By JOE BUTLER, Staff Writer
Last year, North Idaho welcomed Sundance, a custom-built home on Lake Coeur d’Alene that was the perfect symbol of Northwest living.
It was a 5,850-square-foot structure, blending fine wood, fine stone and fine décor to create something rustic yet elegant.
The home was created by fourth-generation builder Bill Koll and the family-owned company Rainbow Mountain Development, plus a team of top specialty subcontractors who have been working with him for years.
This year, the talents of these individuals have come together again to create The Coeur d’Alene, an even larger custom-built home, just a few doors down from Sundance. Both homes are in Syringa Heights, a new gated community overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene. Both utilize the highest levels of craftsmanship and are designed to accentuate views of the lake, along with the surrounding hills and countryside. But where Sundance offers a more rustic feel, The Coeur d’Alene goes for something a little different – more lines, more modern, more Frank Lloyd Wright.
In fact, everyone involved in creating the 6,800-square-foot home tried to emulate the different styles of the legendary architect, from images in stained glass to the light colors to the flow between rooms. “I’ve always been a big admirer of the architectural design of Frank Lloyd Wright,” Bill Koll said. “This was our inspiration for the design of The Coeur d’Alene.”
Madison Home Furnishings has decorated the interior, and even brought in many custom-made pieces especially for this home, including a cashmere headboard in the master bedroom suite and custom-designed couches for the media room. The company also provided the paintings, photos and other unique artwork for the walls and rooms. The homeowner lucky enough to purchase The Coeur d’Alene will be able to enjoy things like a spacious kitchen with two sets of double Kohler sinks, plenty of granite on the counters and ceiling-to-floor white marble fireplace, plus plenty of other special touches, such as drawers that won’t slam and specially imported Italian travertine in the office room. The marble, granite and travertine were supplied by Gargoyle Granite and Marble. Every room -- from the master bath to laundry room -- has a lake view, which means there plenty of opportunities to watch sunrises, sunsets or any other time on the lake while doing laundry, having coffee, or preparing meals. “Everyone says this home has an ‘infinity feeling,’ that when you step into any room, you feel like you can jump right into the lake,” said Christina Koll, also from Rainbow Mountain.
The home even includes an outdoor kitchen and eating area with a barbecue, refrigerator and seating area. Even the garage area has extra features, including a large storage area great for kayaks or a shop. Attention to detail is seen in every area of the home, from glass railings on the stairs to the intricate artistry of wood ceilings created by Dan and Jeff Spencer of Spencer Construction to the unique solid steamed European beech doors and trim. Outside is just as luxurious, including a large water feature with cascading streams over basalt stones and boulders, which then passes under the walkway and recirculates. This water feature was built by Waterfalls Northwest, with landscaping including birch trees, ferns and flowers, provided by TLC Landscaping.
Chris Koll said all of the sub-contractors and suppliers did a great job with this home, including Dreamwood Cabinets, Harrison Masonry, Homestyles Lighting, Braided Accents, and custom closets by Cabinet Systems of Spokane. The Coeur d’Alene is the fourth custom-built home built by Rainbow Mountain in Syringa Heights, which is five minutes from Coeur d’Alene.
Appointments for private showings or requests for more information about either home can also be made anytime by calling (208) 929-0750