Photos by Lindsay Salazar
Some homes are brand new, yet they feel like they’ve stood for generations. That was the vision for homeowners Scott and Kim Best when they left the East Coast behind for the mountain town of Eden, Utah. On eight acres overlooking Pineview Reservoir, they set out to build a “new old home” with all the soul and story of a historic property. As featured in our print story, Paradise Found, the couple—together with designer Derek Mecham and contractor Justin Pack—brought a Dutch Colonial dream to life, complete with a gambrel roof, hand-hewn details and a deep respect for place. But beyond the pages of the magazine, there’s more to see: hidden corners, unexpected vignettes, and moments that showcase the depth of craft behind the design. Scroll on to explore exclusive photos not shown in the print edition.
As the drive winds toward the property, glimpses of Snowbasin appear before the house comes into full view. Trees were intentionally placed to stage the reveal, leading to a Dutch Colonial that feels rooted in its mountain setting. Reclaimed Utah pink brick, topped with limestone finials, lends timeless character, while Euclid Timber Frames’ innovative iCLT system anchors the home in solid wood craftsmanship.
Built from granite blocks salvaged from an 1880s Ogden building, this 38-inch-high, 30-inch-thick wall carries history in every stone. Without concrete or mortar, each piece was hand-chiseled and placed by craftsman Dave Bastian, giving the structure both strength and soul.
The English cottage-inspired laundry room features exposed oak cabinetry and a farmhouse sink.
In a guest bedroom, a reclaimed brick fireplace anchors the space, topped with a custom wood mantel designed by the homeowner and Derek Mecham and crafted by Christopher Scott Cabinetry. Antique oak captain’s chairs, reupholstered in electric-blue leather and Morris & Co.’s “Brer Rabbit,” echo the rich tones of the “Forest Indigo” drapery.
After restoring the local blacksmith shop, the village smithy, Aaron Richardson hand-forged this two-tiered chandelier. It is 6 feet high and weighs 500 pounds and is secured to the ridge beam by a steel link chain.
Linking the garage to the main house, the breezeway showcases reclaimed Utah pink brick and cast-iron windows and doors with classic mullioned detailing.
In the family room and beyond, interior designers Emily Hogg and Lauren Oviatt helped the couple realize their vision, layering English farmhouse character with Farrow & Ball color, Morris & Co. pattern and bespoke details throughout.
Given a key spot in the entry, a triple bow-back Windsor settee was handmade by craftsman Jock Jones for the house.
Years before building their home, the couple discovered a 19th-century Welsh cabinet and an 18th-century Belgian monastery table—pieces that would come to inspire the interior’s character. Handmade Windsor chairs by Utah craftsman Jock Jones complete the vignette, bridging history and home with quiet elegance.
The homeowners envisioned a warm, English farmhouse kitchen, where every detail tells a story: a tea prep nook, traditional AGA Range, Waterstone wheel faucet in nickel and a mix of lighting from Ralph Lauren and Ann-Morris New York. An antique oak trestle table and Windsor chairs, handmade by Utah craftsman Jock Jones, anchor the space, while Farrow & Ball’s “Parma Gray” paints a soft, timeless backdrop.
Like the main home, the two-floor garage structure is also made of iCLT. The copper-clad cupola is replete with a prancing fox weathervane.
The entry staircase, designed by the homeowners and Derek Mecham, is a study in bespoke craftsmanship. Its round balusters and oak handrail were shaped to fit the couple’s hands perfectly, with custom tooling by Bringard Millworks in West Valley City carving every curve and contour with precision.
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