At first glance, this sprawling property in Provo Canyon, Utah, might be mistaken for a natural extension of the majestic Wasatch Mountains that surround it and enter through a plethora of oversized circular windows. Nestled within some 120,000 square metres (30 acres) of rugged terrain about 72 kilometres (45 miles) south of Salt Lake City, the house appears to have emerged organically from the arid landscape, as if the mountains themselves had shaped it. This illusion of harmony with nature is no accident – it’s the result of meticulous planning, visionary design and engineering feats that quite literally moved mountains.

Building a modern home with full amenities in such a remote and rugged location required a team of professionals endowed with ingenuity, perseverance and a deep respect for the land. Magleby Construction, a Utah firm which has twice been recognised as Custom Builder of the Year by the US Association of Home Builders, took on the task with bold ambition. The first step was to carve out a road through the mountains to bring water and utilities to the site. This wild, western edge of the Rocky Mountains is not easily tamed, and transforming the locale into a liveable sanctuary was a monumental undertaking that set the tone for the rest of the build.

Rising to the challenge, Salt Lake City architect Michael Upwall designed a home that would not merely sit on the land but grow from it. Deeply influenced by the American Craftsman movement of the late 19th century emphasising functionality, simplicity and handcrafting, he envisaged the property as a natural extension of its environment, blending seamlessly with the terrain and climate. This philosophy guided every aspect of the project, from the initial sketches to the final touches.

To complement Upwall’s vision, award-winning landscape-architecture firm ArcSitio was brought in to shape the outdoor spaces. Their approach was equally rooted in ecological sensitivity. Rather than imposing artificial elements onto the land, they sought to enhance and celebrate its existing features. Natural springs were tapped to create serene ponds, which serve as chemical-free swimming or plunge pools that are sustainably purified using aquatic plants, beneficial bacteria and microbes.

The result is a landscape that feels untouched yet thoughtfully curated – a place where homeowners and guests can immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort. But achieving this balance was anything but simple. The planning and development spanned four years and spawned a home of epic proportions: 22,500 square feet of living space that includes six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a grand two-storey foyer with a floating staircase, a formal dining room, a two-level library and a state-of-the-art home theatre.

For those who embrace both work and play, the residence offers an array of amenities designed to entertain and invigorate. Among the indoor attractions are racquetball, volleyball and half-basketball courts, a gym, sauna, steam room, HD golf simulator and two four-car garages – one for everyday vehicles and another dedicated to sports cars. Perhaps most striking is the 18-metre-high (60-foot) indoor rock-climbing tower, a bold centrepiece that speaks to the adventurous spirit of the home.

Outside, the property continues to impress. A circular covered entranceway welcomes guests with elegance, while expansive decks and patios provide ample space for relaxation and gatherings. An 18-metre man-made outdoor swimming pool and hot tub are surrounded by artificial creeks and rivers, complete with cascading waterfalls that add movement and sound to the tranquil setting. A natural swimming hole offers a vantage point for cliff jumping, adding a touch of thrill to the serene environment. Lush landscaping merges into the adjacent national forest, opening up endless opportunities for hiking and biking in summer, and snowmobiling and backcountry skiing when winter sets in.

As a mountain retreat, this Provo Canyon property checks every box. But it’s not just the location or amenities that make it special – it’s the interior design. Masterfully executed by Roxbury Studios, a firm based in the Utah capital, it blends 30 different architectural genres, drawing inspiration from medieval, classical Italian, Art Nouveau, and even Hawaiian styles. According to designer Roxanne Hepworth, the risk of creating a chaotic mishmash was real. However, by using each genre as a subtle reference point rather than a dominant theme, the team achieved a harmonious balance that feels both eclectic and cohesive.

Lighting played a crucial role in bringing the interior to life. Given the massive scale of the house and its soaring 7.6-metre (25-foot) ceilings, illuminating the space required careful planning. The designers had to ensure that artificial lighting complemented the abundant natural light streaming in through the large round windows. These vast portholes not only flood the home with sunlight but also frame stunning views of the surrounding boulders and mountains. Equipped with motorised shades, they allow residents to control the ambience with ease, adjusting the light to suit their mood or the time of day.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the home is how it manages to offer both grandeur and intimacy. Despite its vast size and luxurious features, it feels personal and welcoming. Every room has been designed with intention, every corner tells a story. Whether you are curled up with a book in the library, enjoying a meal in the dining room, or gazing out at the mountains from your bedroom, there’s a sense of connection – to the space, to the landscape, and to the people who brought it all to life.

More than just a home, the property is a testament to what can be achieved when vision, craftsmanship and respect for nature come together. It stands as a beacon of sustainable luxury, proving that comfort and environmental consciousness need not be mutually exclusive. From its chemical-free pools to its energy-efficient lighting, every element has been thoughtfully considered.

In a world where development often comes at the expense of nature, this home offers a different narrative – one of coexistence, creativity and care. It invites us to rethink what it means to build, to inhabit, and to belong. And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that the spaces we create are not just places to live, but reflections of our values, our dreams and our relationship with the world around us.