Tired of the Texas heat and constraints of suburban life, Chris and Jenna longed for a change. Their annual trips to the Colorado mountains sparked a desire for a lifestyle that would allow them to connect with nature and raise their son, Greystone, with a strong sense of independence. This dream became a reality when they discovered a piece of land with sweeping views of Pike’s Peak and the collegiate peaks.
"We spend our time camping, hiking and backpacking. We do just about anything we can outdoors," Jenna said. This was a stark contrast to their previous suburban environment. From hiking and fly fishing to weekend skiing, the rural property immerses the family in nature, saving the need to travel and allowing for more family time.
“Everything's intentional having somebody that's done this before and knows the steps you have to move through. It's almost like having a security blanket with somebody who understands it and can help direct your vision into something that's doable.”
Self-Sufficient Coloradoans
A cornerstone of the Chris and Jenna’s new life is self-sufficiency. They built their home on bare land and installed solar panels for power and a wood boiler for heat. They also care for a variety of animals, including horses, donkeys, llamas and goats.
The goat milk is even used for products like cheese, yogurt and soap. According to the couple, this hands-on, purposeful approach to living is more than a hobby - it's a way of life that brings them a deep sense of peace and satisfaction.
Growing Up on Rural Land
The ultimate motivation for the pair is their son, Greystone. "We really didn't build this house just for us. We built it for our son as well," Chris said. They wanted to provide him with an upbringing impossible in a suburban setting. Their rural environment offers him the freedom to explore, work on a tractor, build a fort and help care for the animals.
Chris and Jenna believe that living this way is teaching Greystone both self-confidence and self-reliance needed to build his own life, ensuring he understands where everything he uses comes from.
Bare Land to Constructing a Rural Home
Chris and Jenna experienced a few challenges during their transition to rural living; including finding the right lender for rural financing. After being turned away by multiple traditional banks, they found a crucial partner in Rural 1st. As the leader in rural lending, Rural 1st understood their unique vision and provided support to purchase bare land and secure a construction loan.
“We wouldn’t be in the state of Colorado without Rural 1st. We wouldn’t have this home or land without their help. A good part of our life is thanks to their entire team.”
Chris and Jenna feel immense pride and satisfaction in what they’ve achieved. For them, the beautiful sunrises and peaceful moments with their family and animals are a constant reminder that their hard work has created a life worth living, a life that brings them Closer to What Matters®.
Interested in financing a rural mountain homestead of your own? Connect with a Rural 1st loan officer today to learn more.
