Cultivating the Ridge: A Fifteen-Year Evolution

Renovating a 4,000-square-foot executive ranch is a journey of patience and the kind of raw effort that doesn’t show up in glossy magazines. When we first stepped into the guardianship of this thirty-year-old home, we knew it wouldn’t be a weekend project. What we initially estimated as a five-to-ten-year endeavor has evolved into a fifteen-year mission. This isn’t a project of convenience or quick turnarounds; it is a deep-rooted commitment to intentional restoration over a lifetime.

The Tangle & The Threshold
One of our first priorities was the exterior. When we arrived, the house was nearly lost to the wild—overrun with standing dead spruce, a forest of weeds, and creeping junipers that had completely obscured the home’s silhouette. We spent two months in an intense battle with the overgrowth, clearing deadfall and wrestling with stubborn lilac bushes that had claimed the perimeter.
Once the property was cleared, the silhouette finally began to emerge. But uncovering the house was only the beginning; we then had to refine the aesthetic.

The Palette: From Wrangler to Twinberry
To honor the heritage of the 1904 King Edward Hotel bricks, we knew the color story had to change. We transitioned the exterior from a dated "Wrangler Brown" to Behr’s 'Twinberry.' This wasn't just a cosmetic update; it was a strategic choice to ground the house and make those salvaged bricks truly sing against the mountain backdrop.
Paired with a new roof and the addition of high-visibility glass in our front foyer, the transition was complete. The house no longer looks away from the landscape—it embraces it, offering a maximum view of the Rockies from the moment you step inside.

The Gardens: From Overgrowth to Sanctuary
It took many summers of intense labor to transform the flower beds. We replaced the chaos with rock gardens, sitting benches, and Victorian lighting. Living in Alberta, our goal was a "Low-Maintenance Legacy." We focused on hardy perennials that can withstand the mountain climate while providing a sophisticated, curated feel. What was once a tangle of weeds is now a sanctuary where we can finally sit and enjoy the view we worked so hard to uncover.
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Cultivating Safety & Sightline's
Creating grounds that are both beautiful and secure is a significant undertaking. Recently, our focus shifted to "Fire-Smart" safety, which involved removing a massive section of willow brush. This wasn't just about opening up the front yard view; it was about securing our perimeter.
In this part of the Rockies, clearing these corridors significantly reduces coyote access while keeping our dogs safe and our sanctuary secure. Every cut and every clearing is an evolution, ensuring that Lodge & Legacy remains a place of peace for all who reside here.

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The first Days....

The First Year..

In 2015 ( we had been living here a year and had at this point, done a tremendous amount of yard work & added exterior lighting) but had not tackled the exterior of the home

9 Years Ownership...

After (2023): Twinberry Stain by Behr highlights the historic brick so much better!

In the Beginning

Transforming the landscape one project at a time...

The Flower Beds