Building Stairs into the Root Cellar in my Off Grid Log Cabin

I'm really settling in to the cabin this winter and I am finally able to get some of the important projects done, especially safety issues like building the stairs and railing in the breezeway down to the root cellar.
During the cold winter, I eat a lot of protein and fat so I'm constantly cooking bear and venison on the wood stove, which is stored in the solar powered freezer in the basement along with potatoes and carrots in the back portion of the cellar.
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200 Manitoba St., Unit 3, Suite 415
Bracebridge, ON P1L 2E2

[@mimistans7715]

My parents bought a two bedroom house when I was very young. I slept in their bedroom in a baby bed and my two Brothers slept in the second bedroom. Dad dug out a very small cellar, and added an extra bedroom over the cellar. Mom canned and mom stored her canned good in that small cellar. They passed many years ago and my oldest brother lives there now. For no construction knowledge, dad did a great job.

[@sandyjuntunen4088]

How wonderful that it's still in your family! Few of us have a real part of our childhood or family history anymore, & I think it's a great loss.

[@alleyal5898]

It's awesome that the house is still in the family, i wish I could go back to my childhood home, but unfortunately it doesn't exist anymore, but I can say I have pictures , photos of it so that something. 😊

[@larrykelly2838]

Stairs look great and the pancakes looked delicious.

[@graciemaca6996]

@mimistans7715- That's how it was done years ago, many just made their own home without hiring a contactor, like many do today. They relied on the knowledge taught to them by their parents and grandparents. The home was then passed down to the adult children. ❤

[@darlenebadgley9337]

@@graciemaca6996 very true!

[@iimoreno29]

The sun is shining, the snow is melting, and there are no summer bugs. What a glorious day. You are truly blessed.

[@martyevans8162]

There is still NO ONE on any of the YT channels doing homesteads or any builds ... on or off grid .... that has achieved anywhere close to what you’ve done as one person or has shown the capacity for creativity, strength, commitment or stamina in their builds. Your channel name, My Self Reliance, is a true reflection of your lifestyle & every episode you produce ..... all this as well as your integrity & character leave no question how this channel has over 2 million uncomplaining, & loyal subscribers. Be well & stay safe!

[@suemitchell8641]

Personally, I think when the cabin is done, your wife has permanently arrived, except odd & end small buildings, this is going to be a " and they lived happily ever after" kind of build. As with every home there is always changes made . 🎉

[@prasad530]

@@suemitchell8641 Has it been stated that his wife is interested in this lifestyle? I am amazed at Shawn's skill and dedication to this project, but it takes a certain kind of person to live like this. Watching a well crafted video from the comfort of your couch makes this lifestyle much more appealing. So far the rest of the family seems content to enjoy the property in limited doses.

[@Mads-hl8xj]

Try Kris Harbour Natural Building

[@Tracy_R]

Couldn't have said it any better myself Applause

[@user-dg3iu8fd3h]

Хорошо уютно кресло коврики на полу.классно тихо спокойно. Интересно Шон в этом доме будет жить

[@itsjusttoolate]

I'm definitely not just saying this when I say this is literally the coolest nicest cabin I have seen yet built by a single man. Absolutely fantastic work, just incredible man.

[@miriamvegagonzalez3058]

Yes.👍

[@itsjusttoolate]

@@dol3980 No nick definitely couldn't have. Nick has been working on his cabin WAY longer than Shawn, Shawn has built 2 cabins in the time Nick and nick isn't even done yet.

[@TheWestlandgirl]

​@@dol3980 Troll

[@jockeberg4089]

I used to think the old cabin was awesome. Couldn't even dream you had this much potential. The new cabin is just starting to look soooo good Shawn. It's not even "a cabin" anymore, it's a home.

[@Svetllana_Yugoslavna]

Yes ! )) That is why, I began to long look , it a video- perfect the life , it channel..❤❤❤

[@patriciatennery3021]

Your wife has to be pleased with the design now that it is 😊going to be for both of you. It really is a showpiece!!

[@mnilsson2704]

Dream home, so joyous to watch

[@tresalamb-5906]

I like this cabin much better than the old one. It shows that you're thinking of your wife more & her comfort. If ay make a suggestion...build a spice rack behind your prep area. The drawers can be used for silverware & tea towels, etc. Don't forget shelves in the cellar.

[@seitsen]

Only that the mug should say "What happens at the cabin..... goes to KZbin"

[@carriebush4612]

The home you have painstakingly made is so beautiful. Thank you for inviting us to be here with you.

[@kurtbaker4078]

Amen to that!

[@deltaprepper60]

Sitting on your front porch with the sun in your face & Calie by your side must be exhilarating ! 😎

[@mikedeclerck1421]

LUV to see the adulation and appreciation from others. Every Friday morning that I get to indulge in your new episode sends me on a high for the rest of the day. Give Cali a BIG SMOOCH from Mike & Ronnie. GOD BLESS

[@gma56]

Yippee! The mom in me can rest easy now that the staircase is in! Great job

[@patsydanec7864]

Me too Gma-although I knew that would be next on the “to do” list-😊

[@loridill4683]

So cute to hear Cali snooring.

[@1voice4you]

SHAWN I THINK WE ALL WOULD AGREE, IF I NEED INSPIRATION AT 68 YEARS OLD, I WATCH YOU!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ETHIC, APPRECIATE YOU, LOVE, GOD BLESS & A BUCKET OF HUGS = TAKE 1 AS NEEDED....Cheryl in Wisconsin

[@rachelfrees1268]

Callie snoring and sleeping❤. Wow, those steps happened fast. Everything you build is tops. Your home is so welcoming. Yours and Callie’s meals are yummy.🎉 The grain in the wood you r working with is stunning. Take care everyone.

[@patriciatennery3021]

I’m a Chuckwagon Chef. Did it for fun in Houston.

[@SWAMPHUNTER644]

Might I suggest you paint the front edge of the steps with white sand paint to make the steps more visible in the dark and also to prevent slipping.

[@jaelee7741]

Char Coaling lover and he may have final char coaling for door frame too. Good thought but way too much!

[@robocop1985]

No, since nobody cares

[@videodistro]

@@robocop1985 really? Looks like the suggestion is getting lots of thumbs up and you are getting - nothing. Hahaha! Sometimes the best builders may overlook something or take up good ideas.

[@LaLadybug2011]

It IS a great idea. And one he will appreciate as he and his wife get older because it gets harder to see surface depth changes. Especially ones that are all the same color and texture.

[@Helene2367]

I'd put a little/half swing door at the top of the steps with a latch and a hand railing along the stairs going down. Nobody is getting any younger, safety first.

[@franklinpugh4432]

I can only imagine how much work you do that we don't see. The behind the scenes set up and moving of cameras constantly, not to mention the time editing takes. Yet, you make look effortless. It's almost as if we're there with you. I've been following you for over three years now, I look forward to the Friday morning video. You bring this 70-year-old man much enjoyment with your channel. Thank you.

[@jasonkeith674]

Something tells me, you earned every bit of this peacefulness you’ve created. 👏🙏🙏

[@2dronetek2]

I am just amazed by the craftsmanship displayed in every shot of your home. I watched the first build so I never doubted the ambition or ability.....but to see it actually coming to life is amazing!

[@lovegamecoffee9837]

Perfectly said 👏

[@athollmcnicoll1028]

Not only do we get to learn woodwork from The Master but cookery classes as well, so you see folks , home improvements can be entertaining even though watching varnish dry can be somewhat of a monotony. Cheers Shawn and Cali.

[@roberttrifts2737]

The lamp between the chairs and how it reflects off of the wood in that corner seems to give off a warm colour that is the **perfect ambience**. I hope it appears as comforting in person as it does on camera!

[@clairea-t7045]

I've lived alone for 20 years, sometimes it's hard to watch this without reading between the lines and seeing what's not there, as significant.

[@sherrysmith9234]

Very nice and so interesting. Not knowing exactly what your design was, it was nice to watch it come together. Thank you for allowing us into your home. I am retired and on a fixed income. That makes it not possible to be a patreon. However, I am careful to view and give thumbs up.

[@williamaus3211]

Shawn I was just wondering how the green house is holding up. We can see the garden is covered in snow. Do you have any plants still growing? How is the fig doing? How is the temperature inside? Just some random thoughts. Got to say I love the tiled floor in the mudroom.

[@marianfrances4959]

Yesterday my goal was to have love and compassion for all I encountered, in person and in thought. Today my goal is the same for myself. Relaxing and thoroughly enjoying this video are a wonderful start to my day. Thank you Team Shawn and Cali. 👍🇨🇦😎🙏🐾🔥

[@briansulley4891]

I love that your new kitchen drawers are only a couple of weeks old, and yet you've already got that one drawer (that we all have) that is over-filled to the point that it hardly opens. This made my day!

[@Go4Corvette]

I'll get back to work on my cabin soon but it's a much smaller project than yours. I feel lucky to be retired and single now. Don't think my wife would have wanted to live off grid like I do. Good luck, Shawn hope all goes well, Mike

[@duchessofelements]

Aloha Mr. James . I feel this is a bit over due. Now that you been in your new Mansion Cabin. I speak for all your fans, thank you for sharing the build of your 2nd cabin. I enjoy watching you do some minor touch ups to it. Again Thank you for sharing. 🏠

[@Farm_fab]

My dad worked for an architectural door company that used the charred technique on doors to make them look well seasoned. After charring them with a rosebud torch tip, they took a wire brush to the surface which left raised grain, and this was called "Del Fuego" in Spanish, which means of fire or burned. It was one of their more desirable processes as sales went.

[@deborl7278]

Wow Thankyou for that information

[@MagdaRantanplan]

@@skillby It is called many things all over the world. Humans have been using this technique for thousands of years and i dont think they cared if it is japanese or not. Or if the japanese technique is just right at this moment in history the most well "known". I can darkly remember reading of the spanish Del Fuego when i was curious about the chared wood at my childhood home in the 80's. And later on around 2008 i took part in an archelogical dig in the middle of germany and we where excavating a bronze age settlement, there was an ancient well that was lined with roughly squared charred up logs. Same technique, differen name, used since humans discovered fire and its use.

[@randywunderlich6315]

I’ve been waiting to see the stairs to the root cellar… we weren’t disappointed, great job on the handrails and ice box platform… it’s really coming together!!!!! My wife loves seeing how Cali interacts with the constant changes!!!!

[@InFltSvc]

You know what would be amazing “ if you willed this property” to a park foundation or some sort of society, to preserve it, and used as a museum for visitors for life after you pass away. Keeping your name and amazing work forever to those that come to see it…think about that. The stories told to the visitors of how you built all this by hand by yourself. It really would be a national treasure!

[@davepost7675]

Glad to see this video. Every time you walked by that hole, I always worried you might fall in. Looks great.

[@thestreetfighter524]

You make living off grid in a cabin looks soooo appealing, all the comforts of home in a forest settings and a bit more like nature and the wilderness all around you. No more hurried city life, no crime, groceries just around the backyard, silence is golden. Keep enjoying life as nature intended. I guess talking to yourself is therapeutic.

[@Rebeccawilliams-pb1us]

One proud puppy strutting around with her toy. Much personality, love watching her!

[@susanalbone5101]

Well done, a lot of hard work but what a result. You seem to effortlessly put things together but I know it happens with meticulous precision. Amazing difference in just a few weeks, really homely now. Take care, be safe. ❤ Dorset, UK

[@bcmadern]

Every Friday I watch your videos and enjoy what you make there and the life you have there. I admire you for how you do it all and what you make with your hands, real craftsmanship. God bless and greetings from the Netherlands

[@T_B]

I'm glad you're done with that part because I was worried that you'd step back into that cellar hole. It looks GREAT too!!

[@heatherclayton-callaghan4270]

Who'd have thought this Spring you'd be adding the finishing touches to the the interior of your hand built log homestead Sir!!!! What an absolute work of art from start rj finish @Shawn. I hope you are as immensely proud of your accomplishment as I and so many thousands of people around the world, are of you and that spirit of self determination you exhibit. From Australia with much love & prayers: for a life most pleasing to our CREATOR .🇦🇺🤗💞🙏✌️👍👏🇨🇦

[@craigrobbins8981]

Every week the cabin just keeps getting better and better, great job Shawn.

[@Shelleys4Seasons]

Not to mention the cooking!

[@kingrafa3938]

Friday is not complete without My Self Reliance new uploaded video.

[@katherineconaway584]

This is just unbelievable!!! No one tops you in inspiration, originality, especially in work ethic!! You are driven and my hat's off to you sir!!

[@tractorcorleone]

He doesn't need anyone to tell him what to do, he just does it without many words, he talks to Kali and that's enough 👍👍

[@guppy2129]

Spectacular job! What a magnificent accomplishment, Shawn! Not to mention that breakfast fit for a king, yum!

[@alwayssearching1882]

I love watching the "little projects" add to the hard labor of the major build. The warm glow of the light in the fireplace room is so relaxing to behold. The cellar was a great decision you made. Spring is in the air. Can't wait to watch the outside kitchen build.

[@michaelmcgrath7712]

Amazing , and beautiful piece of work .Mr. Proenneke is smiling down.

[@christineguzicki3883]

Liebe Grüsse an Sie und Cali, die Treppen und Gelände sind top ❤❤❤🐕❤🍀

[@globetrotting2628]

The place is really coming together and looking like a lived-in home. The work and craftsmanship of using the environment around you is wonderful to watch. Another well done cabin in the woods.

[@billellson587]

I started binge watching your videos about 2 weeks ago and can't stop watching them. Then I also subscribed to your daughter's page. I can only imagine the satisfaction you feel. Just watched the newest one with the cellar stairs and now the pan fry. Awesome

[@annh9225]

Talk about making every square inch useful Shawn! What a luxury to have such posh stairs to a mud cellar! And burning the wood will certainly slow down wood decay - well done, as usual Shawn!

[@167curly]

It's interesting to see you working outside in a teeshirt now, Shawn now that the calendar says that it's officially spring. A good omen for future progress at the homestead. I guess that the smoky fire is a sign that mozzies are appearing now, and watching stairs being constructed is always a satisfying thing. It must have given you a feeling of closure to take the ladder outside too. You sure had my juices flowing watching you make blueberry pancakes with thick bacon. You gave me a slightly anxious moment watching you wrestle with the ice-box over the root cellar opening. Happy to see your safety measures installed with the stairs, Shawn.

[@sydneyevans2637]

Good morning Mr. James! The steps to the cellar turned out great. I especially like the top step with the texture of the saw marks. The brick floor will probably gather its own patina with wear. All your hard work is truly paying off. Best to all!

[@mycelticstardust]

Bricks on the floor in the cellar would stop tracking sand up stairs. Your home is amazing!!!❤❤❤

[@mary333j]

I was thinking the same! Why didn't he finished the floor and the walls in the basement first!? Definitely going to bring dirt into the cabin!

[@StumblerUSA]

I suspect that he'll frame in a floor at some point.

[@jimjustjim976]

Open earth floor is best for cold and especially the humidity needed

[@alliphx]

The "Linseed and Minwax" montage at the end was my favorite. 😂 I love watching these when I'm down. There is no better medicine than these videos. Thank you for sharing them. 💓

[@131dyana]

Your Wife will be able to go down stairs now when she comes home. Thanks for sharing with us. God bless.

[@karenminckler4198]

Shawn this new home is amazing. I loved the old one but this one Is beautiful. I can’t wait to see what you do next. I love watching everything you do.

[@kathleenlock8963]

I never cease to be amazed at your talent and craftsmanship, the cabin looks great!

[@albertscheller485]

Hallo ich wünsche euch beiden ein schönes Wochenende und viel Gesundheit und Erfolg bei der Arbeit super super super Arbeit. Ps Albert aus Deutschland

[@armandzottola1626]

Shawn: it’s so important that you take little breaks … as you do. Changing tasks is good mental and physical smarts. Hardly a surprise from you.

[@brocknbrie990]

Shawn is the shizzle but I gotta chuckle sometimes when he goes from carpentry to cooking - the pots and pans, they gunna take a beating!

[@Casey9269]

I am truly amazed and impressed by how much you have accomplished in the short time you have been building your cabin. It truly is a beautiful home and I can’t wait to see you begin building your outdoor kitchen.

[@sarahtyster7342]

I love the home, but also I love that we get to see the adorable old golden retriever. she's such a sweetheart. that house is fabulous. I love watching the build. it's so beautifully made, the solidness is gorgeous on the eye too.

[@terryrobinson1416]

Typical bachelor's dining table. Always a mess. Lol great video!

[@grahamball364]

Hi Shawn, I look to most days on you to see what you are up to and it amazes me how much you have done, working as a one-man worker, making everything out of the forest is a great achievement and the last homestead was beautiful like this home now so lovely. stay safe my friend.

[@sherryschuman9299]

The cabin is beautiful and very homey. You have done an amazing job. This one is so much bigger than the first one. You are an amazing person. God bless you and your family.☺️

[@bethwalley9449]

So sorry for your loss! Bruce was a beautiful,smart, and good dog. Praying for comfort and peace for you and the family.

[@shortsweettoo]

Getting the stairs done must be such a relief. No more ladder, lol.

[@kimpike4362]

Rustic, but never crude. Thoughtful design, skillful craftmanship.

[@catherinelery9273]

Vous n'arrêtez jamais Je suis toujours aussi admirative de vos travaux encore une fois bravo Monsieur ❤️🇫🇷

[@2to-tango]

Its never old watching you. You never stop and always thinking whats next. I keep you in my prayers. 💕🙏

[@STUFFWEDO]

At minute 45 the shadow in the shape of a cross on your front door was such an apt symbol. Thank you for sharing. The cabin is looking great

[@gemgari]

This cabin is built like Gibraltar!👍❤️

[@mariareyesrosado425]

Great workmanship. The food looks delicious. ❤

[@schrodingerscat7218]

The basement is under-rated and is one of the best and most practical features of the build. Dick Proenekke is smiling with pride in his protege.

[@nanaobx]

Ain't gonna lie...those blueberry pancakes made me hungry (being on a low carb diet, ugh) I'm amazed at what he's built. I followed him in his previous cabin and understand he built a cabin as a teenager. Such a multi-talented man. Wishing him many happy years in his slice of heaven.

[@catherinehutton9133]

Stunning results. Cabin has morphed into a beautiful home. Can’t wait to see how the outdoors kitchen & bedroom extension look too. 👏

[@greywolfwalking6359]

Very good use of that space over the stairs...well done! Quite the showcase cabin you've built... Thanks for sharing your time n talents with us on this project!! C ya on the trail, for a new vid!!!! 👍🧙‍♂️🐺!!!!

[@johnsmalley9610]

You have the most beautiful and intensely crafted cabin on KZbin, without a doubt. Wow

[@catherinelery9273]

Vous avez bati un très joli chalet confortable,il vous manque des rideaux, mais vous n'avez pas de chambre ?. Vous n'arrêtez jamais vous trouvez toujours quelque chose à faire, bravo, monsieur,et votre chien est adorable ❤️🇫🇷

[@firstchoicephoto]

Glad you got the stairs and railings in, was worried Cali would fall down there. Oh ya you as well Shawn 😁

[@smart1929]

손재주가 천재입니다...캐나다 숲속에도 봄이 오고 있겠지요?이곳 대한민국에도 꽃이피는 봄이 찾아 왔습니다.건강 하시고 가내 행복 하시길 기원드립니다.

[@vernareed2692]

Wow,a REALLY authentic log home!! From the ground up!! And so beautiful,cozy, comfortable!!

[@billhays9371]

Shawn’s so good he just looks at the nail and the nail hammers itself.

[@brianmros4844]

Hi Shawn, it's amazing how busy that you always are, and still put out so many videos. I've enjoyed both of your channels since the old property. Most things happen for a reason, and I think the new place is so much better, Thank you for sharing all the great things that you do. I look forward to the bedroom addition, and all the other things that you do. Take care.

[@young-soonkim6730]

Good Friday Shawn & Cali🐕! Your log cabin looks marvelous, warm and like the cosy home. 👍🌅🏔️🏡🛠️

[@schmock911]

Its hard to believe, you build all this up with your own hands. Incredible nice work, Shawn!

[@donSparda]

Cali snoring is asmr. hour long loop please

[@lindabaldwin6716]

I love what you did for the stairs and ice box. Cali snoring reminded me of my dog Sadie. So wShing the chat is next finishing the cellar? Greenhouse will start as well plus the maple syrup season. Busy time for you.😁

[@deirdrehickey2183]

Shawn, very well done. You have finally got yourself a stairs to your cellar. Congratulations 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@elizabethharris371]

Absolutely beautiful workmanship!

[@MrSTOUT73]

Beautiful work on the stairs and guard rail.

[@scottbabb4485]

It's changing from a house (or cabin) to a home. It's such a pleasure watching the transformation Shawn.

[@moon-dg2xs]

Hello ! I m in France . I see you from some days. Your house is wonderful, and your dog too.Thank you for your beautiful vidéos

[@randybryant9936]

The last two videos have made an amazing transformation it looks nice and comfy

[@dangerouswitch1066]

been watching for years, it has really come along beautifully.

[@dannyburrell4014]

Fine job. The Log Mahal is progressing everyday.

[@marimehlen2813]

It’s always a joy to watch the weekly video. When I see the condensation and ice on your windows I’m wondering if the windows has a single glass or if they are double. In Norway we had a pair of winter windows that we put inside into the window frame in the late autumn and then we didn’t have much condensation on the windows during winter. 😊

[@18rcurry]

I love all the new and recent projects you have completed. The added touches that personalize your home with there added beauty. Thank you for sharing.

[@oneyon_1]

I really enjoy! How tastefully and professionally you do the work! You are wonderful, I have been following you for years. I wish I could be near you and learn many things from you. Your daughter is really lucky to have a father like you.

[@bigunone]

Man I love the sound of a nail being driven in. Nail guns are fast but they just don't have the noise The way Cally was breathing you would have thought she had done all the work!

[@stmtpls1481]

Looking good, hope you enjoy it for many years to come! Best wishes and thanks for the videos

[@TrixieM712]

It must feel good to do the finish work for all your needs and comfort. Loving all the brilliant touches .

[@sunnybaek4263]

I've been waiting for a new video for a week, and now I'm watching the video of building your log house for the first time 5 years ago! The house is getting more and more beautiful as you add furniture one by one~^^"

[@joehaefeker1755]

I knew this cabin was going to turn out to be super impressive Shawn Names🎉