Vail Mountain House

Nestled in the peaks of Vail, Colorado, this 370-square-meter mountain retreat reflects Nina Freudenberger’s signature approach—timeless, restrained design deeply connected to nature. Originally purchased in 1991 by Tara Smith Swivel's parents, the five-bedroom, five-bathroom home has been reimagined as a serene sanctuary that honors its alpine setting.

Freudenberger focused on materials that shift seamlessly with the seasons: cool and fresh in summer, warm and inviting in winter. In the living room, a custom Jean De Merry sectional anchors the space, accompanied by green poufs, Dagmar chairs, and a textured Emmi Whitehorse painting. Oversized oak-framed windows frame sweeping mountain views, making the landscape an ever-changing centerpiece.

The formerly closed-off kitchen was transformed into a bright, functional hub with Henrybuilt cabinetry, limestone countertops, and custom millwork. In the bedrooms—especially the master suite—custom furnishings and soft lighting foster a cocoon-like calm. Bathrooms carry through the theme of tactile luxury, featuring materials like a Japanese hinoki wood tub.

Freudenberger’s thoughtful layering of materials, light, and form results in a home that feels effortlessly elegant and in harmony with its surroundings—a place of quiet beauty and year-round comfort.