Over 20 years in southwestern Colorado.
I have driven by RRL ranch, which is the most beautiful ranch in the world. It is owned by the American designer Ralph Lauren. I quickly became inspired by of all things- his tipi!
RRL stands for Ralph and Ricky Lauren. Their ranch has miles of fence line along the road, but not a house in sight. One day about 15 years ago, popped up a couple of beautifully painted tipis out in the distance. I think there are at least four large tipis visible from the main road to Telluride.
Architectural Digest has twice, that I know of, done stories and pictorials of Ralph’s property and his amazing tipis. Hence, came my inspiration to have a “Ralph Lauren” tipi, a Colorado tipi on my new house on the Uncompahgre River.
The 20 year anniversary gift!
2013 was to be my 20 year wedding anniversary and I just could not think of anything to give my husband. After some research,we found that Ralph Lauren’s tipis were actually made at Colorado Yurt Company here in Montrose. They make the premiere luxury tipis, yurts and tents in the world.
After some thought, we placed a custom order for a 22 foot tipi. During the process, I collaborated with their artist to come up with the tipi design. We started with my favorite Colorado colors of turquoise, orange, yellow and brown. I wanted everything to represent my husband and I, with one of our hobbies. We came up with a fly rod with a fish on the end for Norman, a turquoise squash blossom and handbag for me. On the back side of the tipi, I added a Longhorn skull to represent Norman’s beloved Texas Longhorns!
While the tipi was being constructed, I had the opportunity to carefully select a special place to pitch our tipi. It sits beautifully on a little island where visitors can see it as they enter our property. It faces the south with views of the pond, the river, and our new home.
Decorating the Tipi.
So, as I’m writing, I have not decorated the interior, but look forward to sharing that with you at a later date. Please stay tuned.
If you have the desire to experience the great outdoors living in a tipi or just have one for fun in your back yard. Please contact my friends Dan and Emma Kigar, owners of Colorado Yurt Company in Montrose. They will help you decide on a size and color scheme to meet your fantasies. They can be reached at coloradoyurtco or 1-800-288-3190
Norman loved his anniversary gift and we can’t wait to try it out!
First signs of Fall……
Color block top Anthropologie, Off white LS T-Shirt The Gap, Fringe Skirt Chico’s, Embroidered Belt Pistol, Tasseled Bootie Old Gringo, Turquoise Earrings and Necklace Chico’s , Turquoise stretchy Bracelet by Sandra Ling, Calfskin leather Mini shoulder Bag
