At the opposite end of the open hall of the curving second level, past the convenient wet bar that’s great for early morning coffee, is a round exercise area which adjoins one of Coles’ favorite spots-the covered second-story deck. This open-air family room-cum-porch, sheltered on the windiest side, is loaded with comfortable patio furniture and offers splendid nighttime views of the lights of Albuquerque.
Cole’s design also includes courtyards with custom gates, a covered dog yard that protects their two West Highland terriers from coyotes, and a three-car garage. Not surprisingly for a man who sees a home in terms of cubic feet. Cole also designed his own workshop with intricate sandwich doors for his tools.
The Coles love living here. “The house is illustrative of how it is to live in Albuquerque, what the city is about,” says Jim Cole. “You want to come home here; you know that when you get home, all will be well.”
