Announcing the September 2018 Release of.....
Living Beneath the Colorado Peaks: The Story of Knapp Ranch - A Vision of Architectural Design and Land Stewardship.
Vail, Colorado Release: September 11, 2018
Published by Knapp Press I Distributed by Gibbs-Smith
Text by Sarah Chase Shaw I Photography by Todd Winslow Pierce
Hardcover I $70.00 I 288 pages I 200 photos
Living Beneath the Colorado Peaks tells the true story of Betsy and Bud Knapp, former original owners and publishers of Architectural Digest and Bon Appetit magazines, and their pursuit of a dream to live in a remote valley in the Rocky Mountains. Delving into natural and cultural history of the region and its influence on the architecture and interior design of the magnificent complex of buildings, the book covers a range of subjects that will be helpful to anyone interested in learning more about Colorado and the American West. Through text and photographs, the book details the following concepts:
The influence of land and early settlement patterns on site planning and design.
How the architect, landscape architect, and interior designer created structures, interior spaces, and outdoor living areas that are authentic, timeless, and respectful of the surrounding natural environment.
Rural lifestyle expectations and water use rights and responsibilities.
How to integrate 19th century design in a 21st century home.
How to be a good steward of the land.
Organic food production at 9,000 feet.
The value of open land.
The ranch's vision for the future.
Editorial and press releases:
Digital Journal Press Release, July 10, 2018
A review from Nicole Magistro, owner of The Bookworm of Edwards
From the Vail Daily, September 7, 2018
Edible Aspen, Fall 2018
From The Aspen Times, November 14, 2018
Aspen Words Local Writer Spotlight, November 2018
The Best Books of the Season 2018 - Mountains and Plains Independent Booksellers Association
Associates III Interior Design, December Blog
Aspen Daily News, 2018 Holiday Gift Guide
From High Country News, December 24, 2018
Why you should read Living Beneath the Colorado Peaks:
"The Knapp Ranch demonstrates a uniquely Colorado dedication to innovative approaches to farming at altitude. Betsy and Bud's vision to live and farm sustainably high up in the Rockies is a testament to not only love of the land and its history, but to the future of high altitude research and agriculture," Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper.
“The Knapps’ penchant for quality and their desire to protect a pristine watershed valley are apparent in everything they have achieved at Knapp Ranch. There’s a charming old-world style evident throughout the property that is so expressive of people who have devoted their lives to elevating craftsmanship and design,” Jeffrey Gorsuch, President of Gorsuch Ltd.
“The work being done at the Knapp Ranch is proof that agriculture and development can coexist to the benefit of the community, the open space, the clean air and water, and beautiful vistas.. all the reasons why we moved here in the first place This book should be required reading for anyone considering building a home in a resort community in the Rocky Mountain West”, Paul Larmer, Executive Director, High Country News.
"Living Beneath the Colorado Peaks is an inspirational project focused on conservation and rustic architecture, well worth imitating or living vicariously through," Meredith Grahl Counts, Book Reviewer for Foreward Review.
“I feel fortunate to have photographed Knapp Ranch, and to have known Bud and Betsy. The setting, Lake Creek, drains from some of my favorite Colorado mountains. The diligence of the Knapps to preserve this part of the Lake Creek ecosystem has been remarkable and gives me great joy,” John Fielder, Photographer.
“It's clear that you all used the same approach to publish a book that is full of inspiration & hope for everyone who loves the West, and cares about it's future.” Jeff Lee, Co-Founder, Rocky Mountain Land Library.
Where you can purchase Living Beneath the Colorado Peaks:
Knapp Ranch, Edwards, Colorado
The Bookworm, Edwards, Colorado
Living Beneath the Colorado Peaks receives the 2019 Western Heritage Bronze Wrangler Award for Outstanding Photography/Art Book
The book team joined well-known names including Kevin Costner, Michael Martin Murphey and the family of the late Clark McEntire as honorees at the 59th Annual Western Heritage Awards held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Presented by celebrity hosts, the Museum’s Western Heritage Awards was established in 1961 to commemorate the American West by honoring individuals for their creative works in literature, music, television and film.