Mountain cabin by a rushing creek | owner-architect George Rockrise

5/14/2025 02:01:00 PM

Nestled in a mountain valley, with a rushing creek at its feet, this year-around vacation house is surrounded by exceptional natural beauty. Owner-Architect George Rockrise has made certain that seeing and enjoying the rugged scenery is easy-from anywhere within. Generous use of glass is evident in the photographs. And even the roof's gables, in each of the four corners, point to a view.

Working with builder Lee Van Wetter of Squaw Valley, California, architect Rockrise shaved costs to gain a pay-back in space. The results were highly successful; this is a spacious cabin. Its 1800 square feet can "swallow up" a cabinful of guests and not bulge at the seams. (The unfinished basement offers a future additional 600 square feet.) The two main floor bedrooms have their own hall and door for quiet and privacy; upstairs there are two bedrooms, placed at the east and west corners to catch views of valley, mountains, and ski slopes. Two bathrooms (one per floor) are compartmented for multiple use. A study area on the balcony forms the fireplace alcove below, and looks out over the living room to the pine trees and the stream outside.

Despite its size this is a house for fun, comfort, and easy upkeep. Both floors have perimeter heating. Electricity is used for cooking, and an oil heater provides hot water. The large deck, just off the kitchen and dining area, is a sunny activity center in summer.