While living in Italy teaching English, Paul Wade furthered his knowledge of design and architecture. He visited the Czech Republic several times as he liked the people and culture of that country. He also started a garment manufacturer’s supply business, which he brought with him upon his return to the United States.
Paul was introduced to his wife, Michaela, an aesthetician who immigrated in 2000 to Seattle from the Czech Republic. They shared a love of her country’s culture and the outdoors. They discovered that, prior to meeting, each had participated in the 1992 New Year’s Eve celebration in Prague’s main square. “We probably passed within 50 feet of each other,” Paul says.
Steep commitments
After marrying, the couple purchased 2 acres in Manson on a slope where natural pine, greasewood, chokecherry, and wild roses grow. With amazing views of the lake, the property is located among full-time and part-time residences. Smitten by the views of Lake Chelan and the surrounding hillsides from the 1,200-foot elevation site, Paul sought an architect to design a home for the 40 to 45 percent slope that Michaela was initially skeptical they could even build on.
Another Montana native, Terry Johnson, AIA of PKJB Architectural Group, was experienced with slopes and selected for the project. While work on the plan commenced, a path with switchback was installed for water access and a boat dock--a story in itself. The Wades spent many nights on the boat during 14 months of home construction as Paul performed the general contractor role.
The structure
The contemporary residence with gables and a shed roof clad in corrugated metal siding was completed in August 2007. “It took time for this project to evolve. You don’t want to look at too much support. It’s like climbing the Grand Tetons and finding a sleeping ledge,” Johnson says.
The home is entered from the high side of the lot on the master-suite and loft-office level. Stairs take guests to the lower great-room level with its sunken living room. Additional bedrooms, storage, and an HVAC system are on the lowest level. In 4,800 square feet, there are five bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Finishes and furnishings
Interior finishes are clean and contemporary with emphasis on travertine, fir trim, maple floors, and ceilings of tongue-and-groove pine. Minimalistic furnishings and very few pieces of art keep the views from being obstructed.
The look has grown on Michaela as she has become accustomed to its livability. Couches are microfiber in solid neutrals. The master bed is without a headboard. Wade’s office desk is a glass wraparound unit. Navajo, Pakistani, and Tibetan area rugs add pattern and warmth to furniture groupings. Johnson is pleased his clients have exquisite taste in furnishings that complement the home.
The daily experience
“The view due southwest of Navarre Coulee across the lake reminds me of Northern Italy,” says Paul. “Across from the house is Slide Ridge, which looks something like red rock formations in Arizona. The sun hits it and turns the lake pink in the morning.”
Natural light makes living in this home a daily experience. Artificial light makes it interesting at night. Paul says the house is roomy without feeling too big. Michaela watches birds from the great room, enjoying that experience even more with the couple’s infant daughter. As for her kitchen, she says, “I love when Paul’s family visits. Everyone can help, and nobody is in the way.”
“This house has our fingerprints all over it. It’s very European. Some things remind me of Montana,” Paul explains. “We both feel our roots here, even though we are far from them.”
Refined Luxury amongst the stacked stones.....Villa Florenza
More suited for mature families and adults , this resort villa features the modern conveniences you would expect from a 5 diamond boutique hotel , such as:
900 square feet of terrazzo sun deck garden with hot tub spa , infinity edge pool , thermal ledge and underwater seating. Outdoor bar-b-que , teak - hand carved patio furniture, 600 thread count Egyptian cotton bed linens , luxurious terry cloth towels, heated hardwood floors , Navajo , Tibetan , and Pakistan rugs, a massive stone and fir fireplace with 55" Plasma HD television , Satellite TV, soaring 24' exposed fir and pine ceilings with low voltage cable lighting , a vanishing 16 foot Nana (tm) wall to the pool and terrazzo , gourmet kitchen, illuminated and private gated driveway approach.
No shoes please inside the house ; bring your slippers.
Entry level :
2 car garage and pass entry to house from garage.
Grand Entry : Reed glass on the entry door obscures the hidden elegance within.
Upon entry , guests are teased with a peek-a-boo view of the spa and sun deck garden awaiting discovery one floor below. A low voltage cable lighting system illuminates the vaulted ceiling , as you approach the master suite.
Roma Master Suite: Double fir door entry , private balcony , soaring cathederal ceiling with exposed beams and sconce lighting. This ceiling is between 8 and 15 feet high with large picture window views. LCD TV. King bed. Modern ceiling fan.
Master Bath : Double occupancy stone tile shower with Euro frameless glass. Oversized drop-in contemporary tub with waterfall filling. 15 foot high ceilings all exposed tongue & groove pine and fir beams. Cocoa oak cabinetry. Walk-in closet. Separate HVAC for upper floor heat and cooling.
Loft : Your private office for reading or relaxing.
Middle Floor :
Go down the steps and a built-in curio hutch welcomes you to the entertainment level.
Utility Room : Washer / Dryer & utility sink.
Kitchen : Gourmet kitchen with island , prep sink , wall oven , warming drawer , micro , espresso maker , disposal , dishwasher , 36" gas cooktop , bar seating , built-in pantry cabinets.
Dining Room : Open to the great room and kitchen. Seating for 8 or more.
Great Room : The heart of the villa.....24 foot cathederal ceiling with low voltage cable lighting system. The lights seem to float in air! Double ceiling fans. Big views through huge 8 x 4 foot double stacked picture windows. Exposed ceilings , stone fireplace , hardwood floors. Cantilevered views give you the feeling of floating over the lake.
Sun Deck Terrazzo : From the Great Room exit thru the vanishing NANA (tm) wall door system to the sun deck terazzo , with garden pots overflowing with flowers. A massive basalt rockery wall frames the terrazzo against the hillside. A built-in (gas) BBQ. The infinity edge of the pool seems to disappear into Lake Chelan 200' above the lakeshore.
Chaise lounges. Enchanting memories........
Middle Floor: Como Suite ; Queen size bed , private bathroom, double wide marble and stone shower, slab sand stone counter top, shared covered balcony , LCD flat screen TV , wall sconces and surface lighting , great lake views.
Middle Floor : guest bath : (3/4)shower, slate counter top, boulder sink, slate and pebble shower.
Middle Floor: Florenza Bedroom Suite ; Queen bed. Shared covered balcony with Como Suite. Great lake views. Private bath and shower. LCD flat screen TV. Wall sconces and surface lighting.
Ground Floor :
Yoga room exits to balcony for path to dock and waterfront.
Guest bedroom : Bergamo Room ; King size cherry poster bed,full closet, lake view.
Guest bedroom : Venezia Room ; Queen bed, twin / full bunk-beds.
Guest bath : Shower / Tub combination.
Guest bath : full.
Waterfront :
All natural setting. Small area for sitting and relaxing. Bench on dock for watching swimmers or resting. Swim float. Boat lift. Moorage buoy.
