Utah’s Only Authentic Thatched-Roof Home—Designed by Architect David Easton—Hits the Market for $4.2 Million

A rare opportunity to own Utah’s only authentic thatched-roof home has come on the market in Holladay to the tune of $4.15 million—30 years after it was conceived as a unique gatehouse by renowned architect David Easton.

The two-bedroom, three-bathroom home, which sits on a 2-acre parcel of beautifully landscaped gardens, is hidden behind not one, but two gates inside Holladay's prestigious Cottonwood Estates.

Originally built as a gatehouse for a grand 38,000-square-foot, South African–inspired estate that was never completed, the home was commissioned by health care heir Ralph Falk II and his then-wife, Patricia Falk.

According to local reports, the planned Falk estate was set to be the "biggest house in Utah," boasting 60 rooms on 14 acres of land, including the parcel on which the thatched gatehouse now sits.

However, before the Cape Dutch–style residence could be completed, the couple split and their plans for the opulent home came to a sudden end—with only the gatehouse and the foundation of the primary property completed.

According to Deseret News, the 14-acre parcel was subdivided into 2-acre parcels following their divorce, leaving the thatched property as the estate's only enduring legacy—one that would ultimately be placed in a trust for one of the Falks' daughters.

In 2021, the property passed into a trust under the names of Arthur and Victoria Franks, having been in Patricia's name for many years in the wake of her divorce.

Now, it is making the latest in only a handful of appearances on the market—with listing agent Scott Simpson of Summit Sotheby's International Realty revealing just how "rare" an opportunity this is, not least because of the property's fascinating history and architectural pedigree.

Because the dwelling was built as a gatehouse, it boasts an added level of safety and structural soundness that makes it ripe for extensions or upgrades, he notes.

“The structural integrity of this home is insane,” Simpson says. “It has 18-inch-thick concrete walls and is wired with three-phase electrical service, which could easily support future expansion.”

That expansion could take the form of a secondary residence, accessory dwelling unit, or even a pool house, he says. "You could build an entire other home behind it and use this as a secondary home."

The craftsmanship throughout the interior is as bold as the home’s exterior. Simpson tells of a carpenter who lived at the structure for a year and a half, handcrafting every door, window, beam, and railing.

Each window includes a handmade sliding screen, some of which are tucked into the walls like pocket doors. Overhead beams are hand-carved, and the breezeway features European stone, each piece weighing about 150 pounds and set 18 inches into the ground.

Even the smallest details are thoughtful. On the rear façade, a beehive emblem, which is a symbol of Utah, was embedded by the original builders.

A century-old barn was also relocated to the property, adding a sense of rustic charm.

“The quality and craftsmanship that went into this home is just really impressive,” Simpson says.

Now offered as a standalone residence on 2 private acres, the home includes two bedrooms, three bathrooms, and 3,138 square feet of finished living space. Inside, it reflects the classic Cape Dutch aesthetic, which includes limewashed plaster, thatch roofing, and ornate millwork.

“There are two suites upstairs, each with a fireplace and attached bath, plus a central entertainment room with a wet bar,” Simpson adds. “The great room features hand-carved beams in the ceiling.”

Security and privacy are inherent to the property. Beyond the first gated entrance from the main road, a second gate encloses the immediate compound.

“It’s not a dangerous neighborhood by any means,” Simpson says with a laugh, “but the home is very secure and private nonetheless."

And despite its seclusion, the location offers quick access to some of Utah’s finest outdoor areas. 

“You can see Mount Olympus from the property, and you’re also just 20 to 30 minutes from ski spots like Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, and Alta,” he says.