In 2006, Matt Bua was visiting Upstate New York when he decided to put down roots and buy property in the area.
Bua, who owns and created b-Home Studio , discovered 13.4 acres in Catskill, New York, which seemed ideal. Bua shares with Pawnation.com Make It, “I’ve always dreamed of having a space where I can construct tiny houses and sculptures that I can explore without needing to dismantle them afterward.”
As an artist residing in New York City, Bua frequently engaged in installations and joint construction endeavors. Upon purchasing his initial plot of land, he resolved to utilize reclaimed materials abundant upstate to build structures on this new property.
He mentions, 'All these materials carry a history and possess their own narratives.' He finds excitement in the psychic energy embedded within objects previously utilized by individuals, which continue to be highly functional.
Shortly after buying the first bit of land, Bua and his dad purchased a second 13.3-acre property right next to it. In total they now had 26.70 acres.
Ever since, Bua along with his companions has constructed more than 30 buildings on the land.
The "Tower of LP Power" is a double-decker building encased completely in vinyl discs. The "Cicada House" is constructed from earth-filled bags. Additionally, there’s a Tudor-style chapel and a cozy wooden cabin with a small stove where Bua resided prior to relocating to an adjacent town.
While living in the cabin, Bua used his time to explore the property and even write a book about the history of the stone walls throughout the land.
Although he isn't aware of the total amount he has invested in bringing the structures to life over the years, Bua states that it was all worthwhile.
"He believes that as an artist, investing in oneself is always the most valuable endeavor. 'No matter how much money I earned, it wasn’t ever an issue to reinvest it into my projects since it would immediately yield returns,'" he explains.
In 2017, Bua encountered the woman who would become his wife. As they constructed a barn on her land, a neighboring pasture came up for sale. According to Bua, this prompted him to view it as an opportunity to part with his small village of belongings and lead a more streamlined existence.
Quite often, projects are initiated by specific individuals and subsequently taken up by others," explains Bua. "While I understand that once you decide to join in, you must be prepared for anything that comes your way, I believe it provides an ideal platform for someone else to refine, adapt, and keep showing affection towards the project.
The property is currently on the market for $269,000 with The Angela Lanuto Team at Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty.
Lanuto describes the property as truly magical and co-listing agent John Iconomou says the structures make the property unique.
"It just shows you the imagination of someone's mind," Iconomou says. "Each time you go back you see something you didn't see before."
Lanuto mentions that her preferred aspect of selling this property is that, despite having a listed price, it’s impossible to assign a monetary worth to the artwork. She further explains, "There is an entire art exhibit situated within the forest."
Bua has taken what most people would call trash, correct? He’s turned it into a small village beneath the trees.
Although Bua is prepared to move away from the small village, he hopes his distinctive dwelling will continue to thrive. He mentions, "I am looking forward to whomever inherits it and adds the positive vibes they believe it requires."
Want to earn some extra money on the side? Take Pawonation.com's new online course How to Start a Side Hustle to learn tips to get started and strategies for success from top side hustle experts. Pre-register now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $97 (+taxes and fees) through April 1, 2025.
Plus, sign up for Pawonation.comMake It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life.
Post a Comment