What makes your home a Green or Healthy Home?
Straw bales are inherently energy efficient. They resist the flow of air from outside to inside and vice versa. They have the additional ability to store heat keeping the temperatures more even between day and night. In the summer, they store cool night air, keeping the house cooler during the daytime. The floor and ceiling are insulated with fiberglass, foam and cellulose. All windows are double glazed energy star rated. The south facing windows give good solar gain on sunny winter days, yet the low hanging roof line keeps out most direct sunlight in the summer.Property Description
This hand-made straw bale home was lovingly built in 1995. It has a number of custom features by the professional carpenter/owner. The soft, curvy interior plaster walls remind many visitors of a traditional Irish cottage.
11.7 acres of open and wooded land.
The kitchen cabinet doors feature a hand-carved border. There is a built-in bench conveniently located near the front door for removing shoes and boots. There is also some built-in shelving and drawers.
There is a cast iron enameled tub and shower in the bathroom and a tile floor.
3 bedrooms are located upstairs. Large den/music room on the first floor could also be used as a bedroom. Kitchen, dining room and living room have an open floor plan and exposed beam ceiling.
Floors are 2x6 tongue and groove spruce with satin finish. Woodstove hearth is red tile.
There are 10 new Pella thermal windows on the first floor and 6 original Pella windows on the second floor.
We heat primarily with wood. This past winter (2014-15) was unusually cold. We used approximately 3 ½ cords. There is a Rinnai propane direct vent heater for back-up.
Hot water is supplied by a Rinnai tankless propane water heater. Hot water never runs out.
There is also a 2 story workshop currently being used for wood working. (1400 SF ) Built in 2006. It is well insulated and heated by woodstove with an insulated metal chimney. The first floor (20x34) is a finished workshop with 100amp service. The second floor is unfinished storage space that could be converted to additional workspace or even an apartment. In fact the whole building could be made into living space if so desired. Wall insulation is 6 inches, ceiling 16 inches and floor 12 inches. There are 6 insulated windows and 3 insulated doors. Well suited to a home business.
A 14x14 cabin can be used for guests or a small studio. It has 6 inches of insulation in the walls and 12 inches in the cedar lined cathedral ceiling with sleeping loft. 5 insulated windows. There is a small wood stove and an insulated metal chimney.
Firewood can be kept neat and dry in 2 separate woodsheds. There are 2 other sheds for garden tool storage and lawn equipment.
2 organic gardens are established with blueberry bushes and an asparagus bed. There are 3 small pear trees and several wild apple trees.
Garden vegetables can be stored in the 8x12 walk-in root cellar. It has cedar shelving and electric service.
Beautiful mountain view from the grounds.
This home and workshop are well suited to homesteading and running a home business.Neighborhood Description
Brownington is a rural town with a number of small farms and about 800 residents. Brownington’s Old Stone House Museum is a well-preserved landmark, featuring collections of hand-powered tools and farm implements and many historical artifacts. It offers classes in traditional hand crafts and homesteading skills. The Willoughby river in town is known for its trout jumping up the water fall in spring. There are several lakes nearby, as well as hiking and biking trails.Market Area
Shopping is available in nearby Newport and Derby. Newport is located on the stunning Lake Memphremagog. There are many small shops including a natural foods store as well as 2 grocery stores, 2 lumber yards and an incredible hardware store called ‘The Pick and Shovel’. Near both Burke Mountain and Jay Peak. Near new employment area of Newport.School District
Brownington has its own grade school. The high school is Lake Region in nearby Orleans. Vermont Community College has a branch in Newport.Community
Location of Home or Land
Rural
Elevation of Home
Mountain
Air Quality
| Agriculture in Area | yes |
| Industry in Area | no |
| Air Pollution in Area | no |
| Pesticide Free | yes |
| Fragrance Free | yes |
| Cleaned with Green Products | yes |
Interior Environment
| Heating System | Forced Air - Gas |
| Cooling System | Other |
| Ventilation System | Other |
| Whole House Filtration | None |
| Whole House Vacuum | no |
Energy & Water
| Water System | Well |
| Wastewater System | Septic System |
Construction Information
| Construction Type | Straw bale |
| Exterior Finish | Masonry Other |
| Interior Finish | Cement Plaster |
| Interior Paint | Low VOC |
| Floor Material | Tile |
| Roof Material | Metal |
| Window Material | Vinyl or Vinyl Clad |
| Insulation Material | Fiberglass |
Garage / Car Port
| Garage / Carport | yes |
| Garage Type | detached |
| Number of Cars | 1 |
| Garage Area | 350 sqft |
