It's the simplicity of life that Eileen Massie loves about her second home in Cuchara, Colo. "The biggest decision of the day is whether to hike, four-wheel or to pick flowers," said the Eagan resident.
The cabin was designed by Eileen's husband, Jerry, and built by her brother-in-law, who lives in the area. Eileen insisted on knotty pine walls and ceilings, 17,000 linear feet worth. "I have many memories of renting cabins in northern Minnesota with knotty pine interior," she said. "It's magical the way the cabin glows in the evening."
Massie discovered the area after her sister built a cabin there. Fewer than 300 residents live there in the winter, about 2,000 in the summer, including former Minnesota Vikings owner Red McCombs, who drives a purple Jeep during the town's annual parade.
Distance: Cuchara is about two hours south of Colorado Springs and two hours north of Taos, N.M.
Best part: Family and friends.
Worst part: Winter isolation.
Favorite activities: Horseback riding, white-water rafting on the Arkansas River near Canyon City, 90 minutes away.
Family tradition: Spending Christmas there almost every year.
