A Rare Yosemite Retreat that Comes with the Most Valuable Feature of All, Water
Make your Midcentury low-key prepper dreams a reality in this Wawona bargain
Properties don't go up for sale much in Wawona. The tiny enclave that came to life in the post-war development days of the middle of the last century has been home to generational retreats for a handful of lucky California families since then. Just a stroll through the encampment reveals the wood-carved surnames of those who own these snow-proof lean-tos that haven't been swapped out much in three generations.
That's why when one does go up for sale, it's usually off the market before the listing can hit the search engines.
Just a few miles from the park's south entrance right outside Fish Camp, is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it turn off called Chilnualana Falls Road, which dives visitors into a trip back in time, past an old horse stable, a tiny post office, a small school, and a little country store into the development of sparsely appointed homes. No Tuscan-themed remodels or big top-popping open concept blow-outs here. Development restrictions and decorum prohibited the obscene from setting down this century.
Officially coined the Redwoods in Yosemite, from there it’s a 20-minute drive into the Valley floor to spend the day under the gaze of Half Dome and El Cap, or backpedal five minutes to explore the Mariposa Grove, a stand of more than 500 mature trees that have survived more than 3,000 years.
But the real wonder of the Redwoods runs right through it. The Merced River is the beneficiary of the region's hydrologic miracle: its Mediterranean climate—cold, wet winters, followed by long dry summers—that guarantee a steady flow year-round.
Most Yosemite precipitation falls from the snow that's accumulated over 6,000 feet during the winter, creating a natural reservoir. The snowpack slowly releases meltwater in spring and summer, and the plant and animal life is nourished year-round.
But that's not all. Half of California's total water supply is sourced from the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite National Park's hydrology program includes Hetch Hetchy Water and Power, which provides water to millions of people in the San Francisco Bay Area. The nearby facility also monitors water quantity information and drought management.
But a rapidly warming climate is changing this ecosystem fast. Northern California is predicted to warm 5-11°F (3-6°C) by the year 2100. With an increase of 11°F, the new snowline will rise from 5,700 feet to 9,020 feet. The change will lower annual snowpack volume and cause earlier melting, resulting in longer, drier summers with less water in rivers, streams, and aquifers.
This is terrible news for anyone living in San Jose to Marin County to Walnut Creek. It's also bad news for Central Valley farmers. As the West's water is trending towards a privatized model, starting with ag, it probably won't be long until we see what happens to stucco suburban hell when hedge funds and private equity control consumer water. Think: giant Spanish-tile roofed ghost towns in places like greater Phoenix, greater Denver, Colorado Springs, greater Salt Lake City, and, yes, the Bay Area as climate nomads make haste.
In other words, your grandchildren will thank you for snapping up 7947 Oak for just over a half-mil and setting them in place with 300 days of sunlight and a river that runs through it.
A view from above.
Wood paneling, check.
Front seating area is dying for a comfy couch, book shelves, and low lighting. All with a Murphy Oil Soap fetish are welcome.
It’s like the house was carved from a single piece of wood.
Plenty of outdoor space for solar panels and s’mores.
That bench!
Bonus loft area with water closet and…more wood Jerry, wood!
And less than 100 yards from your front door…water, water everywhere!