Reimagining Mountain Homes with Kelly Ritz
Published on January 30, 2025
In a recent conversation with Kelly Ritz, President of Stone Bridge Homes NW, a Pacific Northwest award-winning home builder, we explored how mountain home design is evolving to meet the sophisticated demands of today’s outdoor enthusiasts. With over two decades of experience crafting homes that seamlessly blend with Central Oregon’s dramatic landscape, Ritz has witnessed firsthand the transformation of mountain living from simple cabins to architectural masterpieces that honor their natural surroundings.
The traditional mountain home is evolving, and nowhere is this transformation more evident than in Caldera Springs. While these homes maintain their cherished connection to the region’s architectural heritage, they’re being thoughtfully reimagined for modern living, creating spaces that perfectly balance tradition with contemporary comfort.
“The modernization still centers around the great room—the kitchen, dining and living room concept—which is especially popular in vacation homes like those in Caldera Springs,” explains Ritz. “Typically they serve as the ‘host home,’ where families gather for the holidays and multi-generational vacations.”
One significant shift has been the introduction of dedicated, quiet spaces within these homes. “People want a dedicated office, library or den—a quiet space away from the activity,” notes Ritz. This trend, driven by the rise in remote work and retiree homeowners, provides sanctuaries away from the main living area’s activity.
The modern mountain aesthetic embraces natural light, with generous windows throughout, notes Ritz. Interior finishes are becoming more streamlined and contemporary, featuring simplified trim styles and recessed lighting rather than heavy fixtures. However, as Ritz points out, “In Caldera Springs, there is still a desire for more traditional houses, with a cabin or woodsy feel, with stained woodwork and cabinetry desired over white kitchens. There is a desire to modernize but with a light touch, as these buyers are still drawn to the more traditional style of the region.”
Indoor-outdoor living is another key focus in Caldera Springs homes. “They definitely desire more indoor-outdoor living, with large glass doors connecting the great room or dining room to a spacious patio, where we provide options for a hot tub, fire pit or fireplace outside,” shares Ritz. The design thoughtfully considers both front and back outdoor spaces. “We love to give the option of porches and patios in the front and the rear of the home to emphasize the view lines. The front porch can be furnished with a bistro table for coffee as the sun comes up. Then, switch to the back patio in the afternoon or evening for entertaining.”
Upstairs spaces often feature bunk rooms paired with bonus media or game rooms, creating perfect retreats for younger family members or guests. “Large primary, spa-like bathrooms are also in high demand, with owners seeking a freestanding tub and oversized shower with glass walls,” she notes. “These baths are an appealing asset when offering the home as a vacation rental.”
Architectural highlights create memorable spaces throughout. “We often do big entryways that are very open, light and airy; not overly designed, but thoughtful in scale,” explains Ritz. “We incorporate a two-story component in the main living area with double-height ceilings over a tall linear, gas fireplace area, while a ‘sky bridge,’ with an open hallway over the great room, helps draw natural light into the spaces, which feel cozy and expansive at the same time.”
Storage solutions are carefully considered for the active Caldera Springs lifestyle. “We build very large garages for people to store their golf carts, mountain bikes and kayaks, plus spacious mudrooms or utility rooms where people can get ready to go to the mountain and throw their stuff right in the washer when they get home,” she shares. “In Caldera Springs , people are here for the outdoors, the activities and the skiing, they want to interact with nature every day.”
Modern technology and sustainability are integrated into these homes. Smart features like Ring doorbells, keyless entry systems and Nest thermostats are standard inclusions. “At Stone Bridge, we build climate-friendly homes through Oregon-based Earth Advantage to go beyond the regular code for sustainability,” Ritz explains. “We work to reduce gas and electric costs and create a tight-air envelope, with more insulation and door blower tests, then we vent for air exchange and air quality throughout the home.”
The result is a new generation of mountain homes that honor their traditional roots while embracing modern comfort, sustainability and lifestyle needs. These thoughtfully designed spaces provide the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories in one of Central Oregon’s most beloved resort communities.
Ready to explore the possibilities of mountain home living in Caldera Springs? Visit our Sunriver Realty Branch Office at the Caldera Springs’ Lake House (17750 Caldera Springs Drive) to explore available properties and learn about working with premier builders like Stone Bridge Homes NW, or discover more at SunriverRealty.com.
Further Reading
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Winter Wonders: Can’t-Miss Events at Caldera Springs
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Creating the Ideal Mountain Retreat with Stacey Weaver
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The Best of the Year: Caldera Springs’ Year in Review, 2024
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Winter Wonderland Adventures at Caldera Springs
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Cozy Mountain Retreat: The Perfect Holiday Vacation Homes at Caldera Springs
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Gather, Celebrate, and Relax: Why Forestbrook is Your Holiday Haven
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Traditions at Caldera Springs: Explore the Full Holiday Guide
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Your Path to Serenity: The Complete Relaxation Guide at Caldera Springs
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Find Your Passion for Pickleball at Caldera Springs
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Wildlife Encounters: Discover the Fauna of Caldera Springs
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Fitness & Wellness: Ways to Get Active at Caldera Springs
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Step Inside Forestbrook’s Newest Designer Model Home
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Pet-Friendly Fun at Caldera Springs: Adventures with Your Furry Friend
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Golf Like a Pro: Get to Know the Courses at Caldera Springs & Sunriver Resort
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Gourmet Trails: Exploring Caldera Springs’ Culinary Scene
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Best Day Trips from Caldera Springs: August Adventures Await
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Family Fun at Caldera Springs: Activities for All Ages
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Sunshine Adventures: Explore New Activities for a Fun-Filled Summer at Caldera Springs
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A First Look at Caldera Springs’ Newest Summer Additions: Lake House, Forest House & Forest Park
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Summer Unlocked: 8 Central Oregon Events to Have on Your Radar This Season
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Forest House and Forestbrook: Caldera Springs’ Newest Gems Featured on KOIN News
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Outdoor Entertaining Revamped: Tips for Designing Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen
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An Insider’s Guide to Spring Camping in Central Oregon
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Designer Amy Troute on Home Trends Shaping Up at Caldera Springs This Year
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Meet Palisade Homes: The Vision Behind Caldera Springs’ Stunning Custom Builds
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Are You Ready? What to Expect at Caldera Springs’ New Forest House This Summer
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A Look at the Brand-New Fitness Center Coming to Forest House
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Arriving Summer 2024: The Outpost & Shore Shack at Lake House
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The Ultimate Guide to Sunriver Resort’s Food & Wine Festival 2024
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The Great Outdoors: A Look at the Much-Anticipated Forest Park
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The Ultimate Caldera Springs Guide to Mt. Bachelor
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Get Ready to Roll: Duckpin Bowling Coming to Forest House
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How to Prep Your Home for Winter at Caldera Springs
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New Footage of Forest House: Construction Progress Ahead of Summer 2024 Launch
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4 Fall Events & Festivals in Sunriver & Bend
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5 Best Central Oregon Day Trips for the Adventurous Hiker
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Forestbrook at Caldera Springs: A New Era of Luxury Mountain Living and Rewarding Homeownership
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5 Features You’ll Love About the Forestbrook Vacation Homes
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Which Caldera Springs Trail is For You?
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A Guide to Bend’s Abundant Wildlife
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WATCH: A First Look Inside Forestbrook’s Model Home
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Day Trip: Explore the Blue Pools at Tamolitch Falls
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A Peek Inside the New Forestbrook Model Home
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Dive Into Summer Bliss: 5 Water Activities to Experience at Caldera Springs and Beyond
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A Guide to the Best Camping Spots in Oregon
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An Exclusive Look at the Reimagination of The Lake House at Caldera Springs
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Owner Spotlight: The Bittner Family on Living, Exploring & Growing at Caldera Springs
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Everwild Sales Success and Introducing Forestbrook’s New Floor Plan: The Aspen
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Western Home Journal Spotlights Caldera Springs in Spring 2023 Issue
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Time to Thrive: Your Caldera Springs Wellness Guide
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Six Ways to Experience Crater Lake National Park
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Quintessentially Caldera Springs: Activities to Make the Most of the Spring Season
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Sunriver Resort Now Accepting Reservations for Guest Stays at Forestbrook at Caldera Springs
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Savor the Flavors of Central Oregon at the Sunriver Resort Food & Wine Festival
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Maximize the Pacific Northwest Ski Season with Mt. Bachelor’s Ikon Pass
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Looking Back at a Record-Breaking Year at Caldera Springs
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Where to Eat & Drink This Winter Near Caldera Springs
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You Promised Yourself This: A Refuge From Everyday Life
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A Cinematic Celebration of Everyday Life at Caldera Springs
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Neighborhood Updates From Caldera Springs
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Owner Spotlight: The Lewelling Family on Building Their Future Dream Home in Mirror Rock
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Our Favorite Winter Activities at Caldera Springs & Beyond
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New Video: Owner Stevie Burke on Life at Caldera Springs
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Forest House Groundbreaking Ceremony at Caldera Springs
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5 Picturesque Day Trips From Caldera Springs This Fall
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Wild & Free: A Look at Caldera Springs’ Diligent Preservation Efforts
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Introducing Preservation Homesites at Caldera Springs
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New Video Takes You Inside and Out of Our Newest Homes and Upcoming Amenities
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A Look at the New Amenities Coming to Caldera Springs
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First Look at Forestbrook at Caldera Springs