Seckman Residence
Grand Remodel Frames Rocky Mountain Views
After considerable time and effort searching for the perfect location in Estes Park, Larry and Cindy Seckman chose to purchase a home in the Grand Estates development – an area in which almost every home is treated to truly grand views. The Seckmans decided they’d use the home as a vacation getaway until retirement, when they would move in full time from San Diego, California. The 1976 home was built on a generously sized lot of approximately 1.4 acres. The home had a roomy 2600 square feet, but the avocado green paneling and green shag carpet was truly dated. Two bedrooms, a small bath, kitchen and living room were on the main floor. A finished workroom, small bath, and laundry area shared the lower level with a two-car garage.
Larry and Cindy came to T.W. Beck Architects with visions of a master suite, and updated kitchen. They envisioned an exterior for their home that would complement its beautiful mountain setting. To capitalize on the views, the architect suggested adding an upper floor, rather than expanding outward.
Expanding Upward Adds Magnificent Master Suite
Off came the roof and a magnificent, 897 square foot, private master suite was born. Tucked into the vaulted ceiling of the new great room, below, overlooking the main level living area, an elevated walkway spans the house end to end. The large master bedroom occupies one end of the new space. On the other end is an office/study/den. Built-in shelves, a computer work station and a sitting area with a gas fireplace creates a focal point in the study. The study is open to the living area below while the master bedroom has a half-wall with glass above, also providing an overlook to the great room. Between these rooms, and accessible from either, is a beautiful master bath and huge walk-in closet. Two-story dormers were added to the exterior at the level of the new addition to bring the views to both the master suite and study.
The main level the kitchen moved where one bedroom had been, freeing up space for a dining room. The added dormers provide natural sectioning to create separate, cozy living room and family room areas. This configuration maintains the spacious openness of a true great room. Converting the old-wood burning fireplace to gas allowed the grand, original rock chimney to remain, despite the added height of the house. The main level guest bedroom now has a private bath. An additional powder room was added off the dining area. On the lower, garage level the bathroom and laundry room were enlarged substantially and updated.
