Living Off Grid or On Grid: How we Power our Remote Cottage In The Middle Of The Woods

[@CottageandCompany]

Hi friends! Any of you have experience with off grid living? What are your thoughts?

[@dona62851]

How about a hydroelectric generator!!

[@trinity7964]

Another KZbin couple that I follow is mostly off the grid, kzbin.info ... such an adorable little family who really goes into detail about their solar system. I would reach out and start asking them tons of questions. 😊👍🏻

[@stacysalinas22]

You have some nice spaces that are open to put a good sized solar panel set-up on. My cousin has one, but you have a larger open area to use. Lots of unobstructed sunshine! You could definitely make the transition at some point.

[@CottageandCompany]

@@dona62851 We have thought about that! It might be an option! Thanks for the comment 🤗

[@BRPEngineering]

I've got some experience with solar and mini wind turbines, along with some heating work. I'd agree with Donna here that micro hydro might be a good idea, but from what we've seen of your stream, I'd imagine you'd only be able to get something around 10 W out of it. Insofar as solar, it would be good to have an idea of the orientation of your property or a birds-eye view to get an idea of your insolation exposure.

[@mattjames8683]

You really do have the best of both worlds here. The cottage is remote and private but it was built to modern standards and with modern amenities. Ann spared no expense to have this type of quality back then I can assure you!

[@AB-ol5uz]

I have no doubt that this was an expensive property purchase but wow did you make a tremendous purchase. She spent major $$$$ get those electric lines underground, large propane, septic, etc. You will reap the benefit for decades. She was definitely thinking long term, being a good steward of the land and being the least invasive possible.

[@selenadiaz2665]

I adore that the previous owner loved this property so much she left you the memoirs of it♡♡♡

[@Lindasromperroom]

Please keep sharing any projects you are doing at your cottage!🤗🌷🤗🌷Hello from Arizona Desert

[@sydneyevans2637]

Thanks for giving some of the history of the property. I enjoy learning the background of buildings and yours was so well documented by Anne. Seems like she put a lot of effort into creating her dream living space. Can't wait to see what your dream looks like. That's such an incredibly beautiful area with the creek running through. Best regards from the Sonoran desert!

[@tommy..980]

Damn Palmer you struck gold with that place!!! 🙆🏻‍♂️ UNBELIEVABLE.. You my friend need to come rub my head... No that’s amazing specially with the internet.. Anne was a very wise Lady.... So happy for you both , Good things Come to good people like yourself’s.. Our farm has a 100 year + hand dug well on it and still produces excellent fresh water... we also have Rural electric and propane.. But or internet sucks big time... Thanks for the interesting video.. You and Alex🥰 have a great weekend and stay warm!!!!

[@joannadavis6716]

The cottage is the very best of all possible worlds.

[@iamsoshibby]

I lived on a 60’ sailboat for 10 yrs wind/solar it was awesome. Then I built vacation/horse properties in rural locations [AZ NM NC SD WY VA MD] and I can honestly say there is no cost or eco benefit realization to solar except on a yacht. In your location geothermal heat might be a consideration but it may also effect your water quality. Each state/utility offers guidance and cost benefit amortized over time, but based on the size of your ‘cottage’ and its outbuildings your best investment might just be a duplication or backup system ie propane generator and a gate on your driveway. Good luck and we like watching!

[@indranieramdehol7998]

How awesome, running the wires underground at a distance. Drill well is cheap water or is free. My grand father and wells drilled in his yard, water flowed all day. This cottage is well equipped with the necessity to function. Lucky couple.

[@trinity7964]

As a kid I lived in a rural area, I miss the taste of our fabulous well water; that in itself is a luxury. In our current community of the suburbs, a good ten mile radius was connected to a well, but was replaced with city water about seven years ago. It was a semi noticeable change. Thinking back, I can remember how clean, crisp even, and cold the water was. You both are very fortunate. Anything that can be placed underground is ideal esthetic / scenery wise. Living near the Sierra Nevada foothills we have seen our neighboring communities burned down because of PG&E’s lines falling and causing many wildfires. It’s not something I would wish on anyone, absolutely devastating and sad. What has surprised you two the most about your location (good and bad)? More specific, electric costs, propane versus gas, and maybe wildlife. Are you learning what can be left out outside and the type of critters you both are seeing. Are the roads plowed by the county, and who does your driveway? Lol, sorry to overload you two. You two stay safe and healthy! 🥰🥰👍🏻👍🏻

[@jg8959]

wow, amazing about your services, especially the optical Internet... an even more heavenly place ❣️❣️❣️

[@donnavaughn5393]

Thanks you my friend wish I was younger again but have a Wounderful evening

[@CottageandCompany]

Thanks Donna! Nice to hear from you

[@dona62851]

With year round running water in you creek you could install a small hydro electric generator. With so many trees solar could be challenging.

[@janinafisher101]

I highly recommend a masonry stove if your house can accommodate it. You light one big fire a day (two on super-cold days if necessary) and you can leave your house all day without worrying or having to add wood. I live with one now in a passive solar, earth-bermed house with a roof garden, and on sunny days it's so toasty I don't even have to get the masonry stove going until nighttime.

[@CottageandCompany]

Great suggestion! I'll have to look into!

[@zbigniewkozlowski2749]

Jealous in the positive way wishing you the best from Canada Zbigniew

[@lorettataylor9902]

I love your home and land you have lots of trees for wood heat If you want to go that route just get ready for the mess that comes along with it .

[@beverlysmith9854]

A lot of people where we live have generators! We also have underground electric with propane for heat. We are on a shared community well which is maintained by a company.Thanks for answering questions about your utilities. With all the trees you will probably need a fire pit for limbs and trees damaged by storms.

[@oldmanjimh3165]

When I was purchasing my cabin I asked for the water to be tested even though it looked clear. Glad I did. It had chloroform and had to be disinfected before use.

[@johnniealford25]

Gotta love Vermont!

[@seblepage]

Wow, you guys have literally the best property ever! So much convenience in such a peaceful and beautiful location!

[@deefaye7336]

What a blessing! Thanks for feeding our curiosity!

[@babuddha]

Ahh yes... the best kind of off-grid living there is --- fully connected to the grid!!!

[@manishayoungblood534]

So many hidden features with this property like the fiber optic internet in the woods, WOW!!

[@janinafisher101]

It actually makes sense to have such a large propane tank since you are somewhat remote and have a long driveway and in Winter there could be times when a propane truck could not get to you!

[@CottageandCompany]

Very True!

[@lshwadchuck5643]

Hi Janina! Yeah, roughing it in the 'remote' bush a ten minute stroll from the village. Luxury!

[@bknight7698]

I do love your videos but I can’t help but to tell you to take care of yourselves out there so you can enjoy it for a lifetime! That snow looks awful cold and wet to me but still a beautiful place!

[@Defvin]

good vid mate! Thanks for sharing! 🙏

[@barbarabryant6788]

All the comforts you need.❤️

[@marylynnwills9905]

Wow that's awesome

[@karensparks2509]

I’ve always been interested in off grid. I’m assuming the previous owner was by herself? Such respect for her. I feel so happy for you all. You will have a lifetime of peace and joy. Hope you think about growing food and possibly get animals. Are you?

[@1cosmocat]

Just all around a great piece of property.

[@CottageandCompany]

Thank you so much! We sure are enjoying it ☺️

[@jeri926]

I have thoroughly enjoyed your cabin. Our cabin, growing up, was in the beautiful mountains of Colorado. It was, however, a lot more primitive, but being in the woods was wonderful. Adding solar can be good. You might want to get a generac just in case you run out of sun and have an ice storm.

[@fukyoindigoblossoming5087]

💡💡💡Another 💡 for wall sconces: Modern Self Reliance released a while ago one where he took 1/8” thick piece of walnut and made a sconce first a $10 wall fixture. Looks nice just a thought, 1/8” is practically veneer. Could use any wood but walnut I’d an awesome choice to contrast the light wood. Title of the vlog: Cabin is done....Wall sconce by Modern Self Reliance he’s done some awesome projects, check out his Forest Cube tiny house.

[@Zachry86]

Really lovely place. Would love to hear about your Honda Element.

[@RicSeabergsUseful-Information]

Appreciate your attention to audio

[@kimkistler3370]

That's the best way to run your power,,mine is above ground,ugh Sounds like the previous owner really thought things out with utilities, awesome! And internet in the woods,,I think Oregon needs to pay better attention to Vermont,,lol I do have a question I am surprised you don't need 4WD or AWD in your vehicle, what is your secret?

[@brianlinaweaver227]

I really hate to ask but any chance in the future of showing the floorplans for this house. I watched the walkthrough you did and have a basic concept. I happen to be curious about the staircase to the loft and if its compatible with modern day codes.. thanks

[@jcdill499]

Have you been at your homestead during black fly season yet. We sold our land in Sheffield due to them.

[@sdcrilly]

I have been wondering how you get your power and also what state you live in. Thank you for sharing with us. You have the most ideal living situation ever and I really enjoy your videos!

[@CottageandCompany]

Thank you for watching ☺️ We definitely feel lucky to call it home, and we are in the state of Vermont!

[@marylynnwills9905]

I love your vedios

[@eileenmanley7008]

Good videos! Do you see bears?

[@MysticMD]

Interested to know as well!

[@bobseeger342]

Thanks for sharing that interesting video how far are you from shopping area's and what wild life have you seen on your property ❓🤠

[@Qwijebo]

what about black water (sewage)?

[@lshwadchuck5643]

I imagine there's a septic tank and tile field. This place is only a mile from the village and has all the usual rural infrastructure.

[@johnmariaburns629]

I know you need to be private, but can I ask what part of the country you are living? (I'm assuming you are here in the US?)

[@Lindasromperroom]

Vermont

[@johnmariaburns629]

Awesome!

[@mariebookish4625]

Hey I was wondering, what is the square footage of the cabin?

[@LittleMo-wt3gj]

Do you get aga cookers over there? That would do your cooking and heat the cabin 🇬🇧

[@dcail123]

Hi, How many acres do you have at your cottage?

[@CottageandCompany]

Hi there! We have 10 acres. Thanks for watching

[@shirleyhawkins1307]

Interesting video. I am curious if both of you still have jobs you go to and if so, how far away are you from your place of employment? ❤

[@cazpk6840]

How much does this cottage cost as i am looking to get one in the next 5 years ...

[@jackbrainard490]

where is your closest town in Vermont? I had lived near Montpelier

[@karensmith1158]

What about sewage waste?

[@latoyatv2030]

Can I live off grid peacefully and start over

[@lindahamly5468]

Are you going to live there full time

[@yodafannie]

Da it's like a regular house

[@lshwadchuck5643]

It IS a regular house! It's charming and has a cabin style, but it's only a mile from the village.

[@KeithSilva2]

Sewage?

[@yodafannie]

A cesspool

[@tonimactavish9937]

Is your internet expensive ?

[@panagiotamani9398]

Να δω το σπιτη

[@SuchaCaligrrl]

Ok I'm starting to twitch everytime you call it a cottage 🥴... that is not a cottage.