Looking homeward

The 2023 Methow Home magazine will look different in a couple of ways from the past few years. For one, we have restored the “glossy” covers that were a trademark of the magazine for years. For cost reasons, during the COVID pandemic years we used the same newspaper stock for the covers as for the inside pages. It just wasn’t quite the same. Now that we are putting most of the effects of COVID behind us, we’ve gone back to the more-attractive look, feel and durability of glossy covers.

Inside those covers, we have shifted our focus a bit to reflect the evolving nature of the Methow Valley housing market. For many years, we’ve featured a variety of home “profiles” to explore the aspirations of homeowners (full- and part-timers alike), the creativity of architects and the craftsmanship of our local builders.

This year we’ve turned out attention more inward, focusing on the needs of the local housing market. As residents and part-timers who are paying attention are aware, there is a critical need for more housing in the valley, particularly at the affordable end of the spectrum. Many local organizations are working on aspects of that problem, and are making progress — but much needs to be done. Contributor Sandra Strieby offers an overview on page 12. Ann McCreary again updates the status of the local real estate market, which is adapting to ever-changing conditions. An essay by Ray and Mary Johnston poses some interesting ideas for clustered housing.

Other articles explore considerations that make the Methow Valley special. The Methow Conservancy helps define what “home” means. The Okanogan Conservation District makes the case for Firewise efforts. You’ll also find information about Dark Sky lighting guidelines and “eco-friendly” landscaping. We’ve even included a feature story on an important aspect of community: the meeting places where we feel comfortable interacting with friends and neighbors.

We again extend thanks to our loyal advertisers. They include locally owned businesses that provide jobs and support the local economy, and businesses that have developed a substantial presence in the valley by providing quality products or services. Methow Home 2023 is a handy, year-round guide to the businesses that are here to assist you.