Property Description
In just a 35-minute drive north from downtown St. Paul, you can leave behind the traffic, noise, and stress of the city, drive past grazing cattle, and arrive at this place of rural beauty and quiet. The property is situated in the eastern part of Hugo Township where rural green space is preserved by zoning for limited development. Its location also places it in the 186 square mile Rice Creek Watershed, a surface water repository of 60 inter-connected lakes, streams, and wetlands that sustains the ample supply of clean groundwater. The property has rights to tap into this water supply. It has its own well and an ecological raised bed septic system for wastewater treatment and recycling.
For 40 years, this 10-acre property has been curated by the owner in ways that respect the beauty and spirit of nature. The values of permaculture are reflected in the acres of hickory, walnut, hazelnut, basswood, Korean nut pine, many species of oak, and mature, full size cider apple trees. Pine, spruce and cedars grow in a shelter belt near the house to moderate the chilling effect of winter winds. A pond, wetlands, and pasture combine with the trees to provide cover and food for wildlife.
This land has held numerous spiritual events that include both sweat lodges, run by local Native American leaders, as well as Peruvian ceremonies and healings. For many who come here this space is a spiritual sanctuary.
Nestled into a south facing slope is the eco-friendly, custom-built house designed by the owner. The house has four bedrooms on the main and loft levels, and a 500 square foot studio apartment overlooking the pond and garden. The apartment is perfect for multigenerational living, or as a long-term rental or B&B. The goal of the design was to make people feel connected to the land, even if they are indoors. There is extensive use of cedar wood both in the interior and exterior of the house. Native stones from the property are used in the living room fireplace and the outdoor landscape. Extensive use of glass captures the natural sunlight year around, giving the house a bright and warm feel even during the winter months. In wintertime, the windows provide a significant source passive solar heating. In summer, the oak and basswood trees shade these windows and provide natural cooling. Two decks extend the communal spaces of the living room and dining room into the outdoors. A small balcony perched up in the loft bedroom is an ideal place of solitude in the tree tops. Heating is with propane. A high efficiency, no-draft fireplace burns wood for supplementary heat, and distributes the hot air around the house through its connection to heating duct system.
Home Energy Evaluation
Glazing: Dual-Paned Windows, Triple-Paned Windows
Installed Appliances:
- High Efficiency Furnace
- High Efficiency Air-Conditioner
Air Sealed: Yes
Energy-Star Appliances: Refrigerator
Tankless Water Heater Installed: No
Home Health Evaluation
Water Purity: yes
Air Purity: N/A
Radon Test Date: ,
Wall Finishes: Low VOC Paint
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