While city life has its advantages, and suburban communities offer plenty of perks, more and more homebuyers are seeking a much slower—and more serene—way of life, moving off the grid in order to embrace a sustainable lifestyle.
Some with a passion for doomsday prepping seek this kind of remote real estate in a bid to create a safe haven where they can guard their loved ones against potential disaster.
Others are simply searching for a property where they can relax and enjoy nature, taking advantage of large parcels of land for farming, fruit and vegetable planting, or outdoor hobbies.
Finding the ideal off-grid dwelling can come with complications, however. Many estates being offered come with little more than a run-down cabin as far as primary residences are concerned, while others have a very stark, bunker-like feel rather than a homey vibe.
But if you know where to look, there are some truly special estates on the market that offer all the amenities required to create a true off-grid sanctuary—including greenhouses, solar power systems, back-up generators, and sprawling plots of land—as well as a stunning home in which to kick back in comfort.
Whether you are committed to the prepper lifestyle or just looking to test the waters, here are five luxury estates from California to Kentucky that offer a taste of the off-grid lifestyle without having to relinquish all of the modern comforts.
1. 14388 Fern Rd, Whitmore, CA
Price: $5,900,000
Bear Mountain Ranch: With 1,113 acres, eight ponds, two wells, two creeks, a four-bedroom residence, hunting cabin, an outdoor shooting range, multiple barns, a treehouse, workshop, outbuildings, a solar system, and generator, “no detail was spared” in creating this luxurious prepper compound.
Offering stunning views of Mount Lassen, the 3,200-square-foot primary residence boasts a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, a sunroom with cathedral ceilings, an entertainment room with a wood-burning stove, and a primary suite with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.
There is also a heated outdoor pool, an attached two-car garage, and a detached five-car garage. Architectural plans for a proposed 9,024-square-foot residence are also included with the sale.
The “outdoor recreational haven” with a cattle ranch, equestrian facilities, and riding trails is surrounded by wildlife, including big game elk, deer, pig, and bear.
Todd Renfrew, of California Outdoor Properties, is the listing agent.
2. 1137 Pleasant Point Dr, Ridgway, CO
Price: $995,000
Pleasant Valley: This 3.45-acre mountain retreat boasts an off-grid dwelling with solar hot water and electricity, a fully furnished guest yurt, a geodesic greenhouse, and an 800-gallon water tank.
Located in the Pleasant Point enclave, the eco-friendly, Southwest-style estate—designed to leave buyers “free from the dependence on local utilities”—was built in 1999 using natural materials to “reduce the impact on the environment.” Other highlights found throughout the two homes include a composting toilet and propane faux log fireplace for heat.
The property is surrounded by spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains, including the Cimarron and San Juan range, and Mount Sneffels.
Shari Gardner, of Re/Max Cimarron, is the listing agent.
3. 16400 Logan Meadow Ln, Reno, NV
Price: $1,995,000
Lone Eagle Ranch: This 8.11-acre off-grid estate boasts a “state-of-the-art” solar system, a private pond, and barn that could be used for a hobby farm.
Built in 1985, the three-bedroom residence nestled below Mount Rose Summit is located about 45 minutes northeast of Lake Tahoe. The 3,469-square-foot estate boasts a chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry, a corner primary suite with private terrace, and a two-story great room with sliders that open to a wraparound deck overlooking the pond.
An enormous four-car garage also has extra storage space for supplies and canned goods.
Eric Gonzales, of Re/Max Professionals-Reno, is the listing agent.
4. 189 Blue Creek Rd, Heron, MT
Price: $7,900,000
Brand-new construction: This 160-acre “wildlife-rich” property with multiple ponds, a well, backup generator, an RV hookup, and a separate bath house offers the unique opportunity to fly in and out from your own private airstrip and park in a new 4,000-square-foot hangar.
A newly constructed three-bedroom farmhouse “meant to be a guest home” boasts a covered wraparound front porch, gourmet kitchen, radiant heat, and a cozy living room with a rock fireplace. There is also a 5,280-square-foot workshop with a roughed-in living space and an office.
The remote wooded retreat is surrounded by Forest Service land and features 3,000 feet of frontage along East Fork Blue Creek. Custom home sites offering mountain views are located near the creek.
Lance Koch, of Berkshire Hathaway Missoula, is the listing agent.
5. 1045 John Hyden Rd, Burnside, KY
Price: $1,395,000
Daniel Boone National Forest: This 19.62-acre compound boasts a primary residence, guest cabins, a greenhouse, pond, shed, a pull-through garage, and barns with stalls, a tack room, and additional living space.
The energy-efficient, three-bedroom main home has a first-floor primary suite, a cozy living room with access to the outdoor deck, and a lower-level entertainment area with media room, fitness center, walk-in pantry/storage room, and a walk-out to a patio. Other highlights include a whole-house generator, LED lighting, a misting system for plants, and an open breezeway leading to an oversized garage with extra storage space upstairs.
Enormous decks leading to a gazebo would be a nice spot for morning coffee with views of the abundant wildlife.
Kathleen Walls, of United Country Kentucky Lifestyle Properties, is the listing agent.
