Philips Ridge, Wilson, Wyoming Vacation Rental

Philips Ridge sits like the aerie of an eagle high atop a rocky ridge overlooking Jackson Hole. Below, the wide valley rolls away for miles upon miles. A long driveway, bordered by streams and shadowy forest, winds its way up to the house, a magnificent Western lodge, a magical combination of wood, solid stone and ethereal glass. Palatial, sumptuous, and filled with splendid works of art, Phillips Ridge begins with a two-story, light-filled entryway. Thick log walls and tree trunk supports contrast with fine antiques and soft, rich fabrics. The living and dining areas are divided by a massive two-sided stone fireplace and illuminated by a 35-foot-high wall of windows. French doors open to a backdrop of dark green firs and pale aspen, separate seating areas face the fire and the panorama outside. Painter Bo Bartlett created a huge, stunning canvas in oil called "Goddess" spanning an entire wall, it creates as vivid an opening of perspective as do the soaring windows.

The grand kitchen at Philips Ridge is fit for a professional chef. Its centerpiece is a large gas range set like a medieval hearth inside a hammered copper and stone alcove. A flat-screen television, hidden inside the stone countertop, rises and swivels at the touch of a button, and can be seen from the cooking area, the long, built-in breakfast banquet, and the dining room. A stone-topped island separates the kitchen from the dining room, where the long table, overhung by an antler chandelier, seats ten.

A rustic staircase, with a cast bronze twig-and-branch handrail by sculptor W. Tom Ellicker, curves majestically up both sides of the front entryway. A second-story walkway crosses the big open space over the living room and leads to the sleeping quarters. Each of the five bedrooms at Philips Ridge is a master suite, filled with light from the high, copper-framed windows, decorated with bold furnishings and textured fabrics. Each has its own stone fireplace, with hand-crafted cast iron and glass doors. The deep wilderness beyond the bedroom windows, and the lacy green woods or mountains capped in snow provide a satisfying contrast to the comfort and luxury within.

Thick log walls, tree-trunk beams and patterned bedspreads make the spacious bedrooms snug and cabin-like. Each one has a hand-built bed with reading lights positioned at either side. Each also has a decadent private bath with double sinks and big soaking tubs, two of which are shaped like oval bowls of polished stone. Some of the bathrooms have stone fireplaces. Glass-walled, rainfall showers and wide windows create the illusion of bathing al fresco.

French doors in the bedrooms open to private terraces or branch-framed porches. The forest runs right up to the house on one side, bringing with it the cool spicy air of the pines. Rich, muted oriental carpets cover the heated floors of the bedrooms, and wall-mounted, flat screen televisions face each of the beds, while beyond every window is an extraordinary panorama of forest, mountains and sky.

Phllips Ridge is an Eden for both vigorous adventure and quiet reflection, indoors and out. The entire eastern side of the house is encircled by a long stone terrace that is almost a home in itself. An outdoor dining area is set next to a large fire pit. Farther along are sitting areas, trap shooting stands and a hot tub. Back inside, a cosmic, two-lane bowling alley, a gorgeous bar room with tufted leather couch, and a casual pub with a billiards table make a day of rain most welcome.

On the lower floor, the lodge also has a state-of-the-art, Weider fitness center, a movie theater that seats twelve in deep leather armchairs, and a truly fabulous indoor hot tub, a grotto modeled on the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park. Ringed with mosaic stone mountains and a painted firmament of blue, it provides the ultimate conclusion or commencement to the day.

Check-in: 4:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Children welcomed

Pets require prior approval and non-refundable pet deposit

No smoking

No parties/events

Rates vary depending on time of year

High season and holiday rates are higher

Taxes/fees additional

Refundable damage deposit required

50% down to book

Balance due 60 days prior

Please bring proof of identification

Travel insurance recommended

All bookings are final

Rates and fees subject to change without notice