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This off-grid two-bedroom, one bath plant-filled oasis is an idyllic place to unplug and be at peace in the woods.
Where are we:
A handcrafted off-grid Earthship on five acres of ponderosa pine tucked in the Black Forest of woodsy and artsy Colorado Springs, Colorado.
How this place got here:
The architectural concept of Earthships (or earth homes) was developed by Michael Reynolds in the 1970s. These homes, made from recycled building materials like tires, mud, aluminum, and glass, use substantially less energy than traditional houses. What started in Taos, New Mexico, is now a nationwide movement—though a limited one, due to strict zoning regulations in most locales.
Today, earth homes are rare in Colorado. This one has been around since the ’90s; the current owners, who purchased it in 2022, were thrilled to find an Earthship on the market in Colorado. But because it’s an alternative dwelling, it was a challenge for them to find a company willing to finance the purchase and someone to provide insurance. They refused to give up, and things came together one day before the deal would have fallen apart. The family was able to move forward, eventually opening the home for rentals—and hitting viral status on TikTok—through bookings on Airbnb.
The atrium is a true rarity, with a 100-foot wall of windows that line the front of the home and thick walls that retain heat for a comfortable interior temperature year-round. Being partially underground also helps—there are no windows on the back of the house, and it extends into the earth a few feet below where the exterior panes stop. With a layout that harnesses sunlight for warmth and solar panels that power the home, you get off-grid living without sacrificing style or comfort.
What the stay was like:
I’m still dreaming about how beautiful this home is: Packed with plants and charming design choices in a minimalist earth-toned interior, it has built-in planters spanning its length, along with slate and flagstone floors to keep you cool in an abode awash with warm sunlight. The Earthship is narrow, with one long hallway and rooms tucked off to the sides. It’s an open concept layout with no doors other than the bathroom (so keep that in mind if you’re planning to visit with a group).
Courtesy of Airbnb
Courtesy of Airbnb
