1. Cayucos, Calif. Straw-bale construction has a long history, but in recent decades, homes created from straw-block walls have made a comeback because of the technique’s environmental benefits. The straw-bale main house at Wellspring Ranch has two bedrooms and a dance or yoga studio. The ranch’s 158-acre property also includes a guesthouse, a yurt, horse and hiking trails, and a grove of 1,000 young avocado trees. $1,995,000. Jutta Jacobs, Barnes & Associates/Sotheby’s International Realty, (805) 909-0520
2. Three Forks, Mont. Set on 163 acres, this two-bedroom home, built in 2000, features an open floor plan, two master suites, and an attached four-car garage with a shop area. As required by state law, the home has a window in one wall (shown at right) to prove that actual straw bales were used in construction. $459,900. Sue Frye, ERA Landmark Real Estate, (406) 556-5056
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