A Tour of Aaron Paul and Wife's Idaho Home
Aaron Paul and his wife welcome viewers into their Idaho home, a project three years in the making that finally completed in July. They've only lived there for about six months, marking this as their first extended stay. The couple share their design vision and the unique elements that make the house special.
The Main Gathering Room
The couple’s goal was to create a home that felt like it had always been there. To achieve this, they purchased three barns from an Amish community in Wisconsin. These barns, over 120 years old, were shipped to Idaho and used as the foundation for the house's structure.
Adding to the rustic feel, the stone used throughout the house is Montana Moss. One particularly impressive piece, weighing 26,600 pounds, required a crane to install before the ceiling was in place.
The gathering room also features a special spot where the couple enjoys coffee and plays Batman every morning. They often observe deer crossing the river and even black bears that live nearby, creating a tranquil atmosphere. They installed a balcony to easily talk to people downstairs.
The Kitchen
The kitchen design prioritizes raw materials like stone, wood, and concrete, aiming for a cohesive and uncluttered feel. The couple frequently cooks in the kitchen, with his wife handling most of the culinary duties while he enjoys the meals. The refrigerator is designed to seamlessly blend into the surrounding environment.
Aaron's wife notes how he worked for four years making every decision during the home's construction. While she admits to being curious about the final result, she was confident in their shared taste, especially when it came to deep tones and "strange, creepy art."
The Dining Room and Camp Pretty Bird
The dining room is centered around a unique piece of wood. They were inspired to built the room around it. The dining room became a space for special occasions like Aaron's birthday celebration, where they enjoyed Boyle's crab and "milk corn," spreading out newspapers and using their hands to eat.
The property is named "Camp Pretty Bird" after their peacock, Maxine. The theme extends throughout the house in subtle, playful ways. Aaron considers a particular photograph taken in the dining room to be his favorite in the house.
Woodshed and Bedroom
The woodshed is well-stocked to keep the many fires burning throughout the cold Idaho winters. When choosing their bedroom location, proximity to the river was a priority. The couple enjoy the view from their bedroom, especially the changing colors of the surrounding hills during the fall.
Material Choices and Bathroom
Throughout the house, consistent materials are used to maintain a sense of continuity. Concrete is used for all countertops. They even found a stone in Pennsylvania. They collaborated with their designer, Jake Arnold, to create a unique glass-enclosed shower.
The bathroom includes a steam shower and an epic bathtub. The steam shower is a favorite, and the wife enjoys sitting in the tub with the window open, feeling the cold breeze. In a unique design choice, the toilet is placed behind glass.
The Bunk Room and Bunk Bath
The bunk room is designed for kids or "drunk adults" and is a space for fun and performances. The view from the bunk room overlooks the water, and the design evolved from a smaller concept into something grander.
The bunk bath is designed to accommodate the needs of multiple people staying in the bunk room. It features a trough sink and a large shower. The design was a collaboration with local craftspeople.
The Raven's Den
The "Raven's Den" is a completely different space in the house. It features a moody and sexy vibe, similar to a speakeasy. It's where the couple indulges in their love of gambling and poker. The room features details like a little ashtray with a naked boy peeing into it.
The "Whiskey Lounge" is part of the Raven's Den, named for the raven art piece. Candles are abundant throughout the space.
Media Room and Bar
The media room is stocked with candy. The first movie they watched was "The Shining."
The bar features local beers on tap and is where Aaron creates his signature Oaxacan old-fashioned. He uses a cocktail smoker with applewood to infuse the drink with a smoky flavor.
Unique Details and Wi-Fi Strategy
A clock that broke and stopped at 4:20 is kept as is, a humorous touch.
Aaron admits to "stealing" props from movie sets he enjoys, like an El Camino souvenir. He also showcases a William Morris heritage print, used for wallpaper in the powder room and pillows in the whiskey lounge.
The couple intentionally made it difficult to connect to Wi-Fi, encouraging guests to disconnect and relax.
Sauna
A zen garden feel and meditation music characterize the Sauna. The wood used in the dry sauna comes from a tree salvaged from the bottom of a local lake. Initially, the couple considered using it for a dining table, but its unique look after drying made it perfect for the sauna. The cedar wood creates a pleasant aroma.
Outdoor Fun
Outside, the couple enjoys winter activities like sledding with their daughter.
The couple conclude the tour by thanking the viewers for coming and reminding them to drive safe. They share a lighthearted comment about the pronunciation of "Boise," noting that locals pronounce it differently than outsiders.