Walk from the main house at I'O Hale in Kailua Kona, HI, down a winding footpath through tropical greenery and over a burbling creek, and you won't see it until you practically run into it. A teahouse in the middle of the woods, on 33 acres of mostly forested land that borders a preserve in the mountains of Hawaii.
Even if you're not a Zen type, if this space doesn't completely relax you, you're doing it wrong.
"The teahouse is the most phenomenal piece of the property," listing agent Gayle Ching says. The Japanese-style structure, built for meditation, cost an estimated $350,000. The property overlooks the Kona coast.
It's one of a quartet of buildings on the land. There's also a main house and two guesthouses (or rental properties).
This video explains the story behind the home's name -- I'O Hale, or "Home of the Hawk."
The home has its roots in a vacation tale. A Southern California -- based couple were on vacation and staying in a condo in the area when a property manager told them about a piece of nearby land going up for auction.
The couple bought the land for $152,000 in 1986, according to the agent. The property's structures, which offer seven total bedrooms, were built between 1987 and 1991.
Now in their 80s, the couple have decided to sell their slice of paradise, furnished, for $2,250,000.
Along with space, you also buy yourself quite a bit of privacy. "It's very green. [Neighbors] can't see you, and you can't see them," Ching adds. Because the area is mostly wild, the landscaped paths and plantings around the properties are all that must be maintained.
While the land, at an elevation of 3,300 feet, is a true getaway on Mount Hualalai, it's also central to activities on the island, from the beach below to the mountain above. There also are restaurants, shopping, boating, and fishing. "Everything is within a 20-minute drive," Ching says. "Even though it's remote and secluded, we're close to everything."
Of course, with the guesthouses, you can always bring the party to your doorstep. Plus, the living quarters make a compelling argument for relaxing close to home.
Reflecting the natural surroundings, the decor features locally sourced koa wood and the floor-t0-ceiling fireplace made by Hawaiian artist Chiu Leong.
"The main house is pretty spectacular," Ching says.
Sounds like 33 acres of awesome to us. We'll brew the tea.