Originally published in the Fall 2019 issue of Spoke+Blossom

From building a charming yurt getaway in the backyard to full-time living and working out of a remodeled van, some western Colorado locals choose unique living situations against convention.

GLAMPING IN GRAND JUNCTION

Sondra Hastings and her husband Max have lived in the same home for 40 years, transforming the three-acre former sheep farm into a tranquil and relaxing getaway for locals and tourists alike.

Two cozy, yurt-like tents are nestled into a grassy terrace in the Hastings’ backyard, right alongside a gentle, flowing creek. Hastings rents these tents out on Airbnb to offer guests a unique glamping experience on the Western Slope.

For the past 21 years, the Hastings have cared full-time for two disabled gentlemen who live with them, leaving little time for vacations of their own. In September of 2018, the couple decided to bring the vacation to their own home.

“We bought these with the idea that we could do Airbnb. We had these two spots and there was really nothing there, so we thought, why not use that for something?” Hastings says. “The best part is that we get to meet people from all over the country that we otherwise wouldn’t get to meet, because we haven’t really been able to get away.”

The property was used as a wedding venue before the Hastings decided to turn it into an Airbnb. Solar lanterns and flower gardens adorn the area along a broad, grassy hillside. The grounds are as entertaining as they are beautiful, complete with a waterslide into the creek and plenty of fun for children to enjoy, like tree swings, a Slip ‘N Slide, kiddie pools and more.

“We’ve always been entrepreneurs and done things that other people don’t normally do. We make our own way,” Hastings says.

The couple welcomes visitors from all over the world to the Grand Valley.

“It’s a fun place to come for things like bachelorette parties — spend the night with the girls, drink your wine. I’ve got people booking who live in the valley just to get away for 24 hours. Book it, get your bottles of wine, sit down there and have a fire. It’s the perfect 24-hour getaway.”

The yurts are available from May through September. Search “Glamping at Blossom House” on Airbnb Grand Junction to book a stay with the Hastings.

VAN LIFE IN VAIL

Zach Mahone lives in a van, but he is far from homeless. Two years ago, Mahone realized he needed a change in life, and he decided that buying and remodeling a van to live in full-time was precisely the change he needed.

Mahone owns a commercial, events and lifestyle photography business based in Vail, but his work and play can take him as far as the East Coast. What better way to travel than to bring his entire home and office with him everywhere he goes?

“I built the van with a lot of help from my friends here and there. I did the whole design and layout and the majority of the work myself. It’s pretty nice,” Mahone says. “I have everything with me all the time. I never need to pack. If I want to go somewhere, I just go … It’s an incredible sense of presence and comfort. I drive less, because I don’t go home or go places; I just am where I am.”

Mahone parks for the night in various spots throughout the Vail Valley, depending on what his plans are the next day. He has about a dozen regular spots.

“It’s really not that challenging,” Mahone says. “Every once in a while, it can be hard to find a place to park. Dating can be a pretty big challenge living in the van, because I’m constantly in and out of town.”

Despite a few minor difficulties that come with van life, like vehicle maintenance, Mahone wouldn’t have it any other way — except when winter rolls in. This winter, he plans to leave the van and spend the season in Maui, Hawaii, to avoid Colorado’s cold winter, but he’ll be back at it in the summer.

Alternative Living: From Glamping to Van Life