Contemporary Living and Killer Views in the Heart of Old Town Park City
As the saying goes, home is where the heart is. And for Vanessa Di Palma Wright and Jeff Wright, home is in the heart of Park City, mere steps from historic Main Street. Perched on a hill in Old Town, the couple’s modern-mountain abode is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the pulse of it all: restaurants, bars, shops, art galleries, and events. It’s a coveted and convenient location for the well-traveled duo, who split their time between Park City, New York, and Paris. They purchased the property during the pandemic and embarked on a major move from their previous residence, a traditional, French-inspired stone estate seated on significant acreage in Park Meadows.
“We were open to change but weren’t actively seeking to move,” recalls Vanessa. “We always aspired to move to a modern home, simplify, and downsize—and have the luxury to walk to dinner in Old Town and go about life without having to get into a car all day.”
So when they came across this property, they decided to seize the opportunity. It all happened very quickly: They packed up and moved in just one month. With the help of Vanessa’s longtime friend and local designer Eddie Collins of Curios Homes, they customized the new dwelling to fit the Wrights' style and taste.
“We kept very few things from the old house and got a fresh new start,” says Vanessa. “This was invigorating, and it also gave us a chance to edit, refresh, and refine with a less-is-more approach. We transitioned from antiques and layering to minimalism and more overall simplicity.”
Designed by notable Park City architect Jonathan DeGray and developer Jerry Fiat, the multi-level, 6,200-square-foot home includes five bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms. The separate floors are designated by living spaces: The kitchen, dining room, and living room are on the top floor; bedrooms and offices are on the lower middle floor; and a family room and zone for parties and yoga are on the lowest floor.
Stunning views take center stage throughout the home from the moment you walk in the front door. Accordion sliding glass doors installed on every level—and the large decks the doors lead out to—provide seamless indoor/outdoor living, and a panoramic vantage point of Main Street and the surrounding mountains.
“Funny enough, we had a lot of land at our previous home, but we spend more time outdoors in this home because of the combined indoor/outdoor spaces,” says Vanessa. “I’m grateful to start and end the day with glorious mountain views. Sunrise and sunset are always magical.”
In the main living area, a plush seating room and adjoining dining room are divided by a grand, floor-to-ceiling gold fireplace. “The fireplace was initially a big eyesore, but it’s really grown on us,” says Vanessa. “The metal has a patina, and it has gained a life of its own in being part of the story and vibe of the space.”
The dining area then flows into the kitchen, a clean-lined, light-filled space, courtesy of multiple retractable skylights overhead. The kitchen was a big draw for the couple, who love to host dinner parties and were delighted by the highly functional space. “Jeff is an exceptional cook,” notes Vanessa.
Downstairs, the primary bedroom features a cozy sitting area and a fireplace for suite-like ambience. “It’s perfect for reading and morning coffee time to start the day,” says Vanessa.
Nearby, she transformed a spare bedroom into her “boudoir,” which functions as a dressing room, closet, and work space. Vanessa is the founder and stylish force behind Farasha, a fashion consulting company, and she recently launched a new venture, Distrikt F, a modular concept space in Park City’s Iron Horse District that can be rented for photo shoots, parties, pop-ups, and more. She says the boudoir provides constant inspiration for fun fashion moments: “It makes the ritual of getting ready a joy.”
An additional bedroom on the same floor was transformed into an office for Jeff. The “man cave meets library lounge,” as Vanessa describes it, was custom-designed to accommodate Jeff’s curated collection of books, antiquities, and curiosities. And while these beloved treasures are among the few items that made the cut when the couple moved, they couldn’t be happier with their decision.
“The change has been a dream come true,” says Vanessa. “We cherish the time that we get to spend in Park City enjoying mountain life, and yet still feel like we can be in the mix and action of Old Town.”
SOURCES
Architect
Jonathan DeGray
Contractor
Jeff Moyer, Moyer Construction
Designer
Eddie Collins, Curios Homes
Developer
Jerry Fiat
Closets
Orchard Lane Cabinetry, 801-361-4473
Marble (primary bathroom)
Tally Stevens, European Marble & Granite
