Building a Custom Riverfront Home in Vail, CO 

Project Preview: Building a Custom Riverfront Home in Vail, CO 

Just off the Vail Golf Course and right along the banks of Gore Creek, this East Vail homesite is something special—quiet, scenic, and just steps from the water. But building a custom home in a spot like this takes more than vision. It takes a team who knows how to work with the land, not against it. 

The homeowners dreamed of a mountain retreat where they could host family, spread out, and make the most of the space, including full basements to add extra square footage. But with the creek so close by, we had to get creative to make that happen. 

turnbull renderings
turnbull rendering

Solving Challenges Below the Surface 

This property may look simple at first glance—it’s flat, open, and easy to access. But beneath the surface, high groundwater made basement construction a real challenge. Our team put a system in place to keep the site dry during the early stages of the build, so we could safely dig down and pour the foundation. 

The water is filtered and cleaned before it goes back into the creek, making sure we’re protecting the environment every step of the way. It’s a behind-the-scenes process that most people never see, but it’s what makes building in a location like this possible. 

Laying a Strong Foundation 

Once the site was prepped, we focused on creating a foundation built to last. Instead of a standard concrete slab, this one is thicker and fully sealed to keep out water long-term. These details may not be flashy, but they’re essential, especially when building near a water source. 

It’s the kind of thoughtful work that gives homeowners peace of mind, knowing their house will stay solid and dry for years to come. 

turnbull rendering
turnbull rendering

Designed for Real Life in the Mountains

This custom home will include two side-by-side residences, totaling more than 9,000 square feet of living space. Both sides will feature full basements—adding over 3,500 square feet of extra room to spread out. With 11 bedrooms and 14.5 bathrooms between them, the layout is designed for everything from quiet weekends to big family gatherings.

Letting the Setting Lead the Way

The home’s design is all about blending into its surroundings. A mix of manicured lawn and native grasses helps connect the property to both the nearby golf course and the natural textures of Gore Creek. From the start, our goal has been to honor the landscape while creating something beautiful and functional.

turnbull rendering

What We Love About This Build

This project is a great example of why we do what we do. It’s not just about building a house, it’s about helping families create a place they love, even in locations that come with extra complexity.

At Pinnacle Mountain Homes, we’re proud to be the homebuilder trusted for builds like this in Vail, CO, where care, creativity, and craftsmanship all come together. We’re excited to keep you posted as this one.

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Vail Market Spotlight: Building What Belongs

Vail Market Spotlight: Building What Belongs

How Vision, Redevelopment, and Design Are Shaping Vail’s Next Chapter

 

Vail has always stood apart, not just for its alpine beauty and European charm, but for its ability to evolve. Once a quiet ski town, it’s now one of Colorado’s most sought-after destinations. And as the town has grown, so has the way we build here. 

Today, with open land nearly gone and aging homes ready for reinvention, the opportunity has evolved. New-build homes are rare. Redevelopment is redefining the landscape. At Pinnacle, we see this not as a constraint, but as a call to create something more meaningful – homes that honor their setting, reflect modern living, and shape what mountain communities become next.

A Built-Out Valley Opens the Door for Vision

Vail is, for the most part, built out. Few untouched parcels remain. Many of the best-located properties already have homes on them, often built decades ago. That’s where the opportunity lies. 

Across Vail and beyond, we’re seeing a clear trend: homeowners and investors asking, What could this become? 1980s- and 1990s-era homes are being updated, rebuilt, or replaced entirely. Whether it’s a thoughtful renovation or a ground-up rebuild, the goal is the same, create something beautiful, functional, and built to last. 

With lot values continuing to rise, investing in quality design and construction isn’t just smart, it’s essential. 

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vail valley

Design Grounded in Today’s Mountain Living

Today’s mountain homes are designed with more intention than ever. Open layouts allow for flexibility. Expansive windows frame the views. And natural materials—wide-plank oak, stone, hand-troweled plaster—bring warmth and timelessness. 

This shift isn’t about chasing trends. It’s a response to how people live in the mountains now, with comfort, clarity, and connection in mind. 

But design is only half the equation. Steep grades, tight access, aging infrastructure, these sites demand more than vision. They require real technical expertise. At Pinnacle, we bring the engineering insight, mountain construction experience, and logistical problem-solving it takes to turn great design into a build that actually works – on this terrain, in these conditions.  

The Rise of the Luxury Duplex

One approach gaining momentum in Vail is the luxury duplex. Where zoning allows, replacing a single older home with two thoughtfully designed residences offers flexibility and value. 

These aren’t your typical side-by-sides, they’re high-end homes crafted for privacy, livability, and long-term return. A smart way to get more from the land while still honoring the character of the neighborhood. 

A Market That Rewards Precision

In Vail, the path forward isn’t about building bigger, it’s about building smarter.  

With limited inventory, strict oversight, and rising demand, success requires: 

  • Clear vision 
  • Strategic design 
  • Flawless execution 

 Whether reimagining an existing home or starting fresh on a legacy lot, it takes the right team to navigate the process and deliver something that feels effortless, even when it’s anything but. 

Vail isn’t just evolving. It’s being redefined, carefully, creatively, one home at a time. 

 
Parade of Homes 2024

Where Pinnacle Mountain Homes Leads the Way

We know these Mountains. Not just the landscape, but the rhythm of building here. We’ve tackled steep sites, tight constraints, and complex builds, with the same care and attention we bring to every home. 

This is a place that calls for thoughtful work. And we’re proud to be part of what comes next. 

Let’s build what belongs. 

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We Are Pinnacle

WE ARE PINNACLE

At Pinnacle Mountain Homes, our mission goes beyond building houses—we craft living spaces that feel like home right from the start. We seamlessly integrate every aspect of custom home building—from Design and Construction to Furnishing, Management, and Rental—creating spaces that become integral parts of our clients’ lives.

It’s more than just structures; it’s about forging meaningful connections and enhancing everyday living experiences. Our approach is rooted in trust, collaboration, and the enduring memories we help our clients create.

Curious to learn more about us? Check out our latest brand video to get a glimpse into our ethos and values that define us. Discover firsthand how we transform exceptional homes, elevating lives along the way.


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