Nurturing nest
Seven years ago, while skiing in Whitewater, B.C., local artist Renè Goebel suffered a heart attack. She was 46 years old.
“When death comes knocking it teaches you to slow down and enjoy life,” she said. Goebel incorporated that lesson in the home she designed, which was completed in 2003.
Perched on a bluff in Nine Mile Falls, overlooking the point where two branches of the Spokane River converge, she created a home that’s both welcoming and nurturing.
Goebel’s goal was to bring the outdoors in. Floor to ceiling windows are integrated throughout the home, the natural light adding to the airy, open feeling. She wanted every room to look welcoming and inviting, so that guests would feel free to explore.
The kitchen is the center of the home. “I call myself Renè the Gourmet,” Goebel said.
Gleaming granite countertops surround a 3-1/2 foot soapstone sink. The cabinets are crafted from knotty alder.
Since she loves to entertain, Goebel made sure there’s plenty of room to walk around and designed a large buffet area instead of a traditional breakfast bar. Unique barrel ceilings in the kitchen and dining room add character and grace.
Just off the dining room is a screened porch with spectacular views of the river.
“This is where we unwind,” she said.
A large floor-to-ceiling stacked-stone fireplace attracts guests in the living room. Goebel wanted a wood-burning fireplace but didn’t like the mess that kindling and logs make. She solved that problem by designing a wood cabinet tucked into an interior wall. It’s accessible from both the entry way and the basement stairs. No more messy wood chips and sawdust tracked through the house. A lovely watercolor by Goebel, titled “Judith and Pines,” hangs above the cabinet.
French doors from the master bedroom open into a tiled pool room for year-round swimming. The pool also is accessible from the main hallway and has an outside door as well.
Flanking the large pool room windows are two tile mosaics of a male and a female heron. Goebel created these, incorporating the iridescent green tiles used in the pool and wet bar. She asked family members to make small decorative tiles in a fish motif to adorn the adjoining walls. These tiles are especially meaningful, now that two of their creators, Goebel’s mother and stepson, have died.
An open staircase and balconies encircle the living room. She designed a balcony off her husband’s office, so he could wave to her in her studio across the way – Renè has been married to Steve for 15 years.
In Goebel’s studio an easel rests near the large windows. Above it hangs a weighted light fixture that can be raised or lowered. Nestled in an alcove, surrounded by bay windows is an area Goebel calls her “nest.” A king-size mattress fits into the alcove, and plush purple, apricot and sage throw pillows add to the cocoonlike feeling. Angels hang from charming light fixtures, and beaded curtains add an elegant flair. Guests can curl up and gaze at the star spattered fabric that covers the ceiling. Words by Maya Angelou are stenciled over the bed.
“When you come to the nest you’re not allowed to have any bad thoughts,” said Goebel. “No bad vibes are allowed,”
A brush with death has led Goebel to nurture herself in new ways.
“When I’m in my nest, I feel inspired and taken care of.”