A 1980s Mountain Home Update Takes Inspiration From Nature

You can change a house, but you can’t change its location. That’s the mindset homeowners Gail and Clay Huber took with them when they purchased an 8,000-square-foot home in Wintergreen that dates to the ’80s. 

Carefully built on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with four-season views that reach out over miles and counties, it’s hard to imagine a better location. But the nearly 40-year-old design felt tired. The choppy kitchen and expansive main bathroom were vestiges of a dated 1980s approach to what was dubbed luxury architecture at the time, and the Hubers had dreams of a welcoming, bright home that would serve as a respite for their family for years to come.

The couple, whose primary house is near Fredericksburg, turned to Richmond-based Robert Steele, FAIA, principal architect at BOB Architecture, to refresh and renovate the structure of the home. He brought in Susan Jamieson, ASID, owner and principal of Bridget Beari Designs, to give the house a look that is right at home in the mountains—but with a brighter touch.

Light, Open, and Connected to Place

“The goal was to open and lighten the entire space, but provide a connection to the area,”
says Jamieson, who navigated Gail’s desire for contemporary styling with Clay’s vision of a traditional mountain house. 

Jamieson created a design that has a sense of place in the mountains, without veering too far into dark, wooden cabin territory. “Oranges and yellows incorporate an aesthetic that is relevant to the area, while feeling bright and happy, which is the mood the homeowners wanted to incorporate.” An unlikely color—purple—adds to the color palette and incorporates a surprising echo of misty mornings over the mountains. 

The efforts to open the space started right at the front door—a dramatic entryway was created where none existed before. Sweeping windows offer a view of the mountains just beyond the doors, and natural, handcrafted elements give the home a sense of connection to its natural setting. 

From the first steps into this open space, there are hints at the personal connections that exist within the home. An antique farmhouse watercolor painting—a family heirloom—was re-matted with crisp linen, and its original, patina-rich frame, while a barn door ushers guests into the alpine room. 

With heated floors, a drain, and spots for skis, snow boots, and outdoor gear, the alpine room is a mountain take on a mudroom that makes it clear this home was designed for living in the landscape.

Designed for Vacation Entertaining 

The main living spaces within a vacation home should function differently than those within a primary residence. It’s assumed family and friends are coming and going, so togetherness is key. Spaces to gather groups for long weekends and holidays require an open floor plan, and Jamieson worked with the homeowner to transform the dated rooms from choppy to inviting.

“The kitchen was the number one space that needed to be changed. It was small and dark, and we needed to think about not only how it would flow to the dining room and living room, but how you would get there,” says Jamieson.

That transformation started with the staircase and landing leading to the main living areas. Steele transformed the previously closed-off stairwell into a floating L-shape with clear inserts that welcome natural light into the space and allow for interrupted views.

On the first floor, the living room introduces the idea of a light mountain style that connects to the landscape thanks to its extensive use of natural textures. Jamieson lightened the wood paneling within the living room to achieve a perfect Goldilocks shade—not so dark that it dampens the space, but not so light that it evokes farmhouse more than mountain house. Once she landed on the right stain, she painted the walls a fresh white, cleaned up the fireplace stone, and changed the windows to draw in abundant natural light.

Throughout the living room, Jamieson selected performance fabrics in earthy neutrals, plaids, and blues and oranges inspired by the surroundings, which bridge traditional and contemporary styles. Furniture choices feature a range of
silhouettes including wingbacks, boucle swivel chairs, and a solid cocktail table.

The stone fireplace soars to the second floor, emerging in the upstairs hallway that ties together the two entertaining spaces. On the second floor, the kitchen feels both mountain-inspired and light with heart pine cabinetry that soars to the ceiling and conceals appliances along the way. A soothing sage backsplash mimics the treetops just outside the windows. 

The star of the kitchen, however, is an 11-foot marble slab island atop a gray-green island base. “We wanted a large island to entertain so everyone can sit in one area that then opens up to the mountain room,” explains Jamieson. 

The dining room connects both old and new, with a modern oak table surrounded by Gail’s mother’s antique oak chairs. The leather end chairs add an unexpectedly contemporary touch are both practical and easy to wipe down, as well as another reference to a more traditional mountain look. Ikat drapery frames the window while connecting to the tones of the trees.

These spaces open up to the mountain room, which was added to the existing house to create a treehouse effect, seemingly floating above the treetops. In the mountain room, Jamieson’s goal was a cozy, cheerful treehouse filled with all-purpose fabrics and furniture that could stand up to a busy family with young adult children. “They want to be in there, entertain, and not worry about it being too precious.”

Similarly high among the trees, the outdoor space continues the joyful colors. Greens, oranges, and blues both tie it to the landscape, and make it stand out in the sea of gray that often dominates mountain house architecture of a certain era. With rocking chairs, a teak porch swing bed for two, and stripes and botanical prints, this is the perfect spot for catching up with a friend—or escaping for a few minutes of solitude in the mountains.

A Violet Treetop Retreat

The main bedroom and bathroom were the other beneficiaries of the extension that created the mountain room. As this space was extended out, it became a serene retreat that feels like it’s set into the treetops. In the bedroom, the ceiling was raised across the entire room, emphasizing the incredible view. Soft, sumptuous textiles and upholstered furniture were used to maintain a cozy feel. 

One of the most noticeable hallmarks of the space is the use of violet and lavender hues, all of which appeal to the shades of purple that the Hubers gravitate toward. “The purple echoes the mountains, especially when used as a subtle touch. We added teal and a little bit of pink to evoke the sky, the treeline, and the sunset,” Jamieson says. 

Gail’s grandmother’s chaise was recovered in velvet mohair and placed atop a modern rug to give an elegant and contemporary feel to the timeless antique. Within the bathroom, an antique-inspired tub is framed by large windows, drawing attention to the changing colors of the Blue Ridge.

“Susan took the stress out of a complicated renovation,” says homeowner Clay Huber. “She brought so many ideas to transform the home, and we enjoy all the light-filled spaces, color, textures, and décor here. We come here frequently with friends and family—it’s so peaceful in the mountains.” 

This article originally appeared in the December 2024 issue.