Timber Frame Homes in Idaho
Woodhouse timber frame homes in Idaho add extra sparkle to the Gem State.
For many Americans, Idaho is synonymous with potatoes. Though the humble spud is the state’s official vegetable, the moniker belies a spectacular, mountainous state that makes Idaho’s other name, “The Gem State,” much more fitting. Occupying the inland portion of the Pacific Northwest, Idaho is rich with rugged and scenic landscapes shaped by the Rocky Mountains and the Snake River, which has carved the deepest river gorge in North America.
Timber frame homes in Idaho are a natural fit. Just like the state’s motto, “Esto Perpetua” (“let it be perpetual”), Woodhouse timber frames are constructed to last for generations, blending into the breathtaking scenery, holding their value, performance, and style.
“In the mountains of Idaho, the opportunity to tuck a dramatic timber frame home onto the side of a slope or on a ridge overlooking one of any number of crystal clear lakes, rivers, ski resorts, golf resorts and so on is compelling to the most discerning property owners,” explains Ben King, the Woodhouse Regional Project Manager for the West. “Beautiful timber frame homes seem to just belong there.”
Regardless of where you currently live, Woodhouse can make your Idaho timber frame home dream come true.
Hot Spots for Luxury Timber Frame Homes in Idaho
Like hidden treasure, the Gem State is filled with regional jewels that beckon the good life. “Too many perfect places for timber frame homes to name them all,” as Ben puts it. From the Snake River Valley to upscale ski towns to rugged mountain getaways, let’s explore some of Idaho’s allure and Woodhouse timber frame magic.
Central Idaho
Occupying the area northeast of Boise and southeast of Lewiston, Central Idaho is the heart of Idaho and is dominated by the Sawtooth Range and other standouts such as the Lost River Range, Salmon River Mountains, and Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness, a fitting name for one of the largest contiguous wilderness areas in the mainland U.S.
Energy efficient and designed with heavy snow loads in mind — not to mention the large decks for wildlife watching — timber frame homes are well-suited for this rugged region. Woodhouse mountain-style timber frame homes — both traditional and modern — conjure landscapes of spirited whitewater rivers, jagged peaks, wildflower meadows and mountain towns— all defining features of Central Idaho.
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Gold drew thousands to Idaho’s Wild West and when they left, ghost towns filled the void. All that glitters is no longer gold, but the rich history and stunning scenery in which it all went down still shines. Haunt these towns in Yankee Fork State Park, tour the museums, and travel through time.
Sun Valley
Part of the North Rockies region in Central Idaho, Sun Valley’s credentials are impressive. Founded in 1936 as the first destination ski resort in the U.S., this four-season mountain town has evolved into a luxury destination filled with world class art galleries and gourmet eats — even at the most low-key diners. Even with its lavish offerings, Sun Valley has retained its Western warmth and charm
Sun Valley homes must embody the region’s rugged sophistication. Whether you prefer a stylish getaway for days on the golf course and tennis courts, a majestic mountain lodge combining traditional and modern elements, or a timber frame cabin in the woods, Woodhouse will personalize your timber frame floor plan for elegant living in comfort and style replete with the luxury amenities you desire.
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Perched on top of Mt. Baldy and only accessible by gondola, The Roundhouse combines Sun Valley’s upscale food and iconic ski resort lifestyle. Enjoy service on the deck or cozy up to one of the hearths around the four-sided fireplace.
Island Park
When it comes to Idaho beauty, Island Park has it all — dense pine forests, wildflower meadows, lakes, and rivers all situated within the world’s largest caldera formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. It’s a fitting origin story given Island Park’s proximity to Yellowstone. Easy visits to the national park are just one of the many year-round outdoor recreation opportunities.
Live life in the slow lane and take in the views of endless nature from your timber frame home deck, porch, or great room. Unlike conventional stick homes, timber frame homes in Idaho can be built with expansive window walls because the weight of the home is carried in the timbers, freeing up the wall space for endless windows. It’s perfect for Island Park’s panoramic paradise.
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A mere 17 miles from Island Park via the jaw-dropping Mesa Falls Scenic Byway is the historic Mesa Falls Visitor Center located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. From there, enjoy the mist of Upper Mesa Falls, Idaho’s largest and last undisturbed waterfall in the Columbia River System.
Salmon
Like many of Idaho’s mountain towns, Salmon brims with breathtaking views. Its rustic, hard-working origins are steeped in mining, lumbering, and family ranching, a history that flavors the town to this day alongside art galleries, restaurants, and outfitters for outdoor adventurists. Salmon’s name says it all with renowned fishing and whitewater rafting along the Salmon River.
Along a river, in town, or on a mountain slope — timber frames meld the stunning natural scenery to a sophisticated, high-performance structure. Personalize your floor plan to serve and support your Salmon, Idaho lifestyle, whether that’s single-floor living in a forever home, a place to raise a growing family, or an all-in-one vacation and retirement home.
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Sacajawea is an admired historical icon and bold heroine, and her birthplace is purported to be in Salmon, Idaho. The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Educational Center is a 71-acre park on a river corridor with serene fields that conserve wildlife habitat, all set against a backdrop of the Continental Divide’s massive peaks.
Woodhouse Timber Frame Homes in Idaho
Woodhouse can customize any floor plan for a variety of needs, but for Idaho homeowners, the land often leads the design. "We let the land and the views guide our property owners towards customizations that fit in their unique piece of Idaho's beauty," explains Ben.
After that, a few key items top the design wish list of Idaho homeowners. For one, large exterior overhangs keep snow off walkways and provide cover on a deck. Pair this with an outdoor fireplace or hot tub for an idyllic place to aprés. Speaking of fireplaces, statement fireplaces are a must-have for a mountain home. Enhanced mudrooms provide easy access to gear, and a dog wash station makes for an easy transition between outdoor adventures and R&R inside. Window walls, like those in the RockyView, keep you connected to nature’s beauty.
Ben reports plenty of predesigns accomodate these desires, but a few in particular come mind — namely in the increasingly popular mountain modern category:
“Mountain Modern style is definitely trending in the Pacific Northwest, including Idaho,” reports Ben. “So, a plan like the WhisperingPines or the WaterRock might be a natural fit for the region. But also, you're certainly not limited to Mountain Modern. For example, the MistyMountain, the AntelopeValley, and the Adirondack Cottage are all popular starting points for Idaho property owners as well.”