A distinctive earth-sheltered home in Huron, Ohio, approximately 90% of which is constructed below ground, has been listed for $850,000. The property features a unique roof covered in dirt and vegetation, necessitating regular mowing.
Listing agent Laurie Brill, with Keller Williams Citywide, described the pricing as challenging due to the lack of comparable properties in the northern Ohio area. "There are other earth-sheltered homes across the country, but I’ve never seen one here in northern Ohio," Brill stated. The sellers, who built the solid concrete home in 1977, were inspired by the natural landscape to construct the dwelling into a hillside rather than a traditional above-ground house.
Despite its unusual exterior, the interior of the 2,100-square-foot home offers a conventional ranch-style layout. Natural light enters through windows on two sides and skylights, illuminating the living, dining, and kitchen areas. The home includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. One interior room lacks windows, but the others provide ample natural light.
The property, situated on eight acres along the Huron River, is nearly hidden by tree canopy. The sellers have managed all property maintenance themselves, a task that has become more difficult with age. The home's construction eliminates the need for traditional roofing materials, gutters, siding, or downspouts, as these are replaced by the vegetative roof.
Additional structures on the property include a log cabin and a workshop. The site offers approximately 250 feet of waterfront and is about a 30-minute boat ride from Lake Erie. While the home's interior is in good condition, it could benefit from some updates. The listing agent expressed hope that a new buyer will appreciate the property as much as the current owners have.