Part working ranch, part rustic hunting lodge, the True residence embodies the fantasy of a cowboy who wanted to retire at the West’s woodsy, rural environs. “Johnny True is living the American dream as a cattle rancher,” says designer Eric Schnell. Originally from South Dakota, True’s descendants migrated to Oregon as farmers having very little cash and big dreams of creating something out of themselves in the Pacific Northwest.
For Schnell, the most gratifying part of this project was the appreciation shown to him from the True family when construction of their residence was far enough along that they could envision their new life as cattle ranchers — and as doting grandparents for their many classmates.
at a Glance
Who lives here: A retired couple
Location: Just outside Bend, Oregon
Size: 5,300 square feet
That’s intriguing: Ranch owner Johnny True is a true-blue cowboy.
Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc
A trip to the True residence makes it crystal clear that great efforts were made to bring the outdoors inside: vaulted ceilings, spacious wood trusses, equestrian artwork, warm wood tones and walls representing the green tones of surrounding vegetation immediately evoke a hunting lodge.
Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc
The living area and dining room share the same see-through stone fireplace.
Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc
From that perspective, the home’s position on a small knoll is evident. “The home is literally raised to allow the Trues to enjoy the majestic views of the Cascade mountain range,” says Schnell. The elevated position of the home reaches the lower amount from upcoming guests and retains the large house from overpowering the site.
Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc
In keeping with its natural environment, the property’s exterior uses a blend of stone and wood, with the roofline mimicking the mountain range in the horizon.
Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc
The driveway and front of the home have immediate access into the kitchen to the sole purpose of enabling the clients to unload their markets with ease. The kitchen also enables guests to enjoy the mountain perspectives, and according to Schnell,”when the residents aren’t ready to do the dishes after a dinner party, they can close off the kitchen easily with sliding barn doors”
See more photographs of barn doors
Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc
His-and-hers sink fixtures and bathrooms, and a tub that’s solely used by the woman of the home, fill the bathroom. Doors on both sides contribute to separate master bedrooms.
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One for the…
Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc
… and one for him. “Designing a house with two master bedrooms which share one bathroom without a crossing of paths was one of the more challenging aspects of this project,” says Schnell.
Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc
Equine artwork is displayed throughout the house. “The grandkids ride horses throughout the property and can fish for rainbow trout and bluegill in the pond,” says Schnell.
Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc
The covered indoor-outdoor living area is located at the end of the house, closest to the outdoor pursuits. In the background is a small home that came with the house; the Trues utilize it for visiting family and friends.
Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc
“Mr. True’s dad was a cowboy, and he grew up not knowing his dad well, he understood and eventually was drawn to the cowboy lifestyle,” says Schnell. The saddle displayed at the end of the hall belonged to True’s dad, a daily reminder to True he has come back into his cowboy roots.
More:
So Your Design is: Rustic
Ranch Home in the Northwest Suburbs
Lodge Love: 7 Ways to Get the Look