Guide to the Good Life from architect-farmer amid redwoods: 55 years off-grid

[@hugopratoller8703]

HOPEFULLY HE FINDS THE CARETAKERS THIS LAND NEEDS, WE LOVE YOU CHARLES

[@essieessie5399]

Charles Bello is a National Treasure. Love his respect and love for nurturing the trees and land is something we can all learn from. I wish he could live forever, we need more people like him on this planet.

[@carolewarner101]

We sure do...

[@vickisrome]

My thoughts exactly❤

[@synchronicity1470]

Yes! Isn't it weird that some disparagingly would refer to him as a "tree hugger"? I resemble that comment and am a proud tree hugger.

[@carolewarner101]

Right?

[@charliesback]

*International treasure

[@laviestudio]

I watched the entire 55-minute video, but it still wasn't long enough for me.

[@ruthconstantino6861]

It flew past it was so enjoyable 😊

[@jlew87]

Same! He is such a beautiful soul!

[@carlapilbro1344]

91 years of age. He found his purpose and fulfilled his joy in life. What an extraordinary man very connected to nature 💚

[@MegaMegzTX]

😮 he has the legs of a 40 year old! I had no idea he was over 75 ! Beautiful, he's lived very healthily and happily

[@davidhoward2901]

Everyone will miss grandpa when he leaves us. Thanks for documenting this place and his spirit

[@LarsSveen]

"I wake up in the morning like I've got a million jewels on that tree" -- brought a tear to my eye. What a beautiful soul. And I agree, the trees are more precious than any gold, diamonds, rubies, etc.

[@colkur5007]

His body might be giving way..but his mind is as sharp as ever...at 92. Amazing. Architect, scientist, forester , comedian and philosopher...a treasure for sure. If i can live 1/100 of this mans life..id have lived a full life.

[@mattphillips1910]

I had the good fortune of visiting this place about 15 years ago with Charlie's son. It's everything you see here, and much more. I remember seeing an old home-built saw mill. The power plant for the saw mill was an old Ford that was up on blocks. The drive wheel went to a big rubber belt, and that belt powered the saw blade. This man is an absolute gem. The world is a better place because he is in it. This property is nothing short of magical.

[@awest005]

@@mattphillips1910 I always wondered why his kids don’t take this over?

[@mattphillips1910]

@@awest005 Like any family, it's complicated. They're all excellent humans. But just because they're excellent individuals doesn't mean they all have the same vision.

[@SpaceFlye]

*Ninety one years old* 🤯 and he's more active than people I know in their 20s. Hats off to this man 👏 because he's built something beautiful.

[@filterlessgardener]

Oh hey i remember him from your first video. I aspire to be like Mr. Bello. Hes a true steward of the land. I bet he feels 25 in his mind. Such an inspiring man. The world needs more men like you sir.

[@njj7917]

Planting a seed and watching it grow is almost spiritual - 😊

[@marshathomas6902]

I love how he's running around climbing on tree stumps, saying "look at this!" He has done a fantastic job in the forest. He's like an excited kid. It's remarkable what he did with the place. He has a wonderfull relationship with nature. Very knowledgeable and wise. He's so blessed to have lived that way for over 55 years.

[@davidlist7507]

Charles Bello acts like a man in his 70's but is actually 92 and is an amazing fellow who is really back to beautiful nature and is such a great person.✌💖💫

[@IamAngelHart]

I want to move in with him so bad and take over for him ❤. This is how my grandma raised me to live. He brought back so many wonderful memories of my childhood. I miss it.

[@TheMeshell76]

Do it!! He is looking for caretakers to help him and eventually take over when he is gone

[@christopherscragg7018]

"your mind is like your body. If you don't use it you lose it" Dang right!

[@SpaceFlye]

At 91, this man's mind is so sharp!

[@MrPhotodoc]

I enjoy Kirsten's reactions and questions she poses to people in her videos. She always seems surprised, delighted and curious, just like her audience.

[@vickisrome]

Reading the comments brought me to tears. Realizing there are many of us wanting the same things, living with nature. What couldn't we do together?

[@newbornborre]

What are we waiting for? Smiley

[@truthbetold2611]

Many people are manifesting their off-grid homesteading dreams. It's happening. New Heaven and New Earth upon us when we act.

[@fiona4041]

ohhhh my, he is the most beautiful, special person ever!!! cannot stop crying- it is that moving

[@duxheicerri5714]

this is the second time you have interviewed this guy. I had the first video saved, I may have watched it more than 5 times in the span of 2 years. Really made an impression on me, what a great guy and the beautiful things he has built!

[@nullobject7966]

I was thinking it was an re-upload for a minute. I've watched that interview many times myself. It's really inspiring.

[@samwitter3694]

I have been awaiting an update on Charles Bello, googling his name every few months with no luck. I'm so glad to see he is alive and well. Thank you for sharing! He is such an inspiration to so many.

[@synchronicity1470]

He is unforgettable, isn't he?

[@charliesback]

@@samwitter3694 same! I saw the original video of this magical place, so glad to see he is still well 😁👌

[@GDfan100YT]

I love him,!! He is an inspiration, his enthusiasm is contagious. He has more spunk than most teenagers today!!

[@Poisonmim]

Loved loved loved him, the filming, the nature, everything.❤❤❤❤ I, too, wanted to keep watching him and spend more time listening to him.. He reminded me a bit of my dad, who passed in 2021. ❤😢❤❤❤

[@GingerNinja1]

HE'S 91 YRS OLD?!! His passion & excitement is very charming & wow! What a very talented man! He created a non profit & tagged as many Redwoods as he could save as many as he could for future generations. Him & others like him have set the example of how to be great stewards to the land. I admire everything he & his wife have done & his gallery is not only beautiful to look at, his work is really something else! What a wonderful upload. Thank you! 💚🎄💚

[@GingerNinja1]

For anyone who's interested, they covered him 4 yrs ago as well where he shows so much more of the structures of him home & just how stunning it really is. I'll post a separate link in the event they don't allow links. Looks like the link didn't take. Video is called... 50 years off-grid: architect-maker paradise amid NorCal redwoods

[@GingerNinja1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKLGpIqXn86ppKssi=iiLP-TfgjVSwt6CW

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

@@GingerNinja1 Kirsten has provided the link at the end of the description for this video under the "show more".

[@GingerNinja1]

​@@RPRosen-ki2fk Hey thanks!

[@AustralianFlynn]

Thank you for doing a follow up story on Charles. He is one in a billion! His love and knowledge of nature, his beautiful buildings/landscaping and his art, his delicious fruit trees and vege garden, he is living THE life. Truely inspiring. 😃👍🏽☯️

[@Mgray345]

Oh man! I always think about Charles and Vanna Ray. I want my life to be this. I’m glad he’s still alive ❤ He asked for another lifetime in the last video. The sky should give that to him. Before anyone. What a soul. I would love to meet him before it’s too late.

[@newbornborre]

Totally agree, what a fantastic spirit and so lucky we may witness. Thanks for this video!

[@ACoupleStoners]

This man embodies the goodness of the human spirit. His level of optimism is worth more than all the wealth in the world.

[@merryfergie]

What a joy to be in the presence of this man

[@mimiteas]

Oh, I remember this one! 😊❤ It's nice that you went back again... People and places like these are so inspiring 😊

[@TonyGo-w1e]

This is in my backyard I live in Santa Rosa amazing never knew

[@carolewarner101]

I'm so curious to know how he made those incredible curved roof structures as clear spans! HOW??? His buildings and his art are absolutely amazing! What an extraordinary man on an extraordinary journey. His corner of the Earth is truly holy. I guess his wife passed after her long battle with cancer. Remarkable how Charles has maintained such joy and engagement with his corner of paradise, even after losing his precious partner. Magical, peaceful, joyful, wise...

[@anthonya9472]

There's another video of this place on Kirsten's page from way back. I'm pretty sure he talks about how he built it! edit:: Oh she linked it in the description!

[@mrs.manrique7411]

It’s lovely to be back here. Thank you for taking us on the journey. 💕

[@glennarussell4682]

I cannot quit either, at 68. He is a man after my own heart. He is living a life; I honestly believe that I would cherish. However, I cannot convince my family to leave S. California. Thumbs up, I really enjoyed spending this time with all of you.

[@omphaloskeptic4989]

Thank you! As an old man looking at my own end, it is very gratifying to be introduced to such a joyful spirit in a human of 91 years.

[@sandycheeks1580]

🎉😊The end…Nah! This is only the beginning🫂. The journey is endless & becomes limitless.

[@kia-oracho-cho170]

I wake up in the morning like I’ve got a million jewels on that tree!!!!!❤❤❤I just love him so much. He gets it!!!!

[@AZ-vt7dt]

91 and two life times of work ahead of him.... Love this guy.

[@jpcoopermusic]

This guy is so incredibly inspiring! The way that he sees the world is beautiful.. such a youthful spirit. I hope I’m like him when I grow up. Thanks for another great video with him. ❤

[@mariansmith7694]

Our short lifespan is horrible when we contemplate a man like this. He is AMAZING!

[@ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc]

So fortunate to be back … what a blessing / opportunity to share with this human … all the reminiscences / stories / personal history. Wisdom. I’m glad you went back. ❤

[@josephkabega]

I have watched his first video you posted over and over thanks for bringing him back.

[@cosmicdancer]

There is a real life Gandalf and his magical wonderland. So inspirational.

[@notinyourjurisdiction6903]

or Tom Bombadil

[@anlfrat8411]

That gentleman is a role model.

[@monicawinkler]

This gentleman is living my dream. Love how he is also so connected to our earth and it’s beauty. I could live there in a heartbeat ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@fredk4136]

Don't you all love to have this guy as a friend and neighbor to just go there and talk to him once in a while.😊 What a beautiful land and owner.

[@snowstrobe]

I don't think he sees himself as the 'owner' tbh.

[@williamskris6335]

Charles Bello speaks volumes of Truth!!! God Bless this man and I hope many will begin to quote this man! Great living Truths!!! TY and God Bless!!!

[@benschannel9065]

I hope Charles can pass on the propertie(s) to a loving steward of the land with the same enthusiasm he shares for nature, self sufficiency and local wildlife when he passes. That way his spirit and legacy can live on in that beautiful country.

[@sandraclay169]

God has blessed Charles so much. He is a man that had a vision and lived by it and promoted it. He has this beautiful land to enjoy and experience daily.

[@azsinger49]

I lost count of things he said that could be quoted in many places and in many ways. He truly sees the depth and breadth of our planet in his little piece of it. Sitting by that creek with his shoes off, brought me to tears. I feel the same way when I go to a place called Workman Creek in the Sierra Ancha mountains of central Arizona.

[@Punk_Unkle_Guitars]

He won. The rest of us are competing for 2nd place. God bless the spunky lad!! ❤

[@resourcefulgirl]

We are kindred spirits! Absolutely love his attitude and life. I'm 60 and just now establishing everything on my 20 acre homestead. You are a good steward of God's creation. It is a blessing to be in awe over every minuscule piece of God's glory.

[@vickisrome]

The excitement that runs through this man is what everyone seeks. I love the work. This is a glorious life! 🌳 🏡 🌲 Brilliant!!

[@Eden_barry1616]

This old man was just so wonderful to watch and listen to. Such a lovely person. Thank you.

[@brianhobbs772]

Those are the most beautiful raspberry plants I’ve ever seen so healthy. That place is wonderful.

[@eugeniebreida1583]

And those towering blueberry shrubs nearby not half bad as well. YUM. Screened top and sides, smart.

[@Reinnc]

Thank you for sharing this man with us. He’s truly wise and a protector of the forest.

[@James-In-Exile]

This is such a wonderful film, and a huge treat to revisit Charles Bello in his arboreal kingdom. The highlight for me was seeing Charles's delight at showing off Big Tree: "This is awesome; you can get a relationship between me and this tree. I'm nothing!" His enthusiasm and excitement was amusing, inspiring and profoundly moving all at once. Charles reminds us that we are all nothing compared to the majesty of nature.

[@markusmairinger1981]

What an amazing human being. Good to see him again on screen :-)

[@tiogoala7654]

I love Charles, he has so much wisdom. An amazing soul who keeps "going on and on". His passion for nature is infectious. Thanks for sharing Charles' home again. 🥰

[@synchronicity1470]

The spirit and mind of this man is majestic. People such as Charles are one in a million and NEED to be filmed for the rare, refined jewel of a human being he is.

[@sharonadlam3195]

How wonderful to revisit this amazing man, his life is an inspiration. Thank you Kirsten

[@jasongardner1910]

I would buy this mans land in a heartbeat just to continue his work

[@DrProgNerd]

This really brings into focus all of the insignificant clutter that we busy ourselves with in 'modern-life'. I'm 55 and dealing with the realization that - best case scenario - I'm well past the halfway point. I've lived in cities my whole life. I'm currently getting my house ready to sell - and I'm moving to a small community in a wooded area. This was just the fuel I needed to keep pushing for that goal. Thank you.

[@mingxuanfan]

I feel like he deserves a reward for reserving his forest

[@graefx]

He hasnt change a bit. I think that first video was how I originally found this channel. This place is still aspirational

[@chainmefree7]

This is one of the videos that changed everything for me in 2020. And this year I bought my dream property and began a life of self reliance. So grateful you made a return to such a special man and home.

[@LexTechSpecMish]

I would rewatch the original of this one probably 15 times when you posted it years ago! This man is such an inspiration of what you can accomplish if you put in the work and have an imagination to back it up. I am so glad you revisited his homestead.

[@snowstrobe]

I like this guy a lot. I hope there are young apprentices around him, learning from him and ready to take over.

[@RichRetr0]

What a delightful old fella!

[@WonderingAboutThat]

The first video you did of him was one of my favorites on your channel. Nice to see him again.

[@kerir.8559]

Thank you Kirsten and Co for another mind-expanding video! What a great location - if we all stayed as busy as Mr. Bello, we might still be this vigorous in our 90s.

[@earthgirl7861]

Beautiful trees, beautiful house , beautiful soul!

[@donaldjhill]

Yes Mr. Bello has foresight. However, I believe what is needed is a caretaker managing a team of sojourners, woofers, apprentices, willing to volunteer time and energy preserving the architectural gems and land in exchange to learn and know this way of life.

[@newbornborre]

I first thought he would have relatives to take care of his property but he's very clear he's looking for people with the same spirit to continue his life's work.. I totally agree this property could become a place of work/apprentice/reflection for many more souls.. We would love to help out in keeping this amazing place alive..

[@ksk6101]

Thank you for this beautiful, inspiring, and amazing video of this wonderful man. Mr. Charles Bello is indeed a National and Earth Treasure. I wish he could be given another lifetime. This treasure land of his should go on forever...I hope it will.

[@Antoine-xl2lr]

I already loved your first documentary about him and this place. So super grateful to see another upload. Please never stop visiting special people like him. Sometimes I turn on the old documentary you made from him, just to cheer myself up. His playfulness and warm heart make for one genius person.

[@jsiqueblue4948]

His energy and his spirit is mesmerizing❤

[@robinfallentine]

I understand what you're saying. I feel nature as well.

[@SALVATl0N]

This is my favorite person of all the people you have visited

[@TJintheVI]

This guy is such an intelligent genius that Kirsten is mostly speechless

[@davidwolfe7777]

And she normally has much to say.

[@JudySnyder-dv5ld]

I love this guys spirit.

[@johngrimble3050]

What a treat this guy is to the world❤.

[@ChileMan-bg4mz]

"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no “brief candle” for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." George Bernard Shaw

[@kwhatten]

I could sit by that stream ALL day too!

[@suesden]

This man is priceless...thank you for sharing him

[@RusselynConnor]

Yes, seeing him again is wonderful.. What a heartwarming story and powerful message.

[@synchronicity1470]

THANK YOU for bringing Charles back to us!! This man is a treasure. He is a joyful, engaged, brilliant man! Your other films, along with the OG of Charles & fam, are wonderful!! Great work, Kirsten. I frequently revisit your other Charles Bello film. He is special. 💖

[@RoyalAmethystAcres]

What a treasure you are, Charles! You are an example of what we all should strive to be, as human beings. ❤

[@jl9678]

I would love for Mr bello to design a mother in law house for me. I just love his energy, and his designs!

[@joanndavis4843]

What a wonderful life❤! The old man lives amongst the ancient trees. And he himself is growing ancient surrounded by his beloved redwoods.

[@merryfergie]

Kristen, you do find the most spectacular people Creating magnificent places. Thank you for sharing

[@kirstendirksen]

Thanks for the comment though really I'm lucky people want to tell me their stories. I get really inspired by people like Charles who continue to feel wonder for the world even at 92. He wrote me this morning "I would like to spend an afternoon at the river deck as I do every day to share a moment in time in anther world of beauty and primeval creation."

[@matiasgowland1822]

Hi Kristen and family, my partner and i being following your channel for quite a while and wait for every sunday or monday for your upload, it has being a source of inspiration and motivation, we left the city and we live in the middle of the woods in a Costal place in Rocha, Uruguay for more than 3 years now and when we saw Charles Bello´s story we see us in 50 years, him and his work has being an eye-mind opener for many and a constant concept for us we hope he is well and ok and keeps he´s influence in many people! Thank you for sharing this with the world!!Best regards from this corner of the world and hope to see you and your family around here anytime soon!!

[@kirstendirksen]

Hello Matias, Thanks for the note. Your story sounds interesting. I'd love to hear/see more. Do you have a website/social media? Or you can email me on our contact form. We hope to travel to Uruguay in the next few years. Regards, Kirsten

[@newbornborre]

More inspiration. We are dreaming of living closer to nature as well.. congrats and take care

[@martinmo2789]

Oh yes ... The first video from about 2020 is the most wholesome and energising I've seen since decades. Will save this one for a special occasion, a bright afternoon perhaps 😊

[@kirstendirksen]

I hope you enjoy it when you finally do watch. We spent a full day with Charles so I hope you get a chance to experience a bit of his life as we did. Though with a nearly hour-long video, it does make sense to wait :)

[@Lawman212]

@@kirstendirksen I really enjoyed your first visit, and sent the video out to a number of friends. I'm glad the video was successful and worth another visit out to Charles Bello. Do you know the architect George Nakashima? An incredible story, his compound near Philadelphia is worth visiting. Lots of parallels between land, houses, and furniture. I hope his daughter still lives there. She told me her memories of the internment camps in WWII.

[@johnassal5838]

@@kirstendirksen I'd love more information on that clipped A frame he built

[@kirstendirksen]

He gives us a tour in the first video we did with him: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKLGpIqXn86ppKs

[@kirstendirksen]

I've heard of George Nakashima and you're right, there are definitely parallels with his furniture and Charles' sculpture. I would love to film at his studio/foundation. Thanks for the reminder.

[@anndelfel7469]

He is adorable! I love his attitude. He inspires me to keep the 20 acres i have well managed, regardless of me and my husband being in our late 50s early 60s. I hope he has found someone to carry on his legacy after he goes to his final sleep❤

[@robewing4877]

We really enjoyed his spiritual way of living with nature and not taking anything around him for granted!

[@serenakoleno9338]

Thanks for this. May someone take over when necessary. A man in a million. ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@that_garden_gnome]

i'd trade places into this way of life in a heartbeat if i could...been trying to get a miniature version of it going in a small town house backyard- this guy really lived the best, alll that space to build and nurture is it

[@A_Valentino]

I like this guy. I came for the house, but I didn’t expect to receive all this great information from such a loving soul.

[@Bubblepoot]

That ending brought tears to my eyes

[@Sovereignty2929]

@@Bubblepoot me too

[@MBMCincy63]

WOW, This is such a cool fellow and all he has created... He knows so much about the plants and trees he's been tending to since he started. "I've got another two years worth of work lined up, but I am not sure I will be here to do it" 😂... Great attitude. Thank you Kirsten for this. ❤ 🥶🖤🔔👍🏻🥰

[@kayakbassman]

What a man .. Thank you for taking us along . We love all the stories he has. Plus the land is so beautiful

[@chrisknight3847]

truly inspirational, nature must be so happy to have this wonder full energy as a custodian lovingly tending to it, i wish so many more of us could do this and i aspire to it ...

[@paula...sister1of12]

What an interesting and brilliant man. And what a beautiful place him and his wife created.

[@a3janss]

Who needs meditation if you have such a magical spot at the water. Beautful guy with a heart for nature❤❤