Based on 16th Century Italian precedents, such as Palladio's Villa Rotunda, this late 20th century prairie-style villa located on the plains near Denver, is used as a guest residence as well as an entertainment and party house. The owners, whose primary residence is on the same property, are involved in philanthropic efforts in the Denver area, and the structure is often used for fundraising events.
The focal point of the design is a large central room used for entertainment and as a living/dining room for guests. The room opens out in all four directions: South - to the front entrance and auto court; West - to the swimming pool; North - to the pond and grounds; and East - to the formal garden. In the Northwest corner of this room, adjacent to the exterior swimming pool, is a fountain/pool which displays pieces from the owners' anthracite crystal collection (some pieces from the collection are in the Denver Museum of Natural History).
Two wings extend out from the main room. The East Wing contains the powder and cloak rooms, guest bedroom suite and a detached garage for the owners' car collection. The West wing contains the kitchen, breakfast room, a games and TV area, an outdoor kitchen and eating area adjacent to the swimming pool, and an attached garage for guest cars, catering vehicles, etc.
The prairie-style architecture was selected for several reasons: the site is on the flat Colorado high plains prairie; the existing main residence is of similar style; and the family's wealth comes from grains produced on mid-western farm lands where prairie style first emerged.
