Hayes House

Aspen, Colorado - West End

Mountain Modern with Historic Victorian Form

Duplex

Single, Hayes House: Text

Single, Hayes House: Projects

About

Located on Bleeker Street in Aspen’s prestigious West End, the Hayes House is a stunning restoration and addition project that honors its storied past while embracing modern mountain living. Originally designated as a historic miner’s cabin, the home has witnessed numerous transformations over the years—many by the Hayes family, longtime Aspen residents and Hall of Fame inductees. Today, Z Group Architecture & Interior Design embarks on a thoughtful revival, balancing historic authenticity with contemporary elegance.

To ensure every detail reflects the home’s original character, the renovation process has been guided by historic photographs and insights from longtime Aspen locals. With careful adherence to Historic Preservation Commission approvals, the project is bringing the cabin back to its authentic Victorian form, while integrating a new addition that expands its livability without overshadowing its historic presence.

In a feat of engineering, the historic cabin has been raised and moved on rails to allow for full basement excavation, ensuring that no possible square foot was left unutilized. Once excavation is complete, the cabin will be repositioned over the new basement, preserving its standalone character, an exceedingly rare feature for a historic restoration in Aspen.

A key feature of the Hayes House is how it appears as two separate homes from the street, despite being on the same small lot it is a duplex. The historic cabin stands free, with no visible above-ground connection to the addition—an architectural rarity that preserves its independent charm.

Inside Unit A, the Historic Cabin Restoration, the former segmented floor plan has been transformed into an open, flowing space, making it more functional for modern living. What was once a series of small rooms now forms a single grand volume, creating an inviting, cohesive environment. The kitchen, once a hidden workspace, now serves as the heart of the home, perfect for contemporary entertaining.

In Unit B, the Modern Addition, an "upside-down" design places private bedrooms on the main level while the living, dining, and kitchen areas soar above, framed by vaulted ceilings and large windows that capture Aspen’s breathtaking scenery. This design not only enhances natural light and spatial volume but also creates an elegant mountain retreat.

The Hayes House is more than a renovation—it’s a carefully curated homage to Aspen’s rich architectural past, seamlessly woven into the fabric of modern mountain living. By restoring a beloved historic landmark while introducing a sophisticated yet respectful addition, Z Group Architecture & Interior Design has created a home that honors tradition, enhances functionality, and elevates the way its residents experience Aspen’s unparalleled beauty.