Knight’s Castle

Mountain home blends European style with family warmth

STORY Susan Craig
PHOTOGRAPHY Dan Pearson

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Tucked into a forest of pines, the design makes the most of long views over the forest and toward the mountains while preserving a sense of the ultimate hideaway. Knight, the building partner of Lee Michael Homes, designed it in collaboration with his wife Alexa, construction manager Gene McCutcheon, and California designer Myka. “There’s not one individual who makes a house,” says Knight. “It’s everybody.”

The double-door entry leads to a feast for the eyes. Elliptical arches present themselves in graceful curves, leading to formal foyer, rooms, and hallways in each direction. “I want people to have a feeling of warmth when they come in,” Knight says. Pride of place goes to the music room, just inside the entrance. Originally intended for dining, the acquisition of a splendid grand piano played by—and signed by—legendary pianist Joseph Hoffman of Alexa Knight’s family changed the plan. A lush oriental carpet and a brilliant backdrop of Japanese prints unify the space.

The step-down living room looks outward to the pines through a large bay window and inward to what Knight calls “the mystery corner.” Constructed of multi-toned castle stone, two walls join at the corner in a plant-filled space that is to become a cascading fountain. “This is the heart of the house,” says Knight. “You need something massive and strong in the heart of your house.”