From House To Home

While living in Italy teaching English, Paul Wade furthered his knowledge of design and architecture. He visited the Czech Republic several times as he liked the people and culture of that country. He also started a garment manufacturer’s supply business, which he brought with him upon his return to the United States.

Paul was introduced to his wife, Michaela, an aesthetician who immigrated in 2000 to Seattle from the Czech Republic. They shared a love of her country’s culture and the outdoors. They discovered that, prior to meeting, each had participated in the 1992 New Year’s Eve celebration in Prague’s main square. “We probably passed within 50 feet of each other,“ Paul says.

Steep commitments

After marrying, the couple purchased 2 acres in Manson on a slope where natural pine, greasewood, chokecherry, and wild roses grow. With amazing views of the lake, the property is located among full-time and part-time residences. Smitten by the views of Lake Chelan and the surrounding hillsides from the 1,200-foot elevation site, Paul sought an architect to design a home for the 40 to 45 percent slope that Michaela was initially skeptical they could even build on.

Another Montana native, Terry Johnson, AIA of PKJB Architectural Group, was experienced with slopes and selected for the project. While work on the plan commenced, a path with switchback was installed for water access and a boat dock—a story in itself. The Wades spent many nights on the boat during 14 months of home construction as Paul performed the general contractor role.

The structure

The contemporary residence with gables and a shed roof clad in corrugated metal siding was completed in August 2007. “It took time for this project to evolve. You don’t want to look at too much support. It’s like climbing the Grand Tetons and finding a sleeping ledge,“ Johnson says.

The home is entered from the high side of the lot on the master-suite and loft-office level. Stairs take guests to the lower great-room level with its sunken living room. Additional bedrooms, storage, and an HVAC system are on the lowest level. In 4,800 square feet, there are five bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Finishes and furnishings

Interior finishes are clean and contemporary with emphasis on travertine, fir trim, maple floors, and ceilings of tongue-and-groove pine. Minimalistic furnishings and very few pieces of art keep the views from being obstructed.

The look has grown on Michaela as she has become accustomed to its livability. Couches are microfiber in solid neutrals. The master bed is without a headboard. Wade’s office desk is a glass wraparound unit. Navajo, Pakistani, and Tibetan area rugs add pattern and warmth to furniture groupings. Johnson is pleased his clients have exquisite taste in furnishings that complement the home.

The daily experience

“The view due southwest of Navarre Coulee across the lake reminds me of Northern Italy,“ says Paul. “Across from the house is Slide Ridge, which looks something like red rock formations in Arizona. The sun hits it and turns the lake pink in the morning.“

Natural light makes living in this home a daily experience. Artificial light makes it interesting at night. Paul says the house is roomy without feeling too big. Michaela watches birds from the great room, enjoying that experience even more with the couple’s infant daughter. As for her kitchen, she says, “I love when Paul’s family visits. Everyone can help, and nobody is in the way.“

“This house has our fingerprints all over it. It’s very European. Some things remind me of Montana,“ Paul explains. “We both feel our roots here, even though we are far from them.“