The Story Behind
Shovel-Ready Modern Masterpiece in Boulder's Coveted Newlands
There is a particular kind of confidence that arrives when every decision has already been made well. At 855 Kalmia Avenue, that confidence is embedded in every permitted drawing, every approved elevation, every material selection that defines a 7,849-square-foot residence designed to stand as one of Boulder's finest modern homes. The lot is flat, the plans are shovel-ready, and the only thing between you and construction is a closing date.
The facade announces itself with quiet authority — dark vertical wood siding set against light masonry and expansive floor-to-ceiling glass, a composition that draws the wooded Newlands backdrop into the architecture itself. Terraced landscaping softens the approach, while the tiered stone entrance and heated private driveway establish a sense of arrival that carries through every interior threshold. A six-car garage, discreetly integrated, ensures that practicality never compromises the home's commanding presence.
Inside, the design philosophy is one of considered restraint and exceptional craft. High ceilings lined with warm wood paneling define the great room, where a textured stone linear fireplace anchors the space and floor-to-ceiling glass walls dissolve the boundary between interior and patio. The open-concept layout flows naturally into a kitchen centered on a marble-topped island with an integrated sink — a workspace as beautiful as it is functional, backed by a matching marble surface and warmed by the same wood-paneled ceiling that runs throughout. A dedicated walk-in pantry and working kitchen ensure that the primary kitchen remains a showpiece even during serious entertaining.
A floating staircase, framed by slender metal railings and rising past a dramatic dark accent wall with gold veining, marks the vertical transition between levels with the kind of detail that signals genuine architectural intention. The main-level owner's suite is a study in private luxury: a linear fireplace set into stone, floor-to-ceiling windows framing the pool and grounds, and a spa bathroom featuring a dark veined stone shower enclosure and a freestanding black soaking tub. A generous dressing room completes what is, in every sense, a private retreat within the home.
Two additional bedroom suites occupy the upper level, each thoughtfully positioned for privacy and light. The lower level expands the home's possibilities considerably — two further en-suite bedrooms, a flex space, a glass-enclosed sauna and cold plunge, a mudroom, and a hidden walk-in vault speak to the comprehensive vision that guided this design from the outset. An elevator connects all three levels with ease.
Outside, a 75-foot lap pool and integrated spa extend across a sprawling stone patio with generous lounge and dining areas, creating an outdoor environment that functions as a true extension of the interior. Pace Development, led by Ali Gidfar with over 40 years of experience in Boulder luxury construction, has secured competitive bids from the region's top builders and stands ready to guide the project through completion. The design is done. The approvals are in hand. The only remaining step is yours.
Newlands is among Boulder's most enduring and beloved residential neighborhoods — a place where tree-lined streets, foothills proximity, and a genuine sense of community have made it consistently one of the city's most desirable addresses for discerning residents. Bounded loosely by Wonderland Creek to the north and the established corridors of North Boulder, the neighborhood carries the character of a community that has been thoughtfully lived in for generations, its mature landscaping and architectural variety reflecting decades of careful stewardship.
The streets here feel unhurried. Morning light filters through established canopies of cottonwood and oak, and neighbors are as likely to be returning from a trail run as walking to the nearby Ideal Market — the beloved independent grocery at the corner of 15th and Kalmia that has served the North Boulder community for decades and remains a neighborhood institution. It is the kind of anchor that defines a walkable, self-sufficient enclave within a larger city.
For those who orient their lives around the outdoors, Newlands delivers with uncommon generosity. The neighborhood sits at the foot of the Boulder foothills, placing residents within minutes of the extensive Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks trail network. Wonderland Lake Park, just north of the neighborhood, offers a peaceful loop trail around a quiet reservoir with unobstructed views of the Flatirons — one of Boulder's most iconic natural landmarks. The Dakota Ridge and Foothills trails extend the possibilities further, connecting to a system that ultimately reaches into the mountains themselves.
Pearl Street, Boulder's celebrated pedestrian mall and cultural heart, is a short distance to the south. Home to independent boutiques, acclaimed restaurants, galleries, and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Pearl Street pulses with the creative and intellectual energy that has long defined Boulder's identity. The city's flagship Farmers Market, held weekly from April through November, draws residents from across Boulder and reflects the community's deep commitment to local agriculture and artisan craft.
Families are drawn to Newlands in part for its access to Boulder Valley School District's highly regarded schools, including Foothill Elementary, which serves the neighborhood and has earned consistent recognition for academic excellence. The University of Colorado Boulder, a short distance away, contributes to the intellectual and cultural vitality of the broader community, supporting a year-round calendar of lectures, performances, and athletic events.
Boulder's broader reputation as one of America's most livable cities is well earned — consistently ranked among the healthiest, most educated, and most innovative communities in the country, it draws entrepreneurs, scientists, athletes, and artists in equal measure. The city's commitment to open space preservation, walkability, and environmental stewardship has shaped a place that feels both aspirational and genuinely livable.
Within this context, 855 Kalmia Avenue occupies a position of particular advantage — close enough to everything that defines Boulder life, yet settled within a neighborhood quiet enough to feel like a world apart. It is a location that does not require compromise.
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