A timeless Martis Camp abode offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the farmhouse aesthetic

Anchored on the north end of the great room, a fireplace clad in limestone and a subtle white microtopping by Evolution Industries provides a focal point, with built-in window seats on either side

As a young family set out to build a Martis Camp home to accommodate their growing household, they knew just who to call—architect Ryan Marsden, who had previously designed a multigenerational home they vacationed in throughout the years with their mother and siblings.  

Inspired by the agricultural architecture of the American West, the homeowners proposed a contemporary take on the farmhouse vernacular for their property. Marsden worked with project manager Tia Hanson and his Marsden Architects team to design a residence based on that direction, mixing traditional gabled rooflines with dormers and modern low-slope roof forms to create a crisp, streamlined architectural style that reimagines the rustic farmhouse aesthetic. The design team continued to work closely with the owners throughout each stage of the process to draft a blueprint that met their needs. 

To clad the exteriors of the 5,534-square-foot six-bedroom home, Marsden chose patinaed wood siding in both horizontal and mixed-width vertical applications, which lends a more reclaimed feel to the facade. To provide contrast, he also used a raked vertical western red cedar siding, which was stained a sleek black and punctuated by infill metal panels to balance rustic charm with modern style. Stone veneer was used to ground the primary forms of the home in a way that would match the look of more traditional mountain agrarian architecture.  

The kitchen features a range wall outlined with oak trim, with inset cabinetry, reflective tile backsplash and a hood clad in the same subtle white microtopping as the fireplace on the opposite end of the great room

“On the exterior, the light mixed grays of the reclaimed siding calmly settle into the surrounding meadow, while the heavy ‘combed’ surface of the black slat-like siding on the dominating chimney is a huge punctuation mark in the elevation,” says Brian Rickauer, principal of the Truckee-based building company Structerra. “This lot was an ‘infill’ situation, with all the surrounding parcels having already been built on. It graced us with the advantage of knowing exactly how all the adjacent homes were positioned and how they were being utilized.” 

With this knowledge in hand, railing and window heights were adjusted to the exact levels needed to screen out structures and the road while welcoming views of the surrounding forest.

After discussing the pros and cons of several layouts, Marsden’s team landed on a blueprint that includes a north-facing gathering pavilion, contrary to the more traditional layouts found on the street where the home is located. 

The custom porch swing, designed by Marsden Architects and built by Matt Stannard, offers a unique spot to enjoy the covered front porch

“The garage to the east and guest wing to the west are set back on the lot, allowing this main organizational massing to be the prominent architectural feature,” says Marsden. 

The garage form allows a direct line of sight up to the ski runs of Northstar, while the western elevated deck features an intentional guardrail detail to provide privacy. High windows in the eastern-facing gable roof dormer allow natural light to filter in throughout the day, creating an open, airy feel. 

To guarantee that the family could host guests while also maintaining their solitude, Marsden incorporated distinct “pods” throughout the abode. The upstairs zone, designed as a secluded sanctuary for the family, includes the primary suite, two children’s bedrooms, two bathrooms, a bunk room and a gym. 

Meanwhile, a main-level guest wing pod with two bedrooms and two bathrooms is attached to the rest of the house by an enclosed glass link. The main floor also includes a TV and playroom and an office with slider doors that opens onto a large covered outdoor living room. The layout guarantees that the family can welcome loved ones for extended visits throughout the year, while also enjoying a degree of separation. 

A dedicated interior design team from Studio McGee—Shea McGee (chief creative officer), Kelsie Lindley (director of design) and Emma Bradford (lead designer)—worked on the project, bringing their signature clean, timeless style to the table. 

“Taking cues from the surrounding landscape, the home is a blend of lakeside living and a ski chalet,” says Bradford. “Rather than leaning heavily rustic, the interiors layer clean lines with warm woods, natural stone and tailored details, creating spaces that feel timeless, intentional and highly livable.” 

In the primary suite, vintage textiles, wood-clad vaulted ceilings and exposed beams lend charm, while grasscloth wallpaper and linen window treatments introduce softness. The Studio McGee team chose paired-back furniture and art pieces to help the room feel approachable and livable. Equipped with a freestanding tub, antique nickel fixtures and white oak vanities topped with Calacatta marble, the primary bath functions as a calming, restorative environment. 

Located on the upper level, the primary bedroom is a private sanctuary for the homeowners, with the wood-clad guardrails on the deck providing additional screening

In contrast, the owners preferred a more casual, playful style for the bunk room, teen bedroom and media room. 

“That approach shows up in both the finishes and furnishings,” says Bradford, “from plaid wallpaper in the bunk room to an oversized California flag in the media room and oars displayed above the bed in the teen room … details that reflect the home’s location and sense of place.” 

Vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, white walls and exposed structural steel add character in other parts of the home. White oak was used for flooring and cabinetry, brightening up key spaces while establishing a classic look. The interior design team leaned heavily on McGee & Co. when furnishing the home, picking lighting, bedding, upholstery, mirrors and hard goods to maintain a unified look throughout. 

Outfitted with large windows and a towering wood-clad ceiling, the great room was a blank canvas ready to be softened with cozy touches to create the environment the owners had in mind. Olive green chairs, a bold plaid sofa and window seats flanking the fireplace imbue the space with a sense of down-home appeal, balancing out the grandiose dimensions of the room. A tapered fireplace finished in plaster and limestone and a repeating chandelier complete the look, adding warmth to the area.

A covered outdoor living and dining area complete with a fireplace, patio heaters, TV and a variety of seating options offers a sheltered space out of the elements

Since the great room spaces seamlessly connect, the design team placed a console table between the plaid sofa to separate the living and dining sections. Nearby, a McGee & Co. Antoni Extension dining table plays into the mountain rustic visual and is encircled by 10 dining chairs. 

The owners envisaged a warm wood and white kitchen, and Studio McGee followed these cues by designating a plastered range hood set against hand-crafted zellige tile as the focal point. Calacatta Caldia marble was used for the countertops, backsplash and sinks, while pewter finishes provide continuity across hardware, fixtures and lighting. 

Anchored by a custom green leather banquette, the adjacent dinette nook provides a place to enjoy breakfast with a view.
Studio McGee chose an asymmetrical arched sconce in lieu of an overhead hanging pendant, adding visual interest to the eat-in kitchen. Dedicated spaces for a bar and coffee station create a functional layout that accommodates the family’s needs
throughout the day. 

From the start of the project, the owners knew they wanted to prioritize outdoor living and make the most of their alpine surroundings. To accomplish this, Marsden designed a covered outdoor living room with a stone fireplace, integrated ceiling heaters and a TV, which the family can use year-round. A large skylight fills the space with natural light throughout the day, and built-in seating nooks near the fireplace provide additional seating. 

Custom draperies and upholstery by Studio McGee add color and texture to a cozy breakfast nook adjacent to the kitchen

“It is extremely sheltered out of the elements, so even during a cozy snow or rain, you can be outside,” says Marsden. “This outdoor living room is central to everything and truly serves as a gathering node for the home. It’s part of the ‘link’ that connects the guest wing to the rest of the home, so guests circulate past this spot, creating a social connection and engagement with guests in the greater living areas.” 

The covered living space also connects to a larger deck, which features a covered outdoor dining area and barbecue with an adjacent pass-through window to the kitchen and firepit area, where the family can enjoy sunsets and stargazing. The thoughtfully considered spaces bring the charm of the farmhouse aesthetic in a fresh new way that will serve the family as they make memories together in their new home for years to come.

Award: Alpine Agrarian

Building Design: Marsden Architects

Builder: Structerra

Interior Design: Studio McGee

Landscape Design: John Pruyn Designs

Square Feet: 5,534