Laurie and Phil Erickson, a couple with longstanding ties to Ellensburg, Washington, have realized their vision for a custom-designed home that balances both tranquility and social liveliness. After attending Central Washington University in the 1980s and spending years in the Seattle area running businesses and raising a family, the couple was drawn to Ellensburg’s slower pace and scenic landscape during a visit in 2018.
Seeking a residence suited to their current lifestyle, the Ericksons found the local housing market primarily geared toward families and decided instead to build a home tailored to their needs. In August 2018, they purchased approximately 35 acres of farmland for $350,000. Shortly thereafter, the opportunity arose to acquire an adjoining 22-acre parcel, which they added to their property for $250,000.
They collaborated with architect Dawn McConaghy, a principal at Tokul, to create a single-story, 4,680-square-foot residence divided into three distinct volumes. The design includes a main living area with kitchen, dining, and a living room that opens onto a covered porch through glass sliders; a primary bedroom suite separated by a glass-walled hallway; and a guest wing with three suites that offer pool access and can be isolated from the main house by a sliding door. This arrangement allows flexibility between intimate living and hosting larger gatherings.
The couple provided inspiration by sharing images reflecting their preference for a blend of durability and understated elegance. The exterior features reclaimed Douglas fir siding, while interiors include a two-sided concrete fireplace connecting the living room and patio, blackened steel shelving, and ceilings lined with western red cedar between exposed steel beams. The home’s aesthetic emphasizes sturdy, timeless materials without appearing overly refined.
The Ericksons enlisted several specialists to complete the project, including Pierce Lighting Studio, Setstudio for interiors, and Michelle Arab Studio for landscaping. They prioritized sourcing materials and fixtures from American manufacturers, incorporating custom oak cabinetry from Cedar Mountain Woodwrights in Ellensburg, bronze hardware from Idaho-based Sun Valley Bronze, and a custom chandelier by Seattle designer Stefan Gulassa constructed from a black cottonwood branch found on the property. Additional furnishings and fixtures were procured from renowned American companies including Roman and Williams Guild and Watermark.
Each guest suite follows a distinct color scheme — red, blue, and saddle brown — featuring handmade tile showers from Heath Ceramics and custom wallpaper by Oregon artist Kate Blairstone, which depicts local motifs such as cowboys, tractors, and Ellensburg landmarks. In a personalized touch, the powder room wallpaper from de Gournay was modified by artists to include monkeys wearing cowboy hats and wielding lassos, nodding to the town’s famed rodeo.
Construction by Town & Country Homes commenced in April 2021, with the Ericksons taking occupancy in December 2023 after a building cost exceeding $5 million. Since moving in, the couple has found the home equally suited to peaceful daily life or vibrant entertaining. Their September 2025 housewarming welcomed 120 guests with food trucks, a live band, multiple bars, and pool activities for adults and children alike. The Ericksons describe the house as adaptable to their mood and social needs, offering a wide-ranging sense of comfort and enjoyment.