Disappear Into the Woods in This Hudson Valley Home For $1.2M

Nestled within the jaw-dropping Columbia River Gorge, The Society Hotel Bingen offers a refined off-the-beaten-trail experience for travelers and getaway-seekers alike. There are surprises around every corner in this converted schoolhouse, beautiful communal spaces for sharing moments with friends and fellow travelers, and blissful relaxation waiting for you in our spa and underground sanctuary.

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville NC with distant north views of Mt Spivey and a narrow sloping lot, this wedge-shaped home is a response to site. We took into careful consideration a variety of site-specific inputs including views, sun orientation, prevailing winds, privacy, and natural cooling/heating techniques among others. The result is a functional, energy efficient home with a distinctive exterior shape and warm light filled interior spaces. The home’s dominant shed roof maximizes solar orientation for photovoltaic panels while also allowing for a double-height central atrium to flood the core of the house with natural light and exhaust hot air on hot summer days. The introduction of natural light into the core of the house reduces the need for artificial lighting on cloudy days, while the chimney effect created by opening large operable skylights at the top of the atrium reduces HVAC loads by bringing cool air up from the basement. This central atrium is an example of how a design feature can multitask –it brings natural light deep into the core of the house, it cools the house using the chimney effect, and it provides a place to grow plants which filter interior air. It also allowed us to minimize the street facing windows for privacy while still maintaining a light filled interior. Anchoring the bottom of the atrium are four large arched openings and a Spanish terracotta tile floor. The tile floor is a durable surface good for watering plants and for heavy foot traffic. A keyhole opening marks the boundary between private and public sides of the house while two of the arched openings frame an intimate eating nook and entry foyer with walls covered in locally milled southern yellow pine. The last arch has steps spilling out into a sunken living room and kitchen area with access to a back deck. Locally milled cypress, a naturally rot resistant wood, covers the exterior and anchors the strong geometry of the house to the site. In the end, our desire for functionality created something more than just an energy efficient home. The interior took on an unexpected bohemian feel; one that originated from a desire for light and functionality, but resulted in warm soft interior spaces that were comfortable and welcoming.

The Bjarke Ingels Group–designed MÉCA opens in Bordeaux, France, with toasts, a grand tour, and a rooftop party.

Find your escape in our high-desert hidden gem, perched on the brink of untouched wilderness amidst enchantingly weathered boulders, ancient juniper, pinón and desert oak trees. The tranquility will envelop you as you take in the brilliant, fiery sunsets with a 360 degree view from our expansive wrap-around wood deck equipped with ample seating, pool (non heated) and jacuzzi (heated), and a propane grill. After the sun goes down, stay up all night stargazing (we recommend the Star Walk App!) or pull out the telescope for those who already know where to look. Or just soak in the hot tub and enjoy the profound silence. Making our way inside, the open floor plan abode features large windows and glass doors that afford guests with breathtaking views of the 20 acre surrounding high desert wonderland. The furniture and décor shows an eclectic mix of midcentury modern, Native American, and Bohemian elements. We comfortably sleep four, between one queen bed and another queen pullout sofa mattress. This is the only home on the property, so you will have the entire place to yourselves – the perfect retreat for anyone who simply wants to decompress in style and serenity. Great for couples, solo adventurers, and families alike! We are 100% off grid home. Fueled by solar energy, propane & water deliveries and occasionally back up generator in times of need.