Permaculture "Earth Shelter" Cabin
*** Please read ALL info before sending messages/booking requests. Most FAQ can be answered in the descriptions below ***
Come stay the night in our sustainably built off-grid Earth Shelter cabin. Nestled by our small pond, the cabin is tucked away on the CSC land project, which is a growing permaculture demonstration and community oriented site. Here you will be able to enjoy over 8 acres with mature orchard, budding permaculture food forests, several goats, gardens, and peaceful nature.
The CSC land project lies adjacent to the private residential community of Stelle (Google search Stelle Community). Located about a 1.5 hours drive south from Chicago, it has for years been an attractive destination for stargazers, permaculturists, and folks from the community looking to enjoy a little oasis of green amongst the rural Illinois cornfields. Midwest Permaculture is located in Stelle and is guiding the ongoing permaculture design of CSC's 8.7 acres (Google search Midwest Permaculture).
--CABIN INFO-- With repurposed glass bottle windows, oil-sealed earthen floor, and raw timber frame, this unique little off-grid (no electricity or running water) shelter is as gorgeous as it is environmentally friendly.
The walls of this cabin are a perfect blend of thermal mass and insulation. They are made of slip straw (loose straw dipped into a clay slurry and then packed into forms that are removed once dried), which helps hold a comfortable temperature even in the high heat of summer. The best way to regulate temperature inside during hot weather is to open the windows at night, and close them in the morning. During colder months the cabin usually stays passively warm from sun energy the walls store during the day and body heat alone. If you’re sensitive to cold though, you may want to bring extra blankets.
Inside you will find 1 twin and 1 full sized bed. They have sheets which are washed between guests, but bring your own sleeping bags, pillows/bedding. There are mowed areas to accommodate 2 tents by the the Earth Shelter, which means the site can serve groups of up to 8. A fire pit, picnic table, and grill make this the perfect place to set up camp for a weekend or weeklong stay. is available (See the ADDONS section for details), we just ask that you use the fire pit and grill at your own risk, and bring your own propane.
--LOCATION INFO-- Once you get off the highway, you will be driving in seemingly the middle of nowhere. We promise, you are in the right place! The road will take you through stretches of corn and soybean fields, and as you approach Stelle you will be driving through the Kelly Creek Wind Farm. You can pull your car right up to the cabin most of the time. (If we've had a lot of rain we'll have you park a little ways away on the gravel to avoid getting stuck in any mud.)
Note that Stelle is a private community, and access is by resident invitation only. There will be a map inside the cabin of the CSC land that shows boundaries and inaccessible areas. If you need anything don't hesitate to contact us through the app for assistance. Emergency contact phone numbers and procedures will be listed in the cabin in the green folder.
The CSC land project borders an organic livestock farm (Mint Creek Farm) on the south edge, so sometimes, if the animals are nearby, you can hear the sound of sheep, chickens and cows.
--TOILET INFO-- A very short distance from the cabin is a well-maintained composting toilet we retrofitted into a former "porta-potty" structure. The toilet is right next to the pond, and visible from the entrance drive to the cabin. There are instructions inside on how to use it. It’s extremely simple to use, and for all practical purposes it is odor free when used properly. It is sanitized between guests. As of now there is no shower, but it is high up on the 'to-do' list.
--PET POLICY-- We do allow well-behaved pets, but we ask that you keep them on a leash, and clean up after them promptly. We want to ensure the site stays clean and comfortable for future guests.
--GARBAGE DISPOSAL INFO-- On the south side of the green garden shed, you will find three designated containers for waste disposal. The yellow container is for compostables (Food scraps, non-glossy paper products), the blue container is for recyclables (Glass, aluminum, plastics), and the taller bin is for any other trash.
--BOOKING COSTS-- The cabin is $75 dollars a night to book for up to 2 guests on weekends, with a $30 one-time cleaning fee per booking. There is a $10 fee per night per additional guest. (Children under 10 are free, so no need to add them as additional guests.) Weekday booking costs are reduced to $60/night.
--ADD ONS-- There is no water setup on site, so you should supply your own drinking water. We'll have several gallons of water for you in a container for washing dishes, faces and hands. The site comes with a complimentary container of firewood each night.
Upon request we also offer tours of the CSC land project. The tour (approx 1 hr long) will cover the thought process behind the project, the permaculture design of the project elements, and greater details on how the cabin was built. If you would like a tour during your booking please let us know.
We propagate and sell a variety of our favorite perennial plants that we cultivate on the CSC land. Ask if you are interested in purchasing plants!
--ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION-- Cell service at this location is limited. Usually Verizon has the best luck with coverage, but it is not unusual for all carriers to have patchy service in this area. In case you don't have service and there's a serious emergency, there will be instructions on how to reach us in the green folder in the cabin.
We do have some goats that are housed on the CSC land property. They are friendly, but be careful of the electric fence that they are contained by. We ask that you don't allow children inside or around the fence.
In the southwest corner of the CSC land there is an old bridge spanning the creek. It is roped off, as It is unsound and we prohibit guests from using it. To go back and forth from the cabin area to the orchard area please use the road instead.
--ATTRACTIONS AND NEARBY ACTIVITIES-- Since we are far enough from Chicago to escape light pollution from the city, the stars here are on full display and absolutely gorgeous. We actually have hosted astronomer excursions here for years, so we suggest you bring your telescopes if you have them!
Our small pond is a hit amongst the kids for catch and release fishing. Just be mindful, there is a snapping turtle that resides there. It usually stays in the pond but watch your step. :-)
The straight, paved, quiet country roads around Stelle are great for bicyclists and joggers, but if you feel like taking a drive we are about 30 minutes from the Kankakee River Trail which is also great for biking. We are also about 35 minutes from the Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve, which is a gorgeous spot for trail walking and wildlife observation.
The nearest town is Herscher, which is about 15 minutes from Stelle. There you can find a small grocery store, restaurant, and gas station. 30 minutes away in Kankakee there is a weekly farmer's market, movie theatre, and shopping district. However, it is also great to just unwind here in the peaceful quiet by the campfire and pond.
We would love to have you come and stay. CSC is dedicated to providing educational experiences that awaken/deepen our connections to nature and our fellow people--our hope is that this cabin will spark and support that greater connection in others. Please check out our website at centerforsustainablecommunity.com for our events/workshop schedule.
Cheers... The Folks at CSC
