Steamboat Heritage Ranch

Project Overview

The Steamboat Heritage Ranch is a 5,800 sq ft estate that pays homage to the region's cattle ranching roots while incorporating every modern luxury. The owners insisted on cedar shake — the traditional roofing material of the Yampa Valley — installed to the highest possible standard.

The Story

William and Margaret H. are fourth-generation Coloradans whose family has ranched in the Yampa Valley since 1892. When they decided to build their retirement home on a portion of the original family ranch, there was never any question about the roof material. Cedar shake is part of the valley's DNA. But they wanted it done right — not the thin, machine-cut shakes found on most modern homes, but thick, hand-split premium grade shakes that would develop a beautiful silver patina over the decades. Alpine Peak sourced the cedar from a sustainable forestry operation in British Columbia and hand-sorted every shake for quality before installation.

Architectural Design

Main floor plan showing the wraparound porch and connection to the guest house and barn

Interior Highlights

The great room features a 20-foot ceiling with hand-hewn timber beams salvaged from a century-old barn in Hayden. The kitchen includes a commercial-grade Thermador range, custom alder cabinetry, and a 10-foot island with seating for eight. French doors open to a covered porch overlooking the Yampa River.