Mid-Century Modern Architectual Work Of Art

10780 Forest Drive South, Colorado Springs, CO, 80908, USA
USD|2750000USD $2,750,000
MLS 3572079
Web code QZFH
Status Closed

Key Details

Size
7309 ft2
Total Beds
4
Full Baths
5
Year Built
1984
Lot Size (Acres / ft2)
10

Overview

Positioned intentionally in a quarter circle design to feature sweeping 340 degree panoramic views of Pikes Peak and the entire front range, sits this one-of-a-kind Mid Century Modern home, designed by renowned architect Walter S White - a protege of Frank Lloyd Wright. Named the “Ventanas" house, which is Spanish for “windows”, the landscape is welcomed into the home through the expansive walls of over 300 windows on the main and lower level. These innovative rotating windows, patented by White, not only take advantage of unparalleled views, but are capable of heat exchange, providing an eco-friendly heating/cooling system throughout the...

home, with each window capable of producing up to 500 BTU. White’s signature Hyperbolic- Paraboloid roof system is also featured in this home, which produces laminar flow of air from the lower to upper windows. This design element effectively cools the home in the summer, allowing for minimal need to utilize the central AC system. No detail was spared in White’s innovative thinking in regard to energy efficiency, which proves to have been decades before its time, even today. Las Ventanas unique design is supported by steel I beams, concrete and brick design and is securely built upon rock and nestled within 10 acres of lush vegetation in the highly desirable Black Forest. The magnificent roof system is supported only by steel beams, and not supported by internal load bearing walls, helping to provide an incredibly open flow throughout the home. The massive fir ceiling/roof system visibly spans the length of the own, without visible interruption. As you approach the home by way of a gated private drive that leads you to this spectacular house, you get that feeling that you are immediately transformed into another world. As you enter the home on the main level, you are welcomed into a minimalist’s dream, featuring clean lines, open spaces and unique design features such as the rich use of imported Honduran mahogany and imported precision milled slate floors on both levels. You will be wowed as you gaze out the floor to ceiling windows on impressive views of Pikes Peak. Step out onto the sweeping balcony to take in even more of the peace and tranquility offered to you by the stunning vista. Back inside, form meets function in the the main living room where you’ll notice a beautiful fireplace, with high efficiency gas insert, and four separate functional flues which not only serve as a stunning architectural piece with ornamental polished steel and birch and mahogany accents, but also houses four independent flues to service fireplaces in other locations of the home. Nearby, a hidden entertainment center and built in cabinets line the room, while a Minka ceiling fan keeps air circulating in an effortlessly stylish way. Separating the living space and the dining room, you’ll be impressed by the ornate panels which were designed and used by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright in his Lake Geneva Hotel. As you enter the kitchen, you will notice another one of these one-of-a-kind panels. The gourmet kitchen boasts countertops that were imported from Italy and were cut from an ancient river rock-bed that had been in-filled with lava. The cabinets are full custom Downsview imported from Europe. The 600 square foot kitchen features a brick set fireplace with high-efficiency gas insert, a full size Sub-Zero refrigerator, a full size Sub-Zero freezer, a full size Sub-Zero wine refrigerator, Wolf gas and induction cooking in the island with a Wolf downdraft vent (external blower), a Gaggenau steamer, a Gaggenau oven, Miele warming drawer and dishwasher, Kitchen-Aid compactor, and two Franke stainless steel sinks with Franke disposals, and a 64 square foot walk in birch pantry ceiled with lattice for natural light. The kitchen is also home to an office space nestled into a huge bay window that overlooks the forest views. On the opposite wing of the home, the 1200 square foot main level master, which is a true retreat, boasts solid birch walls, an impressive black marble wall and health fireplace surround, even more walls of windows, a chic sitting area, and walks out to the huge concrete and wood tiled deck that is enclosed by full-height glass windows. A chic glass protected louvered birch wall separates the bedroom from its ensuite bathroom, which features an impressive 90 square foot open shower, large soaking tub from which you can enjoy expansive city views, a drying area with built-in bench to house your towels, and a 90 square foot walk-in closet with built in accessory dresser. Just off the shower, the private commode comes with a bidet and an open lattice work ceiling allowing for natural light. The dual vanity is topped with granite and the cabinets are mirrored inside to assist with grooming, while the adjacent vanity sitting counter boasts a backlit mirror for seamless makeup application. Creating a private entry into the master retreat, is a 1 inch thick slate slab treaded staircase that leads to a lockable private passage from the master to the front door entry and lower level gym and garage. Finishing off the main level is a sophisticated laundry room and a half bath featuring an onyx stone sink and countertops with a lattice ceiling allowing for natural light and walled by clear birch. The powder room is just steps away from the kitchen and living room, making it an entertainers dream. From the main living area, you can follow the staircase down to the lower level recreation room complete with fireplace and a wet bar and even more walls of windows that look out onto the massive brick-paver patio and perfectly captures even more spectacular views. The savant’s eye will immediately be drawn to the large birch bookcase that is accented with mahogany and a swing-down/lighted mahogany writing platform. Hidden behind the office desk is a former temperature controlled wine seller turned “safe room” with remote alarm and hidden electronic access. Also on the lower level, the home gym (which could be converted to either a theater room or play room) has a full mirrored glass wall, and is steps away from the luxurious sauna and stone gym shower. Rounding off the lower level is a junior master suite with private ensuite, two secondary bedrooms, a half bath and laundry room. Just outside, the regulation size tennis court w/lines for half court basketball games, and SofTrak putting green will keep you active during the sunny days often afforded to you in Colorado Springs’ desirable climate. Sit outside on the back patio with a glass of wine, around the fire pit where you can enjoy mountain views and the fresh smell of pine trees provided by the lush vegetation. Just steps away situated on a slope among the trees, the Summer house, that is surrounded by 8 foot sliding glass walls, proves to be an entertainer’s dream! Host all your friends for a charity event, or grab a group for the perfect yoga retreat. This distinctive space offers a plethora of uses, and provides a secure and serene setting. This one-of-kind home is a true piece of art and a rare experience to own a piece of the midmodernist era.

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