My Houzz: Spanish Style in the Rockies
A traveler's eclectic collections personalize a serene mountainside retreat
Three years ago, Paul Lev-Ary fell in love with a Spanish-style stucco house nestled in the mountains and decided to make the move from his longtime residence in the suburban plains of Boulder. At the time, he already owned a small mountainside cabin, but yearned to live in hilly terrain full-time. As an avid collector and traveler, had no problem filling it up with an interesting array of local artwork.
Lev-Ary was drawn to the open layout of the house that sits on nearly 20 acres of land. He shares the space with his "wild neighbors," including bears, foxes, mountain lions and birds. "My absolute favorite thing about living here is hiking with Betty and Boo (his two dogs). The hilly terrain helps to keep us all fit," he says. Just a short hike from the house is a beautiful ridge that overlooks a forested canyon. "I put a bench up on that point, and on summer nights we hike up here with a glass of wine and watch the sun set. It doesn't get better than that."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Paul Lev-Ary and his dogs Betty and Boo
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Size: 4,200 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
Lev-Ary was drawn to the open layout of the house that sits on nearly 20 acres of land. He shares the space with his "wild neighbors," including bears, foxes, mountain lions and birds. "My absolute favorite thing about living here is hiking with Betty and Boo (his two dogs). The hilly terrain helps to keep us all fit," he says. Just a short hike from the house is a beautiful ridge that overlooks a forested canyon. "I put a bench up on that point, and on summer nights we hike up here with a glass of wine and watch the sun set. It doesn't get better than that."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Paul Lev-Ary and his dogs Betty and Boo
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Size: 4,200 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
You can see the open living area through one of the home's many arched doors. Straight back is the dining and kitchen area, and a game room that includes a cozy library and wine cellar.
A wider view shows the dining area, front entry and main living space.
The main dining area is surrounded by windows, giving Lev-Ary a stunning view of the mountainside to enjoy during meals.
The main dining area is surrounded by windows, giving Lev-Ary a stunning view of the mountainside to enjoy during meals.
A step up from the kitchen and dining space is just what every mountain home needs: a wood burning stove. Art by Robin Hiers adorns the wall space to the right of the stove.
The coffee table is imported from India, and Lev-Avry brought the wooden and marble buffet and rug from Israel.
A painting by Alison Berry adorns the back wall through this archway.
In addition to being a traveler and collector, Lev-Ary is a bargain hunter, and his favorite spot in Boulder is Clutter, a home furnishings consignment store.
A painting by Alison Berry adorns the back wall through this archway.
In addition to being a traveler and collector, Lev-Ary is a bargain hunter, and his favorite spot in Boulder is Clutter, a home furnishings consignment store.
Lev-Ary is currently reading up on Chile for an upcoming trip with his brother.
The ceiling soars above the living room and second floor. A pine-planked ceiling adds warmth, texture and dimension.
Lev-Ary put his home office in the hall at the top of the stairs to take advantage of its open feel, great views and natural light. A row of spider plants creates an artful installation in a hall planter.
True to the style of the home, the stairwell to the second floor provides more arched spaces, cathedral ceilings, a trio of Chinese prints and another piece of Robin Hiers' artwork.
A shared bath connects two upstairs guest rooms. This one is outfitted with a bedframe from World Market.
The black nightstand is an antique piece that was on its way out the door. Lev-Ary decided to have a friend apply car paint to the piece giving it a laquered shine and new life.
The black nightstand is an antique piece that was on its way out the door. Lev-Ary decided to have a friend apply car paint to the piece giving it a laquered shine and new life.
The cozy, understated master suite serves as Betty and Boo's bedroom, too. This view looks into the arched hallway leading to the master bath, with a walk-in closet off to the right.
Climbing up a long, winding driveway, one gets the feeling of complete privacy and mountain serenity.
The view from the second floor patio creates the illusion of being on a far-off mountain escape, though the home is just a couple of miles from one of Boulder's main roads.
A cozy two-story treehouse, fully equipped with electricity, queen bed, workspace and stereo, sits on the hillside off the driveway.
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More:
My Houzz: Creative Denver Studio
My Houzz: Northwest Home with a Mountain View
Next: Tour hundreds of inspiring homes