House of the Valley
A once in a lifetime project. This one started out as a fairly simple addition for my oldest brother and his wife, who I’ve known since junior high. After raising four children in a small house, they had decided to stay put and make some improvements rather than relocate. The surprises started when we began structural demo. We discovered mold and dry rot so extensive that we were forced to tear the house down and start from scratch. Imagine the trauma- one day you have a perfectly good house (so you think) and the next day you have a foundation.
After recovering from the shock and assessing our options, we agreed to proceed with a new house design, using the existing foundation. We came up with a design that we loved and began construction.
My brother passed away unexpectedly during the project, a shock to the entire family. We were so far into construction at that point that we had to proceed with the build. Needless to say, the project took on a new significance and urgency.
This home was designed by family, for family. I hope that generations of our family will continue to enjoy the space we created together. I wish my brother could’ve seen it.
Photo Credit: Scott DW Smith/ ImageSmith Photo
![view of the entry courtyard at sunrise](https://fraleycompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ScottDWSmith_Fraley_dji_0879-scaled.jpg)
![View of the back of the house with dramatic landscape background](https://fraleycompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ScottDWSmith_Fraley_dji_0743-scaled.jpg)
![The entry arch as seen form the driveway](https://fraleycompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ScottDWSmith_Fraley_0845_RT_final-scaled.jpg)
![Primary bathroom with arched shower opening, steam shower and custom vanity](https://fraleycompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ScottDWSmith_Fraley__j9a2376-scaled.jpg)
![Living room with mountain views and custom stone fireplace surround, wood burning stove](https://fraleycompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ScottDWSmith_Fraley__j9a2352-scaled.jpg)
![Custom staircase with built in display niches and Navajo rug](https://fraleycompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ScottDWSmith_Fraley__j9a2252-scaled.jpg)
![display niche with juniper shelves, kachina dolls, southwest pottery and singing bowls](https://fraleycompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ScottDWSmith_Fraley__j9a2321-scaled.jpg)
![Dramatic dining room with custom table and chandeliers, Pendleton fabric, Navajo rugs](https://fraleycompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ScottDWSmith_Fraley__j9a2303-scaled.jpg)
![Kitchen with custom tile mosaic buffalo, painted island with butcher block, custom chandelier and built in bookshelves](https://fraleycompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ScottDWSmith_Fraley__j9a2222-scaled.jpg)
![music room with custom guitar cabinet and Navajo rugs, sleeping Ute painting](https://fraleycompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ScottDWSmith_Fraley__j9a2240-scaled.jpg)
![guest bath with custom carved wood vanity, copper sink and copper mirror](https://fraleycompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ScottDWSmith_Fraley__j9a2261-scaled.jpg)
![dining room clerestory windows, buffalo skin, Pendleton fabric, custom table](https://fraleycompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/J9A2165-scaled.jpg)
![Overall shot of the kitchen and the dining room with music area in the background](https://fraleycompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/J9A2149-scaled.jpg)