This sloped lot in a beautiful Denver suburb introduced three challenges to its new owners: The way to construct another floor inside local height constraints, handle the exceptionally sloped back lot and construct the whole home inside a nine-month window before college began. Jeff and Kristina Haskins had quite the job ahead of them, but with the support of architect Mark Donaldson and architectural designer Rhonda Hiatt, they realized that their vision of a European country home in Colorado.
at a Glance
Who lives here: Jeff and Kristina Haskins, their 4 kids and 2 Shiba Inus
Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado
Size: 9,000 square feet; 7 bedrooms plus an attached apartment the couple rents out
Brenda Olde
The property’s exterior exudes an amazing beauty, like that of a European country home.
Brenda Olde
Placing the home slightly below road level helped handle height limitations. Several tiered segments in the backyard evolved as a result, developing a private and romantic backyard.
Brenda Olde
An outdoor patio looks out to the tiered backyard, outdoor living rooms and play areas.
Brenda Olde
1 tier retains this fire pit and casual seating area. Kristina salvaged the chairs from a giant tree which was cut down in the neighborhood. An expansive lawn having an inground trampoline sits over this tier, even though a grass volleyball court is located under, on the yard’s smallest level.
Brenda Olde
This romantic extra garden can be observed outside the kitchen windows. Just below and along a neighborhood road, it remains hidden by a giant thick hedge of lilacs.
Brenda Olde
A foyer and grand staircase outside the home’s front door lead to a colonial-inspired center hall dining area. Flanked from the kitchen and the master suite, the dining area also has access to a covered terrace during the French doors.
Brenda Olde
This custom made wine storage doubles as the centerpiece of the dining area. “The wine is chiefly everyday drinkers and pinot noir with tags that are fun,” says Kristina.
Brenda Olde
Kristina designed this concrete sink at the entry powder tub. The special faucet and chandelier increase the mix of old and new.
Brenda Olde
The couple reconfigured the master suite in 2011. “The home is designed to be a great empty-nester, with only the master suite on the main floor,” says Kristina.
Brenda Olde
A spacious kitchen, an informal dining area and family rooms constitute the south side of the home. The kitchen is at the middle of the floor plan and serves as the home’s heart. The shortage of upper chimney gives it an open, European feel. The countertops and integral sink are made from granite.
Brenda Olde
With four kids and a love of fun, the Haskinses added extra living and lounging room.
Brenda Olde
This family area — open to the prior space — provides added space for both small groups and larger parties. Each room has been decorated in Kristina’s signature style, which is conventional but eclectic and has a comfortable feel.
Brenda Olde
Past the family space, this terrace is among the spaces from the home. A high roof with skylights, a fireplace, outdoor heaters and relaxed furniture allow the household to use the space year round. With access to the workplace, dining area, family room and kitchen, the terrace is the best entertaining space.
Brenda Olde
The simple design of the fireplace makes it possible for a Danish salvaged centerpiece, known as “The Sower,” to star.
Brenda Olde
Jeff’s stately wood-paneled office frequently serves as an impromptu pub during parties.
Brenda Olde
Four bedrooms sit over the primary entrance. Every set of bedrooms, one set for the two sons and one for both daughters, is attached by a bathroom, and all the rooms on the floor have easy access to a central tv room.
Brenda Olde
Old dressers repurposed with new paint function as dressing in the girls’ bathroom.
Brenda Olde
The couple’s and builder’s attention to detail led to a property which feels as though it has developed over several years — instead of just fourteen months.
See more photographs of the house