American Idyll

On her family's multigenerational ranch in LaGrange, Wyoming, a designer has carved out room for friends and family...and 1,000 cows.

- written by LAURA KOSTELNY

Playing hooky is rarely an option for Taryn and Kyle Kilty. After all, they have a 6,000-acre property to tend to, along with two kids (Zoey, 11, and Lakson, 9, pictured on pg. 54), a registered bull, a horse, a Bernese mountain dog, and more than 1,000 cows. “Kyle grew up here, so it’s in his blood,” says Taryn, who also comes from a family of farmers.

Given the family’s rigid ranching routine, it’s no wonder they need a cozy spot to relax and unwind. So 10 years ago, the couple decided to build a brand-new farmhouse that could handle all the comings and goings of farm life while serving up ample historic charm. (Taryn found her inspiration from an old farmhouse she'd spied in a past issue of Country Living.) Working with an architect, the Kiltys created a family-friendly indoor-outdoor floor plan that includes plenty of porch space, a third floor where the kids can roam free, and a kitchen that can host larger gatherings. “When you live in the middle of nowhere, there’s a need for connection with people,” Taryn says. “We're always having friends over.”