Grass Valley, California
LIVING SCULPTURE
Sculptural ferrocement walls, skylit grottos, and flowing organic spaces create a whimsical compound crafted by artist-builders over two decades.
FIRE-RESILIENT
Earth-sheltered design provides significant wildfire protection while maintaining light-filled, naturally climate-controlled living spaces year-round.
INCOME-READY
Multiple structures perfect for Airbnb, artist retreats, or multi-generational living. Featured on Kirsten Dirksen’s youtube channel Nov. 2025 (148K+ views).
More photos coming soon!
"What started as a simple experiment has grown into a labyrinth of domed rooms, passages, and open courtyards — a cluster of underground spaces that feels like the beginning of a small, earth-sheltered village."
PROPERTY DETAILS
Multiple Structures. Fire-resistant design. Endless Possibilities.
Nestled into a hillside in Grass Valley, California, this extraordinary multi-residential property comprises multiple earth-sheltered and above-ground structures connected by creative pathways, sculptural gardens, and courtyards. Built over 20 years by artist-builders Zach and Alison Anderson, every element balances whimsy with pragmatism, beauty with fire resistance.
What’s Included:
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Main semi-underground large 1 bedroom/1 bath residence that also includes extensive indoor/outdoor living spaces -- light and plant-filled passages and domed rooms including a large atrium with a cool-misting water feature, fishpond and grotto spaces
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A 4-story 1 bedroom/1 bath “Tower House” with balconies, a sunny main room looking out on mossy oak trees, and a panoramic view from tower bedroom.
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A compact semi-underground Studio guest house (recent build, Airbnb-ready)
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Multiple naturally-tempered indoor-outdoor living spaces
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Large workshop space with functionality for concrete curing & moving
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Two sculptural ferrocement raised-bed gardens with water features and shared terrace space
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Established landscaping integrated with the architecture
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Unique sky-lit multi-purpose chambers, some with sleeping nooks
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Ingenious built-ins including secret storage spaces
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Additional cabin, treehouse, and established campsites for event accommodation
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30-ft diameter, 7-ft deep ferrocement rainwater cistern for irrigation from a 2000sf catchment area
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Three 2500 gallon underground water tanks for extra storage of well-water
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Stone garden tower with garden storage inside, and integrated gravity-fed 500 gallon water tank above for continual water during power outages.
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Large reinforced chicken coop with chicken house that will accommodate up to 10 chickens.
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5 beautiful acres of oak, manzanita and pine trees
Fire Resistance
Unlike conventional homes, this property features both earth-sheltered and stucco design that offers significant wildfire protection. Structures built into the hillside as well as the organic lines of ferrocement “sail walls” provide a natural firebreak. Using metal roofs and stucco also lowers insurance costs compared to conventional properties.
Natural Climate Control
The earth maintains consistent 55-60°F temperature year-round, providing cool refuge from summer heat and warm sanctuary in winter with minimal HVAC costs. The innovative “living well” convection system brings misted, plant-cooled air throughout the main atrium.
Income Potential
Multiple structures create extraordinary hospitality opportunities. The underground guest house is Airbnb-ready, and the Kirsten Dirksen feature provides built-in marketing. Perfect for short-term rentals, artist retreats, wellness workshops, or multi-generational living. Conservative estimate: $30K-60K+ annually.
Location
Located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills in Grass Valley, this location offers proximity to the local vibrant arts scene of Nevada City and Grass Valley (15 min), extensive year-round outdoor recreation including countless trails and the beautiful Yuba River as well as Lake Tahoe (1.5 hour). The Sacramento International Airport is an easy 1.25 hour drive.
Location:
Grass Valley, California
Year Built/Developed:
2005-present (20+ years)
Structures:
Primary living spaces including the main residence & tower house are County-permitted. Large workshop/garage space and additional guest spaces are ready to use.
Property Type:
Multi-structure artistic compound on 5 acres
Construction:
A collection of earth-sheltered structures made with engineered ferrocement; with conditioned living spaces built with standard and high efficiency construction with fire resistent features like stucco exteriors and metal roofs.
Special Features:
Fire-resistant, naturally climate-controlled, income-ready, rainwater catchment system with large underground cistern for irrigation.
Ready to Learn More?
GALLERY
Property Layout and Site Plan
Finalized as-built site plan is in development. Due to the organic, hand-sculpted nature of this property, traditional floor plans don’t really capture the three-dimensional flow of spaces. We recommend an in-person visit to fully appreciate both the current layout as well as easy options to customize living spaces. Below are some of the initial concept drawings that may give a sense of the structures, though some changes were made:
Want to see it in person?
FAQ
About the Property
What makes this property unique?
This is a hand-crafted compound built over nearly 20 years by artist-builders specializing in sculptural ferrocement and earth sheltered design. It offers genuine fire resistance, natural climate control, multiple income-ready structures, and artistic character that cannot be replicated. Featured on Kirsten Dirksen’s YouTube channel.
How many structures are on the property?
There are two 1-bedroom, 1-bath homes including a main partially-underground residence and a whimsical tower house connected by pathways, courtyards, and gardens, plus a compact semi-underground guest house, as well as a large workshop, a small cabin and a treehouse. Each space can function independently.
What about permits and building codes?
Both houses are built with permits, originally under Title 25 which is a local County ordinance that allows nonconventional construction methods, but maintains requirements for engineering. The conditioned space of the homes is built to code with standard methods; on other structures built with methods without a code, standard methods were followed and all required engineering was obtained.
About Partially-Underground Living
Isn't it dark underground?
Not when built with light in mind. Strategic skylights and many windows flood spaces with natural daylight. The Kirsten Dirksen video shows how bright and welcoming these rooms are—some spaces are brighter than conventional homes with smaller windows.
What about moisture and ventilation?
The design includes sophisticated ventilation including an innovative “living well” system in the main house atrium that channels fresh, plant-filtered air providing a cool oasis during hot summer months. Living spaces are protected from moisture by redundant protection and drainage on embedded walls. Earth-sheltered construction provides more stable humidity than conventional homes. Years of proven performance demonstrates the system works beautifully.
Does it feel claustrophobic?
The flowing organic layout with high ceilings, sculptural curves, skylights and connections to outdoor courtyards creates a surprising sense of spaciousness. The design feels more open than many conventional homes.
About Fire Safety
How does this protect against wildfires?
Earth is a natural firebreak. Underground spaces are surrounded by non-combustible materials. Although windows would be a vulnerability (for which metal shutters could be added) overall, this design allows safe shelter-in-place capability during the event of a wildfire—genuine protection that conventional homes cannot offer.
What about insurance?
Yes, insurance is available, sometimes at lower premiums than conventional properties due to reduced fire risk.
About Income Potential
Can I use this for Airbnb?
Yes. The unique architecture and Kirsten Dirksen feature create strong marketing advantages. The underground guest house is immediately rental-ready. [Confirm local STR regulations and include here]
What kind of income is possible?
Unique properties in the Sierra foothills typically command $200-400+ per night. Conservative estimates suggest $30K-50K annually with modest occupancy. With its large open spaces and plenty of spaces to sleep (and camp), the property also works beautifully as a retreat venue for workshops or artist residencies.
About Visiting
Can I tour the property?
Yes. We welcome serious buyers for private showings with a couple days' notice. Please allow 1-2 hours to fully experience the spaces.
How soon is it available?
It is available now.
About Ideal Buyers
Who is this property right for?
Creative individuals, sustainability-minded people, hospitality entrepreneurs, families seeking multi-generational compounds, and anyone who values unique architecture over conventional homes. Perfect for those who want their home to be both sanctuary and income generator.
Who should look elsewhere?
Those seeking conventional move-in-ready luxury or traditional suburban aesthetics. This property rewards creativity, curiosity, and appreciation for alternative architecture.
CONTACT
-Serious inquiries welcomed-
Whether you’re interested in purchasing this unique property or have questions about the building process, we’d love to hear from you.