“The design process is one of painful exhilaration in human endeavor…” – Charles Haertling

$1,448,632  |  July 2014

Best known for being Boulder’s foremost modern architect, Charles Haertling moved to Boulder in 1953 to teach architecture at the University of Colorado. He began his own architectural practice in 1957, designing over 40 buildings in and around Boulder.

Contrary to the notion that growth and expansion are the rule to measure success in business, Haertling intentionally kept his practice small for the purposes of quality control. Unwilling to compromise any stage of the design/ build process, Haertling was the kingpin of all his creations, considering his projects “living sculptures.” Haertling’s work is often compared to that of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Haertling’s projects were personal. He was known for spending his evenings driving the streets of Boulder, checking in on his builders to ensure their integrity to his design and intentions. His conviction was demonstrated in the way he fully gave himself to his work.

Care, beauty and organic integration to the earth above and below, were the driving virtues that lead Haertling’s design process. Whimsy grounded in firm knowledge of design stability, birthed homes that were otherworldly creations, coveted for their uniqueness and creativity that could only come from the mind of a genius. Many of his homes softly blend into their environment, the indoors and outdoors perfectly in sync with one another, a holistic approach to a person’s dwelling and its interaction with the world beyond.

The “Gill House” at 730 15th is a premier example of the architect’s distinctive use of natural and organic materials combined with modernist elements. Built in 1972, with abundant stone, cedar, copper and glass, the clean, angular lines of the house are complemented by the surrounding stone walls and outdoor elements of stone and cedar, including the formal water fountain flanking the property to the West and to the East, the 700 sq ft heated pavilion with music system Viking grill and built-in bar. The currently popular theme of indoor/outdoor living feels as if it were invented at this property and perhaps has not been improved on since!

A stone’s throw from Chautauqua Park, the house is designed to make full use of the extraordinarily large lot (almost ¼ acre) and SouthWest facing light and views, with walls of windows and glass overlooking the mature gardens and the striking beauty of the nearby Flatiron mountains.

poolThe original owners wanted a swimming pool and ended up building it inside the house. The pool has since been permanently covered by flooring to create an open living area on the main floor with south-facing sliding doors out to the lawn and formal gardens.

The sunken living room is large enough for family gatherings, yet cozy and intimate, with one of three stone fireplaces serving as the hearth and focal point for the room, along with the ubiquitous windows that are one of the hallmarks of this property. The main living area contains a great room and dining area, highlighted by copper and cedar ceiling trim and an original copper chandelier for the dining table, with yet another beautiful stone & copper fireplace.  A very functional gourmet kitchen adjoins the dining area, offering large pantry area and professional appliances set in neutral stone countertops and custom wood cabinetry. A deck to the East off the dining kitchen area brings in the eastern morning sun.

Spiral stairs to the upper level reveal more windows and views. The sumptuous master suite to the West showcases two walls of southwest facing windows, yet with the design of the flat room overhang, provides a sense of peace and privacy – a sanctuary with neutral stone clad luxury bath with large soaking tub. The other two bedrooms to the east enjoy a shared bath, sitting areas and balconies.

The lower level is comprised of the attached two-car garage off the alley and plenty of storage in what was once the foundation of the built-in pool.

730 15th is for a discerning Buyer with a keen appreciation for exquisite architecture and a vision for fine living, in this extraordinary location, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world, that seamlessly flows throughout the interior and exterior of this remarkable property.

” There are those among us, whose clear purpose, tenacious spirit and disregard for the constraints imposed by others, propel them to surpass the barriers of the current vogue. The oddities of Mr. Haertling were indicative of a visionary, whose intuitive foresight permitted him to see past the sight line of those around him. Heartling noted that his design principles echoed those of Beethoven “He broke the rules and found beauty in the broken rules.”