Yurts are interesting, but I have to say that from conversations with friends that have had yurts, they work better in colder, drier environs. We have family friends who used to have one on one of the islands in the San Juans, and I also have a Native friend who used to share one with another family. Same conclusions- great idea, much better due to moisture contents in drier climates.

I’m living in a yurt right now. I live in Oregon. It’s like living in a fancy tent. We have running water, the bathroom is in another building too far away for my comfort level. I think it would be a great place to live for people who like to rough it a little (sometimes it feels like a lot), but I’d prefer something more solid and cosy like an earthen house, cob perhaps. I agree with the colder, drier environs. In the summer this thing cooks (well it is shaped like a moroccan cooking thingy, whats that called? tandoori? hmm?) And in the winter, we have a hard time keeping it above 60 degrees F when it gets dark. Also when we pulled away some of the wall/insulation stuff that wraps this thing like a burrito, we noticed mold spots, yuck! so we’re living with a ozone machine turned on 24/7. To sum it all up and keep me from being even more long-winded, there are a lot more potential problems with yurt living than the yurt manufacturers seem to tell you. I do have a long list of problems with the place. Fortunately, we dont own it, we have a work-trade agreement. Sorry if this makes you feel less enthusiastic. If you dont know about cob, try looking up the cob cottage company. cob is way cheaper, much nicer and more efficient than a yurt.

oops, I meant that yurt manufacturers DONT seem to tell you. Sorry, so much for my proofreading skills.