Mendocino County, California – In the lush redwood forests of Northern California, Charles Bello and his late wife, Vanna Rae, began an extraordinary journey in 1968. They purchased 240 acres of untouched land in Mendocino County for just $2,800 with the dream of living off the grid, free from modern constraints.
Their adventure started by building a simple panelized A-frame cabin in just five days with the help of family. Over the years, Charles and Vanna Rae expanded their homestead, constructing roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure entirely by hand. For decades, they lived without refrigeration or phone lines, relying solely on their ingenuity and resourcefulness.
In 1991, Charles designed the remarkable Parabolic Glass House, inspired by his training under renowned architect Richard Neutra. This unique home features a curved wooden roof and expansive windows that blend seamlessly with the forest surroundings. Built for just $8,500 from timber milled on-site and salvaged materials, the house is powered by solar panels, solar thermal systems, and gas. A dug-in greenhouse produces much of their food, enabling the family to go months without visiting a grocery store.
Beyond building their home, Charles and Vanna Rae dedicated themselves to preserving the land. In 1997, they founded the Redwood Forest Institute to protect and manage the forest. Charles has carefully selected 1,000 trees to be preserved for the next 2,000 years, ensuring future generations will enjoy the ancient redwoods.
What began as a $2,800 investment has grown into a $4 to $6 million sanctuary—a true testament to dedication, vision, and harmony with nature.
240 Acres for $2,800
And I thought I was getting great deals
Incredible
Wow! I would love a project of that scope.