As Breckenridge land gets scarce and more expensive, the little cabins and chalets that were built as summer getaways 30 to 40 years ago, get re-built, or sometimes even torn down completely, to make way for a newer, larger home. I prefer to use "re-built" instead of "remodeled" because so often it is more than just a remodel. 
About three years ago, my builder friend, Paul, bought a little house in the Peak 7 neighborhood of Breckenridge. It was a funky little house on a great lot. It was the type of house that Sunset magazine used to sell plans for, so that you could build the home yourself. This little house was about 800 square feet on two levels, and was star shaped. It actually was just two squares, with the top square sitting at an angle on the bottom square, so looking at it from above, it looked like an eight pointed star.
It had a spiral staircase in the middle and heavy wood beams that supported the roof. The exterior was clad with hand split shingles. The original avocado green refrigerator was still in it, and it still worked! Paul lived in the home while he planned the addition. The lot was nice, with great trees and views, and he was wanted to plan a house that would be more saleable to the locals and second home owners that are our primary Buyers.
He hired Dwight Cocovinas, a Summit County architect, and Dwight came up with a plan that added an additional 2000+/- square feet, a two car garage, retaining the charm and flavor of the original house.
Paul is meticulous when he builds a house. This is the second one he has built by adding on to an older home and updating it. Today the kitchen has cherry cabinets and granite countertops, hand scraped walnut floors, stainless steel appliances and a dual fuel downdraft stove. You would never guess when you enter this home that it started life as a little funky cabin in the woods. What I like about it the most is that it is not your standard, suburban looking home that is built bland, hoping to not offend anyone. 
This Breckenridge home has character. The living room, with its two story wall of windows framing the view, the ledgestone gas fireplace, and two decks, is the new part of the house that was added on. Upstairs, accessed by an open loft/hallway, are two brand new bedrooms and a bathroom.
The master bedroom and bath are in the original part of the house, in the space that used to be the living room, dining room and kitchen. The angles of that original, star shaped house show here, and really add some dimension to the bedroom suite. Another deck off the master bedroom is a great place for coffee in the morning and would make a wonderful spot for a hot tub if someone wanted to add one.
Down the stairs next to the front door is a mud room area with cubbies and a bench for removing snow gear and boots. Another bedroom and bath are on this lower level. Paul currently uses the bedroom as an office/workout area, and it certainly has lots of flexibility. A laundry room with front load washer and dryer, cabinets and counter with a sink is also on this level.
The driveway is now in, and there is just a little landscaping left to do.
I love seeing how people remodel homes like this. The home I bought about 13 years ago was also a little cabin built in 1973 and today there are only two original interior walls left untouched. Paul actually did a better job on his house because it was all done at once, where mine was done in about 3 successive remodels, and I wish it had been thought out better ahead of time. Paul has his Breckenridge home for sale, for $969,000, and now that he has finished it, he is looking for his next project. I hope we can find him a home that has an equal amount of character that he can enhance as beautifully as he did with this home.
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