Cozy Straw House For Sale in Oregon
Cozy Straw House for Sale in Silverton, Oregon
Walking distance to the center of Silverton, yet surrounded by nature. Thoughtful design backed by engineering with an overlay of comfort and artistic touches… Having grown up near Silverton, I must admit that this straw house for sale had me tempted so much that I started thinking about moving back to Oregon!
May you find inspiration and perhaps your very own straw house in Silverton, Oregon, with this article. - Dainella
Interview with the Owners
What is it like living here?
First and foremost, our home is cozy no matter the weather and incredibly quiet no matter the noise outside--most of which we attribute to our thick straw bale walls.
We live at the dead-end of a dead-end street and next to an enormous natural field (owned by the school). A beautiful trail through this park takes you a couple of blocks to the grocery store, Starbucks, and downtown with all its restaurants and stores. A beautiful straw bale home in an urban city. What's not to love?
What do you like most about your straw house?
We are both artists, so light and environment is crucial. Our Great Room is spectacular, open from the kitchen through the dining room and into the living room with a gorgeous fireplace.
We entertain constantly, and you can see every guest breathe and relax into our magical home.
We have a 300 sq ft deck off the kitchen (we call the Veranda) and another 200 sq ft deck (called the Sunset Deck) between the tree house and studio.
The tree house above the She Shed we use for kids to play and for intimate dinners overlooking the sunset.
What was the Construction Process like?
Our load-bearing straw house was built in 2003 by a wild woman and her friends. We have the complete plans and engineering tests.
Silverton and Marion County inspectors bring their new employees to our house every year to go over the process they used to handle the build.
The owner built the structure with licensed plumbers and electricians handling power and water. The build was done all to code with the Building Inspectors supervising.
The land owner, Mary Brewer, designed and built the house in conjunction with a Master's Thesis by Ghailene Boou-Ali and Community Information Resource Center (CIRC). The bale structure was engineered and tested by Thomas A. Albani, Oregon Registered Engineer. Testing documents, planning, and design are available at the house.
How did you become the Caretakers of this cozy home?
We came to Oregon to build a Straw Bale House and go off the grid. We took the classes and prepared to build on 6 acres. Just as we started, I had a heart attack. Sold quick and bought near the hospital. I lived and years later, we were still pining for a Straw Bale House.
On a visit to lovely Silverton, we found a house and enquired. It was already sold. The realtor showed us others...too expensive, too big... "But I do have a straw bale house a few blocks away. Unfortunately, it's painted like a casita." Zowie! Show us. We decided to buy the home as soon as we stepped through the front door.
What had you choose a straw bale home (other than love at first sight!)?
We have always driven electric cars and lived sustainably. We believe in treating our planet like it's our last one...
“We LOVE your house!”, “Your house has magic!”, and “Can I just live here?”
Designed with Intention:
This 2003 1,1774 sq ft, 3 bedroom, 2 bath straw house was built to last.
Roofing is lifetime steel.
The attic is completely insulated.
Slab concrete foundation.
3 Solar Tubes bring in natural light to the homes’ interior.
Solid wood doors for durability and to match the aesthetic of the home.
Vaulted Great Room with a sit-on hearth gas fireplace, perfect for sipping a warm beverage.
Gourmet kitchen with gas stove and all stainless-steel appliances.
Indoor - Outdoor Living
One of the things I loved about living in this area of Oregon was how easy it was to flow from indoors to outdoors, as the weather and nature invited me to do so. The design of this property encourages that flow greatly!
Here’s a few ways it is built in:
A covered gazebo with tables and kick pottery wheel for clay/ceramics.
Backyard 'She-shed’ with shelves and table for projects and gardening adventures.
There’s a Tree House above that is perfect for dining with table and chairs.
PLUS a 200 sq ft studio building with a front porch, railing, 200 sq ft deck, steel roof, windows, insulated, and many built-in cabinets and counters!
Easy access to nearby trails and green spaces, like the Oregon Garden.
“The quiet and comfort of a straw bale house is a balm for the soul.”
Energy Efficiency Features & Highlights:
Heat Pump serves both A/C and heat.
The original furnace and ductwork are kept for use to circulate heat and A/C throughout the house; however, the current owners have never really found the A/C necessary.
High-end wooden windows, double-pane, and energy efficient.
The ceiling attic is fully insulated.
Fans in every room.
Property Features Include:
.32 acres - 2 combined plats that can be built out with duplex up to 2700 sq ft. Duplex can be two separate structures connected by carport/garage. (Access by demolishing existing garage.)
Idyllic setting next to a large open natural field, with large fir trees and fruit trees.
100s of flowers, grasses, and shrubs in front and back flourish in Spring/Summer/Fall.
Double-length garage.
Utilities: Connected to City water and sewer. PGE for electric & gas.
Cozy Living Room
Visit the Casa de Paja website to view more photos of the interior and exterior, as well as the incredible backyard and inviting back patio entertainment area! Perfect for outdoor-indoor flowy type living that Oregon is known for.
“It is such a lovely spot that we put up a screen on the barrier at the end of our street and show movies on Friday evenings!”
Silverton, Oregon
For Current Pricing:
For more information, please contact:
Mike Ashland
Owner
Call or Text
(503) 880-1742 | direct
mashland@gmail.com
