Dana Garman Jacobsen and Jim Jacobsen purchased a 1970s West End house in Aspen, Colorado, after Dana felt an irresistible pull toward the property during a ski trip. The home, previously owned by Chicago philanthropist Joan Harris, features a post-and-beam structure reminiscent of their Richard Neutra house in Los Angeles, with a swimming pool integrated into the living space and architectural details that frame mountain views. The couple furnished the interiors with pieces from Dana's collection, including Børge Mogensen sofas and a Biedermeier chaise lounge, and crafted bed frames from a 150-year-old walnut tree.
This story matters because it highlights the importance of preserving architectural provenance in Aspen, where few 1970s West End houses remain. The Jacobsens' approach—writing directly to the previous owner to honor the home's history—underscores a growing trend among collectors to treat homes as cultural artifacts rather than mere investments. The article also reflects how personal taste and memory shape domestic spaces, blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary living in a way that resonates with art and design enthusiasts.