Self-Reliant Family Living Off-Grid on a Thriving Homestead for 13 Years

This family of 5 has worked hard over the past 13 years to make their off-grid homestead dreams a reality. Their yurt home is connected to a straw bale kitchen and garage, they collect rainwater and solar power, and they heat with an indoor wood boiler that provides in-floor heating.
Their homestead includes sprawling gardens that produce a ton of vegetables, and they also raise pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, quail, rabbits and bees for everything from meat and eggs to feta cheese and honey.
In this video, Becca and Jean share a tour of their alternative home, explain their off-grid systems, talk about the financial and permitting hoops they had to jump through, and share the ups and downs of living this lifestyle.
You can follow and find out more about BareBush Homestead here:
/ happyhippiehomesteaders
A huge thank you to the whole family for spending the day with us, and for letting us share your story :)
Thanks for watching!
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Website: www.exploringalternatives.ca
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COMMENTS
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CREDITS
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Music Credits: Exploring Alternatives
Editing Credits: Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits: Exploring Alternatives
#homestead #offgrid #selfreliant

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching! You can follow and find out more about BareBush Homestead here: facebook.com/happyhippiehomesteaders

[@mr.potatohead6138]

Im convinced that people that minimize wasting time with todays society are far better off. These kids have far more functional education than " regular " kids. Kudos to these parents for taking their family on a more righteous path.

[@joykirkpatrick6868]

While they drink thier tequila 🙄

[@Stacey721]

AMEN! This was the norm for centuries, not state run conformity education. I mean indoctrination.

[@shevonking1737]

I totally agree

[@Walker733]

My kids have both.

[@julietphillips1991]

This is definitely not for everybody. It sounds like a lot of work, but this family is obviously committed and loving the lifestyle! Thumbs up for them!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

I completely agree! This lifestyle is a ton work and it's really hard to leave because there's so much to take care of, but it must also be very rewarding! Thanks for checking out the video :)

[@sharene411]

It's definitely work. But no pesticides, fresh food, not being shipped for hours/days! Good for them

[@misterdee1418]

If you want freedom you have very few choices..and this is one of them.

[@rogeriolisto]

Once the system is set you will enjoy very much. I'm in my forth year❤

[@karenb1627]

Work means many things. How many hours do I need to work to just have a place to sleep? Working for someone else who profits from my labor? It's all about where they choose to send and spend their energy intentionally. Perspective. It is a chosen alternative. Definitely not for everyone.

[@geoffreywallace9432]

What impresses me most is that you have your children doing chores and assisting the family. As a teacher, I find that too many parents are raising their children with a sense of entitlement. Whatever they want, they will get. I'm glad you're teaching your children the value of hard work and teamwork. Keep it up.

[@denisewilson8367]

I agree with you. The younger generations feel they are entitled to do as they please and someone else should shoulder the work or costs for them. The way Bare Bush Homestead is raising their children I'd the way I raised mine. It was called country life not Homesteading back then. I'm glad to see the Homesteading style growing. Maybe not all of the next generation will be ruined.

[@AaronHendu]

My sister doesnt even make her kids flush the dang toilet and one of em is in high school! It is bizarre.

[@AaronHendu]

She doesnt believe in rules and thinks kids will discover consequnces to their nwgative behaviour on their own...like, no, you are putting the work on everyone else in their lives who is inevitabley gonna have to teach them, or they dont learn and womder why no one wants anything to do with them.

[@carolynrandle5454]

Kids are spoiled nowadays.

[@GothicMaid]

Yes. I agree. I wish I could get mine more hands on

[@cheyennefreeman4144]

I love how when she was talking about how his handiness and skills made everything so much more possible his whole face and body language went “aaawww shucks”. How they live definitely looks very challenging but I’m glad they’re happy and able to enjoy living off the land, connect with nature and can share that with their children. Knowledge and skills like this are absolutely priceless.

[@dorisweems1510]

What a great education for the kids.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

For sure those kids are pretty lucky! Thanks for checking out the video :)

[@chloeuntrau4588]

I just hope they get a traditionnal education beside...Important for the future, even if they learn a lot in this kind of life.

[@webbynater]

@@chloeuntrau4588 by traditional education do you mean modern education? It’s kind of funny how we think about education these days. Modern education is really a very new experiment in human history if you think about it. It’s kind of strange how we are expected to send kids off for 8 hours a day for 13 years and hope they get a good education.

[@brooketeague4985]

The joy of sitting down at the table with your family to eat a meal that you all produced is unmatchable. So simple but so intricate! Love this lifestyle!

[@elevans5758]

That is the kind of life I always wanted, but where does one finds a clever man like that to instal all that? You are so lucky to have found each other. Thank you for sharing your story and your amazing life style. May God bless your amazing family and wonderful, healthy life..

[@jdvanallen2907]

There are a lot of men who want to live this lifestyle and there are quite a few who have the skills. From what I have seen a lot of us with the skills who aren’t taken don’t have the social skills to be meeting potential partners in public though so it can be tricky to find them.

[@elevans5758]

@@HHB884 I did too for a while.

[@michaeltester5187]

Doesn’t have to be a man?! Anyone could learn these skills if they really wanted them, I reckon.

[@jugendamthamburg-ggkonform381]

My family has a small place that is in nature. The tools are often heavy for a woman to handle. Also, not many women want to get into fixing septic tanks and so on so doable by a woman but I do not know any who are interested. @@michaeltester5187

[@jugendamthamburg-ggkonform381]

if you buy the land certainly there is an available man who has the skills but not the money to buy the land.

[@BuddhistZenDave]

Growing up in a busy suburb i am really starting to appreciate people who go all out with their homesteads. It's not just a hobby, or they have some chickens in the back. No, these people have kids, ducks, self supplied water and food, and deal with every challenge and inconvenience life will throw at in day to day living.

[@SalKayell]

This is what survival, sustainability, self reliancy and family looks like. A family working together and learning how to survive within their own means. People forget that people survived with even less than this once upon a time. Oh how quickly we all forget. Love this and well done to this family because it is definitely a lot of hard work, commitment, and time.

[@heatherwatson8506]

This is life! Hard work, family oriented, teaching the children REAL values! The knowledge that it takes, to pull off this lifestyle, is incredible. Hats off to all of you. Enjoy your life and, as a Canadian, myself, I am so happy to view your video.

[@4everhdt]

What a wonderful family and homestead they have built! They win at life!

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Thank you Matt and Daniel for sharing their story. They had a vision of what they wanted their life to be like and they made it come true. Wishing them the best.❤

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks Cathy, so happy you enjoyed the video! They worked super hard to make this happen and we wish them all the best too :)

[@jks9204]

Are u Canadian? What growing zone are u? Manitoban here 👋🏻

[@K_C83]

This is a great video. Im glad they didnt glamorise it and said that it can be difficult, is costly to start etc. But geez what a beautiful piece of paradise!

[@austro8086]

The more minimalist version of their current lifestyle is my dream. I’m really inspired by this video. I am literally exhausted of living in the city life en I’m only 31 years old.

[@jimsngc]

Such a lovely family. Thanks for sharing your journey and for being so open and honest. And thank you Exploring Alternatives for always finding the stories, producing the content and bringing it to the world.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much Jim, really happy you enjoyed this video! We had a great time meeting the whole family and getting to spend the day with them was pretty special :)

[@trumenjst]

This is the only way to live longer, helthier and happier in our changing world.

[@gonnahitcharide]

I appreciate all of the honesty about finances and the work involved to build up a homestead. 🙏🏻

[@llewellynlombard7428]

Thank you, Matt & Daniel, never will you live a healthier life than this. Modern society is blinded by the easy way out, which if you really come to think of it, it is totally artificial. You are providing your children with the most genuine pure information about how life should be without all the dirt. Great job, keep on.

[@timaidley6073]

Pulling together, enjoying the journey, accepting challenge after challenge in your endeavours, releases abundance for your needs, including an abundance of peace. You just connected the dots with your Creator, who teaches you how to prosper.

[@rogerbmcdaniel]

What a wonderful family. They have found a way to live their dreams. Obviously it is a lot of work, but they persevere and continue to make it happen. I wish them continued success and happiness!

[@jewelssylva3738]

I admire this couple. Dreams can be obtained, patient diligence, & hard work. The family life skills education is priceless. It requires a strong partnership. My daughter & son-in-law have only been on their homestead for on year. They repaired, remodeled & built rooms onto the house on their property themselves. My son-in-law has extensive skills like this man. He's also working 30 hours a week. They had a small farm a few years ago. Garden, harvesting their own chickens ... I'm so proud of them!!

[@edivaughan1746]

What a beautiful place and a beautiful respectful responsible to our world family. Thank you so very much for sharing. ♥️

[@gloriako7185]

I admire your lifestyle. It must be hard but also very satisfying. Wish you all the best!

[@startuphub4097]

What a lovely example of conservation. And I love seeing the children and the way you are "normal" and not ideological as a family teaching sustainability and environmental stewardship. Love how she brags about her hubby, how handy and resourceful they are. Your video is going into my list for my students.

[@juliaedlund4107]

This is my dream life. I live in an apartment in a small town, but my dream is to move to the countryside and have a homestead. But it's difficult to find people who share that dream. My experience is that people frown and ask me why on earth I'd want to do this. I guess it takes a special kind of person to see the beauty in all the hard work. I do not vibe with the technologies and fast-paced society of today.

[@suzanamiljenovic8525]

This shows us that God gave us everything we need. This type of life makes you humble. ❤

[@AM-sx5bt]

I want to try this kind of living but not totally off grid. Thank u for sharing this. ❤

[@gwenmaddaford4161]

Thank you for sharing this incredible journey you are on in such an honesty and open manner. You are an inspiration for many but have added the realism of how much hard work, financial startup etc that it really takes to do this.

[@helenboyles886]

*"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago and the next best time is now"*

[@mortenbolin7481]

My life is totally changed because I've been earning $15,250 returns from my $4,000 investment with Naomi Wang

[@Jenniferlawren686]

Same here, i will praise Mrs Naomi Wang over and over again because she has great skills, i started with $2000 and after 2week i received a returns of $6,000 then i continue with her ever since she has been delivering.

[@commerceusa]

I heard a lot of investing with Mrs Naomi Wang and how good she is, please how safe are the profit?

[@scottmichael9670]

Trading with Wang strategy is nothing new to me, I opened a trading at $5K, and I've been able to scale to $18K in two weeks

[@leeann8091]

I started with just 4,000 dollars now earning upto 17,000 dollars WEEKLY

[@melanin4267]

I absolutely love what you are doing with your family. I'm a small homestead and I love to look at videos of beautiful folks 💜🏡🧑🏾‍🌾🍓🍅🍆creating Change . Blessings to you and much Respect to you on teaching your children how to be self sufficient 💚🌼💚🥗🫑🫑💋 blessings

[@Leann_7]

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching LeAnn :)

[@Justus11167]

My dream! My hubby and I would love to learn straw bale. I see us doing this very soon. Good for these folks living life to the fullest. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@johnt7776]

Amazing what this family has done. It makes your appreciative of what your family is doing and the amount of work required. Truly impressive what you have done!

[@princesszhorne]

WoW! If there were MORE Ppl like this❤❤❤❤ LuvN yall from Atlanta Ga ❤❤❤❤

[@ladyryan902]

Wow living the dream they were way before thier time..incredible

[@AaronHendu]

Awesome people! I went through a rough patch a few years ago and ended up staying on a mennonite farm for about 8 months and it really opened my eyes about how sick capitalism has made us. Also...they were the nicest people ever. I wont go into detail but they accepted me when most others dont, and never once pushed any religion at me. They loaned me a $1200 Trek bike after mine was stolen. Fed me. Talked to me like a human. They look out for one another. They are honest. I see a lot of similarity in what you guys are doing here with your family. Also...they really do lift entire barns by hand...and it is usually only to help and maybe a meal. I have watched it several times...it is quite awesome.

[@betterlivingonabudget]

What a beautiful family living a beautiful way of life! This is the first homesteading family's story/interview I've seen where I immediately wanted to go to their YT channel, and yet I was enjoying the interview so much I had to keep watching and I'm calling it delayed gratification. 😍😁❤Thanks for sharing their story with us!

[@vplph]

Nice tribute from her to her handy husband... Has this gentle lady cracked the code to a happy relationship despite all life challenges?

[@chad2886]

Refreshing to see a common sense approach to off-grid homesteading. Fossil fuels are essential at this point in time for productivity and comfort.

[@thepeopleplaceandnaturepod8344]

This video inspires me to spend my life growing nutritious food for my family and others while embracing a sustainable lifestyle connected to nature. It's amazing how fulfilling life becomes with this perspective.

[@sarangabora5252]

I respect this family and at the same time envy them. It takes a lot of courage to live off the grid. It's a tough life but definitely a fulfilling life.

[@denisewilson8367]

Sounds like Bare Bush Homestead has the knowledge & will power to get to where they want to be. They have done a terrific job so far. Keep going one foot in front of the other.

[@petrawilken5861]

OMG you are living my dream - such lucky kids to learn experiencially! Well done guys!!! Wow, so much respect!!!

[@s4ta440]

Thank you for sharing this encouraging story! So similar to what we’re doing with a family of 8!

[@denisfrancine3221]

Just love your video. What part of Canada are you at? I live in Western Quebec and still put up a lot of food for myself.I have electricity but have a wood stove for the winter. At 80, I still make a small garden , I planted 72 tomato plants this year, will have a lot to put up. Also put up meat, love this kind of life even alone. Never bored. Three kids scattered all over Canada.

[@Donneczka1]

Bravo! Well done! I so admire folks who do this instead of living the consumerist-capitalist nightmare! It’s the way most families used to live until greed took over! I wish them continued success! Their kids are so lucky to have all the skills and knowledge they have! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@lomalinke5042]

This was so interesting! Great people, great homestead! Loved every minute of it! Thank you!

[@chessman483]

We are two years into our permaculture experience. Just finished our off grid power system. Be interesting.👍 Yes we find a lot of weekly costs even though we are freehold. Currently just went back to work after 18 months, setting up extra accommodation at the moment. So next time I give up work, hopefully we can live off our accommodation income. We live cheaply and it’s a huge amount of work. So can relate a lot to things you are saying.

[@darrelpelham]

I wonder how many people are looking for a place to do this but can't afford it? Florida based especially.

[@jdvanallen2907]

Even in the area that we are in (I’m in a similar part of Canada) land prices have skyrocketed. A 30 acre property I looked at 5 years ago went up in price to almost 9x the price. There are a lot of people who want to move to the land but it’s tough

[@danielleterry2331]

Thank you for sharing your incredible life and how you both worked so hard to achieve your goal, and yes I have only found 1 family by me that is like minded on gardening and raising chickens , rabbits they are retired and I work full time but we help each other and barter .

[@jerrytikotikoca7770]

Awesome living off grid, stress free and planting and eating organic fruits..

[@bbeckyy31]

Beautiful homestead!! Great job, you're living my dream❤

[@liamalepta8003]

I am off grid as well. Solar power, rain catchment, working to be self sustaining. I have all modern conviences also. Im not taking away anything i had in a commercial house in urban city. Had to make some minor differences. Based on one thing we have, RV campers. I built my cabin on RV ideals. Which people can live in one just fine, like an ordinary house. It would take some getting used to, there are responsibilties you must look after each day, chores that keep the RV in working order, to keep heating, cooling, refridgeration, electricty if you are boon docking and dont have electric hook ups or plumibing hook ups. And its these tasks which people dont like doing for long times. So, its more of just a routine you get into. Normal people have a routine in their on grid house, so just adding a few more is not that large of a deal. but when looking at ways to have a off grid house you can either look at the old fashioned 1800s way, nothing wrong with that at all. or set your off grid house similar to a RV and 12v power. You can have all those modern conviences, a high end type living. its entirely possible to make your cabin similar to a mobile home. What im saying is, it doesnt have to be a primitive mud hut as some people seem to think. You can have the latest technology in your off grid. Some people love the nature and the nature ways, I live sort of in a combination of that, because I like that wholesome life, i compare to the Amish sort of. only i have latest technology also which is being geared for more environmentally safe means. So people of many different back grounds of ideals can essentially move towards this freer lifestyle and getting off those utilities.

[@JoaquimMonteiroMartins]

Kids learning real life!

[@4copyrightonly]

AMAZING....... 10,000 VIEWS in 6 hours !!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE !!!!!!!

[@user-rp6nf9sz6t]

I am looking at Alternative Living systems like EarthShips with off grid tech; I have some acres and w/love to cut ties with money-grubbing corporations. No TV/Cable smartest move, America began going downhill with TV.

[@TheMennomilist]

Enjoyed listening and watching about the way of life this family lives. Really nice.

[@jodylebouton9436]

I admire you. I know me and this wouldn’t work. God Bless you all.

[@fredom1118]

Your children are so blessed

[@georgehosea139]

Thats the best life in any country,grow your own food,you eat healthy organic food,since farming is hard work you are fit and healthy,you are surrounded by a lot of greenry that is stress relieving,you drink fresh clean water free from chemicals and breathe fresh air,on top of that you are also involving your children and teaching them, good for you,keep it up ,i admire you.

[@sobongilemaruping1988]

Beautiful home ❤ my dream home and life

[@countrymousesfarmhouse497]

Fantastic. I love this ❤

[@rastagrastag7784]

Such a cool homestead

[@tsilbaugh5314]

Yall are amazing!!!!

[@Its_Nakudo]

Wow i love the idea and in Uganda its very possible

[@DaleneGroenewald-tr9yl]

WOW!!!! Wonderful!!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@palmtreeleebythesea]

What a beautiful video about mostly sustainable living. So endearing. Best :~)

[@palmtreeleebythesea]

Thanks

[@thomasjessop8367]

It is so very nice that you married a very good HANDY MAN, to be able to do ALL your build, fix, and repairs.

[@riamoreland7738]

You’re so Blessed!

[@sue1048]

Healthiest way to live awesome

[@annbeirne9583]

This is wonderful! This the way everybody should learn to live. I have a small garden in an urban area in Britain where I am designing a food forest and have a vegetable garden we are partially of grid and will be fully off grid at some point. I keep the garden quite wild as the forest, so am able to forage blackberries and nettles for herb teas, soups and fibres.

[@KeaneMoses]

Hello Ann nice meeting you here on KZbin How are you doing today?

[@boqueronbecky6977]

I would love this!!!❤

[@flyoverurbangarden4315]

That's a beautiful farm. Great job.

[@jefftaylor536]

Beautiful place and family

[@deborahlewis3954]

Beautiful family, beautiful property, beautiful life!

[@KeaneMoses]

Hello Deborah How are you doing today?

[@dans1741]

Very impressive, Hats off to this family

[@nancyfaircloth3224]

You're children will appreciate it so much, when they leave the home and have their own family.

[@Snyc2030]

What a fascinating family and beautiful story. I so enjoyed this episode.

[@BABYCOOKIE918]

I love this idea

[@dandavatsdasa8345]

Great! Great in so many ways! You are a Great people!

[@mamalioness1156]

Love this episode! Such great info shared! Love this lifestyle so much!

[@EulaleeMiller-cx1bp]

I enjoyed watching thanks for sharing

[@tjinnes]

Very inspiring. Thanks for the great video.

[@evelina2363]

What a beautiful couple, so honest and humble. Loved this video.

[@fishingbrigade]

no words I can put into it as WOW

[@southengirl1]

Wow beautiful!

[@icare6076]

I love this couple ❤

[@LIYW]

They have solar radiant heat flooring!🎉 I want it

[@sengendosimeonbuzima]

That is such a beautiful life,be blessed 🙌

[@SpiffyFambam]

This definitely gives me an idea for my future living of the grid. It’s so nice to see you grow your own crops and raise your own animals. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@Derekhave2024]

I can't believe you had to work full time and work the farm so much time and effort thank you for sharing your beautiful home. I could see being lonely it looks very remote can i be the fun director just having fun.. ❤

[@spineblaZe]

this is so beautiful

[@deborahcambria3005]

Admirable!!!!!❤

[@Oli3TB76]

Just wonderful

[@apheshavaldez405]

This was very enjoyable, informative and I love their honesty

[@sgrvtl7183]

Beautiful Family, the children being raised in this environment is such valuable lessons in Life! And for Mom & Dad, too~!! Thank You for your honesty in the hard work & planning involved and Thank You for sharing~~

[@ericataylor1708]

Love the video, Thanks for sharing your journey ❤😊

[@ExploringAlternatives]

You are so welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@shereenrahaman299]

That looks very nice. Congratulations you came for.❤👏🏻

[@Kalinalynara]

A much less stressfull life! Not that they don't have stress, but their stress is not about stupid traffic jams!

[@edgarsiankanga8233]

It's impressive