Retreat to the solitude of this Strawbale House with 29 acres of pinion and cedar pasture. 67 miles south of Albuquerque, Mountainair is known as "the Gateway to the Ancient Cities." It is an artistic town that rests beneath the Manzano Mountains. Hiking trails and national parks featuring Spanish and Native ruins are only a 20 minute drive from town. If you are interested in eco-friendly building alternatives and have an appreciation for energy conservation, then this is your chance to experience these methods and see the benefits for yourself. In 2007 our family began renovation on an existing stick frame house on 29 acres. The original house was wrapped in straw bales for insulation and a water catchment system was added for catching rain. Several apple and apricot trees were planted and a south facing greenhouse was built. The interior of the house is an artistic collage of southwestern colors. There are beautiful custom mosaics in the kitchen and colorful tilework throughout the large open shower design. The master bedroom has a queen bed & does not have a latching door, instead there is a curtain in place for privacy. The second bedroom has a full bed and door, and the den has a queen size sofa bed. The house is filled with eclectic art work, upcycled furniture and fully stocked for comfort. Please note that this is our family home and is well loved and lived in. If you are expecting luxury accommodations this is not what we are providing. Our price point is set to reflect that. The nearly 29 acres are a jewel to explore. With many untended trails winding their way through the chaparral, this land is ideal for horseback riding or dog-walking. Soak in the scenic view of the Manzano Mountains as they go through their many different moods. Always gorgeous in the evening with the setting sun going down right behind them, the mountains and surrounding mesas come more into view the farther into the acres you go. And at night the dark sky conditions make for perfect star viewing. If you want to use your telescope to explore the dark skies, then this is the place for you. Please note! Our property is located off of highway 55 which adds to convenience of our location. All this with the town of Mountainair just blocks away! Hiking trails are accessible throughout the surrounding area. Including Red Canyon Trail, the Manzano Crest Trail, and many others in the Cibola National Forest. Also running past the property is the historic BNSF Train Line, please take note of this if the sound of a train will be bothersome to you. It's only a 20 minute drive to the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monuments, which have three separate sites to the north, west and south of Mountainair. Ripe with cultural history, environmental explorations, space science, and creative frames of mind, this house will be a relaxing retreat for anyone who appreciates art, nature and sustainable lifestyle. If you are expecting a manicured lawn and see native shrubbery as an eye sore then please do not book here!!! We keep the foliage down around the house but the outer perimeters are left natural. If you hike out to the outer acreage you will find prickly pears, yuccas, grama grass cedar and pinon trees. The owner does not live on site, but we do have a neighbor across the street who will be available to help should you need it. Enjoy your stay at Stargazer Ranch!!!