This passive & active solar retreat commands a spectacular view of the usually snow-capped Sangre DeCristo Mountains. You're surrounded by wonderful ponderosa pine, fir, spruce, and pinion trees as well as aspen groves. Towering rock formations rise hundreds of feet just north of the house. On almost 37 acres, the solar electric power is generated by 12 Kyocera 120 watt photovoltaic panels into 12 Trojan deep cycle batteries and a Xantrex SW4024 inverter, assisted by a Blue Sky Solar Boost 50 controller, providing free power throughout the home. On rare occasions a fully automatic Sentry-Pro (Gillette) 11,000 watt propane generator provides back-up power.

The heating system, as well, has multiple redundancies. Primary heat is attained through passive solar design. Earth ship design has much of the bermed exterior below grade, providing continuous ~55 degree heat from the ground. Passive southern orientation delivers solar warming to the concrete floor & walls, Clayote interior wall finish system and concrete countertops inside. The great room Breckwell pellet stove and multiple propane wall heaters provide a rarely needed back-up.

The hot water system is supplied by two Edwards active collectors and storage tank on the roof. This system, as well, has a redundant Aqua Star instantaneous propane water heater providing 105,000 BTUH of on-demand hot water in case of infrequent cloudy conditions.

This home has been lived in for barely six months since its construction and offers quality construction throughout. It has Kohler sinks and toilets, Hunter ceiling fans, solid core six-panel doors, 6" horizontal cedar exterior siding, 3" pine ceiling planking, quality Norcraft hardwood cabinetry, wonderful copper and stained glass light fixtures and multiple operable Velux skylights throughout.

For your convenience there is an installed DirecTV satellite dish, telephone land-line, available wireless internet service and a wrap-around landscaped front patio with pergola and bar-b-que. The oversized two car garage with two Overhead Door garage doors is, of course, finished. COAX TV jacks, telephone jacks, AC/DC smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are provided.