There’s certainly a lot to see in this Aspen Homes project. But there’s also something not meant to be seen.
As secret doors go, the one in this home doesn’t take you anywhere terribly mysterious, like a hidden treasure room or a speak easy. Instead, it leads you into a large working pantry. Unexpected space like this for one’s food and kitchen supplies can be downright valuable to a homeowner used to having limited room in a tiny space or in hard-to-reach cupboards and cabinets.
Jessica Frakes, interior designer for Aspen Homes, said there are plenty of details in the home that can appeal to people who want something quality in their custom home but she wanted to do something a little different.
While the basic model of the home is similar to past homes by Aspen Homes, Frakes said the kitchen was redesigned with a new layout that includes the secret pantry. There’s also an extended island that can accommodate six chairs and an extra-long workstation sink, plus granite backsplash shelving. The secret door, which looks like a cabinet door from the outside offers plenty of counters and cupboards.
“We’ve been seeing a lot of more of these types of design in our industry – they’re becoming a popular feature,” she said.
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The 2,849-square-foot rancher in the Coeur d’Alene Place neighborhood is a blend of architectural styles, with a modern interior, plus traditional rustic design. It offers three bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a three-car garage.
Interesting features include vaulted ceilings supported by timber ridge beams and an impressive stone fireplace that rises to the ceiling in the living room. There’s a bonus suite upstairs with its own full bathroom. The upstairs area could easily be used as an extra bedroom, a gaming area or media room.
The primary suite was designed with a modern feel and includes windows looking over the prairie and access to the back covered patio.
The open-flow living room, dining room and kitchen has a lot of appeal.
“We got a lot of good feedback on this,” she said.
When working on the design for the home, she aimed for something where families will feel comfortable in every space, whether they’re entertaining or simply enjoying a night in.
“I wanted to make sure it was somewhere I’d like to live,” she said. N
As seen in the 2025 Home and Garden edition
By: Joe Butler
Builder: Aspen Homes
Photography by: Joel Riner