Man Living Off-Grid in His Incredible Self-Built Cabin

[@joepetch308]

I used to want to be a successful chef with my own stars and restaurant but over the past few years I find myself drawn to this natural peaceful life. Corona and seeing how people react under stress has made me commit to this dream. I’m going back to work not to be successful but to have to finances to follow through with my dream of living off grid, snowboarding through the Forrest with my dog by my side!

[@StarxPlayz7]

thats life goals mate,im doing the same.just retired last year at the age of 40.built a small cottage near the beach,debt free and minimalist life is the best.

[@hgjfbzfnombre9678]

I hope you make it!

[@breezyveezy1]

I get it. We gave up our dream home in WA for a 4 acre homestead in Idaho. Slowing down and getting completely unplugged

[@internationaldirector2917]

Start now Joe slowly building your dream one day at a time.

[@emmabenedek646]

hope you can do it.make sure you can cope though.try to try it for short time

[@pygmygiant]

This is incredible. Possibly my favourite self-build that I’ve seen so far, especially considering he’s not a carpenter by trade. I’m really into tiny houses and it’s probably all I’d ever be able to afford but this here truly is the dream.

[@hairyjute]

How the hell do you build something like this. I have so much respect for people with a skill set like this

[@keithahlstrom176]

I built my own offgrid place by myself. As I often tell people: "I'd never even built a birdhouse before taking this on but if I can fumble my way through it, so can you!" Keep it simple and then make it even simpler.

[@theippster8891]

keith ahlstrom Thx for this comment that's inspiring man

[@victoriapowers576]

What about inspections or building permits???

[@keithahlstrom176]

@@victoriapowers576 HI, I pulled all the permits and had all the inspections. I went above and beyond actually. When the inspector came for the first look he wandered around and said: "Oh, you're one of those guy's" I thought he was saying I did things incorrectly, he clarified and said I was going way over the top. I simply found out the code rules and exceeded them. Different places have different rules regarding you pulling your own permits. I'd simply never buy or build there.

[@victoriapowers576]

keith ahlstrom How much is the permits and what specific permits would be required? In my area in southern Maryland they’re at least $12k for inspections and permits.

[@paulnix8602]

“Also it’s always better to share a place with the person that you love” Golden

[@mrwansabah]

His face looks relaxed, As he never face any stress

[@bleedleaks]

a genuine good person and it shows

[@tashahines1000]

This is amazing.

[@dominostimes2119]

He’s surrounded by trees. Stress is brought by people

[@noragrets5553]

😎

[@heroicicons]

Probably uses that hookah in his living room to enjoy recently legalized recreational weed.

[@allen8iluminada]

I love this type of person who is determined to live DEBT FREE and closer to NATURE. Congratulations!

[@bradysmith3024]

Our Germanic ancestors lived in civilization with nature. Houses amongst the trees. God intended it that way, IMO

[@djsnglzz]

Did he say debt free.????

[@stephenperry152]

​@@djsnglzz Hates mortgages due to his fathers complaining about his. Likely that mindset goes across all debt.

[@washablejunk281]

Until the tax man comes.

[@matthewlewis9996]

I hear ya. Not sure what it's like in Canada, but here in the states your never debt free even after you pay off your house/land, you will forever pay taxes.

[@jeroberts7228]

This is one of my very, very favorite videos, EVER. I love the wonderful home he built out there in the wilderness! And also, to hear him talk about the build, and about himself in relation to the build and where he lives. Can't help but love this guy - I wish he and his girlfriend many happy years there together.

[@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer]

@JE Robert's - Totally agree. I loved when he talked about getting to know himself in building the place. He's a real, down to earth guy.

[@thomasmcloughlin5652]

The layout of this cabin is awesome!.. One of the best I've seen

[@IntroMakerNET]

Imagine you build a house in the middle of the woods and just when you finish the house a worldwide pandemic explodes. That's nice timming bro.

[@gravemind3590]

Then a massive forest fire.

[@emmabenedek646]

Yeah you look around and theres even less people to help you when you become ill or have an accident. We know cos its our fate here.

[@StarxPlayz7]

Gravemind u so 👎 negetive.

[@OncleJer]

@@gravemind3590 They are really not common in Canada due to temperature, especially Quebec.

[@useyourbrain6937]

@@curiousone4757 false

[@ascott2168]

This dude is smart af !! The tech and engineering that went into building the house and all of the moving parts...epic 👍🏽👍🏽

[@dang2443]

There's nothing really innovative there that hasn't been done before. Anyone with an internet connection can get that information. What "tech" are you even talking about?

[@toddbailey5198]

@@dang2443 That's like saying a new best selling novel is nothing that hasn't been done before as all the words used are available to anyone. The use of space and light, the efficiency of the systems, the design that allows maximum use of the sun during the colder months but still provides shade in the summer, yet allowing room for a loft area to house his bedroom, studio and living room. The solar panels on a strong, framework up off the ground in a location that can be easily accessed for maintenance but not blocking his view, etc, etc. "tech" technology - a noun - " the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area". Looks and sounds like "tech" to me.

[@dang2443]

Todd Bailey no it’s actually nothing like a novel.

[@cwr8618]

@@dang2443 Dan, there's tons of engineering going on here bro. The architecture, the framing of the house, grading, etc. Stop trying to sound cool. Solar and power storage is tech. He has comm, that's tech.

[@tiagojordao4105]

@@dang2443 It's one thing to have the information, it's another thing to use it. If you actually knew what it takes to build something like this, you wouldn't have written that comment.

[@fudogwhisperer3590]

The double loft is EPIC! Great idea!

[@bruceforster3709]

I thought that was a BRILLIANT use of space!

[@sroberts605]

the building form not only works with the topography, but great use of warm air flows around the space and out to the shed. Really impressive achievement, a home of beauty too. Not that many people could make a living there though? He's lucky in that respect (what does he do?)

[@rmbarnes672]

He speaks very briefly about work somewhere in the middle of the video.

[@S3l3ct1ve]

Love that you actually admit that there is struggle :) instead of making it sound like its the dream come true and everything is perfectly fine living off grid :)

[@nicholashenderson6941]

Oh yea, its work. No matter how you live requires work. But all the work is to benefit you. Unlike the rat race. All your work benefits someone else, and they pay you part of your works value.

[@judylloyd7901]

@@nicholashenderson6941 Living in the "rat race" as you put it, must have some benefits, or no one would do it. There are always gains and losses, whatever lifestyle you choose.

[@whiskymarko]

This guy is so cool and chill. He seems like a really nice person

[@Cortesevasive]

Canada mate

[@majermike]

sure would like to sit down with him over a cup of coffee

[@V4W]

come visit Quebec some time

[@honeyhoney7109]

I love it that people are now doing whatever they want and not necessarily just walking the ready made path that has been made for us.

[@robslifting4life]

Look how calm and happy he seems. Thanks to simple living.

[@TheAntiEggroll]

The way he compares his walk on a trail to your subway compute hits home damn

[@maryannebrown2385]

Right? I thought that was a very good analogy!

[@oscarinacan]

where is he located?

[@jeremyharris4021]

A nature walk to your home is what everybody needs

[@-natmac]

Dan Hertz I was wondering the same, I’m figuring somewhere in Quebec

[@psup8]

Its when you take your dog for a 25km bike ride and don't see a single person.😂

[@davidbate9264]

What a nice guy, It's encouraging for those who would like to live off the grid.

[@marianavarrete2705]

I think the most impressive thing of all is the moment a young person realizes the power of being free from it all. Congratulations to you, I wish I would have had that thinking when young, but I will not let age stop me now from having that freedom. I just wanted to lnow if there is a possibility of getting the blueprint to your house, it is beautiful and would like to built one just like it for me. Thanks

[@internationaldirector2917]

Start now Maria slowly building your dream home debt free not mortgage.

[@janeferreira4156]

I have so much respect for a person like him. Best of luck...

[@Пополюбосиком]

In any country there are sane people. We live like this man, too. Great video. Greetings from Russia!

[@batwood8010]

Oh I love what he has done. Impressive. Such a nice personality. I wish him all the best. Thanks for inspiring me.

[@joanneforrest1830]

What an amazing home. This truly is one of the best “self builds”

[@weston.weston]

I enjoyed hearing him describe his experience, his values and character shine through his words.

[@SoniaBDorsey]

Living this way allows one to appreciate our existence, our bodies, our contributions, our blessings. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home.

[@offthegridliving3339]

Very smart my wife and I bought land and are developing it .....our goal 2022 we will be off grid completely. Very inspiring.....

[@gabrieller4914]

Off The Grid Living My dream!!! 🙌🏽

[@dannyd9169]

All the best,hope u do it without a lot of problems

[@horseplop9]

Make sure you dont Drive a Gas car or, use planes anymore.. ok

[@ezmeraldadudortoka7549]

Don't take advice from this guy cuz he's not off grid at all...🤦‍♂️

[@VoltsAnBolts]

@@horseplop9 why? Having an off grid house doesn't mean you cant use gas....

[@ThePunitiveDamages]

We're doing the same thing. bought 9 acres in New Brunswick near Fundy National Park and are working to be fully off the grid and as self sufficient as possible. I wish I had done this years ago.

[@saryarohit2925]

Good luck! Hope that you're featured one day! What kinda toilet are you planning to set up, though!?

[@johannamichels3758]

Love this guy’s attitude and humor! Stunning home.

[@MrEmanuel1223]

great vid i was in the same frame of mind, bailed out about a year ago never looked back am ever so truly happy now i thank all the people that got me here ...the good as well as the bad ones

[@raviraj491]

I watched its construction video on his youtube channel.... watching the final version on this channel strengthens my believe that, community of people exploring alternetive ways of living is growing. Kudos to everyone for sharing this video

[@ColonelCM]

This guy is really living life, instead of just existing.

[@vladtheinhaler896]

Life is hardly living if it's all alone.

[@rav_666_]

@@vladtheinhaler896 He says in the video that he lives with his girlfriend.

[@MedievalFantasyTV]

@@vladtheinhaler896 I am most happy when alone. Some people thrive in isolation.

[@jaimhaas5170]

@@vladtheinhaler896 ask couples going through divorce about that.

[@jaimhaas5170]

@@MedievalFantasyTV want to pal up?

[@northernminnesotasasquatch2532]

Your so much more at peace than the average person! Love your life style~

[@ivi122]

My goodness what a cool and cozy cabin he has!!!!!!!!!!

[@roadbellator19delta]

This is living. Honestly what more can you ask for. The innocence of nature is all around him 24/7, he’s left with his own thoughts and there is nothing wrong with that.

[@tinyhouse534]

I have been binge watching videos about tiny houses so I can add features to a tiny house design tool I am creating (free tool). This place has a 'mono' or 'shed' roof. I have that on my 'to-do' list to add this type of roof to the design tool's capabilities, but after seeing the interior of this place, I think I will tackle this next. Beautiful house! Thank you for showing this Exploring Alternatives!

[@nourishnaturalnutritionfor1412]

What a peaceful video :) This man knows who he is...and what he wants out of life! Kuddos!

[@sgt4204]

I think he got into life.

[@echoeversky]

Your moment of zen.

[@sgt4204]

scotthebruce2 hey that’s what I said lmao

[@StarFuryG7]

Yeah, but it has its downsides. As he points out, you have to keep on top of things daily, and you never know what might go wrong. You have to be prepared to fix things, and must always be checking things. It's a lot of work, constantly, pretty much 24/7, depending on the day and the circumstances.

[@TheChafff]

@@StarFuryG7 24/7? his work literally consists of less than mowing the lawn in a classic american suburb. watch it again. This man has true Freedom.

[@budisuhendro437]

You inspire me. In Indonesia, we only deal with 2 seasons. Dry and rainy. I think it’ll be much more easier for me to build a house in the nature. I can’t be more agree with your thought about mortgage. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@yourdeejaymix]

65k for a piece of land, a homestead, and The Solar system?! That is awesome! You are now the official owner of the sun and 9planets 😁

[@r.a.6459]

r/whoosh coming in... 3 2 1...

[@RoccoBeMyCat]

@@r.a.6459 I'm disappointed in you its r/woooosh 4 O's you non redditor

[@citymoose]

Anyone gonna tell him?

[@goldenhusky7926]

@@citymoose is it not 65k for everything?

[@citymoose]

@@goldenhusky7926 I was referring to the "9" planets part of the comment.

[@deejohnson5163]

This is one of your best vids. because of the conversation with the builder. Very special.

[@letstalkdasilva9224]

You sit there, drink coffee and infront of the fire. There is nothing better than this👏👏👏. There is so many kinds of conforts in life.

[@LackedBetterName]

In a strange way, even though some people would call this back to basics, it could actually be closer to our future.

[@MiaKhalifa-ff8ke]

Not if the population keeps o growing

[@Leanflare]

Hopefully.

[@angelicelly_904]

I believe that as well. Soon it will be me living similarly to that.

[@norakat]

@@MiaKhalifa-ff8ke - especially if the population keeps growing ..

[@alpirl2921]

If everyone took up as much space as this, there would be no wilderness left sadly. Condensing more into cities and giving the natural world its space is probably the way forward

[@ravent3016]

This is truly beautiful living. A gorgeous home for a wise man.... thanks for sharing.

[@clifforddang5947]

This guy has some real friends, my "friends" wouldn't even get me a damn beer !

[@KLA82]

Time to look for friends that'll get ya that beer, bro!

[@clifforddang5947]

James Kyle. I’m training my pet monkey to do that for me.

[@xw6968]

CLIFFORD DANG what kind of people dont give you a beer?!!!!... i wouldnt call them a friend

[@blankfocus1521]

He's in the illuminati. Can't you see him flashing his pyramid constantly through the video? They are the best friends!

[@GreenLanternCorps2814]

@@blankfocus1521 lolwut?

[@mdbarton1979]

Beautiful video, beautiful home. Living the dream, but man, I can only imagine how much work that took!

[@human1513]

I think it took no more work than going to a regular job for years, saving $ to pay someone else to build a house for you.

[@mdbarton1979]

@@human1513 True!

[@marquez1469]

you never know what you can do until you try

[@ctbsancho2516]

Now imagine doing this with no power or lights....like 150 years ago... people have been doing this since the beginning of time....

[@lenny108]

right, it requires that one owns that piece of land, and that you have a secure income to buy a few things especially when having children

[@Suavellous]

I can’t put into words how much I love this video and respect you and what you’ve done...bravo man🙌🏻

[@roxannerandle9155]

WHAT EXQUISITE SCENERY. THE NATURAL WOOD LOOK GIVES THE PLACE A GLOW.

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Wow such a lovely place. We like the design of his home. He designed it to fit his life style. Totally cool.

[@einzgeisha]

I really love how he planned and really thought out what he wanted out of his life and put that into his home and land. I hope he will be able to do farming and grow his organic veggies and fruits. would love to see a follow up video a few years down the line when he achieves it!

[@lkurowic]

I too live remote in the woods 500 sf little house, 20 ft of snow. This guy is smart & wise. He has done a great job but acknowledges the continuous improvement aspects. One thing, if you want animals like chickens, house cats etc. remember, you share the land with wild/hungary animals. If you are brain wired with the true homestead pioneering spirit, this is the life for you. I still haven't solved the wood burner thing, they get real hot then fade, refill every 6 hours, then there is the occasional smoke in the living space. Months of cold wear on even the best insulated structure. I will keep improving.

[@Soarific]

That is awesome! Where are you located and do you mind if I ask your age?

[@anniemalloy8208]

So far, my favorite home design - such a beautiful comfy way to exist.

[@ParodyOfYou]

I found this channel few weeks ago and omg I can’t stop watching people with their amazing houses and farms. I wish one day I can achieve at least a little part of what those people have. Thank you for sharing 😍

[@chasingsimpledreams]

Mat and Danielle, I love this!! And Mat, I especially loved the music at the beginning of this video. I know you compose all of it yourself, so wanted to be sure to mention it.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Hey Terri, thanks so much!! It's cool that you noticed it, I just recorded the song a few days ago for this video, happy you enjoyed it :) :)

[@chasingsimpledreams]

@@ExploringAlternatives oh yeah, i always pay attention to the music bc it always seems so perfectly fitting. I was like, "Wait, that is new this time!" Your accompaniment is always very relaxing to listen to. I was just thinking the other day about how far your channel has come and how much it has grown in just a few short years. A testament to both of your hard work and the fact of how real and down to earth the two of you are. So happy for your success.

[@raquelknack6153]

I was just thinking the same thing!! I happened to look at the subscriber count and smiled. I started watching around 100,000 I think! Always great quality videos to inspire us all to live differently.🥰

[@IJustWantToUseMyName]

I didn’t realize you did your own music too. I usually dislike background music on videos, but yours are always so relaxing and calming. Beautiful job.

[@asc9415]

Exploring Alternatives

[@artsyinabh]

Ive enjoyed warching Stay bless such a humble person ... wonderful sharing glad ive watch all the way ..

[@spinderella3602]

I live 100% off grid, too! I live in a pinon/juniper forest on what was a prehistoric sea inlet. I live on beach sand which is a real challenge. I've decided to build an Earthship with tires, cob and rammed Earth. Thank you for sharing!

[@usernameisusername]

Time for your meds.

[@Madmun357]

Sounds like New Mexico.

[@kraftykatskorner]

"You do your coffee... because coffee is important..." I feel ya 100% 😆

[@NLou001]

This guy is so bright, this house is gorgeous, be proud of yourself for this huge accomplishment, the sky is the limit for you

[@Eric06410]

Whatever you do don’t take coffee away from this guy.

[@jimmyfortrue3741]

"Coffee is important" ...... Words I already live by.

[@burleydad]

Awesome build! I really admire that you didn’t go into debt.

[@Theravadinbuto]

Built my own place in the woods more than 30 years ago... best thing I ever did.

[@totallychaos4477]

Hats off to this guy carrying everything by hand and building this place. It must feel great to have freedom from those ongoing monthly bills now!

[@Strylover]

Amazing. Such a wonderful, well planned out, functional home.

[@cliffp.8396]

What an extraordinary homestead, simple and beautiful.

[@leftymadrid]

This guy is phenomenal, I just think this is like a dream come true, great ideas, hard work, totally therapy I would say... Lovely, incredible, and to be able to share with your better half, what else can one want. Congrats on such a cool wonderful idea!

[@loriray487]

I luv this cabin! It was built perfectly. Why would you not be proud of something you built with your own two hands. You have my respect! Thank you.

[@robertriggers5216]

I'm very impressed with what you and you partner have accomplished. Takes a passion to do this.

[@tinkmarz1]

What an amazing home. Beautiful, comfortable, homey and ingenious inside and out. I'm absolutely crazy about the floor plan...!

[@angiesheirlooms]

Very cool! I love that solar system!! Very impressed he did it all even the land for $65,000!

[@ezmeraldadudortoka7549]

Off-grid solar systems that can power a family of five or more cost less than $2,500...🤷‍♂️

[@nesttea2239]

@@ezmeraldadudortoka7549 Pretty sure the whole project was 65k. Land, building materials for the home, and solar

[@ezmeraldadudortoka7549]

@@nesttea2239 That's ridiculous! They must not have done anything themselves and had it all hired done...🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@JDLarge]

Eyes open, drink coffee, in that order “It’s important,” lol. I couldn’t agree more. Love the whole concept of this lifestyle. So jealous✌🏼🤟🏼

[@josannefromin6408]

this is the greatest house into the forest. I am very happy for these 2 being Mat and Danielle..............wonderful

[@marvthedog1972]

nice to see that some of us are getting that small measure of peace that we all long for but few ever find.

[@davidcosma]

This was relaxing to watch and inspiring to view. If I was thirty years younger, I could see myself living an off-grid lifestyle, but not isolated on a mountain.

[@peteraugust5295]

"you take your subway to work, I am in the forest and its pretty nice" That is a really meaningfull sentence. People always want to live close to work and therefor end up in cities. Then they get stuck in traffic jams every morning and it takes them one stressfull hour to get 5 kilometers to work. Instead they could live outside of the city, in the green, ride 20kilometers in one hour with a bike, and arrive relaxed and fit at work...

[@geekinutopia5899]

Or even better, work from home.

[@magnusnordstrom9594]

Well, i do just that. Not commuting by bike, but living with the forest just around the corner.

[@chronicawareness9986]

relaxed and fit.. lol also dirty, sweaty, grimey andsmelly

[@riffraff1880]

Peter August damn...... this is a “woke” paragraph.

[@Edouardrc666]

I live 8 min from work so I only walk all the time. there's no traffic on the sidewalk so everything is going smooth and not stressfull as people tthink when you live in the city

[@AnOtterCoffee]

Wow, one of my favorite videos. You did an awesome job 👌 chapeau! 👍

[@davisurdaneta1426]

This dude has the best place to self-isolate from the the pandemic. Kudos!

[@treasure2behold282]

Incredible is an understatement. This house is dream come true for this man

[@kathrinekerns8398]

Wow, a vision for such a beautiful home.

[@SVisionario]

Aaaawesome video guys. Really well made, love the clipping and music. Also not to mention this beautiful house and super cool guy! Thanks for sharing :)

[@Nill757]

Sebastian Francks yep, green is all about the music.

[@kaepsele0711]

Holy moly! Respect! Looks stunning and well thought through!

[@TeddyLovesBacon]

The thought that went into this place and all the details of engineering are brilliant. Congrats on living the dream and escaping the rat race.

[@dannymorgan6053]

Just think if the masses did this? It would cause the 1st world to completely restructure away from capitalism into something that has to be more toward the individual over corp control... Yeah, too many other considerations to completely understand that, but wow the changes that would have to happen!

[@judylloyd7901]

@@dannymorgan6053 If the masses tried to do this, we'd run out of land and everybody would be crowded together again. It's not feasible for the masses.

[@rsimmons41407]

What a guy! Much respect for what he’s doing.

[@GOP4USA]

I’ll buy your place! You have everything my soul needs.

[@carolsuesamuelson7935]

Beautiful cabin! I like that you can stand upright in the loft. This is a great design.

[@alexkarski6741]

I love this house and thought the documentary was very well made - thought provoking stuff!

[@reeblesnarfle5443]

Alex Karski 👍👍👍❤Free Fumbsup & a heart!

[@xxgoldmoney]

Reeble your positivity is infectious. Keep spreading it!

[@RCFINDS69]

Watching all these tiny house videos made me want to build on and now it’s almost done ✅

[@carlapierle8623]

I really wish I could hide away in an off grid, self sustaining mountain home right now! Great job and amazing tenacity getting this accomplished!

[@TheMillennialPlantDad]

This is so wise, impressive and commendable.!

[@connielipp8648]

Thank you! This was wonderful...

[@dorothyschoun5663]

Well done! Such a nice life you've built for yourself.

[@1Wendy_Woo]

3 years of perseverance 👍👍 Good job!

[@EdD-nu2py]

Man what a privilegie. Very beautiful and cozy. The views are wonderful.

[@terrydaly7296]

Love it! so cozy and beautiful! just right!

[@amandadunkle1118]

It's beautiful I love his home and how he made this place it's amazing I wish he made more homes

[@Zone10Permaculture]

That's a beautiful, well built home!

[@LRC5555]

We did this exact same thing for $65k CAD with 110 acres in 2018. Best decision ever. Never cold. Use rainwater and stream water. Solar and generator. Snowshoes. Wildlife. Beautiful forests. Magical.

[@ScottHillsmusclecargarage]

It is beautiful. Your description of the house ads to the beauty. I am very happy for you.

[@jeannie20001]

I love your house. I could live here true peace and serenity. There is alot of love built into this house. It's definitely a home.🙏 💞

[@trujr5295]

All kidding aside, I applaud this guy. Well done!

[@AltRockLover]

So jealous of people who can build things!

[@smartthinkerg8129]

A real man at work.

[@adammm8964]

How do 1.1k people dislike this ?! This is incredible and I aspire to live like this