Yampa Valley Ranch Estate
A sprawling ranch estate with hand-split cedar as far as the eye can see
Location
Steamboat Springs, CO
Completed
2023
Roof Area
7,200 sq ft
Home Size
6,800 sq ft
Bedrooms
5
Bathrooms
6
Elevation
6,800 ft
Duration
16 weeks
Project Overview
The Yampa Valley Ranch Estate is a 6,800 sq ft single-story ranch home with a separate guest house and horse barn — all unified by matching premium hand-split cedar shake roofs totaling 7,200 sq ft of coverage. Set in a wildflower meadow along the Yampa River, this is Colorado ranching at its finest.
The Story
Richard and Anne B. relocated from Dallas to fulfill a lifelong dream of living on a working cattle ranch. They purchased 160 acres along the Yampa River and commissioned a home that would feel rooted in the landscape — as if it had always been there. The sprawling single-story design with deep covered porches was inspired by historic Colorado ranch houses, but with every modern amenity hidden behind the rustic facade. The cedar shake roof was non-negotiable — Richard's grandfather had been a cedar shake roofer in Oregon, and the material held deep personal significance.
Architectural Design
Ranch estate floor plan showing the main house, covered breezeway to guest house, and barn connection
Interior Highlights
The great room features a 20-foot ceiling with hand-hewn timber trusses and a double-sided stone fireplace shared with the dining room. The kitchen opens to a covered porch with an outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, and views of the Yampa River and the Flat Tops Wilderness beyond.
Project Specifications
Roofing Details
All three structures feature #1 grade hand-split cedar shakes from British Columbia, installed with a 10-inch exposure over skip sheathing. The main house, guest house, and barn roofs were installed sequentially to ensure color consistency across all structures. A breathable underlayment system allows the shakes to dry from both sides, extending their lifespan. All valleys are woven, and copper flashing is used throughout.
Key Features
- 7,200 sq ft of matching cedar shake across three structures
- Woven valleys on all buildings
- Copper flashing and custom chimney caps
- Fire-retardant treatment rated Class B
- Skip sheathing for optimal ventilation
Challenges & Solutions
The sheer scale of this project — 7,200 sq ft across three structures — made it one of the largest cedar shake installations in Steamboat Springs history. Coordinating the sequential installation across three buildings while maintaining color and quality consistency required meticulous planning and a dedicated crew of eight for the full 16-week duration.
"My grandfather would have been proud. Alpine Peak installed our cedar shake roof with the same care and craftsmanship he practiced 60 years ago. This is a roof built by people who love what they do."
— Richard B., Homeowner
