Did you know? In the mountains of Utah’s Sanpete County, a little slice of history abides in Spring City. With more than 300 historic homes and lots designed after the 19th century, Spring City is one of few cities to be placed in its entirety on the National Historic Register.
One of those 300 preserved historic homes is the Behunin-Beck House, which now belongs to design buff and AirBnB host JaeLynn Williams, who enlisted designer Cindy McCarley to help capture the charm of Spring City while maintaining modern comfort.
Photos by Lindsay Salazar
Just inside the front door, a vibrant sitting room stands dressed in colorful palettes of the period, leaning into copper tones to keep the space vibrant without feeling staged. Furnishings from Serena and Lily and Ballard Design. Thibaut Katsura wallpaper.
One of several throughout the main level, an original pioneer-era hutch showcases antique china and 19th-century millwork.
Much of the artwork in the home was sourced extremely close to home — all original oils purchased from local antiques dealers and plein aire artisans who flock to Spring City for annual arts festivals.
Dale Peel of Peel Furniture expertly reinforced the internal structure of an 1800’s antique cabinet, allowing it to present a period-honoring artisan facade while supporting the weight of a quartz countertop and backsplash in the main-level bathroom. Vendome Sconces from Visual Comfort. Primrose Mirror from Anthropologie. Faucet by Kohler.
In an office that connects to the primary suite, the designer used the same custom Benjamin Moore paint to echo the mood of the bedroom into the workspace.
A pedestal sink with a Schumacher Bindi Hand Block print skirt stands in a small bathroom added to the upstairs floorplan. Wainscoting and Schumacher folklore wallpaper connect the new space to the rest of the home. Pendant light from Regina Andrew. Wall mirror from Hudson. Faucet by Pfister. Benjamin Moore HC-149, “Buxton Blue” paint.
Adjacent to the kitchen, a mudroom doubles as additional appliance storage, with custom-built shelving concealing dry goods and other kitchen essentials behind Thibaut’s Leighton Check fabric, sewn by local artisan Janette Taylor. Concrete flooring–painted in checkered Farrow & Ball “Bancha” and a custom Benjamin Moore shade—offers durability and opportunity for natural wear. Schumacher Wallpaper, Thibaut Huntington Plaid window shade.
Cleverly concealed refrigerator drawers allow for a modern cooking approach while still allowing the traditional millwork to take center stage. Want to see more of this historic home? Click here.
Celebrating Spring City
Spring City, Utah is one of very few communities (and the first in Utah) to be placed in its entirety in the U.S. National Historic Register. Documented in 1980, the town was cited as “an excellent example of the patterns of Mormon town planning… in the mid-to-late 19th century,” according to Utah Historical Society.
Beyond the lineup of over 300 historic homes, notable features of the down’s layout include the maintenance of a settler-era-traditional one-home-per-block pattern, as well as numerous examples of original log, adobe and stone structures that remain standing.
Thanks to the interstate rerouting traffic from these rural towns, Spring City is essentially still a rural village— and it celebrates that heritage. Friends of Historic Spring City, a foundation formed by resident artisans, runs a seasonal heritage tour, showcasing the arts and historic architecture of the town. Learn more here.
Read more of our entertainment coverage and get the latest on the design lifestyles encompassing Utah. And while you’re here, subscribe and get four issues of Utah Style and Design, your curated guide to the best decor in Utah.
