Living life just as they want it in the New West
Names: Phil and Cheryl
Residency: Highland Springs Ranch, New Mexico
Employment: Retired
Passions: Travel, Nature, Wildlife Photography
Quote: “If you want to be out and watch animals run around, you like the quiet, you want to see amazing views of the stars at night where you can actually see the Milky Way, this is the place.”
Watch Phil Tell His Story
Secluded living, modern comforts
“We wanted privacy, we wanted lots of peace and quiet … and we wanted to not see our neighbors. We like having neighbors, not seeing them,” laughed Phil. “Almost every day, I get up in the morning, I come out here on the porch and look out and say ‘this is so great.’”
At the same time, Phil and Cheryl – she an electrical engineer and he a software engineer – are not anti-modernity, survivalists or people trying to go back in time. They designed their home to provide the comforts of modern living, just as they had in their former home in the city of Las Cruces in southern New Mexico. And that means more time to follow their interests.
Time and space to do what they want
In the New West, Phil and Cheryl find plenty to keep themselves active. They have a barn and garage housing their tractor and collection of implements (for projects around the property that they enjoy tackling themselves) and 4-wheel all-terrain vehicles (for exploring their hilly 340 acres by themselves or with friends.)
The land and wildlife also inspired Phil to go deeper into his photography hobby. He has built up his collection of digital camera gear with lenses to capture the wildlife and landscape and has collected thousands of photos in books that line the shelves of their living room.
“We sit here and watch wildlife all day,” Phil said. “We put out a water tank and watch deer walk right up to it.” Their land is home to deer, elk, fox, badgers and all kinds of birds, including a golden eagle. Although arid, the land has a variety of plants and flowers that bloom at different times of the year, adding to the beauty.
Photography by Phil Wright
Jokes about not seeing neighbors aside, the couple have become something of the social directors for their corner of New Mexico. “We enjoy having neighbors on the other side of the hills,” Phil says. “We have people who come out periodically, and we visit with them and cook out. We help them, they help us. It feels a lot like how people say communities used to be.” In a modern twist, Phil and Cheryl keep their neighbors up to date on the latest happenings with an email newsletter Phil sends covering comings and goings, natural happenings like migrations, blooms and weather, and other news from the area.
Building to fit your lifestyle
Located halfway between Las Cruces and Albuquerque, and an hour from the town of Socorro, moving far into the wild actually put them midway between their families, who come on some weekends to visit – Phil’s brother even bought a neighboring parcel.
Phil and Cheryl built in stages, starting with a well and a barn, and then planning and adding the house and other buildings and facilities to fit the land and their lifestyle. “We grew this property week by week,” Phil says. “Start with the basics – water, food and shelter.”
And with careful planning and a willingness to modify their routines, Phil says living “off the grid” has been enjoyable and comfortable.
A new plan for a new way of life
“People ask, how do you do that when you’re so far from public utilities?” he said. “We both are technical people. Setting up solar power doesn’t scare us.” In fact, they have consulted with many of their new neighbors, helping them get their systems optimized.
With a full solar system, batteries for electric service at night, a well and septic system, and a repeater station to extend phone and internet connectivity to their home, Phil and Cheryl are able to enjoy all the conveniences of any modern home.
Similarly, visits to town are consolidated, so shopping, healthcare, social visits and dining out typically happen in one trip once a week.
“If you want to be out and watch animals run around, you like the quiet, you want to see amazing views of the stars at night where you can actually see the Milky Way, this is the place.”
Find Your Place
Learn more about these The Brooks Company ranches:
HIGHLAND SPRINGS RANCH –
New Mexico
Surrounded by mountain ranges, Highland Springs Ranch features a variety of landscapes and easy access to nature. Flowering meadows flow into rolling hills that rise into Chupadera Mountains. Several wildlife refuges, including the renowned Bosque del Apache reserve, are nearby. It’s perfect for hiking, horseback riding, four-wheeling, or hunting. When you need access to a city, Socorro is just a half-hour away.
B.B. BROOKS RANCH –
Wyoming
With over 33,000 acres of rocky hills, green meadows, and rocky outcrops, it’s rare to find a place that offers as much as B.B. Brooks Ranch. The land is breath-takingly beautiful. The area is known for outdoor adventures – including hunting, fishing, biking and skiing. It’s just 8 miles out of Casper, Wyoming’s second largest city, providing access to museums, theater and dining.
DIAMOND B RANCH –
Wyoming
Located on range of green meadows, rolling hills, and dotted with rocky outcrops, Diamond B Ranch offers big-sky views that you’ll never take for granted. Within 90 minutes of the ranch, you have access to some of the best hiking, horseback riding, and skiing that the West has to offer. It is just 30 minutes outside of Cheyenne, Wyoming’s largest city, making it easy to duck in for amenities or entertainment.
SPRING FLOWER RANCH –
Arizona
Nestled at the base of Bill Williams Mountain and bordering Kaibab National Forest, one of world’s the largest Ponderosa Pine forests, Spring Flower Ranch offers natural beauty and access to almost everything. Several state parks, six lakes, and Elephant Rocks golf course - one Arizona’s most scenic - are within a 25-minute drive. It is 2 miles from downtown Williams, where you’ll find fine dining and boutique shopping.
WILD HORSE RANCH –
Wyoming
Featuring scenic rolling hills, the beautiful Medicine Bow mountain range, and tranquil lake Hattie, Wild Horse Ranch offers the best of rural living. Enjoy nature and wildlife, horseback riding, hiking, skiing, watersports and trout fishing. Just 20 minutes outside of Laramie, you have easy access to the conveniences and entertainment options found in the city.