Saw a lot of property in the Davis Mountains Resort. The roads are all dirt and mostly single lane 4x4 roads. Terlingua’s Solitario roads are good compared to some of them. We did find one tract that we like for having good views, blocking the summer afternoon sun, protected on the north, and getting some winter sun, elevation 5800’. Photo is a view from building site lookin south.
Although I gotta have the cooler retirement weather than BB it is hard for me to justify 5 acres in the
To run electric it is around $14 a foot so unless building right on the road that adds up real quick. Sure wish batteries for off grid had a longer life.
I have a local guy going to do an estimate to cut in a driveway and do a septic install. Code is 750 gallon minimum septic tank. Ouch! I just got my copy of the ‘Humanure Handbook’. $7,000 to 9,000 for a septic system makes me think I can sure do humanure composting. Now I gotta sell the idea to Sandy or she better start saving for septic. I know humanure composting would save big time on water usage.
I am trying to look at all angles and costs before buying property but am still leanin towards the Davis Mountains for retirement.
3 comments:
Very interesting. The roads sound too bad to freight in a pre-fab house of any size? I understand there are 4 species of rattlesnake in the Davis Mountains, risk of forest fires, and you are responsible for removing your own trash from the Resort. That said, a water harvesting system on your roof plus filtration plus a water holding tank might be cheaper than drilling a well.
Did you decide to retire here?
A professional could probably get a mobile home to most properties.
Most all of west Texas has several species of rattle snakes.
Since this post there were forest fires and a terrible pine beetle infestation.
They do have a trash location that you pay to share a small dumpster with other property owners.
You can purchase water from the Resort but yes water catchment is what a lot of residents do. Definitely cheaper than drilling a well.
Because of many factors including lengthy bad roads, forest fires, pine beetle infestation I have decided not be retiring here. It is still a possibility of having a summer vacation place because of the cool weather.
I have 5 acres with a Park Model RV. This particular "RV" is 34' X 11" and has a loft. It was trucked in. I drove my 29" class C up to my place without any difficulty whatsoever. During rainy season the roads get a little dicey so I also own a 4wd Jeep. Rain water recovery is an excellent up in the mountains and a composting toilet along with a grey water treatment system is a very good option. Wells and septic systems are very pricey and it is difficult to find a contractor to do any work for you. But isn't living off the grid all about learning to be self sufficient?
Water from the Resort is free but you either have to haul it yourself or pay someone to deliver it for you. At this time water delivery costs are $60 for 1,000 gallons. You can share a dumpster.
As for forest fires yes there were fires close by. I could see the smoke. Of course forest are a reality for living almost anywhere off grid.
Living at a lower altitude in a barren desert area is a lot more difficult that I care to attempt as I've tried that in my younger days. This high altitude property with its is moderate weather, abundant wildlife and some of the greatest neighbors in the world are the greatest rewards for living in the Davis Mountain Resort.
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