SELLER IS MOTIVATED! BRING AN OFFER!
Building a straw bale house isn’t just about the physical structure but also the emotional connections and memories created as we stack bales together. Every inch of this home is soaked in the laughter of friends and the careful attention to detail of one couple’s dream together. A dream that grew into a ‘friendship project.’
It started with inspiration at a tradeshow and ended with this welcoming gathering place, but the in-between included deep research, visiting other straw bale building sites, planning their design, and, of course, the investment of their labor.
They wanted to be mortgage free and paid as they went, even moving in before the tile was laid or cabinet doors were hung to save on rent money. They built slowly and intentionally, from sourcing bales on the nearby Navajo Nation to including a woodshop so they could do all the craftsman finish work themselves.
But they didn’t do it alone. The home was always intended to be a place to gather, and from day one, that is just what happened!
Even though the property is rural and tucked behind the Ponderosa Pines from the road, it attracted many neighbors and friends to stop by to lend a hand. Hundreds of lunches later, the finished home entertained and celebrated the community with hosting gatherings of up to 75 people.
And, most importantly, “We even came out of it still liking each other,” shared the owner-builder with a laugh. Hearing her tell of her husband’s dream of building his own home and how the dream also became hers, of the deep research and meticulous craftsmanship, it is easy to imagine that their laughter and friendship built this wonderful home as much as their hands did.
Even the acreage itself was expanded through friendship. Over the years, they grew close to their neighbor, and one day he arrived with a handmade leather pouch with an inscription regarding the meaning of friendship burned into the leather – Inside was the deed to an adjoining acre to add to their land!
After many years of enjoying their dream and sharing this special spot with others, it is time to allow their home to find its next caretakers.
Only a 60 min drive to Albuquerque with all the amenities of a bigger town and airport, yet a rural setting. Located in the foothills of the Manzano Mountains and near one of New Mexico’s largest apple orchards.
To learn more, visit the Home’s Showcase Page here, check out the MLS Listing below, or contact Jennifer with questions.
Advice to Others:
“Just know that you’re in for the long haul and don’t get discouraged [while building.] We had fun. And we had a lot of people just stop by to watch or help, some even brought lawn chairs and just watched us work and laughed with us. We made a lot of long-lasting friends that way. Also, it’s important to put it down for a day or two, or stop at 4pm to go have dinner, so you’ll still love it.”
– From the Owner-Builder
Custom Finish & Home Details
- 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath – 2,623 sq ft custom home completed in 2001.
- Post and beam construction with straw bale infill wall system.
- Custom details in every room with window seats, vigas, beams, and woodworking details.
- Comfy clawfoot tub
- Hat & Boots: TPO and metal roof. Concrete slab foundation in excellent condition.
- KITCHEN – Includes refrigerator and dishwasher.
Additional Structures Include:
- Connected to the home is a 1,258-square-foot Heated woodworking shop with its own 1/2 bath!
- Covered shade porch for watching the deer and turkeys wander by.
Property Features Include:
- 3 acres, zoned Residential.
- Well and septic in place.
- Electric Grid Utility & Propane
- Mixed meadow and woods with Ponderosa and Pinon Pines for year-round greenery.
Energy Efficiency Features & Highlights:
- True to its straw bale build roots, it is always a comfortable room temperature and VERY quiet inside.
- Tile and in-floor radiant heating throughout the home.
- Blown-in insulation in the great room.
- Straw bales were made for construction by the Navajo Nation Co-op.
- Thermal-double pane windows with east-facing to capture the morning light.
Torreon, New Mexico
Just East of Albuquerque
$570,000
SELLER IS MOTIVATED! BRING AN OFFER!
For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Smith
Realty One of New Mexico
Broker Realtor
505-980-6831 | cell
505-883-9400 | office [email protected]
Photos by Realty One of New Mexico
