Escape to the Country to your new home, a home for all seasons and times of your life. Kick back and enjoy the freedom, security, and peace of mind you didn't know you needed. During these recent confining times we have been fortunate to be almost as free as the birds as they say, to fill our days with gardening, to catch beautiful sunrises, to watch and photograph nature - deer and their newborn fawns passing by the garden fence and countless colorful birds at the bird bath and hummingbirds hovering over the flowers as we dined on the porch and deck. We had plenty of room to spread our wings, to enjoy long walks on the tree shrouded driveway and sit on the deck or in the gazebo on quiet evenings with barely a sound but the singing of the birds and the wind blowing through the trees. Sometimes we don't quite know what we want or need until it is right in front of us, sometimes brought to us through unintentional planning or gracious providence. Such was our situation when we arrived here.

We bought this property, having looked at countless others, in the 90's with the intent to escape the hustle and bustle of being in a large metro area with all its' opportunities and demands which run your life instead of serving your life. I remember when I first came out West in 1972 and saw my first real National Park (Rocky Mountain) with tall snowcapped mountains, rivers and forests replete with all the wild animals and natural beauty you won't find in suburbia or the flatlands. When I came to Oregon, I was told it was different out here and it truly is. Little did I realize at the time how much so and how much richness it would bring to our lives.

Over twenty years of living in what we refer to as our own National Park (don't laugh, there are nine national parks smaller than your potential new home) we have come to learn, love and appreciate everything around us. Our home is tucked away in a lush green forest teeming with wildlife in the Coast Range with panoramic views of the Cascades and a myriad of tree species (Doug and Grand Fir, Maples, Oak, Dogwood, Holly, Wild Plum and nut) and numerous flowers you likely won't find in any plant nursery.

If you love and appreciate nature and want the balance and harmony that it can bring to your life, then this could be The Home you have been searching for.

While you are enjoying your natural surrounds you also need a roof over your head so a little about the home itself. It was designed as a true dual living, multi-generational home. Comprising of almost 5,000 square feet with approx. 2,500 on each floor. The entire home boasts 7 bedrooms, 2 main baths, a formal dining room, 2 Master Suites (each with a jetted tub, separate shower, 2 sinks, walk-in closets, and fireplace), fully fitted kitchens, laundry, fireplaces in both Great rooms and a separate entry for the lower level. The two levels are joined by a single staircase which could be closed off with a doorway for additional privacy.

The main level has a full deck conducive to intimate outdoor dining, viewing wildlife, stargazing and the gorgeous Cascade mountains and valley. Similar views can be seen from the Master bedroom where the morning greets you with glowing colors and another majestic sunrise.

The lower level has a large patio area providing views of the garden, valley, and mountains. The large garden area is enclosed by deer fence to protect the vegetables and flowers while still providing close up views of nature during all seasons. The fence has been situated so as not to intrude on the trails the deer have used for generations.

This is a unique home for unique times ideal for those who love nature but still want to be close to town. It is a place to come home to and escape the daily grind, where nature provides peace and comfort relieving the stresses and strain of the day. In these challenging times it’s a place with lots of room to roam around totally unencumbered. It's a haven of tranquility, safety and peace ensconced in the forest out of view from all.

The home was built to be highly energy efficient with low utility bills by design. Solar hot water (180 gallons of hot water) and radiant floor heating ensure you will always be warm. Use of propane for radiant floor heat also provides the opportunity with installation of a propane generator to power the home off grid for an extended period of time if desired for true self-reliance. There is an endless supply of firewood in your forest to heat your home with its' four fireplaces. High speed internet up to 20Mbit provides the freedom to work/school from home and stream high definition entertainment.

The home is surrounded by forest with a cleared area around it of approx. 1 acre. The forest has been fully reforested with Douglas Fir with already established oak, maple, holly, and a variety of wild fruit trees.

While the driveway is 1.5 miles it comes with its' benefits, it has been very well maintained and takes only a few minutes to get to the main road. The leisurely drive has provided us with opportunities to observe owls, hawks, quail, woodpeckers, robins, and a host of colorful migratory birds throughout the different seasons. Along the driveway you will most assuredly see bucks, does, and fawns and very occasionally Elk during cold weather. Although rare we have also seen bald eagles (and the Goodyear Blimp) from our deck.

While strolling down your driveway, riding your bike, or picking blackberries it is totally peaceful with only the sounds of birds and wind blowing through the trees to clear your mind and keep you company. Other than friends and family it is vehicle free except for deliveries.

Each season provides an opportunity to observe nature and the beauty of this property at its finest - from winter where you will see the different tracks in the snow of birds, rabbits, squirrel or chipmunks and deer while you are going down to cut holly for your mantelpiece, a Christmas tree or Douglas fir boughs to decorate the staircase or make your own Christmas wreaths. Winter also allows us to see deep into the forest when the summer greenery fades away and you can follow the deer trails or create your own. There is also a creek on the south end of the property. With the leaves gone from some of the trees you can see the Cascade Range and snowcapped peaks (Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, The Three Sisters and if you're adventurous Mt. Hood from the roof) glistening in all their glory. Make sure you have your camera fully charged and SD cards in hand to capture the majestic sunrises and beauty of it all from your deck or warmth of your master bedroom.

Spring brings hope and renewal to all of us and you will see it most especially in the trees, shrubs, and flowers in the first buds of Spring as they awaken from their Winter slumber. Nature has its own timetable and you will have an extended viewing time with wild cherry and fruit trees, first colorful growth on the clump maples and the large chestnut tree in the garden ( also great for cool shade in the summer), Lilac trees, dogwood ( both wild and domestic), rhodies and azalea, hydrangeas, camellias of different colors, heathers, forsythia and pieris just to name a few. Walk the driveway and identify unique wildflowers (columbines, irises in large numbers) some of which you might not see your first or second year. We haven't identified many of them, we just enjoy and photograph when we discover a new one.

Summer brings the chance to garden and spend more time outdoors. Summers are excellent with fine sunny mornings high up above the fog while the valley may be frequently socked in. We have grown many vegetables with great success - yellow and purple potatoes, peas, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, squash, pumpkins, corn, sunflowers, many varieties of tomatoes, self seeding tomatillos, lemon cucumbers and Indian Lau.. You can also pick wild plums from a number of trees if you get there before the deer. For earlier tomatoes and the joy of picking them from our chairs we plant sweet cherry tomatoes of different kinds in big planters on the deck. Additional flowering shrubs/flowers provide continuing summer color including Rose of Sharon, potentilla, spireas, roses, daisies, lupines, calendulas, Cosmos, 4 O 'Clocks and many more. On warm summer days you can frequently look forward to and welcome the cool marine breeze as it makes its way across the mountain tops from the Pacific and down across the Valley usually but not always around 6:00 - 7:00 PM.

Wherever you go you will find color - on the deck, the porch or gazebo where you will find flowerboxes, hanging baskets, flowerpots and natural plantings. We have carefully created different outdoor dining spots to enjoy our summers taking into account the sun and its influence at different times of the day - from breakfast on the deck( sometimes even at Christmas), alcove or lower level patio to lunch/dinner and afternoon drinks on the porch or gazebo where meals can be cooked, served and enjoyed all in one place. The chimenea in the alcove takes a little of the chill out of the air and affords outdoor enjoyment of food and drinks even as Fall gives way to Winter

As Summer (it can last until late October) gives way to Fall the colors begin to change and while not as colorful as the Northwoods of the Upper Midwest or New England they have a charm and grace all of their own with amber, yellow and red/burgundy colors intermingled among the evergreen firs.

Pot of Gold at the end of the Rainbow

While in the traditional sense, unless you know a leprechaun, you likely won’t find a pot of gold on the land despite the rainbows, but you will find a somewhat hidden treasure, one we drive by each and every day. The trees which grow every day are building the storehouse of lumber to be harvested in 15-20 years. While the value of your home will most assuredly increase over time (real estate appreciation has averaged 5-6% per year over the past several decades) there may well be even greater appreciation in the value of your trees.

In a recent timber cruise, the current value of the trees was conservatively estimated at $125,000 after harvesting and replanting. Left where they are the trees are heading into their growth spurt where the value in 15-20 years could range from $569,000 - $850,000. This is equivalent to a return on investment of 7-8% per year which in these times of near zero yields is quite impressive.

It's like a hidden retirement plan which provides a nest egg for the future to either retire or retire early, pay off the balance of your home, provide college funds for grandchildren or down payments for their new homes while still retaining your home and land.

A potential second source of income may come from selling carbon offset credits for the trees. Presently this land could yield approx. $1,300/ year but as climate change gets more pressing these rates could increase dramatically as they already are in some countries. An additional benefit in the short term is knowing you are doing your part to nurture our planet through CO2 capture and sequestration.

We wish you joy and success as you search for the home of your dreams on the driveway less travelled and hope we see you along the way.

Peter and Neila...