From P. 15
• DO build up a 12-inch durable road base so water drains away from the driving surface. • DON’T put parking or sidewalks next to a shedding roof. • DO clearly mark transformers, hydrants, well rings, septic systems, and flower beds.
Living on top of the hill
Phil Millam and Mary
Morgan built their home atop a 3,560-foot knoll in the upper, Upper Rendezvous, more than a mile from the end of the county road. They enjoy the solitude, the wildlife and access to the uncrowded territory that surrounds their home. “We are not the highest full-time residents in the valley,” claims Millam, who cites one or two other neighbors “probably closer to 4,000 feet.” Their driveway – an
improved logging road – ascends 400 vertical feet in 6/10 of a mile, with four switchbacks. “We have only not gotten up twice in four years, and that was after a major dump, but we’ve had some exciting trips, no question,” Millam says. Morgan and Millam handle most of their own snow removal, and control weeds that appear on the property, while acknowledging “you cannot build a road and a house without scarring
Unique Items for your Home, Inside and Out
The Farm Shed
the land.” The couple take responsibility for living where they do, assuming higher insurance rates and working with the Department of Natural Resources to take active fire prevention measures. “If you live out in the boondocks you should take responsibility for your own escape route,” says Millam. They are cheerful and pragmatic about the costs – in time as well as money
Libbey Construction, Inc. Custom Homes & Remodels
Antiques, vintage, primitives, shabby chic, yard art, gifts and more!
509-422-9722
521 S. 2nd Ave, Okanogan WA thefarmshed@ncidata.com
– of maintaining their challenging driveway, which requires two to three hours to clear after a big snow. “If you have to be somewhere every day at a given time, it’s rough living where we do,” says Morgan, but adds “this is a piece of cake” compared to the off-grid cabin they lived in while building their current home. “We used to snowshoe or snowcat out to the grocery store, which did get old after the romance wore off.” B
Owners Monte and Laurie Andrews
Offering expert, personal contracting services to help you build the home of your dreams. Specializing in energy efficient homes.
Daryl Libbey (509) 679-9995
daryl@libbeyconstruction.net Member North Central Home Builders Assoc.
Licensed & Bonded • Lic# LIBBEC1980NW
Libbeyconstruction.net
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509.923.0123 Serving the Methow Valley Since 1995 Methow Home 17