The Great Room

Antique Wood Stove with warming ovens and water reservoir.  Works Great!

Custom log bar/island.  Wide pine plank flooring

A View From the Road

More pictures can be found on our previous blog: http://wildernessmountainretreat.blogspot.com

Please continue to check back with us as we add more info and pictures.

Large Fenced Garden and Various Fenced Raised Rock Lined Beds

Foreground: Raised Rock Herb Garden/Background: 5 Raised Beds

Established Strawberries/Asparagus/Rhubarb/Raspberries

More Indoor/Outdoor Stuff

Upstairs Bedroom(left) TV/Den (right)

A view of 1/2 of the upstairs living space.  Passive light is provided by 8 skylights throughout the entire upstairs area.

Bedroom

Campfire and Outdoor Pizza Oven

Utility/Bathroom:  Currently being remodeled

About the Buildings

The main building is a 30 x 42 foot structure with 2 levels.  This provides 1260 square feet per level.  It is constructed to look like a traditional barn, complete with prow and copola above.  This not only keeps with the traditional charm and wildness of the place, but also keeps property taxes at a bare minimum (much less than other places around here).  The main floor houses a shop in the front, with a living area behind (kitchen, great room, pantry, utility/bathroom).  The upper portion is divided into 2 large bedroom/living areas.  There are a total of 8 skylights for natural light transmission.  There is also an attached 12 x 42 carport, as well as a deck off of the back.

This entire structure is essentially finished.  The "hard" parts are all done.  It just needs minor cosmetic finishing touches.   Finishing work is going forward on it all the time, so for the right person, this is a great opportunity.  The price reflects this, so if you are willing to put some mostly "sweet equity" into this project, you will end up with a place far more valuable than what you paid for it.  Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of being able to choose the type of finished product you want.


Custom Greenhouse

"Privvy": Waterless Sun-Mar Composting Toilet

About the Property

The property is located approximately 4.5 miles above the mighty Salmon River, and due west of the little town of White Bird.  It faces east with a partial southern exposure.  Its elevation is about 3700 feet.  This elevation is ideal in that it provides relief from the stifling summer temperatures experienced at the lower elevations and yet allows for an adequate growing season for a garden.  At the same time it assures an essential water supply due to its elevation which is at the edge of the snow zone.

This property is situated between two heavily timbered draws, with dramatic ridges rising to the top of the mountain behind.  The views of the surrounding canyons and valley is stunning.  There are no immediate neighbors, nor will there ever be with the steep, sloping terrain.  As the realtor who sold the property to us declared, "You're not buying a property, you're buying a mountain!"  When you are on the upper part of the property, you feel as if you are in your own private and secret world.  A world of solitude far from the things of men.

White Bird is located within Idaho County which is in the North Central portion of Idaho.  Being located in Idaho County is good for several reasons.  First of all, Idaho County is one of the most politically free areas in the United States.  It is very conservative and family centered.  It is remote, yet accessible, and still has the feel of the wilderness,  freedom, ruggedness and down to earth values.

After months of researching a suitable retreat, we became convinced that Idaho County was one of the safest areas in all the country.  We looked at things like politics, climate, geography, weather--even history, to help us in our decision.  For this and other reasons, we chose this area around "White Bird" as our place of refuge.  We have never doubted that decision.

This area is literally teeming with abundant wild life, gorgeous mountains, and awe inspiring vistas.  It is a hunter's, fisher's, and naturalist's paradise.  Our front door points towards the world famous Salmon River, and our back door points toward the awesome Hells Canyon and Snake River.

To get a real handle on this awesome area, visit http://www.visitwhitebird.com

Why This Property is Unique

This property is truly unique.  Its equal cannot be found any where.  It has all the ingredients for real self-sufficient living.  This property has been laid out and built with self-sufficiency in mind.  From its inception, every facet of the construction has been carefully thought out and implemented for this one goal alone.  From its gravity fed water system, to its stand alone off-grid solar system, to its use of wood for heating and even cooking. Many years of hard work, dedication, and dollars, have been invested to make this property unique.  It is set up to survive the rigors and uncertainties of our troubled world--in practical ways which bring peace of mind.