Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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HAUTE PROPERTY continued from page 159 Mansfield Winter Academy—not to mention that the couple and her two teenage sons who, she says, "have been skiing as long as they could walk," spend every winter weekend at the mountain Earlier this year, the Tappes realized that the family was outgrowing their condo, so they decided to upgrade to one of Stowe's new, spacious ski-in/ski-out cabins that sits trailside on the mountain. Salem-based interior designer Lisa Pennick, who also decorated the Tappe's home in Weston, was able to decorate the new space just in time for the family to enjoy leaf-peeping season and their annual autumn hikes. But once the snow hits, the Tappes are all about skiing. The day begins with a morning ski for the couple, followed by lunch and a snowshoe trek with their dog (a rescued lab hound) on Smugglers' Notch. The boys spend the day freestyle skiing in the terrain parks. In the evenings, the family gathers back at the cabin. When they don't eat in, Tappe says, they might stroll across to the restaurant at the Lodge, which features a farm-to-table menu, or drive into town. Their cabin's open floor plan, cathedral ceilings, exposed beams, and many windows all add up to a "quality time" atmosphere—exactly the vibe that Tappe was after. 160 Their cabin's open floor plan creates a "quality time" atmosphere— exactly the vibe that Tappe was after. That inviting aesthetic was just part of the thought process behind the design, says David Kaselak of Colorado-based Zehren and Associates. Kaselak designed all of the mountain properties and has been involved with the planning of the Stowe's mountain-base village since 2002. He points out that each cabin has a rustic feel, with overhanging roofs that provide shelter from the snow, grooved wood siding, exposed joints, and stacked stonework reminiscent of the historic stone walls once built by farmers. Local craftsman hammered the steel trusses at the top of the entryways and created the custom doors for the fireplaces. For year-round luxury downtime, there are decks for lounging and patios with barbecues and built-in hot tubs. Homeowners can also take a dip in the seriously warm, four-season outdoor pool at the Lodge, with hot tubs, poolside cocktails, and fire pit. In summer, the resort operates an alpine slide and gondola sky ride, as well as bungee trampolines, a climbing wall, and obstacle course. And during primetime snow season, there is an ice rink and organized sledding. "When potential buyers discover all the kids and the activities here," says Sam Gaines, vice president and director of Real Estate Development of Spruce Peak at Stowe, "they can't wait to move in." And they might never want to move out. The Tappes consider themselves more smitten with Stowe than ever. Alicia says she is busy plotting and scheming more traditions for her family, which, of course, include skiing, but down the road, they could even continue the Tappe legacy of an alpine wedding or two. You never know. 7320 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT, 802-253-3560; sprucepeak.com BC PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF STOWE MOUNTAIN LODGE TOP LEFT: Alicia Tappe and her family can hit the slopes directly from their trailside cabin. ABOVE: Private cabin owners have access to the Lodge and its amenities. LEFT: The heated pool at night. BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 159-160_BC_HP_Opener_Holiday_13.indd 160 11/1/13 4:08 PM