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 kitchen and a bar area, multiple seating and entertainment spots, and a TV corner all located in the original log cabin part. 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 is 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 a late 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 Califon is located outside the house. There is a septic tank on the property and electricity is provided by the city. In the basement, there is a security system with cameras monitoring the property from a variety of angles. The basement could also be turned into an elegant wine cellar, a workshop, a "man cave", an office or arts and craft space.

This incredible and peaceful home is the perfect weekend or vacation getaway or live-in home (with just a few full-time upgrades), just 30 minutes from the famed colonial city of Cuenca, where major restaurants, hospitals, grocery stores, and cultural activities are found. But there is no lack of local restaurants serving some of the best trout in the world including Dos Chorreras (https://hosteriadoschorreras.com/), which is one of Cuenca's most famous hosterias with a fabulous restaurant, hotel, garden, hiking trails, trout ponds, a gourmet store, and a bar, which is only five minutes away. 

The world-renowned El Cajas park has infinite hiking trails through evergreen cloud forests and hundreds of lakes and bike paths. El Cajas is home to rich wildlife including Andean condors, giant hummingbirds, and raccoon-like coatis, plus llamas and alpacas, wild horses, and amazing flora and fauna. Just outside the park, next to this beautiful home, is the Santuario de la Vírgen del Cajas, an outdoor pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared.

The home comes nearly furnished, with personal items not included. Most of the rest of the furnishings are negotiable and appliances are included.

The listing price for this captivating two-story pine forest retreat at the entrance to El Cajas National Park is $299,000.