We are pleased to brag about our water which has consistently tested 100% pure. Because we live on a glacial esker, the underground spring , from which we receive our water via a drilled well, travels through thousands of feet of gravel filtering and balancing its mineral composition. It is our pleasure to share this gift of nature with you.  

Environmental concerns were first and foremost in the selection of the site and in the design of the building.Ron designed and built the structure to address Evelyne's environmental and multiple chemical sensitivities. The site is one of the highest elevations in the area, rising 400 feet above the famous landmark,  Mt. McKay. Because of the elevation we are above the effluent stream. Knowing the effects of electro magnetic fields, we selected the site out of reach of electrical transmissions and microwave towers. 

No chemicals have been used in the construction or maintenance of the building. Cleaning is done with vinegar and water and natural commercial products are used for specific areas. The pine walls and beams and poplar logs are unfinished while the floor in The Grotto has three coats of hardening oil.

Extensive use of windows, which are all recycled, provides natural light from sunrise to sunset and beyond. Additional lighting is incandescent, L.E.D. and often unscented candles for their soothing light.

We are totally off-grid using solar and wind energy, housing the batteries, inverters and controllers in the garage to limit the EMFs in the main building.  

Heating is from passive solar through the windows and from an outdoor wood furnace pushing hot water through a perimeter radiator system.

A12'x22'x6' pool sits beneath the deck in The Grotto, and is   heated through copper piping with hot water from the outdoor furnace. It acts as a heat sink for The Grotto. Originally, the pool and the large radiant fireplace on the main floor were our only internal heat sources. 

NO PERFUMES, LOTIONS OR POTIONS are permitted inside the building. We are scent free for the comfort and safety of all.

The building is triangular in shape with the apex facing sidereal north while the base faces south. This allows us to take advantage of the sun's energy in winter as it travels to the apex, while limiting the impact of the north wind. The aerodynamic design of the roof allows only minimal snow build up.  

Having addressed our own environmental needs, we have consciously avoided over-extending our footprint on the natural landscape. The building site was cleared some 80 years ago and used as a hay field. Not one tree was removed for any of the buildings or trails.

Although we give names to our frequent animal visitors, to identify them, we do not feed them. There is plenty of food provided in the natural environment for them. Please respect them and our practice. Remember they are wild and it is for your safety that we follow this protocol.

Although our waste management site does not recycle, we follow the practice with paper, glass, metal and plastic, which we use sparingly. Our compost is buried so as not to attract scavenging wildlife.