The Story Behind
Custom Estate on 11 Pristine Acres in Maple Ridge Ranches
Architect Rick Brighton's masterful design emerges from the Utah hillside like a natural extension of the landscape, harmonizing weathered wood and stone with the rugged terrain beyond. This custom four-bedroom estate on 11.21 acres in exclusive Maple Ridge Ranches captures unobstructed views of Park City ski resorts and Mount Timpanogos through floor-to-ceiling windows, while hand-hewn timber beams and soaring vaulted ceilings create an atmosphere of refined mountain living.
Rick Brighton's architectural vision comes to life in this exceptional custom estate, where every design element speaks to a profound understanding of mountain living. The home's weathered wood siding and stone foundation create an organic dialogue with Utah's dramatic landscape, while the structure itself seems to emerge from the hillside as though it has always belonged there.
Upon entry, hand-hewn timber beams frame the threshold, immediately establishing the home's commitment to authentic craftsmanship. The great room serves as the home's emotional center, where soaring vaulted ceilings rise above a commanding stone fireplace that anchors the open floor plan. Clerestory windows flood the space with natural light, creating an ever-changing canvas of illumination throughout the day.
The gourmet kitchen exemplifies the home's sophisticated rustic aesthetic, featuring custom cabinetry with carefully distressed finishes that speak to generations of use. A dramatic red range hood serves as both functional element and design statement, while an oversized island facilitates both casual entertaining and culinary artistry. The seamless flow between kitchen, dining, and living spaces reflects modern sensibilities while honoring traditional gathering principles.
The primary suite transforms into a private sanctuary, complete with its own stone fireplace and panoramic mountain vistas framed by expansive windows. Each of the three additional bedrooms features dedicated bathroom access and custom built-ins that maximize both function and aesthetic appeal.
Descending to the lower level reveals a wine cellar with rustic concrete walls and barrel storage, creating an atmospheric space for serious collectors. The adjacent recreation room, complete with wet bar and foosball table, extends the home's entertaining capabilities while maintaining its sophisticated mountain character.
Throughout the home, the marriage of natural materials—stone, timber, and glass—creates spaces that feel both timeless and thoroughly contemporary. Floor-to-ceiling windows serve not merely as openings to the outside, but as living artwork that changes with the seasons and the light. The extensive use of stone and wood creates thermal mass and visual weight that grounds the home in its environment, while soaring spaces and abundant natural light prevent any sense of enclosure.
This is architecture that understands its place—sophisticated enough for the most discerning tastes, yet humble enough to defer to the majesty of the surrounding landscape.
Nestled within the exclusive gated community of Maple Ridge Ranches, this estate occupies a privileged position in Oakley, Utah—a historic mountain town that has evolved from its 19th-century ranching origins into one of Utah's most desirable residential enclaves. The community's gated entry ensures privacy and exclusivity while maintaining easy access to the region's world-class recreational opportunities.
Oakley's location in the Kamas Valley positions residents at the confluence of multiple mountain ranges, creating the dramatic 360-degree vistas that define daily life here. The town sits approximately 4,800 feet above sea level, providing four distinct seasons and the kind of crisp mountain air that has drawn visitors and residents for generations. This elevation also ensures proximity to some of the American West's most celebrated outdoor recreation.
Park City, just minutes away, offers an internationally renowned ski destination with two world-class resorts: Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort. Beyond winter sports, Park City provides sophisticated dining, shopping, and cultural amenities, including the annual Sundance Film Festival. The town's Main Street Historic District offers galleries, restaurants, and boutiques that rival any major metropolitan area.
The nearby Smith & Morehouse Reservoir represents one of the region's premier non-motorized waterways, offering pristine conditions for kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding. This 35-acre mountain lake, surrounded by aspen and pine forests, provides the kind of peaceful water recreation that has become increasingly rare in the modern West.
For equestrian enthusiasts, the property's split-log corrals and miles of private trails connect to an extensive network of backcountry paths that wind through the surrounding mountains. The area's abundant wildlife—including deer, elk, moose, and various bird species—creates daily encounters with the natural world that urban dwellers can only imagine.
The Kamas Valley's agricultural heritage remains visible in the surrounding ranches and farms, providing a sense of continuity with the land's pastoral past while offering the sophisticated amenities expected by today's discerning residents. The area's year-round accessibility ensures that this mountain retreat never feels isolated, despite its profound sense of privacy and connection to nature.
Oakley's position also provides convenient access to Salt Lake City's international airport and urban amenities, typically within an hour's drive. This proximity allows residents to maintain professional and cultural connections while enjoying a lifestyle defined by space, privacy, and natural beauty that has become increasingly precious in our connected age.
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