My goal, when working with nature, is to possibly enhance it (gardens) and to make it more comfortable for me (landscaping),, without altering the basic foundation.  This home has been tucked into the sandstone bluffs at the edge of the forest.  Since the land is sloped it has been terraced (made flat) to make comfortable living areas.  Extensive excavation work has been done.  I believe we have succeeded in blending it into the hillside.  When you look at the homestead from the road you basically see the organic meadows sloping up to meet the forest.  You know there is a house up there, but you certainly don't know there is a whole different world :)  There is a 100' difference in elevation from the road to the ridge top (which is at about 1000'). 

The 1200 sq ft house has literally been tucked into the sandstone bluffs.  It is nestled into the forest, yet still open on one side.  These is great because it allows for a breeze, and reduces insects considerably.  With the open floor plan, many windows and glass doors (5), efficient and functional design, and panoramic views, it feels spacious and comfortable.  Few trees were removed, and some of those that were (cedar) have been used in the construction.  The walls are 6" thick and the deluxe 4' crawlspace and foundation were poured on stone.  Basically only the hill-side of the crawlspace is exposed.  It is clean, dry, insulated and well-lit.  There is access to it from the outside and from a door in the closet floor.  The exterior is done in stucco.  I did not add any exterior decoration to the house.  It is basic.  I figured I would leave that to the new owner.  You may be a painter and could paint a fantastic mural on it :)  You might just want shutters or windowboxes - it's open to your imagination...

The amount of glass used in construction enables you to feel connected to the outdoors.  If you look in one direction you are in the forest with the beautiful sandstone bluffs as your view, and when you look in another you are awe-struck by the panoramic view of the Sac river valley.  This view to the west is also wonderful for watching the weather (clouds and storms), sunsets, and stars.  When you step onto the front porch you are sitting on top of the world :) and when you walk out the backdoor you can sit at a rustic picnic table immersed in the forest.  This location (on the edge of the forest) is not only aesthetically pleasing but was also intended to reduce the amount of bugs.  I have lived in the woods before where I had thousands of bugs (and tree frogs) attaching themselves to my windows at night ..... go to the light :)  Here, I have none.  It is so nice to sit outside and not be bothered by the mosquitoes!

The interior is rustic.  It was designed to have a somewhat rugged look, yet new and clean, and easy to keep clean.  I used local lumber (5" oak planks) to create the rustic looking floors.  Tile floors in the south-facing rooms provide passive solar heating.  There is one main area, which is the living area and kitchen combined, with a large built-in pantry made of cedar from the property.  The kitchen includes a refrigerator and glass-top electric stove.  There is not a dishwasher.  The old farm sink has a built in drainer on the side of it.  Outside the kitchen door is the outdoors kitchen area.  I have built a large hearth-style firepit for cooking.  There is plenty of room for a grill and/or oven.  Cooking herbs grow along the edges of this patio area.  The bathroom is huge with a large shower separate from the tub.  The tub runs along a large window that provides a great view of the moon at night.  This is also a great area for bringing plants inside in the winter.  The utility room has a double sink, water heater (drain in floor), washer and dryer, shelving, and room for an upright freezer.  The woodstove sits in the center of the house.  There is also an efficient central heating and air system, but the woodstove does a fine job by itself.  There is an attic, with drop-down steps from the utility room, that houses the HVAC unit and provides for additional storage space. 

Below the bluffs is the living area.  This is where I used to live in a trailer.  Included in this area is a 1200 sq ft insulated bunkhouse complete with central heat & air, full bath in knotty pine, laundry hookups, separate septic, partial kitchen (cabinets & island in knotty pine), woodstove chimney, phone, and outside storage area for 26 hp, 4' deck, garden tractor.  This building is literally ready to move in except for the kitchen sink, and the plumbing is ready for that!  The bunkhouse has 2 large garage doors which look out to some breathtaking sunsets.  One large open room with the woodstove in the center makes a great place to gather or work.

Several other small buildings include a tack shed (10x12 wood with electricity) and a loafing shed (12x20 metal) .  These are located on the lower level at the meadow.  The loafing shed is next to a 10 acre meadow that has newer electric fencing and is separated from the rest of the property with a thick tree line.  It is split into 2 sections - each with its own gate and auto watering system.  I lost my greenhouse (20x30) in a winter storm.  The foundation, water and raised beds are still there, so it wouldn't take much to get it going again.

There are 2 ponds.  The smaller one is in front of the house and has a large deck/dock area between it and a large patio with stone benches and a firepit.  Next to this is a garden area with asparagus, blackberries, peaches, cherries, apples, persimmons, and apricots.  Grapes are in the meadow .... visions of a vineyard.  In the perennial garden area there is a stone waterfall and pond filled with water lilies.  Next to it is a stone bench.  There are many landscaping materials available.  I literally have tons of purchased stones in piles and on pallets, woodchips, decomposed woodchips, pea gravel, black dirt, and old hay.  One area  tucked away (my Home Depot) has a variety of building materials. 

Along with all the stone comes the lizards.  They are small and cute - nothing scarey.  According to some Native Americans, the lizard represents Dreaming.  No doubt, this is a place to make dreams come true.............

Top notch roads run throughout the property.  You certainly do not need a special vehicle to get around.  But, just in case, there is a farm truck.  I have not used it for over 2 years, so it may need a boost.  It is a 1978 Ford F150 that has not been licensed since 1992.  It always started up for me.

As mentioned, the excavation work is extensive.  There are drainpipes, drains, water lines,  and electric lines all over.  Utility lines run underground to the living area.  There are 16 exterior hydrants, 13 exterior electrical outlets, and another electric meter which is currently not in use.  Future plans?  There is probably a spot waiting just for you.  There are plenty of areas that are ready for future buildings - each with its own unique gorgeous view.

The artesian well.  The water.... where do I start?  To me, this is the most 'valuable' asset.  It is amazing, and with all of the hydrants put in, it is everywhere!  It is not only the best tasting pure Ozarks water, but it feels great!  I love the way it makes me feel, as well as my skin and hair.  The water is energized by the vortex.  I love, love, love the water!  I have been told that the water around Collins is some of the best in the country.  My well is 450' deep through sandstone, and the water rises in the well to within 30' of the surface (thus artesian well).  The water pressure at the hydrants is powerful.

I enjoy trading with the Amish in the area.  There are several communities nearby.

I believe this property is truly a Sacred Site.  Lying on a vortex, I suggest that people have been coming here for thousands of years to gather strength, heal, and .........  Everyone feels the difference when they are here.  I don't think it is just about the beauty and quiet, even if it is one of the quietest places I have been....................  

90 minutes to Kansas City, 45 to Springfield & airport, 90 to Branson, 30 to Clinton or Bolivar, 20 to Eldorado Springs, 10 to Osceola & Collins

Additional 22 acres  for sale next door ($2k per acre)

High-speed internet

Taxes $1100

 
                         5620 SE V Hwy, St. Clair County, Collins, Missouri  64738

                                                         For Sale

                                              $225,000 
                                               
                                 jane@creatingsanctuary.net

                                      
                                           913.499.1917



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