Style Setter: Telluride, Colorado

As originally published in CURATED Magazine.

“TELLURIDE IS MAGICAL,” says Ron Werner, President and Co-Founder of HW Home. “When I describe it to people, I say, ‘It’s God’s cathedral.’ It is the most majestic place.” Most any Exclusive Resorts Member or first-time Telluride visitor would agree. So it’s no surprise that the six residences at Heritage Crossing are some of the most sought-after alpine retreats in the Club’s Vacation Collection. The four-bedroom homes, however, were due for a contemporary update. As such, they’ve been recently redesigned by Werner and his team. “When you do something where the location is so powerful, our design has to speak to the destination,” he says.

The result? A mountain-modern refresh with themes for each residence—think ski or equestrian—with updated light fixtures, all new furniture and appointments, and a meticulously curated art collection worthy of the luxury vacation destination. The goal was to appeal to the broad aesthetic and various ages of Club Members—from young families to empty nesters. And typical to many Colorado ski towns, the ski-in, ski-out residences were built in the ‘80s and “emulated a Tuscan space,” says Werner, with lots of leather, dark flooring, heavy stone, and dark wood. The redesign juxtaposes lighter colors and textures, minimal lighting (no antler chandeliers here), and a focus on bringing Telluride’s amazing outdoors in. HW Home’s Director of Design, John Wright, found inspiration at Telluride’s eclectic shops and art galleries, including the Overland boutique, which fuses fashion and design.

“I’m a firm believer that the architecture speaks for itself and lays the groundwork for what the design has to be, but the design doesn’t have to run parallel,” Wright says. His favorite piece? A light-colored Gaudi Armchair by a Brazilian designer. “It has stylish leather straps but with a more contemporary spin,” Wright says.

The artwork, of course, is equally important, and while pieces celebrating Telluride’s history remain, the homes now display new works with a more modern take. What hasn’t changed, of course, are the postcard-perfect views. So after enjoying a morning cup of coffee in your updated, gourmet kitchen, spend time on the outdoor patio or soak in the hot tub—as the peaks of the San Juan Mountains are designed just right.

TAKE ME TO TELLURIDE

Relax: The Spa at Madeleine Auberge Hotel & Residences features a nature-inspired spa menu. Opt for a deep-tissue massage with arnica infused, anti-inflammatory oil to restore overworked hamstrings, or try the hot river stone massage, created to combat altitude.

Eat: Al fresco dining doesn’t get any better than when in Telluride. Coffee and pastries at Baked in Telluride are a must, as is Gnar for the town’s top tacos. Another casual favorite is Brown Dog Pizza, while more upscale fare awaits at The New Sheridan Chop House and The National. Those in the know sip handcrafted cocktails at the “there” bar (yes, that’s the name). Try the mezcal infused “El Diablo” cocktail.

Play: You’ll find every alpine pursuit in Telluride— but scratch golfers flock to this corner of Colorado, too. Enjoy preferred tee times and discounted rates at the scenic Telluride Golf Course, while anglers relish in gold-medal fly fishing along the San Miguel River.