Amazing Modern Home in Escalante

I’m always the first to declare that a home is worth more than the sum of its walls and ceilings, but this one has some bragging to do, in terms of material things.  Imagine siding that reflects the hues of the scenery, shifting its complexion like a changing season, brimming with soft golden morning sunrise delight, or beaming like an ostentatious sunset on the edge of night.  A roof winged in mimicry of a bird in flight.  A shelter tucked into a giant cradle of time-sculpted sandstone that stands like nature’s eternal guard at its back, while fertile green fields stretch to the front and sides.  Welcome to the Fire Rock Residence, built with the strength to withstand the rugged environment of a desert retreat. 

I personally find myself craving more time in Utah’s southern section, and this house sits firmly between two of our best national parks and some scenic drives so thrilling, they’ll leave you on the edge of your seat (ask me for details). Located in Escalante, the gateway to Grand Staircase National Monument, this property spans 18.5 acres of land with plenty of water rights.  A recently renovated guest house greets you at the entrance, just a short walk or drive from the main house, but far enough away to offer a legitimate amount of privacy. Originally a tack house, the exterior retains its old western charm, while the interior embraces a modern design and amenities.  The main home pays homage to its natural surroundings, beginning with the exterior stone walls quarried from high atop a local Utah mountain.  Every detail has been meticulously curated, from the custom cherry wood front pivot door to the old growth, reclaimed Douglas fir flooring sourced from an old Missouri barn.  Inside, you’ll find two handsome primary suites, one on the main floor and one on the upper level, connected by an elegantly engineered wood and steel staircase. A detached wing on the upper level houses a private office suite, separated from the main living area by a gorgeous ipe wood walkway that also leads to one of several viewing decks around the home.  In the kitchen, nature looms large, with glass walls consumed by monumental views of the sentinel Fire Rock formation.  Wolf and Subzero appliances are topped off with Caesarstone counters and zebra wood cabinets, echoing the famously banded walls of nearby Zebra Canyon. The home’s lower level includes an additional bedroom, bath, entertainment room, and laundry.  This level opens to the oversized garage, outfitted with a large utility sink, cold room with its own compressor, and an all-glass garage door that perfectly frames the desertscape beyond. With energy efficiency in mind, the property comes equipped with a geothermal system for heating and cooling, a large solar system, and a Tesla wall charger.  In addition to the two living structures, there is a spacious (approx. 1,500 sq.ft.), detached garage/shop to store an RV, tractor, or adventure gear.  There’s also a large hoop house and a geothermal greenhouse, where I would unquestionably choose to spend a lot of time.  

This residence is an architectural statement piece assembled amongst statement surroundings.  Both speak equally to me.  Whether you’re seeking the ultimate remote workspace, a sustainable homestead, or a basecamp for exploration, this property’s birdsong is the perfect harmony of modern luxury and primitive terrain.