Permaculture in Dry Creek

A steadfast and visionary early adopter of sustainable land and building practices has created a five acre permaculture homestead in the southern hills overlooking Dry Creek Valley. Over thirty years of planning and development have produced water, shelter, energy, and food resources that are wonderful examples of sustainability and site-based development.
The end results of thinking about water on this site is one of the most impressive aspects of the property. There are two wells on the site and many owners would have relied on the relatively abundant water from the main well to handle their domestic and agricultural needs. The underlying principles of permaculture call for a more balanced approach, however, and the owner has made full use of his site. One key principle was to maximize the water retained on the hillside.
To do that, a series of gabions, ponds, swales, and berms was constructed to slow water from rain runoff. These elements work together to keep water on the property and in the ground. Over time, this water retention has recharged the second well on the property and increased its maximum output by over two gallons per minute. This is an area where 1.5 gallons per minute is considered sufficient to build a house. He has exceeded that amount just in the difference between before and after his water retention efforts.
Another effort to make better use of water has been the installation of rain catchment systems on both sides of the roof. Water flowing during rains is diverted to two holding tanks which contribute to domestic and agricultural needs as required. Thousands of gallons of rain water per year are captured and stored.
Overall, the combined systems of slowing runoff, capturing rain water, and careful use of groundwater resources has made this one of the most sustainable water using sites in northern California. Additional improvements including gray water use and introduction of aquaculture in the small ponds are possible for new owners to undertake as their contributions to expanding the aquatic permaculture uses of this property.
The structures here are as diverse as the approaches to water management. The main house is a 2,200 square foot, Tahoe style home built with renewable Canadian cedar. There are extensive decks on several levels and the main window wall of the home features dramatic views of the Dry Creek Valley’s vineyards and the mountains in the distance. The kitchen has been recently remodeled and the siding has been upgraded with sustainable and low maintenance Hardi-Shake siding. To the east of the main house is a white dome that can be used as a meditation studio, dance room, or whatever use new owners desire. It has power and water available.
There are multiple small storage and agricultural buildings on the site as well. That includes food storage for the llamas and chickens, a pump house, and a storage space adjacent to the downstairs office and bedroom.
Permaculture doesn’t exist without integrating animals into the equation. Their waste is important for compost and soil enrichment purposes and they can help maintain the health of meadows and pasture lands by keeping the grasses cropped. Chickens and ducks are great bug foragers and work in the gardens to keep insects at bay and keep the soil open. There is an extensive network of fences and gates to keep the domestic animals where they are supposed to be. There is additional fencing around the core areas to keep out the deer and other wildlife that might cause problems for the farm. Deer are still free to roam in the forested areas on the perimeter of the property.

I don’t have this listing, but I would be happy to show you this property if it’s the kind of perma-nent home you might want to live in.
email me or call 707-869-1884.