In The Host’s Own Words
Westcliffe, Colorado
Welcome to Westcliffe! This classic, small Colorado mountain town is nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains. It is a hiking and camping destination ideal for outdoor recreation. We are in a Dark Sky community and wish to share these fantastic skies with you! As they say, “Come for the mountains, stay for the stars.” As the seat of Custer County, it is the hub for everything in the Wet Mountain Valley and has a rich history. From outdoor recreation, arts, and stargazing to historical tours, be sure to add extra days to your visit. So much to explore!
Your Host
Hi everyone! I’m Paula. My dog, Tuuli, and I are planning an awesome adventure for fellow straw bale enthusiasts (although Tuuli doesn’t know it yet.) I grew up in Wisconsin, helping my parents with the finishing work on various construction projects. As soon as I could hold a paintbrush, I began staining millwork. That environment made me want to create a space of my own someday. Decades ago, I fell in love with straw bale homes. Life at the time didn’t allow me to build, but my dreams always led me back to Straw. Now, at sixty-two, I’m finally seeing my vision come true. Yay!
My love of straw bale comes from its naturalness – All the way from the straw itself to the finishes that complete a build. When it’s done, sound and light move through the space to create that perfectly imperfect feel I want. I also appreciate that it’s better for the earth than other types of construction. Not to mention the benefits of living in a space free from toxic chemicals. I know there will be both failures and successes on this journey. With Strawbale.com, we will be able to learn from years of hands-on experiences from people just like us. I want to prove that no matter who we are or what our level of expertise is, we can do this. So, let’s go!
The Build
My 37-acre lot is in the Wet Mountains to the east, with fabulous views of the Sangres. You can see two 14ers, Humboldt and Crestone, from my place. My build is a timber-framed home wrapped by bales. It will have 1,450 square feet of interior living on two floors. The main living space will be wide open, allowing you to see the hand-hewn oak timbers between 17-22 feet high.
I will be heating the space with a masonry heater (that’s part of the beauty of the bales… excellent insulation!) The bale walls will be coated in lime plaster on the exterior and earthen plaster on the interior. (Check out the Natural Plastering Workshop that will be held here August 16-18) I’m planning for earthen floors over the slab and a future four-season greenhouse.
Your Stay
If you love sleeping out under the stars, this might be your dream campsite. In true Colorado high country character, you’ll be greeted with a grand sky each sunrise and set, feel the freedom of big country space, and maybe get to see the frequent wildlife that passes through to enjoy the thick grasses and herbaceous vegetation. Left in its natural state, you’ll be camping on this rather lumpy mattress with the occasional surprise pincushion cactus, so I suggest bringing a cot, thick mattress, or car camping. The camping and parking area is just after passing through the gate, and there are plenty of walk-in spots for tent campers who’d like a bit of privacy. Each evening, there will be plenty of room to relax and enjoy downtime together, watching the sunset show over the Sangres.
RV parking will be limited to make sure there is room for everyone, so be sure to coordinate with me early to reserve a spot. If you’d like other options than camping, Westcliffe and neighboring Silver Cliff are within a scenic drive away and have options for inns, Airbnbs, and campgrounds within 5 to 30 mins away.
I hope you are able to spend some time in the local area outside of the workshop! Here’s an excellent resource for exploration of the Wet Mountain Area and check out this Historical Digest for Custer County for more ideas.
Transportation
Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is ~1 1/2 hours away and the most convenient option. Denver International Airport (DIA) may offer slightly cheaper flights and is just under 3-hours drive to the East from Westcliffe. Both airports offer rental car options.
I couldn’t be happier than to welcome you to this special land and build something amazing together!