In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the town of Evergreen is defined by its relationship with nature. We move here for the scent of ponderosa pines, the sight of elk wandering through meadows, and the crisp, thin air that feels like a tonic. Yet, for many mountain residents, there is a recurring frustration: the very environment we love often dictates when we can actually enjoy it. The “shoulder seasons” can feel like an eternity of mud and wind, and a sudden evening chill can cut a dinner party short before the stars even come out.
For one local family, the solution wasn’t to leave their beloved ten-acre property for a more temperate climate. Instead, they chose to invest in their surroundings, transforming their existing footprint into a year-round sanctuary known as the “Evergreen Mountain Basecamp.”
A Strategic Investment in Value
When the homeowners first sat down with Garth Hystad, owner and lead designer of Masterpiece Outdoorliving (MPODL), they weren’t just thinking about aesthetics—they were thinking about equity. The client was laser-focused on “Loan to Value” (LTV), telling Garth explicitly that he wanted to ensure every dollar invested in the project would be reflected in a future appraisal.
In a high-stakes market like Evergreen, an outdoor addition can sometimes feel like an afterthought. However, by utilizing a “Steel Forever Frame” system and architectural-grade materials, Masterpiece built an outdoor space that functions as permanent square footage. The result? Local realtors have since validated a significant increase in the home’s market value, proving that high-end outdoor living is as much a financial win as it is a lifestyle one.
Harmonizing Inside and Out
One of the greatest challenges of adding to a mountain home is making the new structure look like it has always been there. The Evergreen Mountain Basecamp succeeded by rejecting the “bolt-on” deck look in favor of a holistic architectural approach.
The project actually served as a catalyst for a series of internal remodels, all executed by the Masterpiece team to ensure a seamless transition. To create a true flow from the interior to the wild, MPODL redesigned and installed new flooring, a custom fireplace mantel, and fresh paint within the existing home. They even cut a new access door from the home office, allowing the homeowner to step directly from a conference call into the crisp mountain air. This “inside-out” design philosophy ensures the addition balances harmoniously with the original home, feeling like a natural evolution rather than an appendage.
Engineering the Elements
The true genius of the Basecamp lies in its ability to adapt to Colorado’s volatile weather. The space features grand, gable-style vaulted timber ceilings with oversized skylights that flood the patio with natural light, even on overcast winter days.
To combat Evergreen’s notorious winds, Masterpiece installed Clearview Glass Wind Walls. These operable glass shields allow the family to customize their environment: slide them open on a calm July afternoon, or close them to create a transparent sanctuary when the snow begins to fall. Supported by high-efficiency infrared heaters and a massive custom stone fireplace, the “Basecamp” remains a comfortable 70 degrees even when the mountain temperatures dip into the teens.
Designed Around Your Lifestyle
When coming up with a design completely compatible with the homeowners’ lifestyle, it was determined that adding the outdoor kitchen to the main outdoor space was too far away from the home’s kitchen, forcing the host to trek back and forth to the main house. So Masterpiece Outdoorliving took a more functional approach.
The new outdoor kitchen was strategically placed in a secondary outdoor space in close proximity to the indoor kitchen. This thoughtful layout ensures that the space has been contoured around how the homeowner will be using it. With professional-grade grilling equipment and natural stone finishes, it’s a space that functions as well as it looks.
The Masterpiece Philosophy
This project is a hallmark of what Masterpiece Outdoorliving brings to the foothills. Led by Garth Hystad, the firm has spent over 40 years specializing in luxury spaces that solve the unique challenges of Colorado living. They don’t just build decks; they build legacies.
For Evergreen residents, the Basecamp serves as a blueprint. It proves that with the right design-build partner, you can reclaim your backyard, increase your home’s value, and live a lifestyle that isn’t dictated by the weather. It’s a space that honors the rugged beauty of the mountains while providing the refined, year-round comfort of a luxury resort.
Start Your Own Transformation
If you’ve spent this past season looking out your window at a deck that only gets used a few months a year, it’s time to reimagine what’s possible. Whether you are looking to create a glass-enclosed retreat or a timber-framed outdoor kitchen that adds real equity to your home, the Masterpiece team is ready to guide you from 3D design to flawless execution.
Ready to elevate your outdoor lifestyle and your home’s value? Contact Masterpiece Outdoorliving today at 720-597-3590 or visit MasterpieceODL.com to schedule your free consultation. Let them help you build a masterpiece that you can enjoy in every season.
