Log cabin gains mountain views

If a house was built more than 30 years ago, can the owner transform it into a stylish modern home while respecting both the natural surroundings and the original architectural style? This series will show you some of the ways the goal was achieved by Kenneth L. Bonner of the Bonner Architectural Group in Reston.

A single-story log cabin with a detached two-car garage was constructed on a two-acre lot during the 1950s. It was distinguished by a rear view of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, but the interior was cut up into small rooms that made it seem dark and cramped to the owners.

They wanted to re-design the interior, opening it up to the light and taking greater advantage of the spectacular scenery. The resulting project was completed in 1999. It provided a much more open plan, including larger windows to take greater advantage of the mountain views.

The living and dining rooms were transferred to the rear, so they, too, could overlook the scenery. In return, the kitchen was moved to the front with its southeast exposure, providing brighter surroundings.

The area between the house and the garage was filled in, with a new stairway leading to a new master bedroom suite over the existing garages.

The new master bedroom features a cathedral ceiling and large windows to bring in the sunlight from the southeast while providing yet another panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains to the northwest.