25 Years Living Off-Grid on a Self-Built Floating Home

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you for watching! A little note from Charlie and Ellen: "[We] acknowledge and express our gratitude to all those people and businesses who are on the grid and provide supplies and services that help us maintain our ability to live out where we do, off-grid and in the wilderness. We are so fortunate to be where we are and we know we couldn’t do it without their support.”

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Also, this video was beautifully filmed by Lukáš Hyrman and edited by us! Check out more of his work here: www.kashvideo.com/ instagram.com/lukashyrman/

[@shawnkalin9337]

Is this lease or crown?

[@jesuscross9]

Love the video. Charlie and Ellen, thank you so much for inviting us into your home. It would be a dream come true to live in such a place, and have such a life. I enjoyed everything. The wood work especially, and the garden. Saddens me to think you might have to move. God's blessings to you.

[@beazleteats4031]

Hi from sunny Australia. Amazing home and wonderful video. Where about is this beautiful home?

[@pinoyinuk5868]

Stunning and beautiful place.Where is this located?

[@Felix-Mueller]

This is probably one of the best off-grid-homes I've seen so far, it looks like its a painting and very well thought through. Love it.

[@k0valik]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqXWYmh4jJJpntk Check out the 27 years off grid on a floating home video from this channel as well. This man is really someone to look up to with what he accomplished during his 25 years of continuous work on this. This couple is living the life many of us can only dream of

[@PaloBlanco-ranch]

Imagine if there was a weekly rental like that, wow

[@seanlavelle103]

I'm blown away by this. These people have such an amazing setup it's unreal. I envy them, it would be a dream to live like them. The house is awesome and how he used all that driftwood to make furniture out of is great. Thx for the video 👍🏻

[@itsno1duh]

The envy (good hearted tho) is not enjoyed forever and I wonder if they will keep it all (or can they?) for a sort of island get-away from the inevitable home they bought? Maybe they would bring a caretaker in with a similar penchant for the outdoors away from it all? I don't envy the parting but for Ellen to see them back where family can be seen may be a guilty thrill... Nothing is easy eh?

[@zerofox7347]

@@itsno1duhsomething tells me Charlie has no intentions leaving that place nor should he, He would end up resenting his wife and become just another cantankerous old man. Perhaps they will be apart for some time each year.😂

[@peckerpeter2078]

It seems nice, without the retirement benefits not possible tho. Fuel is always an issue along with hygiene products etc. and maintenance of your structure. Always going to need $$$ retirement plan is a must. Excellent work and congratulations on living the way you Two want.

[@johnnythropscaut7920]

@@peckerpeter2078not possible even though people lived off grid like this for thousands of years and still do it in a large portion of the world

[@peckerpeter2078]

@@johnnythropscaut7920 You’re gonna have to elaborate more in great detail on your response here. Not sure what type of living thousands of years ago you’re talking about scavenging and pirating when there was no laws or Taxes? In the eras we’re living in Now 2024 time line everything is owned leased and rented out vehicles vessels needs tags licensing insurance registration etc etc.. all land has to be purchased if you want to build on it. No matter how you look at it you need a retirement, or some endless source of wealth flowing like Creekwater no other way to survive on this planet earth

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

Really remarkable what he's built over 25 years. I really appreciated their candor about the challenges of living there. She mentioned that as an extrovert she missed her family quite a bit. I think it takes a certain kind of person to be that isolated. And I also liked her addressing that there will come a time, soon, where their aging will make living out there a bit too challenging and therefore will have to move. Too often I've seen videos where that type of living is romanticized. I'm sure moving, especially for him, will be very bittersweet.

[@dancarter482]

He doesn't want to leave and he shouldn't. If he does he'll end up resenting that she took his dream apart. I recon he'd rather struggle to the end than rot away in a cage!

[@judithmercer4682]

If the time come you need help, I am shoore you find the right person wich will love to live with you out there😉

[@michaellane1316]

There comes a time when the need out sources the want. Yes, he will have a harder time but actually, once we get to a certain age, it truly becomes rather easy. I highly doubt he will regret the transition two years after they move. One must listen to winds of reason and age does this very well, especially once the health issues start encroaching. Many things enter into these decisions such as balance, physical restraints due any number of things, emergency care, should this be needed. I would say by observing these two they are every bit into their mid seventies. Folks who are mentally adept at making good decisions generally know when their time is right. To get relocated takes time, strength and fortitude. Doing so at a much later stage would definitely require much more assistance and it clearly looks like as most senior adults, want to do things for themselves. So with that said, my belief would be they would prefer doing things for themselves now while they are capable. Enjoyed the footage folks. A dream sought, found and lived is better than not one at all. Cheers to you both for keeping with the realities you've live and most of us only dream about.

[@OFFGRIDOUTPOST]

I love how He uses the words "we, our, us" when referring to their home. He has been there 4 times as long but treats his woman like she has been there the whole time too

[@frustrated181]

Same! That's what you call one flesh. It's not me or I but we. A definition of marriage.

[@latenttweet]

Amen, two become one flesh. It’s not a 50/50 relationship it’s 100% / 100% no less.

[@unknowntv6600]

Sadly that's something most women will never do and that's facts

[@illumination101]

Wen u devote ur life to ur significant other , and in my case, share a life and businesses and deal with the public, u learn to unite and become 2x as strong. Don't let ur ego or stereo types make u become someone ur not, then life is mostly original. Even w/media influences my wife and I have maintained a happy life. The non sense about I'm the boss of the hse is true to an extent, but we unspokenly😂 play our roles. I'm not her boss and she's not mine. Not giving life experience/advice, but if I cld give some external longevity life advice, keep outside influences outside. They happen but don't let society tell u how to live. Yes men are men and women are women , but be loyal, be happy, ur problems are her problems and her problems are ur problems. Think in of urselves as a unit, a unit that is good to others . Have a good one my friend.- Adam 💙

[@illumination101]

​@unknowntv6600 this is mostly true, but speaking from experience and my life isn't perfect, but wen u find a woman that doesn't post every 5 mins, every 5 hrs or every 5 days, but instead sits back and observes the world around them then u may have a good one? (I skipped around & realized hiw crazy & boring i sounded , so skip down to bottom)!!!My wife does do social media but it's not she lives for. I see all these boycotts and sadly see women boycotting men. What they're failing to understand is this is all designed as a trap. Women denounce men & say they're all creeps >this distances men from women > the agenda inevitably is to deteriorate women's identity as absurd as it may sound. When the goal is met men will have have had enough of women and by the time women realize it was all a trap, men won't put any effort into forgiving women for bashing them. Call me a nut, call me whatever but I'm a Majorin business mgmt and minor in psychology & history. I can get into politics bc of the weaponization of politics. I can claim I'm neither dem or republican, but in the recent sad state of our country and based off factual state of events and having previously voted for both Bush Jr and Sr, upon a 4 yr study on Hw & Jr, I've uncovered the horrendous nature of some of their policies. Most aren't aware but George HW Bush declared in 1991 at a State of the Union, before the Senate , and many other notable places a "NEW WORLD ORDER." Don't believe me?! I'll leave ya the link. Bush was a very very bad person as was the acts of his son. Ah, I don't like talking about this and the closest portrayal of our government system I have seen, a factual portrayal, was on an episode of narcos and in this episode it displayed how the Mexican political system ran in the 80s and 90s. Things like , make the public think their candidate is losing and it will reduce their will to get up and go vote. Ah, too much energy. ILL GET TO THE POINT.... Once u understand the history of Jekyll Island and the federal, how the creators traveled under "fake names," to the meeting, u understand in Henry ford's Era he and many others were against a military industrial complex, understand the media is ran by a handful of folks, understand the queen of England (b4 she passed) owned 6.6 BILLION ACRES of land/paid 0 taxes, understand what the Bilderbergs are, Georgia Guidestones, The Franklin Scandal, Operation Northwoods, Operation 40, and imo most importantly Executive Order 1110(JFK), will u begin to see yes we do live on a prison planet. Much more to say but I can't educate ppl on the internet bc it's boring and I sound like a nut. Have a good one friend.💙

[@atcay81]

This is absolutely AMAZING! This man is a genius builder... I actually can't believe what I'm watching, this is beyond incredible... Growing vegetables and all what the actual! Well done guys this is truly incredible and I still am in shock, I 💖 this so much! All the best guys and much love ❤️ from 🇦🇺🐱

[@RubiksBotES]

you can probably grow vegetables too..... Unless you live in 500 square foot apartment or somewhere that is frozen all year round. I mean humans even grow vegetables in space...

[@angieemm]

This is the perfect balance between off-grid and modern conveniences. This is what I aspire to be. I want to be self-sufficient but I am not willing to give up my clothes washer and dryer!

[@andydrew3320]

Exactly. It’s shameful that people knock that as a bad thing. Life is about having a healthy balance. Not everyone wants to live in a yurt without any modern conveniences. You can still have nice things while not completely being reliant on the grid

[@imanoldurham5395]

@@andydrew3320 A Yurt can have all the modern conveniences.

[@andydrew3320]

@@imanoldurham5395 of course. I know they have the capability. I’m just specifically saying that not everyone wants to live in a yurt without modern conveniences. Not saying they can’t physically have them. I’ve seen some amazing yurts. They’re stunning. Just giving an example

[@MikeV607]

👍👍Kudos on an awesome build. Sorry to hear that age will drive you away from a place so near and dear... but since I turned 70 a couple of months ago I can relate. At some point we just have to accept that we're slowing down and can no longer burn the candle at both ends. 😢😊

[@gablewebsolutions1262]

This is so incredible! I was enthralled from the moment the video started. You are living the dream, I just wish you could have a family member or friend that could live with you and help you with everything so you don't have to leave your beautiful home! Wishing you the best of luck!

[@nanchesca3950]

Amazing life they have built there and must be very difficult having to leave it one day soon. I wish them lots of new adventures in their new home!

[@racexine]

Will be a beautiful vacation home for them after they leave. Great production, team @Exploring Alternatives. Keep it up!

[@somethingkindawonderful3034]

To say this is a work of art is an understatment ! The hauling of materials alone is beyond impressive . Well done !!

[@douglasharley2440]

now, that's life! *respect.* i especially like how they live an off-grid life close-to, and benefitting-from, nearby civilization.

[@782gear5]

so awesome, thank you Charlie & Ellen for sharing you wonderful floating home.... best wishes ....

[@vickystevens6123]

Your home is what I dream of constantly wanting in my life being near water having that solitude. It is absolutely stunning where you're at. I am so sorry that you will eventually have to leave it and I hope that you will find somebody to take on that challenge of taking care of it and loving it just as you have loved it. Thank you for sharing your video I am just in all of everything that you have done there it's stunningly beautiful

[@annA48126]

I can well understand your heartbreak in having to leave. A little piece of heaven built by yourselves. Wonderful. 🙂

[@janethall1512]

This lifestyle is AWESOME! Beautiful home! I can see how it has grown a part of you.

[@EduUSAbrasilvideos]

YOU GUYS ARE IN PARADISE ,LIKE HEAVEN CONGRATS MY FRIENDS

[@Freesavh1776]

I absolutely love that stair case. ❤️ I can see your deep emotional attachment. It's in every building every piece of furniture you built from driftwood. What you built is the most beautiful piece of Eden I've ever seen. Someone like you moving to an active town will be a huge change. I wish you the best in that change.

[@emilylotts8833]

Hats off to you sir, this work is incredible it's like a dream

I just love their backyard and floating house ! It's so cozy inside. I can definitely live there.

[@johnjoeflanagan]

A very nice account of Charlie's life and achievements. Well done.

[@pdx_angler9760]

I am envious and respectful of your accomplishments. Enjoy every day.

[@nenemaria-cornfieldsgarden]

Amazing to see just how secluded people can live on the other side of the Atlantic. It's a shame that after so long they might have to leave but the logistics of aging get to everyone. Hopefully their family can keep it on or someone else can get use out of it. It's amazing how much he's achieved over 25 years. What a fulfilling life to have lead.

[@Father_Amin]

I was so shocked when I saw this and thought to myself “that looks really familiar.” Then it hit me that this is my great uncle’s house that I visited almost ten years ago!!! This is so cool to see it again in all its glory!

[@kurtdowney1489]

Where is it?

[@Father_Amin]

@@kurtdowney1489 He’s sold it now, but it was up Barkley Sound in Juliette passage off Vancouver Island.

[@kurtdowney1489]

@@Father_Amin Amazing! Thank you, Any idea how much it was sold for? I tried to look it up and found nothing.

[@pattersonfilm9117]

@@Father_Amin Sold it??? He said it was a part of him now I’m surprised he would let it go.🤷‍♂️

[@Father_Amin]

@@pattersonfilm9117 apparently he was getting pretty old and wanted to be able to spend more time with family.

[@The_Co.]

you made beautiful place!! wish your happiness, health and strength to live there long time

[@BAMBiNA1632]

That place is absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ragemodels]

Wow Absolutely Glorius !!! What an incredible Location !!! I feel very sad for when he will have to leave !!! Hope he can find a way to stay there forever !!! 💎🏡⛴💚🌳🖼

[@Poeticfloetic]

*glorious

[@SheriLynNut]

I lived with my family in a similar set up in SE Alaska in the early ‘80’s. I was a teenager and hated it. But as a woman in her 50’s now I kinda miss it. It’s definitely challenging, but also, peaceful. You have a remarkable homestead. I’m very sorry you’ll have to live elsewhere in time when you’ve built something so special, and enjoyed it for so long.

[@kaf2303]

Fantastic achievement! My humble homestead in VT is rural but not as wonderfully wild as your lovely home! Thanks for sharing.

[@kcuzz4091]

What a beautiful home Charlie and Ellen.

[@carolewarner101]

Wow, I can totally understand being connected to such an amazing place. It's Heaven on Earth there...

[@kevinwells4986]

This was just great. Of course the value of this property for any future owner is implicitly tied to the dedication they would have to maintain it. Without you two it would obviously not last... long. I'm so happy that you both enjoyed it for as long as you have. I feel like I sort of met you in this video. I lived on a mountain until a big fire drove me out, and though I was there for four years it seemed like a lifetime. Eagles, cougars, coyotes deer,, pheasants, quail, foxes, birds of every kinds... I miss all of them now. At least I got to see them. I wish I was young enough to move there and purchase your property. I wish you the best.

[@DeepHouseboatLife]

This is an absolute artistic masterpiece and such a way to live. Thank you for showing us the way!

[@debbielicis6257]

That ending was very sad. I didn’t think you would move away from something that you are loving & singing the praises of. I would move there in a heartbeat, it looks like a rewarding, fabulous life.

[@Zenzonevibezzz]

Wow! This is beyond heaven. The ultimate lifestyle with creativity and freedom. Pure happiness.

[@miriam100ful]

wow, a truly stunning home, perfect retirement plan.

[@eliguaso22]

Haaving money is a great blessing. Glad for them.

[@karaanaya]

This is freaking amazing! We moved from Colorado to Oregon and are living in a camper. I told my husband I want a houseboat next but this is even better! Oh I sincerely hope you find someone who will continue to tell Your story along with their own as they step into your home and You go hang out with family. Thank you! 🌻🧡Ⓜ️

[@samanthagomez7074]

Wow amazing video l love it looks Beautiful Floating Home Tour Beautiful Couple ❤️❤️❤️❤️💙💙💙💙💙 From Edinburg Texas

[@mikegalasso7495]

What an incredible story and life both of you have. Truly blessed.

[@gixx3r]

Loved watching this. They seem like great people

[@henrysantos121]

I will think of your home always with fondness Absolutely amazing.

[@henrysantos121]

The real matatan.👁️🐎👁️. Ribirin

[@JatinderSingh-oz1hx]

Truly amazing, this is off grid living. Your house is in sheltered water hence protected. I salute your courage too, it takes a lot to do what you guys are doing. I see more and more people doing this in future and world will be a much better place without governments and authorities who want to rob you all the time. I think you will survive even if you get cut off from civilization and so will others who are off grid. You are inspiration to many, thanks and good luck.

[@ML-ws6ce]

Honest respect for building this home. I can understand that it is very hard to leave this behind......wish you two all the best ❤

[@martydouglas1802]

A credit to your ingniuity in creating this space and creating equity at the same time. Building your first house is a great bonding (test) of your love and determination. I hope one day to get ahold of one of these boats and bring it to the Erie canal in NY for a refit. sweat equity should never be downplayed. I am Marty Douglas in Lima,NY

[@MrToranaGuy]

Wow, that float house is impressive and inspirational!

[@Notsofunnychef]

They are winning in life.. This is a dream life for me just peice and quiet with a beautiful view living off grid

[@marcturner3647]

You are literally living my dreams, good on you, i live in Liverpool England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 and I’m so close to the sea but you have an incredible environment to wake up to and you are blessed with the water and the wildlife i envy you but wish you both well and happiness. I was born and grew up in Sierra Leone West Africa as my dad was the manager of an iron ore company but my childhood was very good and this is why me and my wife are moving to a little island in Greece and we can live there together in a place where we are happy and more important next to the sea we have already bought a little place not too big but just lovely over looking the sea, I’m a builder so i no it’s going to be fantastic Anyway you have given me so many great ideas thank you so much you’re home is amazing.

[@cathywarriner]

Wow what a beautiful way of life, it is unfortunate that age makes it more difficult to maintain. But incredible to experience living like this!

[@2afreedom60]

Your job is running your life how you want. I would give it all up for an opportunity to live like this.

[@michellehurst3797]

Your floating home is amazing! I'm sure there are added stressors that come from living off grid, but the benefits seem absolutely amazing!

[@Peggysmusic]

What an amazing floating home - complete with a greenhouse, boathouse, a workshop, and several other clever things. I so much admire people like this couple who can think outside the box and create such an amazing life for themselves!

[@robhewitt4665]

Wow, absolutely stunning. What a life I'm envious

[@robp3431]

Looks amazing on a beautiful warm day ! No doubt it's a ton of work to maintain.

[@momoneymoproblems04]

What an amazing place, I’m in awe. Love it.

[@joellehoareau9958]

WOW that is incredible 😱 I also like to see alternative houses like this that allow for families as opposed to couples. You can still live simply but still have kids and have a space for family or friends to visit 🙌 Very cool 👏

[@kbee1735]

I’ll bet you’re living the life in British Columbia!! So awesome and love this video!! ❤❤❤

[@sqd8r]

I like the fact that they discussed this type of lifestyle coming to an end and the isolation from family and friends. Alternative living has a lot of pluses but it can also be lonely and challenging physically. Thanks for the honesty.

[@TC-yc6dm]

Wow! Great work! I wish I could learn from them! The place is gorgeous!

[@justthefacts6567]

What an incredible way of life, so peaceful. They are two of the richest people I know even if they didn't have a dime..

[@johnbecay6887]

one of a kind, not only the structures but the people.

[@hugeblue]

Wow ! What a beautiful way to spend your life! Amazing what he has done.

[@watchyourtonex6989]

Absolutely awesome living experience

[@loanthruag6778]

If there's a way to realize paradise you certainly have accomplished that. Kudos!

[@jocelynelangis777]

Amazing set up make them feel so good but a lot of work was done to get to that point. They are both in shape and they also thought of another place to live when getting older with pain coming with age. But…for now on they can enjoy each moment! Love the fact they can catch their dinner! And such a nice meal. Of course it seems sort of an easy living with everything but I am pretty sure they work hard for that! Thanks for this very nice moment!

[@wheniamhome]

outstanding place and a wonderful couple.

[@bailey7175]

Good down to earth people, the world needs more of this mentality. :)

[@awildaortiz5226]

Amazing! Peaceful life! May God continue to bless you!

[@pattyk734]

While I like what’s on top of the water I love the little community that’s under the water.

[@noturcinderella]

That house is the creative expression of their soul and I think it is beautiful what they were doing and how they lived. Truly inspirational that he made his dream a reality. Love it!

[@shawnm2597]

Watching this video builds so much envy. You both are living the life most of us just dream about. Biggest inground swimming pool...EVER! Keep living the dream and stay safe.

[@robertjeremy9147]

DUDEZ SO WELL SCUTTLED AWAY FROM DAMMED GRID !!!!! OFFGRID ONLY !!!!!

[@bmaclaps]

That place is incredible!

[@drewhoffman1461]

This location and house are both amazing. What a beautiful place.

[@jekku4688]

WOW. This is absolutely fascinating. What a life!

[@GuiAntonioli]

Amazing. They live on vacation and with healty food.

[@coolgeorgiaboy]

This place would be a dream come true for me

[@doogalloonni]

"Floating Compound" Love it!

[@suecrets5169]

That is an amazing home. Thank you for sharing it.

[@neighmaway]

I would absolutely love to have something like that. Have been dreaming of it for so many years.

[@Flyn4thewin]

This breaks my heart. It was my dream. I was so close a few times... now my health has left it impossible before I'm even 30. And my passionate, adventurous partner who explored the north coast with me is now far away, leaving me to suffer on land alone. Oh well. I wish these videos brought joy and inspiration like they used to... now, judt regret and emptiness.

[@Kozette007]

The enjoyment and inspiration I feel, oh and a little jealousy. Lol. Thanks for sharing your home with us.

[@cyrilmoussoki3193]

Ça fait rêver. Waouh !

[@vonheise]

I am amazed and very much in envy of your place and lifestyle! It is too late for those of us in our senior years, however, we have camped in every US state and have been to several countries with Australia and Panama being among the favorites. We once planned to try remote living, however 45 years ago, solar was poor and very expensive, and there were no home computers which made so much other tech possible including remote work. It would be great if you could find male nursing students to spend the summers with you to help out with manual labor and any other needs that might come up.

[@Rhys_Beer]

I love this story, really inspiring to do something similar.

[@federicacerri8766]

High esteem for this man !!!!!!!! I am truly impressed by his skills and project. Great to have a greenhouse and vegetable patch on it (the Lady`s touch). BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!

[@robertlee3778]

*amazing* story it was apparent how sad Charlie was at the very end. he lived a hard life and enjoyed every moment of it. and now it is coming to an end. what an amazing life he lived.

[@jenniferweng2468]

Never had anyone remind me so much of the late Norm McDonald. Love your houseboat, it’s absolutely lovely. Best part is you get crab whenever you want!

[@ElkWatersRun]

I love it. They’re truly living the dream.

[@Philthee24]

You two have such an amazing life.

[@markcrawford8876]

Sir, and Ma'am; you are hard core, what an absolute paradise. The trials and tribulations of that build are not for the faint of heart. Thanks for sharing this epic build. 🤙🤙

[@waldomiroestevesneto8886]

That beauuuutiful spot. I really loved it.

[@newyardleysinclair9960]

I like this guy. He seems very smart. Resourceful

[@Prosperous_Incognito]

Such an inspiration.

[@garethcourtney284]

I'd give anything to have a life like this!

[@heinerfranz7010]

Simple WOW 🙏 Wonderful. Have Fun, enjoy your life further 🙏

[@kaylamccall1051]

This is my dream life! I could never do it alone but, what a dream life you've had!

[@robertling9872]

Beautiful, thanks for sharing.

[@albrown1812]

Words don't really describe how awesome the story the beauty and construction of this place

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

Thank you ❤