It can be hard to disentangle Aspen , Colo ., from its mythic , manufactured image as America ’ s winter playground . Ever since it transformed from frontier silver mine to international snow-sport destination , guests are often shoehorned into a one-size-fitsall vacation experience like an uncomfortable boot . But for those seeking a different side of the mountain , the newly opened boutique MOLLIE Aspen , part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts ’ L . V . X . collection , is a breath of icy-fresh air . Named after Aspen ’ s historic Mollie Gibson silver mine , the hotel is a startling synthesis of green technology , minimalist design and décor authentic to the
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region . Far from being yet another over-the-top caricature of the Rocky Mountain West , MOLLIE is urbane , cultured and innovative , like Aspen itself .
Located on Aspen ’ s Main Street , with views of Ajax and Shadow Mountains , the hotel can be enjoyed by guests and locals alike , all year long .
“ MOLLIE stands out as one of Aspen ’ s few independent boutique upscale hotels ,” said Michael Brown , co-founder of HayMax , the project ’ s owner , developer and operator . “ This independence has empowered us to unleash our creativity , infusing the property with a design and philosophy deeply intertwined with the charm , spirit and culture of Aspen and its surroundings .”
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NEW WEST STYLE So ingrained are snow-based activities to Aspen ’ s identity that its reputation as a place of art museums , opera houses and high fashion is often overlooked . Brooklyn-based interior design firm Post Company incorporated natural landscape-motifs for MOLLIE , but plumbed less traditional sources in other ways , like a minimalist , Bauhaus-inspired presence first brought by Aspen Skiing Company founders Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke in the 1940s .
“ We wanted to create an environment that had a sense of permanence and durability ,” said Ruben Caldwell , a partner at Post Company . “ To accomplish this , we blended
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vernacular materials from Aspen and the Western U . S . We focused on muted colors , hand-woven textiles and textures , geometric patterns , mid-century brutalist furniture , whimsical lighting and hardware accents , and natural materials , such as wood , brick and stone in the design .”
White oak millwork , limewashed walls and concrete mixed with warm local stone aggregate were used to create a cozy , welcoming environment inside . A collection of signature vintage furniture pieces — Roger Capron coffee tables , Mario Bellini leather sofas , Marenco and De Sede lounge chairs and Rainer Daumiller dining chairs — greet guests in the lobby .
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70 hotelsmag . com Mar / Apr 2024 |