Quaking Aspen, a luxury custom home in The Glades in Rathdrum, offers owners plenty of privacy amid beautiful natural surroundings. Shawn Anderson DePue, owner of Monarch Custom Homes, said the 3,132-square-foot home situated on 5 treed acres blends European/Old World traditional style with Northwest rustic contemporary. The three-plus bedroom/3.5 bath home was featured in the 2024 Parade of Homes and received an award for overall innovation.
The exterior was designed to create a feeling of warmth, including using darker paint in places instead of relying on darker stone. The builder focused on using as many natural materials as possible. The home features horizontal and vertical wood siding as well as timber accents. The entrance also includes large fir beams surrounding a sturdy door inset with glass panels. Another unique touch is the use of small ‘potato’ pavers for the front walkway.
Part of the appeal of Quaking Aspen is a covered patio area that can be accessed from then dining room. It includes an oversized sitting area and end table that creates a relaxing area ideal for snacks, happy hour or even game time in all types of weather.
The foyer is designed to be dramatic, starting with white oak flooring in a herringbone pattern. The painted walls add to the room’s overall warmth. The design also includes a series of arches that help create a softer, European flair, rather than plain beams. The European style continues with stained trim and other organic, natural materials.
The main focus of this area is natural timber ridge beams, which create a sense of space. The open-concept room also makes it easy to move between the kitchen, dining area and the great room. Lighter colored hardwood is present in all of these rooms, including alder cabinets, which provide warmth but more neutral tones instead of dark. One unique feature is a quartzite kitchen island that could double as an informal dining area, a buffet area or a spot for games. Plenty of windows let in light while allowing homeowners and guests to enjoy views of the trees outside and the water feature. Nearby is an oversized fireplace made of cultured stone with a rhinestone mantle.
While the focus of the great room is lots of bright space, the goal of the master bedroom is “minimalist but organic.” A sliding door makes it easy to see and access the outdoors. There’s also a vaulted timber beam as well as a fireplace that provides warmth. Lighted pendants by the bed provide warm illumination instead of lamps. The room connects to the master bathroom and laundry area.
As seen in the 2025 Summer/Fall edition
Builder: Monarch Custom Homes
Photography: Joel Riner