It’s only a few hours drive from Seattle, but the Methow Valley on the eastern side of the Cascade mountains in Washington state feels like a different world. The beautiful valley gets ample snowfall in winter, making it a destination for cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. In the summer, the area gets very dry, and hikers and bikers enjoy miles of connected trails.

Colin and Alisa Sands and their three kids, who all hail from Washington’s western shore, built a second home here to enjoy all the valley has to offer. With the area’s dry climate in summer comes the risk of wildfires, so adhering to firewise design principles was a must. For help, the couple hired builder and friend Justin Hamlin, who suggested they bring on architect Dan Nelson. After seeing Nelson’s previous projects on his Houzz profile, the couple knew he was the right person to create a modern-rustic dream home that would last for generations.

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