Approaching the home from the private driveway off Mapleton, through a canopy of trees, over a private bridge that crosses Sunshine Creek, the 3 garage spaces offer ample parking. You can also access the home off Green Rock Drive on the circular front parking area.  Looking directly through the oversized front door and entrance hallway, a secret garden has been uncovered, welcoming you to the indoor-outdoor lifestyle, a hallmark of the Usonian school of mid-century modern architecture. This garden makes for a remarkable space to dine al-fresco, enjoy a morning coffee, or visit with friends.  The kitchen, with functional storage and excellent south-facing light, walks out to the secret garden. The adjoining dining room which also accesses the garden through glass doors, features abundant windows with views to the south and to the north. Gyp Rock is prominent in the dining room and provides a beautiful setting when illuminated, making for a stunning dinner party.

The living room, on the north side of the home, features a wood burning fireplace, an inviting space for gathering, a built-in sofa on the east wall, and a wall of glass that opens to one of the most breathtaking decks. The north-facing deck, cantilevered and suspended in the canopy of trees, has been completely rebuilt and now features a large section of clear glass floor. This design was incorporated to allow natural light into the living spaces below the deck, evening light from inside the home to float up through the glass, and to draw the canopy reflection into the living room. The mahogany deck is a natural extension of the main living area, and creates an excellent outdoor space to gather, dine, and enjoy the views and sounds of the creek and its wildlife.

To the north of the deck is a vast, wooded riparian habitat that extends across Sunshine Creek to Mapleton and is home to Boulder wildlife. From the deck there are winter views to the trails on Mount Sanitas Open Space. Also visible from the deck is the private driveway that leads directly to Mapleton.

Down a long and stunning gallery hallway, is the sunlit family room. This room features a wall of south-facing glass, as well as high windows on the west and north sides of the room. Exposed concrete on an exterior wall blends directly into this room. This space is well lit throughout the day and offers numerous views of Red Rocks, the Flatirons and surrounding area. There is also an exterior door that leads to the secret garden.

The master bedroom on the upper level has been maintained and features multiple view corridors. The Gyp Rock features prominently in the master bedroom suite, with the deck built into the moss rock. This deck, recently rebuilt of silver mahogany with etched glass outlining Gyp Rock, gives the owner privacy and views north to Mt Sanitas, as well as direct views south to Red Rocks and the Flatirons. The master bathroom features some of the very best views in Boulder, including an unobstructed view of the Flatirons.

The lower level of the home has been thoroughly restored. On the mezzanine level down from the main floor is a fantastic office, also with views to the north. Down another half flight of stairs is a flexible and functional media room, that makes for a great kids’ play area or den. Two whimsical kids bedroom suites are found on the north side of the home, each with very distinct features. The northwest bedroom features excellent views into the Sunshine Creek verdant, as well as a great bedroom and separate area for a couch, desk, or play area. The northeast bedroom, built into the Gyp Rock, features gorgeous windows and views, along with a dreamy handmade, white oak built-in bed, ensuite bathroom, and private entrance to a small deck.

Rounding out the lower level of the home is an oversized, wonderful guest suite, complete with an en suite bathroom, a separate exterior entrance, peaceful views to the north, and plenty of space for a large dining table and bar area. This suite offers numerous options and great flexibility for visiting guests or a nanny.

Charles Haertling engaged in a lengthy interview process with potential clients to ensure compatibility of their visions. This allowed for every home he created to become a bespoke masterpiece, pulling from both design in nature and innate livability within the home. The current owners have honored the architect’s passion for combining balance and nature with an intuitive, beautiful remodel. They describe the house best as follows:

The Menkick House, a masterpiece of mid-century modern design by Charles Haertling, is a work of art and arguably Boulder’s most important piece of architecture. The home’s masterful incorporation of the landscape has earned it legendary status among designers and locals alike. This iconic structure sits on over 1 acre of lush trees and landscaping creating a private and serene setting, located in Boulder’s exclusive Knollwood Estates. Just a short walk along the wooded path from the end of the cul-de-sac leads to the heart of Pearl Street and all that Boulder has to offer.

The Usonian design of the four story home flows from the site and its imposing backdrop of Gyp Rock (Green Rock). Stunning views of the Flatirons, Mt Sanitas, and Red Rocks impress throughout the house and master suite. Three additional bedroom suites cascade down the rock from the main level. The formal side of the house to the south is joined to the more casual side to the north by a long corridor and the exterior is meant to look as natural as the site using rough lumber and stone. Recently remodeled and updated, this is truly a unique opportunity to own an architectural work of art and Boulder’s most famous home.

Widely regarded as the city’s most important piece of architecture, the four-story Menkick House does not appear out of place against the imposing backdrop of Gyp Rock, a massive rock formation that looms behind the home. Rather, Charles Haertling’s design incorporates the landscape into the residence itself. The home’s three stone structures echo Gyp Rock’s three peaks of varying heights – in fact, each structure corresponds in height to one of the rock formations behind it.

The home was constructed using rough lumber and natural stone, further connecting it with the surroundings. High trees descend to a mountain stream on the north end of the property (at the foot of the Mt Sanitas trailhead), while the south side features stunning views of Boulder and the Red Rocks. The design as a whole was intended to give prominence to Gyp Rock and to allow the home and the site to exist in harmony – not only with nature but with the history that occurred on the land during pioneer times. Haertling himself described the home as “an area angels would tread”, referencing a pioneer girl nicknamed Gyp – the rock’s namesake – who perished during a frontier gunfight.

Haertling’s visionary work earned the Menkick House the 1971 Design Citation Award from the Colorado Society of the American Institute of Architects.