A monolithic dome home in Maryland that has been designed with the utmost in energy-efficient and disaster-proof features has undergone a significant $101,000 price chop—offering a discounted opportunity to snap up a “best of both worlds” parcel within just a few minutes of the official presidential retreat at Camp David.
The Smithsburg, MD, property is located on a plum plot that spans close to 6 acres and is tucked away in the Catoctin Mountains, ensuring complete and total privacy. Included in that land is a 2.5-acre plot that is “under forest protection,” while the remainder is “open woodland and grass.”
At the heart of that land sits an incredible, unique primary residence: a trio of interconnected domes.
While the unique design is a standout, owner Chris Hyser notes that the property has many more intriguing details that make it special, not least the safety features that have been implemented both inside and out.
“The goal was to build a residence that prioritizes safety, health, and extreme efficiency without the maintenance of a traditional house,” Hyser explains.
“By choosing the monolithic dome design out of Texas, the inspiration was to have a structure that offers ‘near-absolute protection’ (rated for EF5 tornadoes) while staying naturally comfortable.”
Hyser adds that a key part of the vision was the hydronic floor heating, which is powered by an external pellet boiler, ensuring that the system can run without posing any risks to the home’s inhabitants.
“This creates a healthy living environment by keeping all combustion and carbon monoxide risks completely outside the home,” he explains.
The energy-efficient residence with a stand-alone gas generator for uninterrupted power features a sliding glass door and oversized windows to flood the open floor plan with natural light. Its unique design also provides for “ultralow energy costs,” Hyser reveals.
“It is remarkable that nearly 1,900 square feet of space stays ice cold in the summer using only a 24,000 BTU air conditioner running at a fraction of its capacity,” he shares.
“With three 36-foot-diameter domes and 16-foot center heights, every room (except the guest bath) has soaring exposed ceilings and dome walls that make the interior feel incredibly vast.”
Custom-built in 2022, the residence could be used as a primary home, a secondary escape, a corporate retreat, or a rental property.
“The property is perfectly suited as a corporate retreat for events or vacation packages sponsored by a corporation,” Hyser says.
“The open-concept layout and large center island (with seating for eight) encourage collaborative gatherings. With an 850-foot paved driveway and a dedicated spot for a 40-foot diesel motorhome (complete with electrical, plumbing, and sewer hookups), it is also an ideal home base for high-end travelers.”
The 2,163-square-foot home features a chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry, an oversized island with stone countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. A spacious living room has hardwood floors and glass doors that open up to an enclosed sunroom.
“The next buyer is likely someone who values innovation and smart engineering,” Hyser says. “It appeals to a professional who wants a fortress-like level of safety and low-cost living but also enjoys hosting in a modern, open environment.
“The inclusion of the whole-house dehumidifier, ERV for fresh air, and stand-alone generator makes it perfect for a buyer who wants a ‘set it and forget it’ high-performance home.”
Other highlights include heated floors, whole-home automation for lighting, temperature, and security, and “FEMA-recognized disaster-resilient architecture (wind, fire, and storm rated).”
“It is fully equipped as a primary residence with a three-car garage and robust self-sufficiency features,” he adds.
The property is just minutes away from Camp David and 20 minutes from Frederick.
“The location is a ‘best of both worlds’ scenario,” Hyser says. “It sits in a Forest Protection Area, ensuring your wooded surroundings and privacy are permanent.
“While it feels completely secluded, it is conveniently located right off Route 77, providing an easy link between Thurmont and Smithsburg. You have the best of Maryland’s state and national parks right at your doorstep, backed by the security of a home that can operate independently off the grid.”