What makes your home a Green or Healthy Home?
Originally constructed as a passive solar home, an array of solar panels has been added that are “net grid tied" resulting in low or no electric bills. Grid-Tie Renewable Energy Systems are battery-less and you can sell energy back to the grid utility - watch your meter run backwards in the long CA summer! A greenhouse/solarium on the south side of the house is separated from the house with a concrete Trombe wall. The solar mass dampens the temperature swings in the house throughout the year. A breadbox style solar water heater assists in heating water in the hot water tank. Vents provide cooling on warm days as air is drawn through the house by natural convection and out the clerestory windows. On extra dry hot days, there is an evaporative cooler that can either be used as a “whole house” fan in the evenings or in lieu of air-conditioning as a “swamp cooler” to provide cool humid air in the dry season. On extra cold days, there is both a wood burning stove and high efficiency propane heaters (thermostat controlled) to provide additional heat. All heaters, coolers and appliances were selected for their energy efficiency. Skylights throughout the house provide ample natural light and reduce the need for electric lighting.Property Description
This house was designed/built as a private home by a local artist/architect and constructed with old growth douglas fir and redwood. It includes many unusual, unique, and beautiful hand crafted features: stained glass, wooden spiral staircase, ceramic roman tub, cathedral wood beamed ceilings, and skylights throughout. Imagine viewing the moon while lying in bed! The kitchen, dining, great room, master bedroom and bath are downstairs. There are double wide closets and built-ins like entertainment unit and shelves to minimize the need for heavy furniture. A spiral staircase leads to the upstairs bedroom, bath and loft. The house has wood floors, beautiful ceramic tile countertops in the kitchen, wet bar, and bathrooms. The kitchen has plenty of cabinets and pantry for storage. The detached 2-car garage has workbenches and shelves. There is a “bonus” building with storage loft, electric and water hookups which although currently used for storage could be turned into a workshop, guesthouse or artist studio. The well has never gone dry here even during 7 year droughts and there is a nice spring bordering the property. Manifolds have been installed for irrigation/fire prevention around the house. All the plumbing components from the well to the house were replaced in the last 3 years including pipe to PEX tubing to prevent winter breakage/leaks. Beautiful sunset views from the deck, Apple and cherry trees, ample space for gardening behind deer-proof fence. Minimal low maintenance landscaping consists of native plants - juniper, tall pines, and live oak. Spring and seasonal stream on the bottom border of property.Neighborhood Description
Property is on a private road/community between highway 49 and the Alta Sierra subdivision. Property borders/overlooks Kimler Ranch which is slated by Nevada County to be a park. Restaurants, shopping, schools, cultural activities are 15 minutes either direction in the Gold rush era towns of Auburn or Grass Valley/Nevada City. The property is below the snow line at 2000 feet but above the “smog” line found at lower elevations in the central valley. Many outdoor recreation activities and festivalMarket Area
This property is 3 hours from San Francisco and Oakland Bay Area. It is midway between the state capital Sacramento and the Tahoe ski resorts (1 hour each way) but does not carry the expense of those areas. It would be ideal for retirees, empty nesters, artists, or someone desiring a slower pace and tranquility without isolation.School District
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 | Passive Cooling |
| Ventilation System | Other |
| Whole House Filtration | None |
| Whole House Vacuum | no |
Energy & Water
| Energy System | Solar - Photovoltaic |
| Water System | Well |
| Wastewater System | Septic System |
Construction Information
| Exterior Finish | Wood |
| Interior Finish | Gypsum Board - Sheet Rock |
| Interior Paint | Low VOC |
| Floor Material | Tile |
| Roof Material | Asphalt Composition Shingle |
| Window Material | Wood Single Glazed |
| Insulation Material | Fiberglass |
Garage / Car Port
| Garage / Carport | yes |
| Garage Type | detached |
| Number of Cars | 2 |
| Garage Area | 400 sqft |
