For years, Shannon Navarrette and her husband Nick dreamed of living on acres of land near Greeley, CO, so they could raise their family, have animals and have space for their four dogs to run around. They wanted at least 10 acres of land and a spacious home for them and their four kids Jessica, Levye, Daniel and Dathan, but it proved to be a challenge to find exactly what they were looking for at the right price point.

Nick grew up in Greeley, and the couple spent more than 20 years there together. The family lived in a traditional brick home sitting on about a fifth of an acre, but they were ready for more land.

They spent many years looking at homes with land, but everything they found that met their needs was out of their price range.

"We really couldn't afford a house that was (already) built and get the land we wanted," said Shannon. "So, we kept searching, hoping to find something that would check all our boxes."

Discovering Clayton

During their search, Shannon and Nick discovered they needed to narrow it down to Briggsdale, CO because of its proximity to Greeley, about 30 minutes out, and there was land available around their price point. One Saturday morning, Shannon decided to stop by Clayton Homes of Evans to see what their options were for a home. She had stopped by a few times prior, but this visit proved to be different. She met with Brittney Clyncke. Shannon stated not only did Brittney have knowledge of the homes, but she also lives in one on acres of land, so she was familiar with the whole process.

"Brittney is not only a great salesperson, but she was a great resource as someone who switched to a lifestyle outside of town," said Shannon.

During this visit, Brittney was able to find them a few home options that met all their needs within budget.

Customizing Their Home

The couple was able to find 40 acres of land on their own, and it was time to put a home on it. Brittney and Clayton helped them package their home and land to make the process seamless. Now, it was time to choose customizations. They chose the Monterrey, a 4-bedroom, 3-bath home with 2260 square feet of space. They had the option to add a fifth bedroom, but they opted to use that space as a second living room. They also added a wood burning fireplace, a custom option, and they built a shop on their property. Since their home is an eBuilt® home, they have benefitted from the energy efficient features.

Living Their Dream

Now, months after living in their new home, the Navarrettes are living their dream. Their 40 acres and their spacious home give them the freedom to live a lifestyle they've always wanted. They're raising chickens, goats and one day want cattle. Their kids love riding their dirt bikes and four-wheelers around the property, and their four dogs have plenty of room to run around.

"It's amazing, our dogs are so happy," said Shannon.

But when asked what her favorite feature of the home is, she chose her private bathroom. "I've never gotten to have a private bathroom with a lot of kids," she said. "And now I have a private bathroom and my own sink."

Another Dream Takes Root Next Door

Shannon's oldest son, Tyler, and his girlfriend, Sam, enjoy spending time with family, so they decided to place their home on the same land. They live right next door in the Rainier home model.

"We were previously in a 540-square-foot studio apartment in Greeley while I was doing my master's degree," Tyler said. "That got old real quick."

The couple shares their home with their four-year old German shepherd, and they enjoy the proximity to Shannon's home, which is the family hangout spot.

"I’ve always been a family type of person," Tyler said. "I like living next door, (and I love) that it's (the home) ours."

Want to hear more inspiring journeys like theirs? Check out our other homeowner stories and see how dreams come to life across the country.