Looking for Raw Land to Homestead (So many people are!) | VLOG

Check out the newest podcast episode: rootsandrefuge.com/social-med...
Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm
Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab some coffee and visit awhile.
There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that is exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart - to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to our journey, friend. I am so glad you're here.
*********************
WHERE TO FIND US (Some of the links here are affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we'll receive a small commission but the price remains the same - OR BETTER - for you! Be sure to check for any mentioned discount codes.)
- Our Website: rootsandrefuge.com
- Sign up for our newsletter: rootsandrefuge.com/yt-signup
- Abundance+ (Grab a FREE 7-day trial): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-wilder-...
- Shop our Stickers & Shirts: rootsandrefuge.com/yt-shop
- Order my book First Time Gardener: rootsandrefuge.com/yt-ftgbook
- Pre-order my newest book First Time Homesteader: rootsandrefuge.com/first-time...
- Growing Gardeners Course: rootsandrefuge.com/yt-ggcourse
- Instagram: roots_and_refuge
- Facebook: / rootsandrefugefarm
- Email Us: [e-mail]
- To drop us a line:
PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
- To have a gift sent to our house from our Amazon wishlist: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
- To support us through PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/jessi...
**********************
PRODUCTS WE LOVE - You've probably heard me talk about these things a million times, so here's where you can order them (and get a discount with my code!):
- Greenstalk Vertical Gardens (Use code "ROOTS10" for $10 off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-greenstalk
- Squizito Tasting Room (Use code "ROOTS" for 10% off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-squizito
- ButcherBox: rootsandrefuge.com/butcherbox
- Growers Solution: rootsandrefuge.com/growers-so...
#rootsandrefuge #homesteading #gardening

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Check out Betsy's journey by following on IG: instagram.com/basquebutter/

[@LynzB45]

I hope she makes a youtube channel about her homesteading journey! I'd love to watch her farm grow!

[@PartTimePermies]

Her accpunt is private. I'd love to follow her story

[@kristyhale9195]

I requested to follow her IG and l look forward to watching her and her family's journey!!! Congratulations.

[@colliecoform4854]

My father in law grew up on a farm in Italy. He was an amazing gardener. He came and lived with us for a few years and our garden was so productive. So many people would stop by to get advice or my friends would come for coffee and he would be the star.. He has been gone for many years but I think of him often especially in the garden.

[@doulacoach6801]

That's just beautiful. I bet he's there watchin over you in the garden too!

[@fredia2118]

I know he's there with you.

[@TrickleCreekFarm]

Beautiful memories!

[@robinhenderson5373]

I am feeling a new “Heavens to Betsy” KZbin channel!

[@harvestandhome]

I’m only a minute and a half in and I can’t stop smiling from the excitement and happiness radiating off of Betsy. It’s so fun seeing people pursuing their dreams ❤

[@Redwoobacca]

I just wanted to tell you that it has touched my heart and soul in such an immense, profound way to see someone openly lgbtq+ not only represented, but welcomed into your community, and seeing that on your vlog, I definitely was (and still am as I type this!) crying tears of joy. Even glancing through the comments and seeing the overwhelming support really speaks to how wonderful each and every one of you are. This is honestly so huge in a way that I struggle to articulate right now, but I can see in my mind and heart the potential of people returning to strongly interconnected communities in a world that has been so disconnected for so long. Thank you, Jess. You are such a blessing and your presence has brightened so many lives, including mine 💛🌻

[@PsychoPixie57]

Yes!! I came here to say how happy this made me! I came to the comments expecting to see ugly comments, and I'm so happy to see that that is not the case! It gives me so much hope for the world.

[@paigeh4231]

@@PsychoPixie57 The R&R community is so loving and kind. I feel like Jess just creates this space for anyone and everyone, and she has made it clear she's not in support of those who exclude. Regardless of her personal opinions on things, although I think Jess just loves people period.

[@JWHealing]

🌈💕🌈💕🌈

[@cyhomer]

..I just hope she and her partner have researched how ANY particular state treats LGBTQ folks….perk up those ears…

[@PrairieDawnC]

Jess, id love to hear you talk with Betsy's dad and more seniors with ag, gardening, and homesteading backgrounds! What a wonderful way to preserve and share knowledge! My dad died 10 years ago at 69. He wasn't comfortable with emotional intimacy, but we spent many hours bonding in the gardens, his and mine from toddlerhood on. Put a shovel -- or beer -- in his hand, and he'd talk. Such special memories.

[@jannafolsom1069]

4 minutes in. The smile on her face, while she's talking about her dad. 🥰 such love.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

10 acres mostly cleared is a blessing. We bought basically that but it also had a house and barn and coop. Congrats!!!

[@crob40487]

My PawPaw has been the absolute biggest resource. He even helped me butcher chickens this past summer. I feel so blessed that I still have him around and I have a book that I wrote down all of our life lessons in.

[@8thcelisabeth]

You have a book of what you learned from him? Definitely an amazing blessing!

[@debrasaints3809]

I can see her getting a big pond dug out, building swells, and planting beautiful trees around it! Betsy is so sweet. I’m very happy for Betsy and her family. She is blessed to have you nearby. I know her Dad is so knowledgeable, but it doesn’t hurt that she can pick your ear! You’re looking great Jess! God is good! Blessings ❤️

[@8thcelisabeth]

Glad to see lovely people like Betsy moving to SC

[@dirtroaddestiny]

I love that land. We have 3 acres and it was semi raw. Had a trailer, no electricity or water so we had to save up and work for those. We used rain barrels and small solar panels until we got a well and hooked to electric. Every story has a start. It can happen. I’m almost 30 ❤

[@aprilshowershomestead]

I was blessed to be able to purchase one acre of raw land this past year!! It’s a lot of work for a single mama, but I’m doing it and we should be able to move our tiny house there with in the month!!!! 😁 🎉

[@fredia2118]

Wow. This video is so special. Made me love this channel so much more. Thanks again Jess.

[@ejgreer5743]

My great grandparents grew up on a small farm during the depression and as a very small child I remember her talking about how much food they shared with others and how hard it was to keep enough for their family. They had buried a freezer chest on the property to store food in and would go out at night to get into it so they wouldn’t be reported for hoarding food. I wish so much that she were still here for me to pick her brain and hear her amazing stories growing up in rural Ohio, but in my teen years she developed dementia and we couldn’t get much out of her after that.

[@meagantrout2127]

Jess I hope you do a visit in the future when they start getting the homestead up and going! I love Betsys energy!

[@tammystoddard2830]

So excited for the two of them! Nothing more exciting than getting started on your dream.

[@tericamcginnis5848]

It is important to be aware of easements, setbacks, ordinances and how they marry with the property you want. Maybe especially on smaller lots. Who can use the easements and for what. Is the land zoned for your plans? A lot of behind the scenes info to know. Love your field trip! 💜😎

[@lynnbetts4332]

And what animals will be allowed. Restrictions are not just on subdivision lots. Some tracts, especially if they were a large tract that had been subdivided by an investor, may carry restrictions against pigs or goats (except for intermittent 4H or FFA project animals). Or if the original owner lives next door. Plus, restrictions on housing. Some don't allow mobile homes.

[@judymeadows7525]

My grandparents were raising their family ( 4 children ) during the depression in PA. They lived on a suburban 1 acre lot, but had a huge garden, fruit trees and bushes. They had chickens and shared eggs with neighbors, and preserved loads of veggies Homesteaders before this time.

[@ERAforALL]

My dad was a child of the Great Depression, as well. His family had four acres, which was filled with a vegetable garden, chickens, pigs and rabbits, all keeping the family fed. My dad told me his father, knowing his own children never went hungry, sometimes gave away his paycheck to other families without his resources. Although we were in a good place as kids, my parents still practiced some self sufficiency food production. We spent a lot of hot summer days working in the garden, or the even hotter kitchen, canning food. I swore I would never do any of this, but to this day, every single spring, I feel an overwhelming need to plant and grow gardens. For which I bless my parents.

[@deetoms8542]

I love her story, how fantastic for them!

[@aprild714]

My mom grew up on a full functioning farm on the top of a mountain in WV, no indoor plumbing until she was I think 10. The stories she has are amazing from baby bobcats to getting chased by snakes threw a swamp to get to school. We have a family cemetery on top of our Hill on the farm and my grandmas cellar was too die for, I was born a little too late to gain that knowledge from them but I remember as a kid visiting and feeling honestly to my soul that this is what life is about. I was born in a small town but still it was a town and when I would visit the farm as a kid ( a kid no worries no bills no daily responsibilities) I would FEEL this feeling of this is what life is suppose to feel like, the quietness but yet still the sounds the darkness but yet you can feel what's there.....I cling to those memories as a single mom and feel bad that my own kid doesn't know what that feels like but I do what I can with what I have at this moment, a large garden and fresh canned foods. I have made a promise to myself that one day I will own a homestead and at least give my grown daughter and her kids the peace I felt with being ( for a lack of better words) FREE

[@Junkinsally]

I live on family property in WV and life in mountains is like no other.

[@a.j.r_ball]

Welcome!! So glad they joined our community!!💯❤

[@DreamingBigSC]

Welcome to South Carolina, Betsy! I love seeing more homesteaders coming here. I'm right there with you on the sheep. They are, by far, my favorite animals on my homestead!!

[@nancyfaircloth3224]

I grew up in SC and hope to come home again.

[@theresatyree3090]

I’m in SC hoping to connect with same for that “community “. I’m in Florence;

[@DreamingBigSC]

@@theresatyree3090 I'm in Walterboro.

[@theresatyree3090]

@@DreamingBigSC ahh, 2 hours away

[@dianecharles881]

So exciting, hope you get to interview her dad . I’m so happy for them finding property!

[@BeautifulWreck2]

I hope to see more content about this as my husband and I are dreaming of doing this. But let me also say this, it warmed my heart and spirit to see someone from the LGBT community in your blog and that they were being welcomed not only by you but they said they were being welcomed by the community. As a mom to LGBT kids, we worry about moving to a rural area and be ostracized. I am not a Christian, but I truly respect those who live in the walk and faith that you do and welcome others with grace.

[@ginachambers5094]

I am a Christian and still had this same concern moving from Chicagoland to Florida. My girls were raised with much diversity and love to all. It turned out well and I'm excited to look now for more rural land here in FL, GA, or God willing, near Jess in SC.

[@koalatygardens7713]

Same here!!! I couldn't agree more with that comment!!!!!!!!

[@ObsidianMoonX]

I was so happy to see that too. It almost made me cry. Jess is such a wonderful person 💕

[@schooleyacres8228]

I agree! Thank-you Jess for showing unconditional love. This vlog speaks volumes. “We love because he first loved us” Blessings ❤❤

[@heatheringram2976]

What a happy surprise! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a homesteading video with gay people and I’ve watched hundreds. We like to grow food too. Betsy, you have a lot of guts moving to the south. I hope it turns out to be all that you dreamt it would be. Best of luck

[@Txnative7]

My grandma's family came from the same area of The pyrenees mountains, they were Basque. Also shepards. I would swear she could make rocks bloom! Most knowledgeable gardener I've never known!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

That’s so wonderful!

[@8thcelisabeth]

Any Basque recipes you make that are a favorite? I hope you have your Grandma's touch with growing, that would be so amazing!

[@GardeningGems]

Just recently found out that my family is partially Basque! Coincidentally (or not) it’s the same side of my family who was so heavy into gardening and homesteading. An amazing culture!

[@karionhawkins3091]

So nice to see someone following their dreams! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@kabodick]

Congratulations to Betsy and Michelle!! How exciting!!! Best of luck on growing your new homestead 😃.

[@cheekysaver]

Very first... congratulations to the ladies that bought their land!!! That is so amazing. I do hope we get to hear more of their story.... and that they get met with a welcome home sign. I have had lots of conversations with my parents about back in the day. I know more about the family history as a result. I know stuff others and even mom didn't know because of some research plus family stories. Mom knew her family owned a working man's hotel here.... what she didn't know is they were the first owners that bought it iff the builders. I dove into over 100 year old archives online. They sold the hotel back in the day before mom was born...mom never set foot in it. It was almost a family myth that it happened until i dig up the records. Her family didn't talk much about the past. I am 52...mom is in her 70's. She was post war and post depression.

[@8thcelisabeth]

I'd love to follow their story too. I did follow them on Insta, glad Jess linked it.

[@trinitydrury6434]

My God mother is also Basque, her family moved to Wyoming near the Big horns, love hearing all of her stories. They have a huge festival in Buffalo often, the lamb burgers are amazing!!!

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

Ma'am, we cannot watch this tonight or until Sunday...my prayer is for a tiny farm with then a developing Co Op...thanks for sharing this. God works in amazing ways! It is good to meet you all. Have a great weekend! That ladies joy in showing you her new acreage was really sweet. You could see how proud of it she was and I do hope you do an update with her father and the sheep. Thank you for all that you do Jess.

[@Jdadkins6198]

It really is so rewarding learning about the hard work our grandparents went through. I was blessed to be my grandmother’s sole caregiver to keep her out of a nursing home. I spent so many days talking with her about the Great Depression. And how she grew up. Why she saved so many plastic cottage cheese containers, glass jars, paper bags, etc…lol. Some was to make food to take portions to neighbors. And literally save everything, allowing no waste. She had so many interesting stories on self preservation and the meaning of real hard work. Having a piece of land I think is top on list for sure. If not, being part of a homestead community is a great survival tool to have in our belts. Cool topic Jess!! ❤

[@8thcelisabeth]

We had the same Grandma, so many peanut butter jar lids, berry containers ect in the pantry storage. She saved everything and was a small girl during the depression. She has memories of only having lard on bread to eat. One of her first memories. I get my love of gardening from my Grandparents. Thank you for your service to them!

[@thewilderthestillhomestead9802]

My husband has 2 job opportunities in SC. So we are likely on our way as well. About to start that journey. Thanks Jess for the daily inspiration.

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

Betsy, you, and your mate took the first steps to a life dream, this will work. Congratulations!

[@YouCanFarm]

I'm so happy for Betsy! I would love to help her get started on her sheep journey when she is ready ❤🐑

[@LoveoftheDarkFiberArts]

We love Betsey already!~ Looking forward to meeting Michelle and seeing their journey!

[@shandysgarden]

Yessss!! Exactly what I'm going to be doing before the end of this year! And hopefully right in your area. My family is nearby in Columbia, Rock Hill & Union, SC. That makes it that much sweeter. I just can't wait much longer! I'll be 52 this year, so... let's combine some dreams! Thank you for your tips. I've been watching and waiting for years. *I've watched all of the homesteaders move to new properties on their KZbin channels. LOL I know I can do this!😀

[@rainspringing]

Welcome, very late, to South Carolina, Betsy and Michelle! With parents! 🐑Hope they start a KZbin channel. Love the energy and excitement! 🥰

[@robinjohnston8180]

Yes you and your husband and your helping hands there have done a tremendous amount of work!

[@izzyhendrix2651]

My favorite thing in life since I was a little kid is to listen to my elders tell stories of their past. I was lucky enough to have a Grammy who raised me in farmer's markets and took me to her favorite vendor's farms... listening to all of their stories are my most cherished memories. Another youtube channel I love for this reason is Celebrating Appalachia, Tipper makes lots of videos of her elders telling stories of their life and how they got by. So much wisdom to glean if you just slow down and listen

[@kennapennington3374]

We are so excited to be building and moving to our property this year! We actually purchased two years ago, and were looking for privacy. We ended up with a mostly wooded property, with a few larger fields for production. The woods are this huge blessing because even though we are close to town (convenient!), we feel secluded and peaceful! The soil is hard pack clay/terrible, so we are actually using the forested acres for products like mushrooms and hogs, and the open space we'll start with straw bale gardening while we improve the soil. :)

[@graehamjestin1493]

I've been binging your content while I recover from major surgery. Dreaming and planning for the future, and seeing other people realize the dreams they've been planning, feels like the best medicine. Thank you ❤️

[@dtorrice5101]

I really hope you get to feature Betsy ‘s dad! Welcome to SC, Betsy and family! We moved here in 2005. Originally from Cuba. Absolutely love my state!

[@hazelbellefarm476]

Nice to meet you, Betsy! You’ll have to update us when you get those sheep! ❤

[@robertphillips2659]

Love this topic. I have looked for property for many years and thought I would never find land. My brother found cheap raw land in Central Oregon, and it was cheap enough that I bought 32 acres close to him it was cheap enough that I paid cash for it as I was putting together a plan for the 32 acres my baby brother passed and I ended up taking over his payments, bitter sweet yes but he is with the lord now. My partner and I moved onto his property recently, and it is so daunting there are no structures, but his double wide and well no trees are all sage brush we have horses that I have been raising for years on leased land. We are bout to get our first batch of chickens and pigs. I am so in love with this land most of all it is mine

[@mgtmoffat8411]

We moved 12,000 miles! Born in Uk during WW11, I always lived rural, mostly on farms. As a 2 to 4 year old I spent a lot of time at my grandparents farm. It is surprising what I remember from that time there watching things. My parents were doing much the same. A big vege garden and hens. I married at 19. If on my wedding day you had told me 4 years on we would have sold everything and would be farming in New Zealand I would have said no! It is the best thing we ever did but it was a steep learning curve. 💕💕🌻🌻

[@sherylfetik4126]

My grandfather grew food for his family and neighbors, during the Depression, in Brooklyn. I would love to talk to my parents and grandparents, about what is happening now. ❤

[@DeasonChris]

So excited for them! Thanks for being so awesome Jess!

[@pastorheather]

Yay for Betsy and the family! Thank you for introducing us, Jess!

[@kellyjohst573]

I was so happy to see this topic. I did ask for it in a comment on another video because I’m currently looking for land in the Carolina’s and hope to buy this year. I’ll be a transplant from upstate/central NY and am ready to take my garden skills and self-reliance to the next level!! Can’t wait for that podcast to drop ❤

[@samanthahoos9827]

I’m from suburban families for generations and was always told I was weird for wanting to live in the ‘country’. Originally I thought I wanted acres of land, but my 2 acre homestead is perfect for what I an manage. Today I’m meal prepping for the week - thanks to young chickens I’m making a few different quiches for breakfasts.

[@daigledj]

The biggest recommendation I can give to those making a drastic move is to find the community that suits you. Far too many are moving to the rural south because of how it is, then almost immediately start complaining and trying to change things. Tractor going down the road blocking traffic, slow down until they turn off or it's safe to go around. Blowing your horn or pushing for ordinances against them won't make you any friend's. Neighbors with animals that smell a bit, you'll get used to it, and before you know it, you'll associate cow pies with the smell of home. Hunting or livestock dogs barking or maybe even coming on your property, learn to enjoy the music, and maybe offer to lend a hand if they get out of where they're supposed to be. Ideally, if you can take some time to talk to the community before you purchase land in a new area. Find an area that best suits you not only property wise but community/culturally and if there are differences then be prepared to adapt or at least accept the way people and things are. You and your neighbors will get along much better.

[@OurZip-TiedCottage]

Betsy, I'm jealous (but very happy for you and your family)! Welcome to SC! We've been looking for the last several years now, for land around us. Everything we find at a good price gets scooped up quickly, everything else is overpriced. 5 acres is our goal. The closest personal resource I had for knowledge, was my grandma. She was so tickled that I started growing food, and shared stories of being a little girl and taking a salt shaker into her grandma's garden :) I lost her last May, but I will always remember those stories!

[@8thcelisabeth]

Good Luck Raven!

[@beverlyd3464]

Such a valuable video for those looking into homesteading. Lots of helpful tips to gleen here! Thank you, Jess! God bless...

[@anrim7537]

My dad had a theory that the land chooses you, not the other way around. He would get in the car and drive. When he saw an interesting plot of land, he would look for neighbors and get information about the owner through them. In this way he bought every property he had. Of course, with today's fuel prices, it is much more difficult.

[@Safari-Scarlet]

So nice to meet Betsy! I wish her and her family all the best!

[@8thcelisabeth]

I love love LOVE hearing family stories. I collect books written by women in South Dakota history, their experiences growing up on this land. So excited for Betsy and Michelle!

[@sandraengstrand2784]

Woohoo!! Sheep are sooo wonderful! And dad is legit!! 💕🐑

[@leahharbison4932]

Bless you Jess !

[@wombat2379]

Enjoyed this video very much. Took notes! Thank u 🙏

[@dhansonranch]

Nice piece of land! Congratulations Betsy and Michelle! I talk to my Dad quite often about the way it used to be but missed the opportunity with my Grandmother. Would love to hear a conversation with Betsy's Dad. BTW The podcast is not showing up on Google podcasts yet....will keep watching for it.

[@karly8563]

Thanks for being the mentor I needed❤️ ly and your family endlessly.

[@carolstacey4955]

We have 30 acres in north central Texas. Land is being sold to developers and the price is so high that it wouldnt be affordable for homesteading. Now that interest rates have gone up these homes sit empty on 1 acre plots. Everyone was out for a quick buck and didn’t think about the consequences. I love where I am though. Right in the middle of some large ranches that will probably never sale.

[@JB-pd4ni]

My best to Betsy and her father. I hope dad will share some of his wisdom online, we all need his perspective.

[@jodibillingsley]

Such useful information! Thank you 🧡

[@dirttodreams]

We are from SC and just purchased 63 acres here in SC. We cannot wait to get things started on ours. Welcome to SC!

[@bgperm67]

Great video, my wife an I bought raw in SC the exact same time you guys did. It’s a slow process but we are doing it from a distance but are planning our permanent move to the land this year! Thanks for sharing

[@ruthmcbride1778]

You are looking really good. I hope that means you are feeling good. You have done so much. I just noticed you changed your doors on your green house. I don’t know how you do all the animals, garden, preserving, you tube and other social media and all the stuff in town and family time. Seems like multiple full time jobs. Take care and don’t over do. Don’t want to burn out. This big of a dream will just keep growing. Could be hard to find the right balance and take care of yourself and family. What an incredible journey you are on. Looking forward to seeing how it unfolds. Best to you and your family and all the dreams you are helping people to work towards

[@teritooley6031]

Congratulations Betsy and Michelle!! 🎉💜

[@broken10100]

It's so funny. I commented on your vlog asking what was holding me up from doing the homestead. I had said fear and finances. We live in NC! I love how you live so close to follow the growing conditions. Somedays I want to reach out to a realtor. It's so scary. I appreciate this vlog!!!

[@joanne8505]

We bought raw land almost 7 years ago here in WNC. My boyfriend is from CA and I am from NJ. What a combination. I often say, “What drew us here?” Something made us stop on the highway that day when we saw the sign. Looking for an owner finance property, we never thought we would get it, but we did. What convinced me was a love for tiny little crooked creeks as a kid. My boyfriend took his chair and found a quiet spot and sat and listened to the land. I think more people should just take the time and sit and just be one with the land before purchasing it. We had no idea what we wanted to do with our land, but here we are with our many rescue animals, raising a flock of chickens and turkeys and trying real hard to grow our own food the old school way with no fancy machinery. It’s backbreaking hard work and takes a special love and dedication to the land and preserving it the best way we can. I love that your journey has taken you so far in such a short time. I wish now that I would have started sooner, but I wouldn’t change things. I am here. I am home!!!❤

[@emblarovardotter]

Is Betsy on KZbin? I would love to follow her and her partners journey with this new property. And get some wisdom from her father! 🌈

[@crazylicious85]

Same I would love to see the progress! Hope they decide to post even if just on Instagram or something!

[@kabodick]

Yes, it would be fun to follow her on this journey 😃.

[@ingenoordam7422]

in the linbk Yess gave they only have istagram. G'D BLESS and greetings from Inge Noordam (the Netherlands/Europe)

[@taraconnelly3563]

My great grandmother was in a self sufficient community in W.V. I had a relationship with her son my grandad but never asked him questions. His mother died in her 90s never having electricity in 1990s. That being said there is Fire Fox which is a historical center run by high school students to document the life style of people in Appalachia region. There is an actual museum in North GA, books, magazines, cookbooks and a podcast with recorded interviews. It is amazing and their is so much information. I love listening to the old recordings of people explaining how they did things.

[@thisorthat7626]

Raw land is nice, however be prepared for big expenses installing a well, septic, setting up solar, and housing, etc. For many people that would mean you need income for the first few years or a large savings account. In many instances you might be better off finding a property that is rundown but has a well, septic, fencing, some outbuildings, etc. Please remember that many of the homesteaders we watch on KZbin do have an income from KZbin. I hope everyone figures out what they want and find that great property.

[@bcvahsfam]

Congratulations on your land!! So happy for you!

[@ehsanihomestead]

Excellent point about the best realtors being the ones that know the area well and have knowledge about the kinds of properties that you are looking for. The first realtor my husband and I met with took us to about 6 different houses, and though it was well intentioned he nearly called us before we were scheduled to meet up at one of the properties because it was completely off grid and down over two miles of gravel... in other words the only house/property that even came close to being right for us! He didn't understand what we were asking for at all.

[@PartTimePermies]

That's awesome. I'd love to see an interview of her dad. That would be awesome. It's also noce to have a new neighbor interested in the same things!

[@joanneganon7157]

Blessings as your journey moves forward,🌞. I was lucky to know an old Friends Grandmother. She taught me how the Vermonter lived back in the day when things were lean . Gardening,Canning ,@ood for Heat. Very valuable blessings👍. JO JO IN VT 💞💨❄️☃️

[@alexiejo3576]

Congrats Betsy! My family is also from the basque country and sheep are definitely in the blood!! Good luck on your endevours in SC!

[@okiebasil]

We bought 15 acres of raw cow pasture with a pond and small wooded area in northeast Oklahoma three years ago. What has been a little overwhelming is figuring out the full potential of our property and deciding on the best layout. We started an orchard, pasture raising laying hens and meat chickens, and doing the finishing work on our two small cabins, which we moved into two years ago. God's timing is perfect--were so thankful we found such a beautiful property right before land prices went crazy.

[@robineggblue-bp3rq]

Congrats, Betsy. You are making a move that so many of us dream of. One of these days!

[@kele1264]

Good luck, Betsy!!!

[@heatheringram2976]

I’m so glad you did a video on where to homestead. I’ve been trying to figure out where to move to for several years. I want to be in a zone 8 or 9 so I can grow citrus, avocados and veggies all year. But not be too hot in the winter. I like a cooler winter in the 40’s and 50’s. Perfect for winter garden. I’m wondering about northern Florida. Away from the hurricanes, but still an easy drive to hospitals and a city when needed. Also an easy drive if we want to go to the beach. I’m not interested in having animals, just growing food. We don’t want to mow much, so we only need about 1 acre cleared, the rest can be wooded, for wood to burn and walks in the shade. We’re in Kentucky now and it’s just too cold. I’m over spending months looking longingly outside for spring to garden. I want to do it all year so badly, no high tunnels and few row covers.

[@rainspringing]

North Florida is usually not hot in the winter. Lived there for 24 years. No dependable 50's cool, nor am I sure anywhere on east coast zone 8 or 9 is that lovely range of cool, but at least not usually hot. Some North Florida locations are almost guaranteed frost free, which doesn't mean that tender citrus won't still need some protection a few times per winter. Full disclosure though, my favorite place to date was 13 years in the hills of Eastern Kentucky for year round weather, humidity levels and insects. Hard to establish a garden, because it's basically carving out hillsides, but everything past that point was SO much easier than I'd ever experienced. Things just grew. Much less fuss, and no fire ants carting everything off, or making it difficult to weed. The few months of winter were always spent on frantic improvements/fixes that no-one had time for the rest of the year. Or ahem, Florida girl playing in every little snow like a child. :) So I don't remember a whole lot of downtime. Granted, getting to a good hospital was never easy. However, spring and fall were flat out breathtakingly pleasant, plus they existed, for real! Until then I kind of deep down believed the rest of the world maybe hallucinated spring and fall, to make pretty words in books or pictures. Spring warmed up gradually, gently, including the picture book flowering. No hot/freeze/hot/freeze whiplash. Could winter sow from December on with extreme ease, and no concern. Cooled off the same way for fall, painting the world with beautiful tree leaves! Just like a fantasy land. Plus no mosquitos in winter, along with none for the beginning and end of fall. The main thing is unless you have lived in non-stop HIGH humidity, I'd advise a long visit to North Florida first. Deep summer is rough on veggies and people. South Carolina is so much drier in comparison, yet people even complain of the humidity here. Winter in North Florida has super cold wet winds, making it feel colder when the sun isn't shining (no wind the rest of the year). Probably one sapling tree per year, to heat if using a wood stove or similar. Fireplaces are really just a decoration there, and installed as such. Don't buy anything builder installed. North Florida isn't exactly free from hurricane damage, just usually not the wide devastation. May not comfort you some year in the future, if it's your house with a tree through it though. Best to plan for potential problems and hope it all goes around you instead. You are also pretty much guaranteed to experience a week or more of electric loss, with area road blockages every so many years, unless they get on the ball about burying all the lines. Road blockages will of course remain, just be prepared for both and no worries. Actually kind of like edges of hurricanes, based on my North Florida experiences. Some excitement, but not usually so much that the fight with the insurance company, and living conditions end up a nightmare. All occurring in much more tolerable weather to be out trekking around carrying a chainsaw helping the neighbors with damages. (Battery powered chainsaws, have backup fresh charged batteries, to last at least two weeks.) Hurricane prep was basically the snowed in/exit roads blocked prep for Kentucky, just way less overall work during a snow in. Beaches in Florida were top rate. Just amazing sand, often a breeze, and you can walk for hours. Even in winter! Good luck on your search!

[@dancnluc1]

I wished I had video or taped my grandparents' conversations on things. My dad's parents always had a garden and my grandmother canned alot. We used to sit around shelling beans or removing husk off of corn. They lived in a home that they bought that my grandfather turned from a 2 story home into 1 story. I remember seeing the cards from the depression for them to get food. My dad was just a little guy during that time frame. My grandfather needed a good pocket knife and actually traded several acres of land that he was not using for a pocketknife. My grandparents on my mom's side always had a garden and chickens plus a goat. They had no running water, little brown shack, and heated / cooked with wood. About 33 years ago my ex and I had our 3 acreage mini farm with chickens, a garden and a pond. We raised a couple of pigs and a bull for meat. We had a jersey dairy cow (my first and she was expecting) but we sold her because he was military so we had gotten new assignment. One of my favorite places.

[@emilydebary4738]

We have played with the idea of buying a piece of raw land and living there in an RV and just starting over. I hate the thought of leaving our small but active homestead we have already, but we have a lot of debt. Would be so amazing to get out from under that debt. A lot of land is nice, but I'd love to encourage folks to not despise small beginnings! We have 1.35 acres. We're a family of 5. We grow and raise so much food here! Large veggie garden, fruit trees, berry patch, meat and egg chickens, meat and dairy goats, and we're looking to get turkeys and rabbits. We still have room to grow and we're always expanding our food growing area. You can do so much with a small piece of land - seriously! Don't get hung up on the idea of having acres and acres if you're not financially ready.

[@teslinjoe5938]

Prayed hard for you guys last night while watching Ryan Hall's live coverage. So hoping it wasn't as bad as it looked on the radar. 🙏❤🙏

[@herbalwarrior7778]

That's so awesome! My hubby and I are thinking of visiting SC for the first time this summer to look at land too! I had a dream that I lived there and came to visit your farm JESS! Lol. There is something to all of this. We live in AZ right now and I can't stand the brutal summers here. Growing food out here is hard.

[@melissakasner9722]

I love being in my garden can't wait I stop.for the winter to end took a break but I miss it

[@heathermayfield4247]

Basque food is so good, if you can get some Basque stuff going on it will be wonderful. . Good luck Betsy and Michelle. Looking forward to seeing your farm progress.

[@joannmahaffey1068]

Jess, I grew up on a self sufficient farm in very rural area. The whole community lived that same way and I went to a one room school. I have been a small scale market gardener and have always had a garden. I am "retired" now. I have taught gardening and seed saving. My experience today is that most young people would rather reinvent the wheel than listen to an "old" person. Having said that, I do have several young people Who are not afraid to ask my advice and I love hearing what they are doing. We have good conversations. I would love to here from Betsy's Dad.

[@jennbidwelledwardson2885]

My father in law was born on a farm in Norway and learned so much about growing food. Here in PA he had a huge garden and any time someone offered him a plant or tree start he would take it. He grew kiwi, grapes, apples and all the vegetables. When he and my mother in law sold their house and moved into an apartment he foraged around the area and found an apple tree that had apples hanging over the apartment grounds that he picked and an abandoned pepper plant and picked and used them. I wish I had known then what to ask. You're right, if you have someone in your life who has the knowledge, ask them to tell you their stories.

[@marylouslittlehomestead4644]

Heartiness Approach from Missouri has just put there homestead up for sale. They have a video of the whole homestead on their channel that was put out yesterday. If anyone is looking check them out.

[@kimwood6632]

Betsy's living the dream!

[@katpeters-midland8174]

Thank you for dealing with looking for land - we are looking in South Carolina and it is overwhelming at times. Setting up a 5 year plan is a good idea - thanks

[@nessaf.279]

Congratulations ❤❤❤❤ pure Awesomeness

[@jennsadventures84]

We have just shy of 4 acres we just inherited from family. We're small scale. But we're in our 50's. So small is good. Our land is raw. But very buildable. We are car freaks. So an area for a nice shop is important. We have water and power. We're across the street from family cabin on a lake. So I'm happy.

[@susanmeredith5456]

Welcome to SC! Southern hospitality baby!

[@growingdreamshomestead3814]

We homestead in Indiana. We were blessed to find 10 acres that was only 12 miles from our previous home. We were able to camp on the weekends and work on things for 3 years before diving in to building our home in 2020. It has been a great journey so far.

[@hollywilson6019]

👋 Hoosier here! We're hoping to buy some land soon!

[@growingdreamshomestead3814]

@Holly Wilson that is wonderful! I think Indiana has so much potential for homesteading and know more and more people starting or living this life. It's so exciting to see people on their journey. I pray you find exactly what you are looking for and are blessed with abundance!

[@cindyrobson3745]

You're so inspiring 💗

[@florentinalily]

Greetings from the Ariege (Pyrenees...)! and yes, it is still as her father left it. Everyone grows; barters and there is great community here

[@sleepymirin9162]

awesome. would love to see a one year follow up story!!