Casa Quinoa: Captivating Pine Forest Retreat at Gate of El Cajas National ParkEl Cajas 25 km mile marker, Cuenca, Azuay

This captivating two-story pine forest retreat at the entrance to El Cajas National Park in Cuenca enhances all of your senses. From the moment you enter the palatial gate, a forest wonderland greets you and an original log cabin, built seven years ago and a huge add-on sunroom and cozy entertainment pavilion, built four years ago, make this one of the most unique homes you will find anywhere. And, its location at the entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere park means no other buildings or homes can ever be built here, ensuring the pristine views, crisp and clean mountain air, and the deeded water rights will forever be protected. Situated on one acre of primal forest land surrounded by a fence and a large entrance gate, this one-of-a-kind home is built from natural materials including river rock, indigenous wood, and local pine, but its foundation is solid and there is a brand-new roof, a lighted path, security sensors, and a huge underground basement. Direct TV and Internet are available, as are all the modern amenities making this country home move-in ready. This captivating two-story pine forest retreat at the entrance to El Cajas National Park in Cuenca enhances all of your senses. From the moment you enter the palatial gate, a forest wonderland greets you and an original log cabin, built seven years ago and a huge add-on sunroom and cozy entertainment pavilion, built four years ago, make this one of the most unique homes you will find anywhere. And, its location at the entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere park means no other buildings or homes can ever be built here, ensuring the pristine views, crisp and clean mountain air, and the deeded water rights will forever be protected. Situated on one acre of primal forest land surrounded by a fence and a large entrance gate, this one-of-a-kind home is built from natural materials including river rock, indigenous wood, and local pine, but its foundation is solid and there is a brand-new roof, a lighted path, security sensors, and a huge underground basement. Direct TV and Internet are available, as are all the modern amenities making this country home move in ready. The home itself is inviting, warm, and welcoming with a corner fieldstone wood-burning fireplace (that could easily be converted to gas should you prefer), a full kitchen and bar area, multiple seating areas, and a TV corner all located in the original log cabin area. The second floor, also in the original structure, is accessed by a beautiful, hand-crafted wooden staircase, and is an open loft space with two designated areas -- one for the master bed and the other for two double beds. Although open, the spaces are private and could easily be closed off should you want more privacy. There is also a bathroom upstairs, so no night wandering required. The wonderful arches, angles, and wooden details in the sleeping quarters make this a truly special place to sleep and revive. An expansive glassed-in sunroom attached to the cabin includes a large fire pit, a second retractable fire pit grill table, a second colorful bar area, a dining room, and comfy cozy places to read a book, sip a warm cup of tea, or sit at the bar for an afternoon glass of wine. All of the windows in the sunroom retract, bringing the outdoors in and expanding the feel of this incredible room during warm summer days. Outdoors in the back of the house is a good-sized terrace with ample seating, a giant smoker, a grill, running water, a marble-top chopping block, and lots of cooking and counter space for an intimate dinner for two, or a giant barbeque for a crowd. This home is truly an entertainer's dream. The home has deeded water rights and a water filtration system. Water pressure in the showers and sinks is strong. The gas tanks are located by the front gate and gas is pumped into the home, so no heavy lifting of gas tanks is required. A caliphon is located outside the house. There is a septic tank on the property and electricity