Temporary quarters

Halfway up Mount Kit Carson in Chattaroy, tucked into a secluded wooded setting, the Phillips family is enjoying unique living quarters while waiting for the spring.

They will begin construction of their dream home on their 10-acre parcel in just a few months. For now the family of four – plus one cat, two dogs and a couple of frogs – is living in a 1,500-square-foot shop/garage.

“My husband was constantly wanting to be in the country,” said Sandee Phillips. “But I’m a city girl.”

It took Phillips some time to get used to the idea of a rural lifestyle, but she found the beauty of the natural setting compelling. They moved up to their property last July after selling their home in the Shadle area.

While waiting for house plans and financing to be completed, Sandee has made the most of her “Swiss Family Robinson” situation.

“It’s like a camping trip,” she said.

Since they knew they’d be living in the shop for several months, her husband, Carey, built a combination laundry room/bathroom with well-insulated walls to keep the pipes from freezing.

“It’s the warmest place in the shop,” Phillips said with a grin.

Phillips washes dishes in a tiny sink. Makeshift cupboards house food and dishes.

“I really miss countertops and having some place to put things,” she said.

The couple improvised bedrooms and a living room by strategically arranging furniture. With no computer, no phone and until recently no television, they have plenty of family time. But privacy is an issue.

“I can’t tell the kids to go to their rooms,” Phillips said.

Six-year-old Hunter and 11-year-old Autumn enjoy exploring their wooded property. When it’s too cold to play outside, Hunter finds plenty to do indoors.

“I like to chase Mr. Kitty,” he said as he tries to grab the family cat.

Keeping the concrete floor clean is difficult, and it can be chilly in the cavernous shop. A pellet stove and wood-burning fireplace are always blazing.

Still, Phillips said, “I really like it out here.” She points to several deer foraging for food near her front door.

Wild turkeys regularly make their way across the property.

Also visible from her front door is the spot where their new home one day will stand.

“We’ll live here forever,” Phillips said. “I’m not moving again.”