“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” –John Muir, Naturalist, Founder, Sierra Club
Starfire is where you come to live in harmony with nature. Originally designed and built by a famous artist couple, Starfire is a unification of the beauty, energy and independence of Mother Nature, to create a home of serenity, peacefulness, mindfulness and balance.
Located on 104 private and pristine acres, this 7 bedroom, 4.5 bath home took over 5 years to build. Created by musician and artist Andrea Lyman-Pinchera, and her late husband, wilderness artist Stephen Lyman, Starfire is a self-sufficient, family sanctuary that was built as an environmentally responsible, green home. Incredible experiences of art, creativity, craftsmanship and artifacts await your discovery.
Once past the gated private driveway, the road meanders through groves of pine, birch and cedar trees, opening to an Indian Meadow campsite, complete with wildflowers and Teepee. Up ahead, Starfire resides at the base of a natural mountain spring, whose waters fill a pond and provide filtrated water to house. To your right, an organic garden of fruits, vegetables and flowers grow up, worshipping the sun’s rays. Imagine sitting in the Gazebo as you feast on fresh strawberries and contemplate how to prepare today’s “just picked” fresh vegetables.
The front door of Starfire was created by local craftsman using Fir from the site. The entryway sets the tone; filled with earthy colors, textures and natural materials, you’ll discover original art and salvaged doors from antiquity beckoning you to explore.
The living room is anchored by a Russian Masonry fireplace, warming the home levels radiantly in cooler weather. The large front windows capture the strong, morning rays and look out towards the expansive deck, pond, meadows and garden areas. A huge, gourmet kitchen offers all the amenities to prepare wonderful meals and access to a stocked pantry.
As you walk up the stairs, notice the phases of the moon embedded into the wood steps and balustrades carved into wood nymphs. The wood floors, trim and most of the cabinetry were created from salvaged heart pine or lumber milled from trees removed to build the road. The master bedroom offers a large king bed and a skylight for stargazing. Find the secret passageway to the artist studio – a large room where living plants and creative ideas thrive. The master bath offers a luxurious, soft jetted tub, shower and double sinks. Down the hall, you’ll find 2 bedrooms that are mirror images of each other. Both the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms are Full-to-Twin Bunks. Custom ladders in each bedroom allow the adventurous to reach a playroom – where imaginary prisoners are held behind a real 500 year old prison door from Mexico! The two Bunk bedrooms share a “jack and jill” full bathroom.
On the 3rd floor is the Lavender guest room (King bed), access to the playroom, another full bath. Yet another set of loft stairs provide access up to the Sky room. Originally intended to watch lighting storms, the Sky room offers sweeping views of the property and another double bed. The basement level provides 2 additional guest rooms (Queen and Double), full bathroom, a small kitchen, wet & dry root cellars and a 1,400 bottle wine cellar.
A separate Caretaker’s home and Barn provide guests with services and other amenities. The Barn and stables can care for up to 3 horses, as well as provide the power/water/sewer for the largest of RVs. Caretakers live on-site all year long and are available to answer questions.
North Idaho, Lake Pend Oreille and Sandpoint are well known for the amazing breadth and variety of outdoor experiences. At Starfire, you have 104 acres to explore -- and the surrounding area is US Forestry Service lands as well. Elk herds and deer roam through. Moose occasionally use the pond in the dusk and dawn hours. Bring a lunch picnic up to the “Bald Spot” (1.5 mile walk) atop the property and see magnificent views of Lake Pend Oreille and the Green Monarchs. ATV, hunt, cross country ski, snow shoe, hike, fish or canoe in the pond; eat from the organic gardens, count the stars or sleep in the teepee with the kids at night. Explore the custom tree house! There are just so many things to do.
For lake activities, Garfield Bay or Bottle Bay resorts are both just 7 miles away and Sandpoint’s famous City Beach 8 miles away. Bring your boat or Jet Ski and moor at the marina or rent one for a day of water play. We can help guide you to make the most of your vacation.
Starfire is the ultimate in offering a diverse, nature-filled, vacation where you can truly get away from it all. Refresh, restore and align your spirit in harmony with the nature around you.
Because of Starfire’s unique attributes, it is ideal for no more than 10 adults and 3-4 children looking for a multiple week summer vacation. With ladders, lofts, art, expansive forests and a pond, families with grade school children and above will get the most of their vacation. Starfire is also a great place for Retreats: Corporate, Artist, Writing -- please contact us for Retreat Pricing Specials.
