Inside One of Boise’s Most Significant Mid-Century Modern Homes

 

Originally commissioned in 1958 and designed by renowned Idaho architect Art Troutner, this Boise Heights estate is both a private residence and an important piece of Idaho’s architectural history. Later expanded under Troutner’s guidance in 1980, the home represents his distinctive interpretation of Mid-Century Modernism: influenced by the principles of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Organic Architecture, yet unmistakably shaped by Idaho’s landscape, materials & character.

Today, after a meticulous restoration and interior remodel, Troutner’s original vision remains remarkably intact. Stone, timber, glass, and strong linear forms connect the residence to the land, while thoughtful updates bring a new level of comfort and refinement.

 

An Extraordinary Piece of Boise

Approximately 1.18 acres occupy an elevated position above the city, with sweeping views encompassing Downtown Boise, distant mountains, foothills, and open sky. Protected land surrounding the property adds an incredible sense of privacy and scale.

Set back at the end of a long drive, the home’s low profile and earthy materials allow it to settle naturally into the hillside. Idaho-quarried stone, warm wood, glass, and clean horizontal rooflines establish the architectural language immediately. A flagstone walkway leads toward the sculptural wood front door, with native landscaping softening the geometry along the way.

Steps and pathways meander among mature trees, sagebrush, grasses, shrubs, and flowering plants. River rock and architectural planters add definition without making the landscape feel overly manicured. Each path playfully reveals another place to sit, gather or take in the view.

Follow one discreet set of stairs and an expansive sun deck appears above the city. Beside it, an in-ground pool shares the same spectacular outlook. On another side of the property, a private sport court offers space for tennis or pickleball.

Closer to the house, walls of glass meet flagstone terraces and a sprawling lawn. A linear trellis provides shade over gathering areas, while a quiet water feature bubbles a soul-soothing tune. There are outdoor spaces for grand entertaining and others that feel designed for one singular person, perhaps with a book, a journal, a cup of coffee, or all three.

 

Where Architecture & Landscape Merge

The foyer introduces many of the home's defining materials at once: flagstone underfoot, warm wood overhead, and walls of floor-to-ceiling glass framing the landscape beyond. Stone pathways become stone floors. Exterior timber becomes interior ceilings and walls. Trees and sky become ever-changing artwork beyond the glass.

The remodeled kitchen is a beautiful example of updating an important architectural home without erasing its uniquely personal style. Custom flat-panel teak cabinetry, minimalist metal hardware, and White Macaubas quartzite countertops maintain the clean lines of the architecture. Large-format porcelain tile grounds the space and conceals radiant heat beneath the floors.

The sunken great room is dramatic in scale yet warm in material. Soaring V-groove fir ceilings rise above stone masonry walls, wood floors, and expanses of glass on both the east and west sides. At its center is an extraordinary three-sided suspended copper fireplace with an open wood-burning firebox and brick hearth. Linear, sculptural, and unmistakably Mid-Century, it acts as both fireplace and architectural art. 

 

Let Yourself Dream of Living Here

It’s possible that the best way to understand this property is to imagine life here.

It is a home meant for hosting. A space designed for cocktail hours & dinner parties. Wide Fleetwood doors slide open, and the distinction between house and garden nearly disappears. Guests wander from the great room onto flagstone terraces and across the lawn. Cocktails are served beneath the trellis. Someone settles beside the suspended fireplace while others gather near the pool as the sun drops behind the horizon. Jazz music dances through open doorways while dinner is served beneath the trees.

And on an ordinary morning, the same home can be completely still. This may be the greatest luxury of all. Quiet. Restorative. Grounding. Bare feet on heated tile floors. A glimpse of morning’s first light as you wait for coffee to brew. Fresh air, the sounds of nature at dawn. Yoga on the sundeck. Breakfast beneath the trees. A walk through the garden. A few laps in the pool. Watching clouds gather over the valley. A taste of slow serenity, as the city comes alive below. 

 

An Enduring Piece of Idaho Architecture

Art Troutner is widely regarded as one of Idaho's most influential architects, known for innovative structural systems and an approach to design deeply rooted in material, landscape and place.

This residence expresses those ideas masterfully. Its Truss-Deck construction, strong horizontal geometry, Idaho stone, extensive timber, and walls of glass are important architectural elements. But more than six decades after its original construction, what makes the house compelling is how relevant those ideas still feel.

Natural materials. Connection to the outdoors. Rooms filled with daylight. Architecture that respects its setting. Spaces designed equally for gathering and retreat. The property has been carefully restored rather than reinvented, allowing an important piece of Boise's architectural history to continue evolving without losing its identity.

 

---

Lysi Bishop Real Estate is an expert in the Boise Real Estate market, offering unmatched expertise and unparalleled service to clients around the Treasure Valley. With over 30 years of in-depth knowledge and experience, Lysi Bishop inspires and leads her team of dedicated agents towards earning the title of the Best Boise Real Estate Team, year after year.

Our team specializes in luxury homes and five-star, concierge-style service in Boise and all surrounding areas, including neighborhoods like the North End, East End, Highlands, Collister, Harris Ranch, Warm Springs Mesa, East End Foothills, Boise Bench, SE Boise, Barber Valley, and West Bench, and extending into Eagle, Two Rivers, Hidden Springs, Meridian, Nampa, and Kuna.