We’re Building. Again!

In 2011-12 Greg and I built our dream home on an eroding bluff in Kenai, Alaska.

Historically, the bluff was losing about a foot a year. We built about 120 feet from the edge and felt like we would have plenty of time before it encroached on our yard. For about five years we were good. But then the erosion pace picked up—to the tune of three to five feet a year. By 2020 we were down to 90 feet between the front of our home and the bluff. We had to make a hard decision. Stay put and get no value from the home that we poured so much blood, sweat and tears into or sell. The world shut down and we tested the market. Sold. Our assumption was that in 2021 when we returned we would turn our capital into another home. Boy, were we surprised when the real estate market exploded. 

Alaska is being Californicated. Every real estate office has/had lists of potential buyers who had wish lists and said that if something came on the market with these attributes, they would make an offer. They did not care that asking prices were three to six times assessed values (which, in Alaska, were historically within a few thousand dollars of sale prices). 2021 we remodeled a fifth wheel and drove it from NC to AK for a place to live while we looked. That was all summer. Returned in 2022 and rented a circa 1978 Alaskan home and changed our focus. Maybe we would just rent an apartment for the rest of our summer forays. So we started looking for a “shop” to put all the tools and toys. We found one! In Ninilchik which is only about an hour from Homer. As we were considering making an offer, Greg says, this may be way out there but…

 

What if we take the middle part, make an efficiency apartment (that we own!) and finish off the two sides—one for a shop and one for storage? Sounds like a plan. We bought and dreamed all winter. So here we are, building again! The place is on Sunset Drive, and we feel like these are the "Sunset" years for our Alaska adventures. Several have asked for pictures so I’ll try and keep you up-to-date on our slow but steady progress. If you’re interested in following, bookmark the google urls because most weeks all I’ll do is add pictures. 

 

Sunset Exterior

Sunset Bedroom

Sunset Kitchen & Bathroom

Sunset Dining Room

Sunset Living Room 

 

PS Here's the view; the first is where I'll place our swing. The other two are just a little bit closer view of Mt Iliamna & Mt Redoubt. Swoon.