6 self-sufficient homes
It doesn't hurt to look!
Yorkville, California. This 2013 rammed-earth and glass house is supported by multiple wells, solar power, a backup generator, and water-storage tanks. The three-bedroom home has high ceilings, radiant floors, a chef's kitchen with high-end appliances, and sliding doors to the outside.
The 160-acre wine-country property includes gardens, orchards, an infinity pool, a spring and a seasonal waterfall, a guest cottage and bathhouse, a guest yurt, a large barn, and a private airstrip with a hangar. $4,998,000. Todd Sheppard, Sotheby's International Realty, (707) 235-6870.
Winnsboro, Texas. Harmony Springs Ranch, a 215-acre tree farm, comes with a spring-fed pond, multiple wells, pasture and cattle fencing, propane storage tanks, and a backup generator. The three-bedroom, energy-efficient main house features an open floor plan with sliding doors throughout, a decorative wood wall, and a master suite with a big red soaking tub.
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Outside are a covered living area with a grill, an in-ground pool, and a spa. $4,980,000. DeCarla Anderson, Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, (214) 695-9043.
Bakersville, North Carolina. This three-bedroom estate overlooking the North Toe River uses smart-home technologies, solar heat, a whole-house generator, and radiant floor heating. The house has mahogany doors, arched beamed ceilings in the kitchen and living room, areas and shelves designed to showcase art, a master suite with an oversize bathroom, and a covered porch with a fireplace and mountain views.
The 100-acre property includes a guesthouse, a caretaker property, a duplex, and a multipurpose building with conference capabilities. $5,700,000. Gwen Bowers, Premier Sotheby's International Realty, (828) 545-2565.
Haiku, Hawaii. The Haiku Sanctuary, comprising two artist-inspired solar homes and an art studio, employs a well for fresh water, a photovoltaic system, and a backup generator. The three-bedroom Ocean House, where two streams meet, looks out on the Pacific; the three-bedroom Sky House has views of the ocean and the Haleakala volcano.
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The 9.6-acre property on Maui's north shore features two mosaic-tile pools, multiple trails, and fruit trees, including mango and banana. $4,300,000. Matt Beall, Hawaii Life/Forbes Global Properties, (808) 346-7413.
Guffey, Colorado. Solar energy feeds the three-bedroom log home and detached log garage of Three Springs Ranch, with access to a backup generator. The solid-oak, dovetail main house, built in 2011, features a kitchen with a chef's stove, copper farm-style sink, and walk-in pantry; an expansive great room with floor-to-ceiling windows; a large loft; multiple decks; and a walk-out basement.
The 235-acre property at the base of Castle Mountain includes several springs attracting herds of elk and deer. $1,275,000. Laura Owens, Saddle Up Realty, (719) 210-3950.
mTwo. This two-bedroom prefabricated house is fully supported by solar energy and has an option for off-grid water and septic. The 800-square-foot furnished home requires no construction permit and can be assembled on any surface in less than five hours, and all of its systems can be accessed remotely for maintenance.
Interior features include HEPA air quality control, a compact kitchen, glass walls, and an automated movie screen and window shades. $379,000. Haus.me, info@haus.me.
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