$499,000

Wake to the sound of two year round creeks and nothing else. Set high on Craycroft Ridge on 12.5 private acres, this fully off grid home was built in 2001 by a former firefighter who knew exactly what mattered in the mountains: cement board siding, a standing seam metal roof, and defensible space already in place. The property makes its own power and its own water. Solar was upgraded in 2022 with 16 Battle Born lithium batteries, one of the two creeks feeds a hydro system that keeps producing when winter skies are gray, and a diesel generator with automatic transfer switch stands by as backup. Water comes from a private spring. No electric bill, no water bill. The solar, septic, and generator have all been recently serviced, so you can move in knowing the systems are ready. Inside, the home offers 2 bedrooms, an office, and 2.5 baths across three levels, with new carpet, a wood stove, a gas stove, a tankless water heater, and wood ceilings that match the forest outside. The finished lower level rec room with half bath is ready for a studio, gym, or place for guests to spread out, and a finished attic space adds even more room. Outside, the grounds have been cared for over decades: terraced gardens, handmade stone walls, fruit trees, and three decks facing the canyon and mountain views. A guest cabin with sleeping loft gives visitors their own retreat, and the workshop and greenhouse are ready for projects and growing seasons. A trail leads down to a quarter mile of Empire Creek frontage, gold has been found on the property, and deer, bears, and the occasional mountain lion are your only neighbors. Starlink keeps you connected for remote work. Adventure is close. A river swimming hole is about 5 minutes away, and Downieville is roughly 5 miles, with its cafes, fishing, rafting, hiking, the North Yuba River, and the world class mountain biking that brings riders from everywhere for the annual Downieville Classic. No HOA and no CC&Rs. If you have been dreaming of acreage, privacy, and true self sufficiency without giving up connection, this is the one. For the buyer ready to live on their own terms.