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

[@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

[@Jeaniekasewer540]

Woow... unbelievable

[@albertine2169]

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

[@SpongeBob_circle_pants]

Also they have great chemistry

[@Chinchapakdumdum]

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

[@luzcarroll]

They grow their own foods. That’s a great idea. Living peacefully

[@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!

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

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

[@tj-kv6vr]

judge not please

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

@@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.

[@Bright79-111]

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

[@77jagjit]

True

[@Victoria-oi2dm]

Me too

[@joninature]

I agree!

[@zvorenergy]

It is, but our sociopathic elite overlords dont want us to have freedom.

[@quackers4207]

it’s so beautiful they they met each other so much passion shared

[@denisecatlett7203]

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

[@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 ?

[@rokurota3311]

This is what hippies have been doing for years... its where they got the idea. Many friends of mine have done this. Its weird to have mainstream people actually like this..

[@barbwatkins3676]

@@rokurota3311 why is it weird? Also many of us commenting might be "old hippies" ourselves. We all just appreciate the work ethic and the persistence and consistence. Not to mention the actual involvement they have with their kids... Btw I think people were doing this LONG before "hippies"...

[@rokurota3311]

@@barbwatkins3676 Oh god, its weird because generally all the average folk like cookie cutter aesthetics. Who the f@ck is buying all these cheaply made, homogenized houses in developments? We travel all over the US and the developments in Utah, Idaho and AZ are off the charts. And of course people were doing this before the hippies...people have been salvaging parts of other houses etc, for thousands of years.

[@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.

[@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 .

[@karinaboo1393]

@@denisestarr2314 this sounds amazing. keep going! i need this in my future

[@PoeticArt]

Many of our happy people seem to keep busy just enjoying each other living while growing and raising basic needs.

[@scherpenheuvelstad1686]

Love the way they built and expanded their house👍👍👍 and they are goodlooking despite the hard work they have done all these years.. I think it's much better than working from 9 to 6 and two hours driving to work and back home and doing it all over again the next days longing for the weekend (to do all the cleaning and shopping for the house). These people are owning their lives, enjoying the nature, spending more time with the family, eating healthy food 👍👍👍 Awesome👍

[@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

[@user-ou1ko3xb9x]

Taking my 4 littles and doing the same at the moment. I love this thank you for being you

[@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...

[@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.

[@cathylynnpietranton]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@emilyemily7837]

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

[@Biteme221]

I think its awesome candle light so cool you guys are so lucky to have each other im 56 lived a hard life although i have my daughter i don't have a significant other i guess thats the way it will stay im kinda old now to be out looking

[@jongrenon2596]

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

[@WaotJay]

So sweet, I thought it was the no-kids couple, but they have children raised on the land - sustainability in action. Her laugh is a proper good laugh 😂 Inspiring for me ❤

[@buzzybee186]

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

[@adayinlife101]

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

[@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.

[@kallasusort2986]

Stephanie and Joel you have made a wonderful life. Congrats

[@nicoledaniels817]

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

[@hayjust1]

You're my kinda people. Inspirational. Enjoy the hard and the good times. Peace ✌️

[@mortgagefinancing5558]

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

[@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!!!

[@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 ❤

[@mercynamikoye9084]

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

[@markellwilliams3594]

It’s beautiful!! Thanks for sharing and have a blessed weekend darlings! Y’all are doing a magnificent job

[@mikeyblueeyes8449]

Yea know what's so great about this it's actually possible to be able to live this way aslong as you are willing to build things yourself:)

[@we.are.the.observers]

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

[@Cmoongoddess]

Very nice...good for you for sticking with it through the tough times...you're an inspiration to many💜

[@aistirsplace3074]

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

[@meljay5660]

I'm glad they included how hard it was. And for 14 years! So many romanticize this kind of life without knowing how much work it is. It's nice that they are still young and healthy and able to now enjoy the rewards of their hard work.

[@debnewton5707]

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

[@adbc8213]

Wow...Impressed!

[@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!

[@sanjibkumar80]

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

[@heavenisonearth]

Thank you for sharing your off grid experience, I am so happy for you. You guys are lovely, blessings to your family!

[@johnpauloilano3011]

You reap what you sow, after 14 years of non stop work at the end of the day, you enjoy the fruits of your labors

[@tonik-o3949]

I love your life. Your children are so lucky to grow up this way ❤

[@LS-lq1pc]

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

[@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

[@Bocman1]

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 ..

[@ZoeandMaxVideos]

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

[@alandsofairandbright]

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

[@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. ✌🏽🌱

[@TheOffGridIrelandDream]

This is so inspiring! Having started our journey late on, I hope we can achieve half as much as this. Beautiful home and surroundings. Happiness created from hard work and realising the riches of simplicity. Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@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.

[@emperorkalel]

This is my dream! God bless them...

[@chasjacks9378]

You are living many other peoples dream. You prove it can work and be rewarding. 1000 Thumbs up.

[@TheReaderOnTheWall]

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

[@johnpartridge7623]

It's refreshing to hear People say that they are thankful for the things we so rely on like Water from a Tap & to be warm, they do seem to be a really nice & genuine couple. Good luck to you for the next 14 Years 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@tiredoldman9414]

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

[@sebelzahntigerkind3923]

Well done you guys... I'm deeply respectful of young people deciding an alternative lifestyle for themselves and to raise their children in, rather than just complaining about a system we all seem victimized to, yet are not, not really - if you can find the right people to share the same vision with you, it is quite possible to make into a living reality... and to be real about it, too, for it's not all 'fairy cottage in the woods' romance, when the most basic things we all take for granted need to be reinvented from scratch. Enjoy the fruits of your hard work, it's really paying off for you right now, congratulations!

[@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!

[@farmHomegrownIngredients]

"I love how you explain everything so clearly.[4:32] Makes farming seem so approachable!

[@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.

[@ellesmom2495]

Omgosh the peace they must have. A beautiful life,

[@yellowsellerco]

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

[@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

[@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

[@sharir.878]

Nice rustic comfort annd good sense of space & design

[@conniegnesda9720]

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

[@melissab8871]

Wow! I wish I had some of these skills...

[@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.

[@elizabethmangrum3634]

Beautiful place l Love it ❤ very nice God has blessed y'all

[@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.

[@SUPERNVA-gr4sr]

World needs women like her ..RESPECT❤

[@buddyneher9359]

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

[@wudzen]

Love it, love it, love it. Truth and simplicity.......and GRATITUDE!

[@alisonmassina3868]

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

[@papajeff5486]

YES, ABSOLUTELY, when one “starts from nothing”, appreciation of each and every little piece and part of the home that helps, is a blessing. The concept of, “entitlement”, doesn’t really play. When we know where and how each luxury came, we feel better comfort, each fresh breeze, each wave of warmth, the food we eat, the time of rest…all are better.

[@brucewilson1958]

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

[@mariahmoonday]

This may be the coolest couple ever. Off grid rockstars ✨

[@docgima]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@labucisto7892]

Absolutely the best one of these I've seen in a long time

[@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

[@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

[@fihilist]

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

[@ifeanyibobby7681]

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

[@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 🥰🙏.

[@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."

[@Matosjay]

nice set up..may God bless yall..

[@coewhat]

“Roughing it” Off grid living…with all the 21st century tech to help keep in touch with nature, just like a thousand years ago!!

[@tainadelcaribe]

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

[@onemantwohands5224]

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

[@jesseking2380]

You have a very very beautiful place, your sitting patio area is perfect, reminds me of a hobby gift store, both of you should be extremely proud you earned it and deserve to be happy.

[@RA-sk6qg]

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

[@Kurzbraten]

They look like they were 5 years old 14 years ago, wow! Cool people, very down to earth mindset, chapeau!

[@lajwantishahani1225]

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

[@BrigitteGoodman]

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

[@adjeibenjaminharuna9320]

Hey why do people go in for homestead nowadays I guess it costy