Margaret Coblentz and Geoff Miller, a couple united by their passion for skiing, embarked on a journey to create a family retreat that harmonized their love for the sport with the warmth of family gatherings. Although they called San Francisco home, the allure of the Midwest and Kentucky, combined with the accessibility of Utah, drew them towards building a ski retreat near Deer Valley. This decision was driven by their desire to share their chosen lifestyle with their extended family and friends, making it a destination for togetherness and adventure.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Pre-approved Architectural Plans
Interior Designer: Senalee Kapelevich, SVK Interior Design
Location: Deer Valley, Utah
Concept: California Charm in Mountain Setting
Primary Residence: San Francisco, California
Initially, Coblentz and Miller invested in a fully furnished home in the picturesque Deer Valley area. However, the traditional design of this house didn’t resonate with their personal taste or vision of a dream retreat. Recognizing an opportunity, they seized the chance to purchase an empty ski-in/ski-out lot. Although the lot came with a set of pre-approved architectural plans, the couple saw this as a foundation upon which to build something uniquely theirs. With the help of their friend, Senalee Kapelevich, owner of SVK Interior Design, they embarked on crafting a home that married the essence of a mountain retreat with their own Californian flair.
Miller shared the couple’s architectural aspirations, noting the two dominant aesthetics for mountain homes: the rustic, traditional Western style and the stark, cold modern designs. In envisioning their new home, they aimed for a synthesis that would capture the serenity of mountain living while reflecting their contemporary taste. They wanted a retreat that felt harmonious in its natural setting but retained a warm and welcoming ambiance that was distinctly theirs. In this venture, Kapelevich played a pivotal role, leveraging her long-standing relationship with the couple to seamlessly blend the rustic charm of the mountains with a modern, Californian influence.
Their approach to the project was methodical. The couple considered various elements they desired in a mountain home and evaluated other properties to refine their vision. They drew on their experiences and influences from previous design projects, particularly their San Francisco residence, and aimed to create a home that was as functional as it was beautiful. The inclusion of ample space for gatherings and personal relaxation spots were paramount in their plans. Key features also included large windows that framed the majestic views, and architectural choices that enhanced the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
For Coblentz and Miller, this home represented more than just a physical space. It was a manifestation of their shared passions and the life they envisioned together — one that encapsulated the thrill of skiing with the intimacy of family bonding. The home was designed to be a hub not just for recreation, but also for relationships. The thoughtful integration of design elements facilitated this by fostering an environment that encouraged lingering conversations and shared experiences amid the beauty of the Utah mountains.
In reflecting on their journey from acquiring the lot to realizing their dream home, Coblentz and Miller attribute much of their success to the cohesive collaboration with their designer Kapelevich. Their shared vision of intertwining “California, but in the mountains” ethos inspired a retreat that resonates with warmth, elegance, and an enduring connection to nature. The home stands as a testament to the couple’s adventurous spirit and dedication to creating a sanctuary that honors both their lifestyle and the bonds they cherish with family and friends.
