Our Taylor River Lodge is more than a fly fishing getaway; it’s a testament to the art of thoughtful curation. Designed to feel like a sporting lodge that has evolved over generations, this Colorado mountain retreat embodies a layered, collected vibe that exudes charm, nostalgia, and an attuned Rocky Mountain spirit—think Hemingway-esque, but more family friendly and more fun.

Blake Pike of No. 12 Interiors played a key role in shaping the lodge’s aesthetic and reveals that the design journey was less about adhering to a precise master plan and more about letting the space come together organically, through thrifting adventures, Colorado-centric creative adaptation, and serendipity. “We had an overarching vision of ‘camp.’ But from there, everything was collected. Very little was ordered,” Pike says. This approach is evident in every corner, where items sourced from secondhand shops, antique stores, and vintage markets bring a sense of history and loads of character.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Taylor River Lodge is its eclectic assortment of furnishings and decor, each piece with a story to tell. The curtains in some cabins are crafted from 1930s grain sacks, lending an old-school feel to the interiors. A stack of antique kilim rugs was repurposed into upholstering for custom-made headboards. The lamps for the outdoor cabin lighting were pulled from long decommissioned trains.

Pike’s approach to sourcing is unconventional. “We often shop thrift, not where most people are going to shop to furnish a lodge,” she explains. This keen eye for unique finds led her to an old weightlifting bench, which was transformed into a coffee table for the Main Lodge by covering it with a black bear skin—a perfect example of blending functionality with a rustic aesthetic.

Some pieces are even happy accidents. A shipment of wicker chairs from Florida intended for Eleven’s Bahama House—under renovation at the same time—was mistakenly shipped to Colorado. Rather than send the pieces back toward the Atlantic, they were adapted to the Rockies. Some chairs were painted army green. A grand peacock chair—the sort of fanned-back specimen found in Palm Beach sunrooms not touched since the Johnson Administration—was painted with stripes of brown, blue, white, and red to evoke Native American regalia. Magically, it all blends in the space.

Attention to detail extends to every aspect of the property. Antlers and horns sourced in Gunnison, framed old sporting magazine covers, dried and mounted planted specimens, and taxidermy pieces—used with mindful restraint—add to the lodge’s rustic ambience. Custom hardware from local smith Blackstar Ironworks—such as screen door handles shaped like trout tails—reflects the lodge’s connection to its natural surroundings. (Blackstar also crafted all the wader hooks and rod racks inside and outside the guest cabins.)

It would be easy to pass a day sitting in the Main Lodge library breakfast nook or beside the fireplace. But our ultimate goal at Taylor River is to encourage guests to engage with the natural environment surrounding them. With activities like hatchet throwing and rib competitions, spacious outdoor areas perfect for large gatherings, and a pond for learning to cast a fly rod, the lodge offers a true mountain camp experience.

From its thoughtfully curated interiors to its seamless integration with the outdoors, Taylor River Lodge is a place where every detail has been considered, but none feel contrived. It’s a collection of stories and textures, inviting guests to slow down and soak in the mountain air in a space that feels like it’s been there forever.

To learn more about Taylor River Lodge, get in touch with our team.