ideas Festival and an excellent music festival. Several country trails can be found right outside the door of Starwood Estate – you can follow them into town, only 3 miles away, or head off into open country. During their summer visits, Isabelle often takes her family biking along the Roaring Fork or through the beautiful Aspen groves and pine forests of the area. They also go hiking, their favorite summer activity.
One of her family’s favorite places to eat is the Woody Creek Tavern, an old haunt of gonzo writer Hunter Thompson, which has a funky vibe and can be reached either by car or by bike as you ride out of town. For breakfast try the Main Street Bakery & Cafe, which has a hometown feel. If you’re craving a more intimate dining experience, ask the private chef to provide a five-course meal for an evening or two in-house at Starwood Estate.
When you’ve had a day full of good friends, great fun, and fantastic food, Isabelle suggests stepping outside to watch the mountain sunset from the deck. As the light fades from the day, the sky begins to light up with stars. “The stars are unbelievable in Aspen. It’s so remote, and there are no cities nearby, so you can see millions of stars.”
Starwood Estate provides all of the comforts of a luxury Aspen home and more,with world-class adventures nearby and fabulous shopping and dining options in town. Though they have had homes all over the world, it’s easy to understand why Isabelle says, “This is home.”
*Originally published in Luxury Retreats Magazine
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