Sun Valley: Architecture and Interiors

Edison and Rabjohn show off the extravagant vacation homes of the Idaho resort town's wealthy residents. From its beginnings as a mining boomtown turned sheepherding village, Sun Valley was transformed in the 1930s into an Austrian-style ski resort, and the short history of the town that begins the book is replete with delightful vintage posters. The concept of "roughing it in luxury" is on full display in the architect-designed or renovated houses chosen by art dealer Edison and interior designer Rabjohn to represent the Sun Valley "lifestyle." Most of these showcase homes feel more like luxury hotels or B&Bs than private residences: their architects and decorators favor massive metal and glass structures softened by local stone and modern art, or huge log houses with interiors crowded with a clutter of embroidered pillows, international tchotchkes and Western memorabilia, although some of the attached guest houses are refreshingly modest exceptions, like a minimally renovated stable with horse-stall bedrooms. In contrast to this aesthetic, Austin G. Gray's "territorial homestead" fits comfortably into the remote, rugged terrain, and SPG Architects' stunningly elegant minimalist retreat stands out as a livable work of art offset by the equally thrilling landscape. 300 color photos. (May)