Long-Bell Estate
This home is an example of the fine art of timberframe construction as practiced by renowned timberframer Tedd Benson and Bensonwood Homes. Featured in his most recent book Timberframe, Long-Bell Estate is an exquisitely-embellished timberframe home constructed from 88-year-old Douglas fir.

Tedd Benson homes have gained acclaim around the world as the pinnacle of timberframe construction. Benson’s company and homes have been featured on “This Old House”, “Good Morning America”, “The Today Show”, and publications such as “The New York Times”, “Atlantic Monthly”, “Smithsonian Magazine” and “Architectural Digest”.

Old world master craftsmanship is apparent in all aspects of Long-Bell Estate. Colorado artist and blacksmith Craig May fashioned Colorado wild flowers from copper to adorn his hand-forged wrought iron chandeliers and wall sconces and fireplace doors in the Great Room and Library. Craig also designed and built the hammered copper hood, with brass trim, over the kitchen range. Internationally recognized Colorado artist Phil Watkins’ stained and leaded glass graces the main entry as well as the kitchen cabinets and Master baths. Master German cabinetmaker Stefan Wilhelm of New Hampshire built the recycled Douglas fir and cherry cabinetry throughout the house. His master woodworking skills were especially needed in the kitchen for the curved cornice-like treatment of the range hood cabinetry, and to execute the custom details necessary for serious gourmet cooking. Victor of Denver’s Victor Marble Company crafted the slab marble connecting his-and hers Master bathrooms, the marble pedestal sink in the powder room, 3 marble slab fireplace hearths and slab granite kitchen counters. Plaster walls compliment the old world ambiance of the timber frame, as do the rich tones of the five-inch-wide plank cherry flooring.

The dining room draws the outside indoors with French doors on three sides opening onto a spacious raised flagstone terrace overlooking the pond. Dine outdoors in good weather, or dine indoors, with an al fresco feel, in bad weather. The main-floor Master Bedroom Suite includes a reading nook overlooking the pond, and French door access to a secluded hot tub.

The house exterior combines brick, limestone, stucco and salvaged Douglas fir timbers. The country manor style is completed by the Vermont slate roof.

The Timberframe is a Work of Art
This unique estate features a Great Room with a 30-foot vaulted ceiling, the focal point of which is a hammer beam truss (a technique developed in the Middle Ages) that spans the 30-foot width of the room, and its king post with inset cherry panels and a carved pendant. To quote Tedd Benson, “These techniques…demonstrate how complex structure and intricate decoration can combine to turn a common craft into art of the highest order.” The most formidable example of a hammer beam truss is in Westminster Hall in London, spanning 65 feet. The art of timberframing relies on mortise and tenon joinery, a method that uses oak pegs in place of metal bolts, screws and braces.

The Story of the Recycled Douglas Fir
The 88-year-old Douglas fir used to construct the home was salvaged from Long-Bell mill buildings in the company town of Longview, Washington. The Long-Bell mill was once the biggest lumber producer in the world. Robert A. Long was originally drawn to the region in Washington by the gigantic Douglas firs which averaged 150 feet in height and 12 feet in diameter. Many of the larger trees were used in the construction of the mill.

The owners of Long-Bell Estate chose this wood, understanding its rarity, its mellow patina and its stability due to its age. During the negotiation for purchase, the owners realized a great coincidence that sealed the deal: one owner’s grandfather had been an employee of the company and a Director. Shortly after the timbers were purchased, Microsoft founder Bill Gates bought all the remaining salvaged timbers and used the wood in the construction of his homes. The Long-Bell salvaged timbers are no longer available. The owners of Long-Bell Estate paid homage to the Long-Bell mill in a carving by William Holtz of New Hampshire on one of the prominent cross beams in the Great Room.

A Country Oasis in the midst of Old Greenwood Village
Located on a secluded 5-acre lot, on a private road, just minutes from the Tech Center and downtown Denver, Long-Bell Estate boasts the perfect combination of country living in town. Entering the driveway, one is welcomed by the large pond stocked with bass, perfect for fishing and canoeing in the summer and ice skating in the winter. A golf green and tee are separated by the pond, creating a perfect venue for practicing chipping and putting. A flagstone patio, with pond-side, built-in bonfire pit, connects the house’s raised terrace to the pond. Copper, gas-fired tiki torches surround the pond, green, tee and fire pit, festively lighting up the night.

Continuing along the driveway, one is greeted by the arched main entrance, connected by a flagstone bridge to the driveway. Past the main entrance, at the end of the driveway is the carriage house which includes a guest bedroom and full bath, a spacious office, a heated garage and shop. The carriage house overlooks the swimming pool where waterfalls spill from lush, raised flower gardens, and copper, gas-fired tiki torches light up the pool after dark. A mercury-vapor-lit basketball court and rebound wall adjoin the pool.

Skirted by thick, diverse stands of mature trees, the property is not visible from the road. A 1/3-mile paved walking path encircles the perimeter and provides a way to enjoy year-round walks in a private park setting. The property is zoned for horses. Horses as well as bikes can be ridden along the Highline Canal Trail, accessed by private road 300 yards to the east.