When avid fly fisherman and golf enthusiast Robert Markstein decided to live full time in Wyoming, he found his perfect paradise at 3 Creek Ranch. The exclusive residential development, organically situated amid the wide-open spaces of a well preserved wildlife habitat, is just a five-minute drive from the town of Jackson, Wyoming.  The natural surroundings are graced with the pristine, high mountain waters of Spring, Cody, and Blue Crane Creeks, each a critical spawning ground for the native cutthroat trout, an angler’s delight.  Additionally, the fairways and greens of a Rees Jones designed 18-hole golf course, environmentally placed to follow the natural contours of the land, meanders among the waterways and native grasses.

Mountain Chic Wyoming Cowgirl Magazine

Markstein chose a site in the southwest corner of 3 Creek that ensures both privacy and jaw-dropping views of the Grand Tetons, as well as the area’s resident moose, deer, elk, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles and trumpeter swans. Matt Thackray of Carney, Logan, Burke Architects in Jackson shepherded the project, keeping Markstein’s specific requests in mind.  The aim was to create a residence that honored the rugged locale, but exhibited a streamlined, contemporary flair while retaining traditional forms that would respect and reflect the intrinsic beauty of the surroundings.

Thackray’s choice of durable, yet edgy materials for both interior and exterior surfaces was critical to achieving the desired sophistication of the structure. Raw, unstained concrete for the floors lends an vaguely industrial, urban loft feel to the home.  The cedar shake and standing seam copper roof was chosen to complement the cedar siding of the exterior walls, which are finished to emulate weathered barn wood. A front door clad in bonderized steel completes the rustic and masculine aesthetic.

Mountain Chic Wyoming Cowgirl Magazine

The kitchen area mirrors the strong, sleek vibe of the rest of the residence. Custom–built concrete counter tops are fronted by cabinets of  “Sapele” wood, a species of African mahogany.  Steel floating shelves designed by Thakray are anchored to the wall without visible support; the ribbed, rectangular glass tiles were finished around them. The tiles, by Walker Zanger 6th Avenue, were inspired by Marstein’s visits to The Slanted Door, an esteemed Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco.  The faucet above the vault sink is Kohler’s “Evoke.” Above, hammered steel accent bowls reflect light while stylish succulents contribute a balancing  greenery and life to the space. The lustrous, yellow-orange, hand blown glass bowl is by artist Liz Peet. A handsome fruit bowl with copper metallic glaze was sourced from Dwelling.  The white dinnerware is from crate & barrel.

Mountain Chic Wyoming Cowgirl Magazine

The central hearth, a focal point of the residence, is constructed of board-formed concrete and blackened steel. These two building materials are liberally used throughout the interior and exterior to enhance a congruent flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The coffee table of reclaimed barn wood and steel was custom designed by artist Phil Keleny at Heirloom Innovations in Alpine, Wyoming. Square club chairs are upholstered in an almond and navy fabric from Threads. Colorful throw pillows on the navy blue crushed velvet covered sofa are from Larsen Fabrics. A faux bois rug adds a sensuous base.

Mountain Chic Wyoming Cowgirl Magazine

The outdoor terrace continues the design approach of the interior rooms, with a one of a kind reclaimed wood and steel table, and an outdoor hearth nearby.  Interior Designer Kate Binger found the table at the New York Design Show.  Boxy woven club chairs from Crate and Barrel maintain the linear angles of the space, but are lightened up with chartreuse cushions and tangerine and teal pillows.

Mountain Chic Wyoming Cowgirl Magazine

Blackened steel elements in the master bedroom echo the ambiance of the 1,000 square foot living pavilion below.  A north facing wall sports sleek recessed baseboards flush with the wall. Industrial-inspired cabled ceiling supports juxtaposed with creamy hemlock above the sleeping area make for a hip twist. The custom designed duvet is hand washed linen. European pillows in gray silk frame squares in black and white cowhide, topped with Trina Turk’s tangerine striped pillows. An ingenious storage area is discreetly positioned behind the headboard. The bundle stick coffee table and grey and white herringbone throw are both from Interior Designer Kate Binger’s boutique dwelling, in Jackson. Chevron pillows on the club chairs are by Trina Turk.

(Originally published in the October 2014 issue of Cowgirl Magazine).

(Photography by David J. Swift).