Hand Crafted Design

Creative Financing

Alternative Building

Pam Stewart, 
Designing Woman
 

Exotics, Fine Imports
Ridgway, Colorado

Old Home Highlights 

 Story by Kathryn Retzer; Photos by James Burke and Roger Young 
 

[Copyright Kathryn Retzler] 

The San Juan lifestyle is unique. It is at once a respite from congested city life and a challenge to endure and prosper where less is more—although “less” is still immeasurably bountiful. From mountains to mesas, wildflowers to waterfalls, high peak serenity to high desert solitude, San Juan living is balm to the soul and nourishment to the spirit. Here, the beauty, serenity and scenic variety is unparalleled. And the opportunity for year-round outdoor adventure, from a leisurely walk through golden aspens to a backcountry, deep-powder ski run, is second to none. 

After 9/11, all of us are re-evaluating our lifestyles. Many are looking for a  “bolt hole,” a place of security and escape from the cities. But because of family and work responsibilities, not everyone can quite make a permanent move. Yet. So a gradual exodus might be the answer—maybe a vacation cabin, raw land or a second home. Then there are those of us who are fortunate enough to already call this area home. We were born here, or we saw the opportunity and made the move some time ago. 

However or whenever we arrived, the high country offers a healthy, environmentally friendly place to live. The beauty that sustains us spiritually also provides creative alternatives for building, financing, energy  consumption and design for living. 

 

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