14 Years Living Off-Grid in a Self-Built Cabin & Farming Tons of Food on the Land

Stephanie and Joel share their 14-year journey of building a home from reclaimed materials, living off-grid with solar power, and growing a lot of their own food, from fruits and veggies to milk, meat, and honey.
They built their home on shared land using materials they salvaged from the dump, wood from a building they took apart themselves, and whatever free stuff they could get their hands on. They had no electricity in the beginning so they only had candles. Eventually, they got a solar panel and a battery to run lights, and the systems have evolved from there.
They now have a wood cookstove for heat and cooking in the winter, 5 solar panels and 4 lithium batteries for electricity (plus a generator to supplement on cloudy days), a washing machine, a propane fridge and stove for summertime cooking, and a thermostat controlled propane stove so they don't have to get up in the middle of the night to stoke the fire. For water they have a quarry on the land which they draw from to fill a reservoir in their loft. From there, the water is gravity fed into the kitchen and bathroom. Their drinking water comes from a well on the property. The toilet is an Airhead urine diverting toilet.
The cabin has a master bedroom in the loft and a main-floor bedroom that's split into two sleeping spaces for their kids. They have an open-concept kitchen, dining and living room area, and the bathroom is closed in with a beautiful bottle wall. There's also a sunroom they recently added to the front of the house to bring in natural light, passive solar heating, and to grow food in the winter (with the help of LED grow lights).
For work, Joel owns a tree service business, and Stephanie runs an off-grid Airbnb business. You can check out the awesome Pickalotta off-grid cabin here:
www.airbnb.ca/rooms/53201098
Thanks for watching!
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Website: www.exploringalternatives.ca
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COMMENTS
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We want our channel and our comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and contribute. For this reason, comments that are inappropriate or hateful will be reported and/or deleted.
Please discuss and debate with respect, and report inappropriate or hateful comments directly to KZbin.
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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Exploring Alternatives
Build photos provided by Joel and Stephanie from Chickadilly Farm
#offgrid #offgridliving #offgridhomestead

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching! You can check out Joel and Stephanie's off-grid cabin rental here: www.airbnb.ca/rooms/53201098

[@jaydee9155]

Where has your wife been? I haven't seen her in a few videos now.

[@DrukmoJTY]

My dream house ❤

[@baddog9320]

You have BEES. Care to sell me a nuc in Spring? I know they can be overnight US postal. Just tell me price you want before shipping.

[@neilcavanaugh1069]

Love the plants in front of your solar panels! Cannabis for the win

[@kasewer540]

Woow... unbelievable

[@SubhadipMakar]

why can't we all live in peace? what's happened to the world? this is the way i want to live.

[@sugarSugar6099]

Excalty right, why can’t we

[@patriciagriffith7402]

@@sugarSugar6099 the controllers don’t want that

[@brucedownunda7054]

@@patriciagriffith7402 Correct George. The Divisionaries would have to work for their bacon.

[@alexanderreyes222]

The government want to control everything. And charge us electricity water when u can get it free.

[@michaelrichards669]

Taxes....... Tax.... Tax..... Taxes

[@judyofthewoods]

True pioneers with the kind of house/setup I'd like to see more of instead of $150 000 glam tiny houses. Thanks for sharing.

[@cmpowell01]

Yes!

[@SqueakyCricket]

Exactly! Those high priced "yuppie" houses are not in my budget whatsoever.

[@tj-kv6vr]

judge not please

[@SqueakyCricket]

@@tj-kv6vr Who's judging?

[@Balqis1119]

True, bc those capitalist inspired versions are not of the essence or Spirit of permaculture. S & J have something lovely here but their air bnb prices are back to the same old capitalist extortion, so very on the grid is not for me. I guess I'll be waiting for my own cob build and more community of true culture-led workshops.

[@albertine2169]

I love that this couple are sensible and practical and admit everything isn't 'sunshine and flowers'. They have a beautiful lifestyle.

[@I_like_aliens_from_mars]

Also they have great chemistry

[@CornStalk777]

SI oq

[@barbwatkins3676]

Wow! What a fantastic couple. No nonsense, motivated, ingenious and honest. The house is eclectic and so attractive. Love the use of the glass bottles, love the use of colour and the gardens are amazing. Congratulations on all the hard work which has come to fruition with this beautiful home. 🦋

[@lizzieb6311]

Yes! Imagine how great those kids will turn out… there IS a future with young Pioneers like these raising families in this lifestyle. Beautiful.

[@paulrozko4815]

What’s are the glass bottles are for ?

[@puneetkaur7778]

“We are very rich in food.” What a wonderful statement.

[@PedroGomez-xf3be]

I really believe that this is the way humanity should be living.

[@mattheweburns]

I swear that anybody growing up in a situation like this is going to have a better and brighter future with all of these tools they learn. We miss a lot of things schooling 9 to 5. It’s always great to learn from your parents and it’s always great to learn things that can’t help you survive, it’s crazy that this is the majority these days because not too long ago at all this is how most people lived if you couldn’t get by this way you couldn’t get by at all… Thanks for the videos, cheers!

[@thebigmann81]

But we was forced by the government to go to work instead of living off the land. If we don't work there for we not have cash money . So we can't pay properly tax now we just lost our land that we owned. At least the majority it's that way.

[@LostCaper]

100 percent agreed.

[@gregjohnson2335]

Great to learn things that *can't* help

[@christianhilton3281]

@@thebigmann81 our neighbors just grow grapes. they can sell the grapes, make jam or wine. they had the right idea by being self sufficient and having income still for taxes. as well as they enjoy the farming so you’ll just need a good plan 👍🏼

[@denisestarr2314]

6 years off grid .built my own house . Working on growing food. Planting fruit trees . Working on garden beds and green house .

[@ktylonox8646]

"Simple living really isn't that simple" Wisdom to live by! Thank you. Any lifestyle that builds gratitude builds happiness. You two are inspiring people.

[@anubis2874]

This is the life im dreaming. I bought a few acres of land with 3 creeks in a very rural area. Put a fence, made a rough road, plant about 60 varieties of fruits. Now im hoping to build a small cabin and start living from the land sustainable as possible. Money is main problem for me too.

[@tempest_2222]

im 18 this is my dream how did you get the money to buy acres?

[@anubis2874]

@@tempest_2222 i had small land in near city and i sold half of it and bought 5 acres. Land preparations and fence is done, plant about 30 varieties of fruits , and im hoping to build a small cabin for me but still i have to collect money for that

[@itaiitai100]

Do you know how to build?

[@trupinys1979]

Do you need a partner/wife? :)

[@wingman751]

the sooner you build fruit trees the happier you will become in future ..

[@matthagge4792]

It's nice to see an off-grid property featured that actually experiences winter. So often I find these idealistic properties are located in places like California and other areas with the luxury of year round, or nearly year round growing seasons, tons of sunlight for solar, and minimal insulation requirements. Meanwhile those of us up north with 3-4 month growing seasons have to take an entirely different approach.

[@Scriptorsilentum]

yup. one thing in northern mich i can tell you - INSULATION! there is never enough...

[@denisecatlett7203]

People living on their own terms just makes me happy. You are truly free!

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Wow 14 years. They are very self efficient. This lifestyle seems to fit them. Thanks Matt and Danielle for sharing.👍👍❤

[@wyntersteele1a]

I love homes that look like nature is trying to reclaim them. Homes that look like they "fit" into the surrounding environment. The red sunroom part of this home has to be my favorite part. I love the color and the structure. The window arches add the perfect touch. It reminds me of a conservatory in Victorian homes. I adore that entire look. Also love the openness and straight height of the home. It doesn't have annoying corners to block the view. The metal staircase is another favorite view point to me. The two of you have created a beautiful life and home together.

[@joburgerer4127]

I am really into watching these alternative/ off-grid lifestyle vids but this one blew me away. The beauty of Stephanie and Joel's house! Its really inspirational that they made that themselves spending almost no money. I am really impressed! Their house could be featured in an interior design magazine. My favourite part is the glass bottle wall behind the spiral staircase. Another highlight was the woodworking details on the outside of the greenhouse room. Well done. Greetings from Stellenbosch, South Africa

[@poeticcatcat2353]

Love that the bottle necks are visible in the bathroom.

[@shirlsa.8613]

I admire your lifestyle. I know it’s hard work but wish I could have lived like that in my younger years. Abundant blessings, peace and love to your family!

[@sunshineb7006]

Sad thing is we can't live like this in South Africa. It's too dangerous 😢

[@bellinghammond]

I am so glad (relieved even) that these two had kids

[@redheadedgypsy1939]

I love this couple!!! Fantastic setup & full of GRATITUDE, you can feel the LOVE from this these two - truly blessed!!!! A real paradise that they've created!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@emilyemily7837]

You're such an example!!! Teaching your kids about self employment is so important! I bet they love living that way

[@wearetheobservers2727]

This is so beautiful, you look so radiant and alive! What a great way of living and raising your children 🥰

[@garretts6190]

legit they look so lively

[@jongrenon2596]

(from Jon's wife): What a beautiful couple with a fantastic attitude about off-grid living. They are very inspiring!

[@adayinlife101]

The most realistic off-grid video that I have ever seen. Thank you guys.

[@lizzieb6311]

What a beautiful way of life… simple is better… but it doesn’t mean “easy”. I love seeing young families embracing and respecting nature. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@buzzybee186]

They seem like an amazing couple and I love their honesty in the troubles they've had. More of this please!

[@nicoledaniels817]

“I leave the door open and I watch the birds “ 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾Bravo !GREAT Video

[@DeathToMockingBirds]

Their setup is amazing, but their respective attractiveness is off the chart.

[@emperorkalel]

This is my dream! God bless them...

[@aistirsplace3074]

I love this couple and what they have built for themselves.

[@sway696]

Great to see all your hard work paying off. Nothing worthwhile is easy. Very inspiring. Thank you for sharing so much with us.🙂

[@thetarantella69]

Beautiful. This is how we used to live, and it's time we taught our children how it's done. There's been times when I haven't had much money, and I've though of going out and picking nettles and making my own soup. Story telling around the camp fire, is far more valuable than watching TV or other devices ❤

[@JB-eg1tb]

"It's not all glamor. Simple living really isn't that simple... gratitude, appreciation..." Appreciate your perspective and your honesty. It's nice to be reminded that how we approach our circumstances makes such a difference.

[@alandsofairandbright]

I love when couples finish each other's sentences. What a amazing offering video,my favorite one actually.

[@ZoeandMaxVideos]

toughing it out in the beginning is always worth it and makes you appreciate the little things when you fix them!

[@gracereeder6202]

This is always what I wanted, I just don’t know how to start! You guys definitely are inspirational

[@WitchyBlueMoonlight]

Save money & buy your own land.

[@DocStrange0123]

Start like all journeys start, pick a road and start to walk, eventually you'll get somewhere. I'm starting to do the same and the journey is filled with tears and laugh, because the journey is as important as the goal, to start you only want to want it and do it.

[@sam_safari]

am from tanzania i actually have a land of 1k hectares plus but still figuring out whom to move on with

[@sanvat6379]

A happy couple .... just love the way they burst into laughter while narrating their story of knitting together a life totally off grid.... great 👏👍👍 Wish you all the best.

[@mellownessuperstar2618]

2 gorgeous people living a dream!

[@ifeanyibobby7681]

This right here is partnership. We love to see.....❤❤

[@beautifulcrazy]

Beautiful. This is what the tiny house movement started out being, until Australians and New Zealanders started building expensive tiny houses.

[@mapuanakupuna3471]

LOVE your BEAUTIFUL HOME & GARDENS that you've built starting from nothing & building "as we could afford"!! Very cool! You're a GREAT EXAMPLE of what one can accomplish through DETERMINATION & HARD WORK!! You're an inspiration! It's awesome that you're doing workshops & sharing your wisdom, knowledge & experience with others. U GUYS R ROCKIN IT!! Words to the wise, "simple living isn't all that simple"! Many Blessings to you all! Mahalo nui loa for sharing your incredible journey! Aloha!

[@mortgagefinancing5558]

As another human being I am so proud of you guys. ...Well done !

[@blunttalkingoffspring]

Amazing. Thank you for sharing your life with us. ❤

[@debnewton5707]

Just beautiful...real people too...the house & other buildings have soul, absolutely enchanting. Thank you for sharing that with us...

[@BrigitteGoodman]

Two beautiful people living a beautiful life. She looks like Julia Roberts.

[@mercynamikoye9084]

This is refreshing, not extreme and always growing. Just normal humans doing their best. I love it.

[@janinafisher101]

Living simply definitely isn't simple! But it is rewarding, we learn how to do so much, and there is definitely a sense of richness and true quality of life. Yes, it is hard work, too. I love love love to see young people choosing this lifestyle and passing on their learning to their children. Thanks for sharing this couple's experience.

[@LostCaper]

You can say that again. College, high pressure job retired early trying to go back to simple and it sure is not simple.

[@beverlyphillips3955]

Y’all have a beautiful home. Great job!

[@offgridmatt]

Awesome!!! We are a family of 4 and have been off grid on our 10 acres, 4.5 years now. Their interview is spot on regarding the lifestyle. ✌🏽🌱

[@oldgloryhillfarmturtlewoma9132]

The most beautiful thing about this home is that it shows the love it was built with.

[@onemantwohands5224]

These guys are lovely !! Absolutely love what they have done it's so beautiful ❤️

[@alisonmassina3868]

This is fantastic. I could watch this couple on KZbin, very humble, great advice 😊

[@rachelgalbraith8775]

Love this so much! Love your realness too!! The reality...its not all glamour but ALL that comes from it! Satisfaction and such gratitude. Way to go guys! Thanks for sharing!

[@sanjibkumar80]

Thanks for the inspiration guys.. 😇 I would love to live like this with my partner. This shows us the real meaning of life.

[@ediekoller1144]

Beautiful build. I admire this lovely couple for all the hard work they did. Many more happy and healthy lives ahead for you both.

[@conniegnesda9720]

Lovely couple! They appreciate the little things in life. Great place and so comfy! Great job guys!

[@bjohnson7255]

I can so much relate to this video. I grew up like this in the 60's. It was hard, but it sure did teach me how to survive.

[@anjali_channel_messages]

Thank you! It gives perspective, if things break, there is always a solution! Keep on looking and being appreciative!

[@yellowsellerco]

I'm jealous of you. That's a wonderful way to live for sure. Congrats.

[@buddyneher9359]

One of the most beautiful houses, on or off grid, I have ever seen!!!

[@docgima]

What a quality couple and quality setup. Thanks for sharing your home with us.

[@ann-mariejensen2623]

You two are keeping it real. Congrats! Love your honesty.

[@huascar66]

Very impressive compendium of living off the grid. Thank you sharing the genesis and evolution to where you are today. I am glad you are honest enough to say, "Simple living isn't all that simple."

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

Really liked their honesty about the challenges and hard work that come with this lifestyle. They didn't glamorize it. Could've listened to them longer. Would've loved to have known a little more about their journey and how they came to choose this way of living.

[@pandorapopstar3713]

These people are living my dream! I love it!!! Best of luck

[@georgesjeandenis]

I'm happy you guys made it.

[@LS-lq1pc]

What a beautiful, beautiful couple! So humble and grateful!

[@lajwantishahani1225]

At first I thought these kids are too young to go off-grid. But 14 years! Wow!!

[@fihilist]

Lovely to see, hope they and their family have many great years ahead of them. God bless

[@Eyespy11]

Wonderful life. How lucky your children are that you’re providing them with this lifestyle. Thanks for the video.

[@paccur1252]

It's beautiful.. people just don't realise the joy from having nothing and building little by little..the gratitude and appreciation for your hard work really pays of..

[@tiredoldman9414]

just watching this has calmed me down! need more folks like you in the world.

[@bosse641]

Awesome. Would love to live like that.

[@thecinematictourist1401]

Love it guys! Thanks for being honest about it all. “Simple living isn’t that simple” If I could go back in life I’d do this.

[@livingthelava]

Brilliantly honest. Thanks.

[@effinator]

Absolute G O A L S!! A true reflection of all the love and effort that has been put into it

[@tWz4462]

I'm so proud.. and I don't even know you guys.. but it shows how you can have your own if you really try . Your home is absolutely inspiring 🥰🙏.

[@suezaple4950]

WOW this tiny home is gorgeous, both your hard work and determination has definitely paid off, I can't say enough good about it i'd be rambling forever. The design is epic . You folks teaching your daughter the value of money and how to make it is wonderful . you are an amazing young couple .

[@nigellablossom]

Much appreciation for their transparency and honesty about the challenges that come with this lifestyle.. yet they still laugh and smile about it all. That's love, isn't it? Warts and all, they are truly deeply in love with the life they live. They are blessed!

[@wrighty338]

What a great setup, it has it all. The cabin has soo much character!

[@Matosjay]

nice set up..may God bless yall..

[@tainadelcaribe]

They look and sound fulfilled! Makes me happy see others achieving what they yearn for!

[@shivanichoudhary9129]

Major life goals this couple has achieved.👍😁

[@theylied1776]

If you're wondering if someone is Canadian, have them say either (process or adult).

[@enough1494]

You both look like health young people! When you said kids, I was truly shocked! Lovely life style, we live very similarly!

[@monicaweber5098]

What a beautiful presentation of all your efforts, blood, sweat and tears, 14 Years ago I started just like you guys and I can appreciate and reflect exactly on the very same appreciation towards a natural, simple and great off grid living... simply beautiful

[@RA-sk6qg]

Good job 👍 , things could go wrong soon , and while others start learning there way, you already master it

[@brucewilson1958]

I am a 68 year old American man. I come from a proud tradition of Dumpster Divers. America provides a wealth of 'junk'.

[@ellesmom2495]

Omgosh the peace they must have. A beautiful life,

[@sunnywatson1300]

It’s beautiful what you guys have built! I love it

[@theylied1776]

Oh my God, that is a beautiful stove.

[@ZoeandMaxVideos]

This is so inspiring! We can't wait to do the same!

[@eldonbogs]

This is so beautiful, and a true reminder for anyone in life... Look how they reminisce of the hardest times... That's just it, life is beautiful when you have things to overcome, challanges... This is a testetmant story that applies to all people of all finances! Enjoy this time in your life, it's precious and amazing!

[@carolynewins3227]

I've stayed at this B&B! Stephanie and Joel were really kind and the B&B cabin was beautiful. I would highly recommend!

[@bking0220]

I've been following you for years and this is one of the coolest stories I can recall. Want to stay there sometime!

[@YHWH101]

Where

[@nostalgio697]

Very nice couple and beautiful place.. thank you.

[@karolsartoasis4815]

That’s amazing. They are so courageous to make that change and stick with it for 14 years. Thanks for sharing this beautiful video. ❤

[@sgrvtl7183]

Wonderful! Thoroughly enjoyed ‘meeting’ this couple. 🦋💜

[@MAYK1NG]

They must have started when they were twenty! Beautiful work 🍁

[@AvaLight143]

I’m so inspired Thank you for sharing your life w us Grateful 🥰

[@tam1729]

So happy for them.

[@ariel393939]

Wow, I am impressed, this is fantastic. What a humbled beginning, you guys have put a lot of hard work into this build, and it is growing. I really love that wood stove. 14 yrs living off grid that is the longest I have seen online. I also liked the bottle wall. Stephanie has that award winning Julia Roberts smile. Tfs