Luxury Tuhaye Retreat Blends Architectural Mastery with Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Perched atop Tuhaye on 3.41 acres, a 11,300-square-foot luxury home designed by Michael Upwall and completed in 2023 redefines opulence. The six bedroom and eight bathroom residence is a showcase of refined details that harmonize with the surrounding wilderness and embody the pinnacle of elegance and comfort.

Robert Gaul, principal at Robert Gaul Architectural Design, helped his clients interview a selection of area architects. Upwall, principal of Salt Lake City’s Upwall Design Architects, was chosen to develop ideas and help take the project to the next level. “My clients and I have worked for many years on previous homes and projects, so the design process was an exciting pleasure,” Gaul says.

A Warm Welcome

Guests are greeted by an outdoor fire pit adjacent to the front entry, explains Matt Mullin, partner at Mullin Real Estate. “Once inside,” he says, “a stunning, curved-glass wall offers breathtaking views across Tuhaye to Mount Timpanogos and Deer Valley Resort.”

The home features the use of contemporary and natural finishes, combining steel, stone and wood, and introduces unexpected touches such as the use of Shou Sugi Ban (charred wood) surrounding the floating architectural element of the hidden prep-bar and pantry in the dining space. “Six fireplaces, rich materials and finishes, wallcoverings and custom murals, textural fabrics and pops of blue, gray and white contrast with a calming neutral palette to lend continuity to the interior design,” says Mullin.

The residence’s living area is on the main floor and connects to the primary suite across a 40-foot glass bridge, allowing a sense of both connectedness and separation. The unique bridge allows visitors to drive underneath and arrive at the home’s main entry. The driveway is designed with snowmelt heating under the asphalt, keeping snow season access completely clear.

Three elevators make moving from the main floor to the lower level a snap. A glass elevator connects the main living space with the lower-level family room. In the guest suite, there is a hidden elevator that brings occupants to a private rooftop TV lounge, while the elevator in the primary suite connects the owners to their own private gym and separate garage.

Offering optimal privacy, electrochromic glass darkens with the push of a button, preserving the views from inside and appearing opaque from the outdoors. Retractable shades also were installed throughout.

Luxury and Comfort

The gourmet kitchen is the heart of the home where culinary excellence and huge views make food preparation a treat of its own. Informal bar-top seating for six, and room for another eight at the adjacent dining table, provides ample space for gathering over appetizers, libations or a delicious meal. A statement chandelier above the dining table adds artistic flair.

In the living area, a dramatic stone fireplace warms the room. Plush furnishings in neutral colors offer sink-in-comfort and enable the brilliant colors of nature to shine.

Meanwhile, the primary suite is appointed with generous decor featuring rich burgundy contrast, a fireplace and a Zen-like spa bathroom. Seating in front of the fireplace invites relaxation and contemplation.

Luxurious en suite guest rooms, a special bedroom with a secret crow’s nest tower, and a dedicated guest suite containing four queen beds and two bathrooms were meaningfully curated with the comfort of the homeowners, their children and guests in mind.

Each bathroom in the residence focuses on simplicity and serenity with calming marble finishes and thick, white linens. Bathroom windows incorporate the glorious views illustrating the indoor-outdoor living concept.

All in One

The curved-glass walls of the home hide multiple sliding doors opening to a wraparound outdoor patio clad with the same flooring used in the home’s interior. The extended living space offers a breakfast bar and full outdoor kitchen equipped with a grill and pizza oven. Strategically placed space heaters, luxe outdoor furnishings and several fire pits afford a nearly year-round spot to entertain or simply relax and soak in the views.

A state-of-the-art theater, a multipurpose game room/lounge and a gym round out the amenities that provide everything one could need or want right at home. Even the five-car garage is equipped with its own car wash and separate dog wash.

Just being part of the Tuhaye community gives the homeowners access to a full complement of amenities and four-season outdoor adventures at Talisker Club, including golf on the 18-hole Mark O’Meara golf course. The Tuhaye Clubhouse has a spa, restaurant, fitness center, multiple pools and tennis courts. Residents also are privy to several additional off-site amenities.

Mike Gibson, owner of Mountain Luxury Homes in Kamas, notes, “This home is unique in every way. As a builder, there are only a few projects that come along in your career that you can truly say are unicorn projects, and this home is one of those. Several components made this job truly special and unique above all others.”