Nautilus-shaped Whatcom home, nature preserve lists for $1.9M. See what it’s like inside
A Whatcom County property famous for its historic land conservation and unique home design is listed for sale.
Asking price? $1.9 million.
After decades of preservation, the executors of the 30.2-acre Nautilus Tree Farm are seeking new owners to carry on the property’s legacy.
“We want to find a conservator — somebody that would enjoy living on the land as my family has done and see the forest as an asset and something they would enjoy conserving also,” said property executor Jeff Kronenberg.
Kronenberg’s late parents, Phyllis and Nate Kronenberg, purchased the property in the 1970s with the goal of living a more sustainable lifestyle.
So, they custom-built the home into the earth. It’s berm insulated, meaning soil and gravel are built up to surround the home and reduce energy costs.
The 2,676-square-foot home is a 20-minute drive from Bellingham at 2351 E. Pole Road, just four miles from Everson.
It’s shaped like a nautilus shell and features an open-living concept.
“From the air, it looks like a large comma,” Kronenberg said.
The main bedroom, kitchen and living room are all in the main area of the house, without walls separating the spaces. River rock floors run throughout the house while large skylights and windows bring natural light inside.
But according to Kronenberg, the land itself is the main selling point. The property features a wide variety of trees, native plants and wildlife.
It’s also home to a creek and pond.
“You get privacy. You get quiet. There’s no street lights. You can see the moon. You can see the stars,” Kronenberg said.
Want to purchase the property for development? You’re out of luck.
The land is protected in perpetuity by a conservation easement granted to the Whatcom Land Trust. So the new owners can never log, mine or build subdivisions on the property. Though, the new owners could add on to the house itself.
Kronenberg said the land is perfect for things such as forest bathing, organic farming and bird watching. The property’s forest is accessible with foot trails.
“It’s a beautiful property and we’re just hoping to see it sustained and continue the legacy that my parents started,” Kronenberg said.
This story was originally published September 27, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Nautilus-shaped Whatcom home, nature preserve lists for $1.9M. See what it’s like inside."
