Chase International Lists Sierra County Oasis, Big Springs Gardens on the Market for $3.5 million
SIERRA CITY, Calif. (PRWEB) July 16, 2014 -- Set at the foot of the majestic spires of the Sierra Buttes along Highway 49 outside of Sierra City, Calif. is a property unlike any other. For starters, there is a beautiful, Old European style home equipped with notable components that make a house a cherished home, a stone fireplace, wrap-around porch, croquet lawn that stretches toward a one-acre pond, swimming pool and above, an amazing sight—the craggy Sierra Buttes. But there’s so much more to this property. Two-plus miles of trails take hikers past gardens galore, and lead to a natural artesian spring which flows down through the grounds into a pond and eventually to a waterfall on Highway 49. This impressive artesian spring gives the place its name. Big Springs Gardens has just been listed on the market for $3.5 million by Alison Elder, Elder Group Tahoe Real Estate, affiliated with Chase International.
All that was needed to create Big Springs Gardens was essentially here says the owner—the forest, the rich soil, the clay to hold the pond, the natural spring to feed it, a waterfall just downstream—all the makings of a park-like setting existed. He just started adding flowers, and planting bulbs and shrubs. Big Springs Gardens has evolved over the last 50 years due to a labor of love executed by seller Don Phillips.
Big Springs Gardens stands ready to share its majestic environment with its new owner. This estate could be the future home for a family legacy property, corporate retreat, or a perhaps lovely bed and breakfast. Big Springs Gardens holds the very best of what Mother Nature has to offer from fishing, hiking, swimming, or croquet, to partaking in simple pleasures such as playing cards on the porch on a summer evening. The property includes a 3,451 square foot home with a classic hipped roofline and high clerestory windows to take in the views, set on a sprawling lawn at the edge of a tranquil pond. The finishing touches include upgraded appliances such as a Viking range, a Sub-Zero fridge, and a bridge across the second floor connecting master suites. What really makes this place special is the setting, the towering conifers, and trails that take explorers in every direction through the well-cared for forest floor filled with abundant flowering shrubs, annuals, perennials, and bulbs.
After the current owner had built the home, and installed the pond and Monet-at-Giverny replica footbridge, Don Phillips experienced an epiphany. He had hiked to one of the property’s highest points and looked down on his home, pond, and bridge and a thought struck him—the beauty of Big Springs Gardens must be shared. It was a defining moment that he remembers distinctly. Over the last 18 years, the owners have methodically planted thousands of flowers, shrubs, and trees which blend with the natural landscape but pop with color and beauty at every bend in the trail. They opened the property for the public to enjoy in 2002.
Thirty acres of the 118-acre parcel are now graced with stunning gardens; 23 acres are comprised of native growth and seven acres are brimming with plantings. “Everyone who comes to visit tells us that they find an incredible sense of peace here. It renews your spirit and allows you to leave the turmoil of the world behind," said owner Don Phillips.
The home on the property was built in 1991 and designed by renowned San Francisco-based architect Jim Babcock. Dramatic views of the Sierra Buttes can be seen from the front porch, the lawn and the many west-facing windows in the home. In fact, guests do not even have to lift their head off their pillow to gaze upon the buttes first thing in the morning. A day at Big Springs Gardens also includes easy access to world class golf, as there are many courses nearby in Graeagle, Gold Mountain and White Hawk and fishing and outdoor recreation is literally at the backdoor as the Gold Lakes area is just a short drive up Highway 49.
“This incredible estate has so many possibilities,” said listing Realtor Alison Elder. “Its new owners, I’m sure, will cherish and love this property. It’s no wonder that it took 50 years to create such an oasis. A visit to Big Springs Gardens is an astounding experience.”
Currently operated during the summer months as a destination for hikers, birders, photographers, plant lovers and artists, as well as a venue for special occasions, Big Springs Gardens has an on-site restaurant serving lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday on a picturesque terrace surrounded by flowering cosmos, irises and rhododendron.
For more information visit BigSpringsGardensForSale.com.
About Alison Elder: Alison Elder of the Elder Tahoe Real Estate Group is affiliated with Chase International and based in Truckee, Calif. Elder was recently named Chase International’s Tahoe area Agent of the Year for the third year in a row. Her expertise, experience, and compassion continue to strengthen her sales and solidify her professional standing. Family focused and involved with her two children, Andrew and Angela who attend Sugar Bowl Ski Academy, Alison and her husband Desmond spend time giving back to the community as they serve on a number of committees and boards for philanthropic and nonprofit groups in the region.
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Katie Shaffer, East River Public Relations, +1 (530) 214-8790, [email protected]
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