Check out this beautiful, artisan-owner designed straw bale home located in rural Lake County, California. This unique one-bedroom, one-bathroom retreat is waiting for a free-spirited buyer. There are lovingly planned-out adobe wall decor details indoors and out. The large bonus room is perfect for a home office or artist’s studio. The property’s more than 13 acres of rolling meadow offer serene views of pastoral valley land that provides serenity and beauty around the home. The home has over 1900 sq. ft. of living space with a gourmet kitchen and lots of privacy. The interior has an open feel to it and the barrel ceiling/roof line is as original as it is beautiful. The interior woodwork, in the form of exposed beams and loft framing, adds contrast to the soft curves of the bales and plaster details throughout the home.
Built in 2001, this energy efficient straw bale home is off the grid and waiting for you to make it your own personal oasis! The highly efficient straw bale construction is powered by solar energy and passive solar design. No toxic materials were used in the construction of the home and the walls are entirely made of straw and clay which provide a natural system that balances humidity and improves interior air quality. Most of the flooring throughout the home is stone tile. In addition to the passive solar design, the house is heated with both a hydronic floor heating system and a wood stove for “flash heat.”
The straw bale home includes a spacious home office, storage room, and butler’s pantry. With 13 acres, there is plenty of room for your chickens, horses, an olive orchard or whatever your heart desires. Interesting features of the home are an open loft and outside bathtub. Revive in the garden while you enjoy beautiful meadow views. The property is only 15 minutes from Harbin Hot Springs and 30 minutes to Calistoga. This home is self sustaining (off the grid) and was built for the ecologically minded. Lake County is well known for clean air and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
The price was reduced in August of 2015 to $419,900. For more photos and information, please contact the listing agent, Barbara Ellis, at 707.486.3119 or [email protected].
10 Responses
is it possible to see the floor plans? It’s beautiful!!! =)
Hi Tamra. You can contact the agent whose info is at the bottom of the post. I don’t have the floor plan to share.
Can you tell me if this home has sold? What is the asking price?
Hi Dean. I have not received a recent update from the listing agent. You can contact Barbara Ellis, the listing agent, at 707.486.3119 or [email protected].
Wow, so straw bale houses are not affordable houses any more, the prices are super high.
That depends on the house and the location. Keep in mind that this house is in California where real estate prices are high regardless of the home construction type.
Without Land, what would be the estimated cost per square foot. We would like to build a modest 1200-1400 sqft here in Temecula, ca.
That’s a very hard question to answer without building in that area. Labor and materials cost vary greatly by region. Here in Southern Oregon, you might expect to pay about $150/sf for a contractor built bale home, but in Sonoma County, CA that same house might cost $300-$400 per square foot. It’s best to talk to builders in your area and see what they anticipate your costs would be. In general, you can plan on a bale home costing about 20% more than a conventional home of the same size (but not same R value).
I am looking to build a small, 1000-1200 sf straw bale home in SW riverside county. any info would be appreciated thanks
Hi Diana. I ran workshops on two houses in Temecula over the last two years. Those were helpful in bringing the building department up to speed on straw bale construction. That should be helpful for you in making your own application with the county. Good luck. If you want me to put you in touch with the owners from those two projects, please let me know and I will ask them if they are open to connecting. I imagine they will be.