But they were thinking of something
more along the lines of the log lodges that are typical of Colorado
ski resorts. As they researched the different possibilities, they
realized they preferred log post-and-beam and stucco, which still
would give them what they term the "Colorado look" with
an alpine flavor and steep-pitched roof.
After acquiring the land in 1997
and coming up with ideas for a home that suited them and their site,
Paul learned he had leukemia. "It was a pretty severe diagnosis,
and things looked pretty grim," Paul says. "We put the
project on hold while I underwent treatment."
As the treatment proceeded, Paul's
condition stabilized but didn't improve. "Eventually I realized
the worst thing to do was to stop living," Paul says. "So
we just decided to go on with our plans and our dreams. If nothing
else it would take our minds off my condition."
Almost the instant the Milewskis
resumed the project, Paul's cancer started getting better. "Today
I'm in 100-percent remission," he says, adding, "Building
our home was the best therapy possible."
While
Paul and Tania were clearing the land to reveal its natural beauty,
they began discussing the type of home they wanted. Their first thought
was a log home, since log construction is common in rural Colorado.
Indeed their property had a small log building, built in the 1970's,
that was the fence-post company's old office.
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