My Houzz: European Country Style in Colorado
Defying a challenging lot, height restrictions and a short time frame, a couple builds a stunning home and backyard space for their family
This sloped lot in a beautiful Denver suburb presented three challenges to its new owners: How to build a second floor within local height restrictions, manage the extremely sloped back lot and build the entire home within a nine-month window before school began. Jeff and Kristina Haskins had quite the task ahead of them, but with the help of architect Mark Donaldson and architectural designer Rhonda Hiatt, they realized their vision of a European country home in Colorado.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jeff and Kristina Haskins, their 4 children and 2 Shiba Inus
Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado
Size: 9,000 square feet; 7 bedrooms plus an attached apartment the couple rents out
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jeff and Kristina Haskins, their 4 children and 2 Shiba Inus
Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado
Size: 9,000 square feet; 7 bedrooms plus an attached apartment the couple rents out
The home's exterior exudes an old-world beauty, like that of a European country home.
Placing the home slightly below street level helped manage height restrictions. Several tiered sections in the garden evolved as a result, creating a private and intimate backyard.
An outdoor patio looks out to the tiered garden, outdoor living rooms and play areas.
One tier holds this fire pit and casual seating area. Kristina salvaged the seating from a giant tree that was cut down in the neighborhood. An expansive lawn with an inground trampoline sits above this tier, while a grass volleyball court lies below, on the yard's lowest level.
This intimate additional garden can be seen outside the kitchen windows. Just below and along a neighborhood road, it remains hidden by a giant thick hedge of lilacs.
A foyer and grand staircase beyond the home's front door lead to a colonial-inspired center hall dining room. Flanked by the kitchen and the master suite, the dining room also has access to a covered patio through the French doors.
This custom wine storage doubles as the centerpiece of the dining room. "The wine is mostly everyday drinkers and pinot noir with fun labels," says Kristina.
Kristina designed this concrete sink in the entry powder bath. The special faucet and chandelier add to the mix of old and new.
The couple reconfigured the master suite in 2011. "The house is designed to be a great empty-nester, with only the master suite on the main floor," says Kristina.
A spacious kitchen, an informal dining room and family rooms make up the south side of the house. The kitchen is in the center of the floor plan and serves as the heart of the home. The lack of upper cabinetry gives it an open, European feel. The countertops and integral sink are made of Turkish limestone.
With four children and a love of entertaining, the Haskinses added extra lounging and living space.
This family room — open to the previous space — provides additional space for both small groups and larger parties. Each room has been decorated in Kristina's signature style, which is traditional but eclectic and has a comfortable feel.
Just beyond the family room, this covered patio is one of the most used spaces in the house. A high roof with skylights, a fireplace, outdoor heaters and relaxed furniture allow the family to use the space year round. With access to the office, dining room, family room and kitchen, the patio is the perfect entertaining space.
The simple design of the fireplace allows a Danish salvaged centerpiece, called "The Sower," to star.
Jeff's stately wood-paneled office often serves as an impromptu bar during parties.
Four bedrooms sit above the main entrance. Each pair of bedrooms, one pair for the two sons and one for the two daughters, is connected by a bathroom, and all the rooms on this floor have easy access to a central television room.
Old dressers repurposed with fresh paint serve as vanities in the girls' bathroom.
The couple’s and builder’s attention to detail resulted in a property that feels like it has evolved over many years — instead of just nine months.
See more photos of this house
See more photos of this house