Stillwater Luxe — A Modern Lakefront Mountain Retreat
An hour from Denver. A million miles from the grind.
Tucked among towering pines and aspens on the shores of private Thorn Lake, Stillwater is a one-of-a-kind mountain escape where modern architecture meets the wild beauty of Colorado.
Built from five repurposed shipping containers by renowned Canadian modular home builder Honomobo, this 1,540-square-foot architectural retreat sits on 2.5 wooded acres at 9,000 feet. An entire wall of glass frames the still waters of the lake and the dramatic granite cliffs of Thorodin Mountain.
Spend snowy mornings watching the mountains from the warmth of the living room, afternoons exploring nearby trails or skiing at Eldora, and evenings unwinding in the cedar barrel sauna before gathering around the fireplace.
Whether you’re here for adventure or absolutely nothing at all, Stillwater is a place to slow down.
THE HOME
Stillwater was designed to bring the outdoors in without sacrificing comfort.
Floor-to-ceiling lakefront windows fill the open living and dining areas with natural light, offering panoramic views of the water, forest, and mountains. Thoughtfully selected furnishings from Design Within Reach, Blu Dot, Restoration Hardware, Royal Botania, and CB2 mingle with vintage finds and handcrafted pieces made by the owners.
Sustainability is woven into the home’s design. Beyond its five upcycled shipping containers, much of the furniture was repurposed or crafted from lumber milled from trees cleared during construction. The surrounding landscape remains native, preserving the property’s natural character.
The fully equipped modern kitchen opens into the living and dining areas, with an island for cooking, conversation, and morning coffee with a view.
The large marble dining table seats eight and cleverly converts into a ping-pong table. A separate study provides a comfortable workspace with internet access.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
Three thoughtfully designed bedrooms comfortably accommodate up to eight guests.
* Primary suite: King bed, Nectar hybrid mattress, private bathroom with spacious shower.
* Second bedroom: King bed with Nectar hybrid mattress.
* Bunk room: Two twin-over-full bunk beds, sleeping up to four guests.
* Bathrooms: Two full bathrooms, including one with a bathtub.
Families with young children will find a Pack ’n Play, high chair, toys, LEGO, Duplo, Magna-Tiles, and plenty of games.
WINTER AT STILLWATER
Winter transforms Stillwater into a quiet mountain hideaway. Snow settles over the pines and aspens, the lake becomes a peaceful winter landscape, and the mountains feel a world away from the city.
Spend the day skiing at Eldora, snowshoeing in nearby Golden Gate Canyon State Park, or sledding on the property’s own hill. Then return to the warmth of the fireplace, a session in the cedar barrel sauna, and an evening of games, movies, or conversation.
There’s no need to go anywhere to have a memorable day. Sometimes the best part of a mountain getaway is simply being there.
Winter highlights:
* Private cedar barrel sauna
* Indoor fireplace and cozy lakefront living area
* Sledding hill with sled provided
* Skiing and cross-country skiing at Eldora, approximately 25 minutes away
* Snowshoeing and winter hiking nearby
* Foosball, ping-pong, and more than 100 games and puzzles
* 55-inch QLED 4K television and Sonos sound system
THE LAKE & WARMER MONTHS
When the snow melts, Stillwater becomes a lakeside playground.
Thorn Lake is a private mountain lake stocked with rainbow trout, with direct lakefront access from the property. Guests can enjoy two kayaks, two paddleboards, and a large canoe, or spend a quiet afternoon fishing and watching wildlife.
The 2.5-acre property offers space to explore, relax in hammocks, play disc golf, or enjoy the patio overlooking the lake and mountains.
At 9,000 feet, summer temperatures are often significantly cooler than in Denver, making Stillwater an especially refreshing escape from the Front Range heat.
AMENITIES
Comfort & convenience
* Three bedrooms and two full bathrooms
* King beds with Nectar hybrid mattresses
* Fully equipped modern kitchen
* Heating and air conditioning
* Indoor fireplace
* High-speed internet and dedicated study
* Large dining table seating eight
* Self-check-in and ample parking
* Bed linens, towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and coffee provided
Entertainment & recreation
* Private cedar barrel sauna
* Convertible dining/ping-pong table
* Foosball and tetherball
* More than 100 board games and puzzles
* Children’s toys and games
* Disc golf, PutterBall, and Chippo
* 55-inch QLED 4K television
* Sonos sound system
* Propane fire pit and grill
* Outdoor patio with lake and mountain views
* Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoe (seasonal)
* Fishing in private Thorn Lake
EXPLORE THE AREA
Stillwater feels wonderfully remote, yet some of Colorado’s best mountain adventures are close by.
Nearby destinations:
* 2 minutes: Golden Gate Canyon State Park access, hiking, biking, and scenic drives
* 10 minutes: Rollinsville, with a brewery, distillery, coffee, and pizza
* 12 minutes: Black Hawk and Central City, with casinos, restaurants, and historic attractions
* 20 minutes: Nederland, a charming mountain town with shops, restaurants, and groceries
* 25 minutes: Eldora Mountain Resort for downhill and cross-country skiing
* 30 minutes: Idaho Springs, with restaurants, breweries, and hot springs
* 35 minutes: Golden, with dining, shopping, breweries, and outdoor recreation
* 45 minutes: Boulder, with restaurants, shopping, galleries, and the University of Colorado
* 65 minutes: Downtown Denver
Additional adventures include mountain biking at Maryland Mountain, fishing on South Boulder Creek, riding the Georgetown Loop Railroad, exploring the Hidee Gold Mine, and visiting the Carousel of Happiness in Nederland.
WILDLIFE & NATURE
Stillwater is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Colorado mountains.
Moose, elk, foxes, bobcats, black bears, bald eagles, hawks, wild turkeys, and other wildlife have all been spotted around the property. In summer, the meadow comes alive with native wildflowers, including Colorado columbines.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but nature is always part of the experience.
GETTING HERE
Despite its secluded mountain setting, Stillwater is relatively easy to reach.
The roads are maintained and plowed in winter, with pavement extending to approximately the final quarter mile. Four-wheel drive is not normally required, although appropriate tires and extra caution are important during winter storms.
A rental car is strongly recommended for guests flying into Colorado. Public transportation is limited, and rideshare services are unreliable in this mountain location.
A NOTE ABOUT PRIVACY
Stillwater is situated on 2.5 wooded acres, offering a peaceful and private mountain experience.
On occasion, the owner may stay in a small RV in a separate area of the property. If this overlaps with your reservation, you’ll be informed in advance. The RV is separate from the home and guest areas, and your use of the house, lake, and outdoor amenities remains unchanged. Your privacy will be respected throughout your stay.
