Retired Couple Living Off-Grid Shares Their 8-Year Experience

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you for watching! Follow Art and Mary's Living Off Grid blog: a-minbancroft.blogspot.com/

[@alexanderj1316]

Thanks for the great vids

[@DebbieMiklich2016]

Where city do they live in ?

[@aliciaseecharan]

Exploring Alternatives - I heart this, Very nice 🙏🏼💕

[@cabinlifeatedensprings1710]

This is a very well thought out build.

[@karinhart489]

Debs, their blog says near Bancroft, Ontario, CA.

[@artkelly6713]

Art here. Some were wondering why we need 2,500 sq. ft when there is just the two of us. When family and friends comes to visit they travel a distance and we need the extra space for them. Also Mary's quilting room takes up additional space a traditional home wouldn't need. Thanks for all the positive comments. Danielle and Mat were a delight to work with and always do a professional job on their videos.

[@gossamermoonfly]

May I ask what type and brand name of batteries are used?

[@carolewarner101]

One of the things my husband and I are dreaming of is having another couple or two living on the same property (in separate homes of course with space between us for a sense of privacy/seclusion) so that we can share spaces like the quilting room and the equipment that you have to manage the property like the fork lift, the wood splitter, etc. We would like to have those things AND a wood/welding shop, a tractor/mower, a guest house, etc. and we feel that by sharing those things among several households it will allow us to build a smaller home yet still be able to have those other things, room for guests, etc. Time will tell whether we manage to find couples who will be comfortable making such a commitment, but we think we've found at least one. Thanks again for sharing your home and all the systems and help run it with us!

[@StubProductions]

Art you have a wonderful place! Thank you for sharing with us!

[@havvaalexander9520]

2500 sqft is barely enough room for holding supplies or a studio space for making fabrics, spinning wool yarn for clothing etc.

[@witchyhour]

I just moved offgrid, in VT. Having a hard time finding affordable solar energy installers and wondering if you guys are in VT, too. If so, I'd love to be able to communicate with you. Congrats on a pretty awesome setup! 👍🤓💖

[@nalie1361]

This couple is so charming exactely like their way of living. I love the respect and love they show for each other.

[@katjapia8206]

Laure Solange exactly what I recognised, their interactions are cute

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks for the kind words Laure.

[@RYMAN1321]

I'm confused. What if someone needs medical attention? Aren't they significantly disadvantaged know that regard?

[@Ryannrichards95]

Ryan Blanche I never really think about this, but I suppose that would be a decent drawback to living like this. I was curious as to how he’s gonna get wood after he can’t chop anymore. He mentioned it, but I didn’t see the explanation.

[@maureenkelly738]

Art has a voice that would translate very well to radio or podcasts or voice over actor.

[@andrespatino2761]

Or story teller

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Maureen

[@dobby4me]

they both do!

[@rachelsweets]

I agree

[@reneeo4435]

He has a great voice, to me he sounds like the deceased actor George Kennedy.

[@cathylynnpietranton]

This couple really put a lot of thought into designing their home. We wish them many happy years.

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Cathy.

[@heidirexin5141]

I loved seeing how well these two interact with each other as much as the offgrid lifestyle they have created.

[@jacquelinelam3022]

I admire this couple, they are the same type of people. They were made for each other. I wish them a very happy and heathy future.

[@Selfsufficientme]

A nice honest interview on off grid living. Good on'em 🙂👍

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks. Danielle and Mat did a great job putting this video together.

[@bmccameron7642]

It's amazing who you bump into on the webs.....as soon as I saw "good on em" I knew it was left by an Aussie.

[@nickwatson7697]

Brother you are a legend

[@ascenthomestead4703]

An inspiring off grid living...

[@Mishyou33]

Self sufficient me!! I love when my favorite KZbinrs come together

[@grupoelcomienzo]

Wow, so inspiring. Love to see that Art takes the time to respond to comments. Beautiful to see the respect and love they show for each other. Man I would love to be your neighbor and be off the grid.

[@artkelly6713]

WE'd love to have you. Thanks for the kind words.

[@stdahake]

What I loved the most about this episode is the look of peace and relaxation on the couple's faces. Stay blessed guys. Off to browse through your beautiful blog.

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Saumya. Enjoy

[@matthewpadgett9526]

It’s beautiful, peaceful, serene and isolated. In the current times in which we are living, this life is what I am striving for.

[@msmargiek48]

Art and Mary are Awesome! I am very impressed at all they accomplished on their place and how they live their sustainable life, Mary your quilts look amazing.

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Margie for your kind words. I agree, Mary's quilts are amazing.

[@ThisOffGridLife]

What a nice spot. We are just starting out on our off grid property and sharing the journey on our channel!

[@artkelly6713]

Must check out your progress.

[@kaycee625]

Art has a beautiful voice. He would be perfectly suited to narrating audio books.

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Karen.

[@My_thoughts_20]

Omg I love them! Watching you both speak makes me feel so loved. The respect and attention you both have for each other is a dream one only dreams to ever find.

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Sonik for the kind words

[@sofapop653]

That bathtub made my heart race! What a dream!! The whole home is amazing! Definitely something I hope to have in my future!

[@rero6212]

It is so obvious that those couples love each other, this is a great video I enjoyed watched.

[@user-uv6ri]

Freedom can't be endless. But they are so close... Independent people are free people. Love it. 😍

[@Gregor-po7yr]

Hey Art & Mari! Turns out we did see your video years ago, we love what you created for yourselves. Was fantastic to run into you at Cottonwood campground the other day! Thanks for the chat and snacks, and enjoy the rest of your summer :) Cheers, Greg & Elena (the bikers ;)

[@debbieboring3422]

This was nice to hear from someone who has been doing this lifestyle for almost a decade. Some very good and realistic information. Thanks for the video.

[@pat5613]

You folks are an inspiration, you painted the picture of exactly what i've been blueprinting inside my head for years. I'll be following your blog

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Pat

[@keyplayer5]

I so enjoyed their love of their land. I wish I had started a few years earlier wanting this but it’s good for the younger ones to follow their dreams. It’s so worthwhile in the end. Thanks for sharing.

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Barbara. We were 64 and 55 when we started building. Then we had the energy to roll up our sleves and get to work. Today I still work but usually for only a few hours at a time. Life does bring changes and one simply tries to adapt. Thanks for watching the video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@flyifri]

Art and Mary just got another big thumbs up. Well done on all counts. Thank you all for caring and sharing.!

[@vmznaga9184]

Just wow. Speechless. Still wondering whether to admire the two amazing souls living inside the house or the actual 🏠. Keep bringing more, you are changing and setting goals for millinials in this confusing times. Wow

[@ladyfae4797]

Absolutely love this couple and their life. Definitely my dream

[@bethhubbs9937]

I want a tour of just Mary's sewing and quilting area! Wow! I'm super impressed with her wall hangings and quilts throughout the house. Fantastic video and I love everything about this. So happy for this nice couple. :) Big smiles from the central California coast!

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks for the kind words Beth.

[@susanroutley6986]

Good for them. Lots of hard work but so rewarding for them.

[@artkelly6713]

So true Susan. Spent this morning building another garden bed. Thanks for watching.

[@LSantiago65]

This is my dream type of living after retirement.

[@caronitaclark4058]

I can live there now

[@markp1950]

Thinks get harder when you get older. But all your preparing should be done NOW. Build for it. Once you are all prepared you will be set. I'm almost there.

[@neutral5376]

Art and Mary you are a charming couple . Thankyou so much for sharing your lifestyle and all the technical info. God bless.

[@lavondacarter7228]

Love Mary's quilting room !

[@artkelly6713]

She does too and spends a lot of time there.

[@carolewarner101]

Wow, what an amazing couple! TRULY enjoyed seeing their home and all that they're up to. The way they are living is our dream too. So great to hear from those who are living that dream and seeing how they're doing it. Many thanks!

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Carole for the kind words.

[@BullyHayes1977]

a really pragmatic conversation here - gives a balanced insight to off-grid living

[@cherylpemberton1676]

What a LOVELY COUPLE! I usually skip over, get bored, stupid things like where they store their underwear and Tupperware (really, I've seen them); these people told us important, relevant info, and I loved watching them with their gardens, her quilting, the food, etc... Blessings to them!!!! I go they live and love happy and healthy for many decades!!

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Cheryl for the kind words.

[@angelita_bandita]

I love everything about this. So happy for them!

[@UnidentifiedHumanRemainsCanada]

Best off grid place and logical voice I have heard ever!!!!

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks for the kind words Jan.

[@UnidentifiedHumanRemainsCanada]

@@artkelly6713 Truth 👊

[@AlaskaTalaheimLodge]

I live off the grid in Alaska, have for 44 years. In my younger days we lived very crudely. All transportation in and out is only by air, so everything has to be flown in. At first on float planes which landings were not ideal, so I built a 1400 runway. We use our place as a fishing lodge but when we have no guests, no or hardly any fossil fuel is needed. We have 14 solar panels supply power to 16 six volt batteries and a 8KW inverter. If the batteries get low, the generator kicks on and charges them. In the colder months, we heat our house with wood, using a wood cook stove and heat stove. Not as fancy or as expensive as the above mansion, but it's home

[@Shanmammy]

Awesome!

[@padelicious9093]

Her quilting is gorgeous. She’s so talented!!!

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks for the kind words. Mary loves to quilt as well as many other hobbies.

[@elizabethpatton8364]

I need a husband like him! Such a handyman and very knowledgeable about the whole setup. Smart way to chop wood especially when up in age.

[@TrishReports]

They sell this item on Amazon etc.

[@metalman69201]

Well I am a handyman just like him and I live totally Off the Grid with 3600 watts of solar and a wind generator and I'm looking for a good woman. Maybe we can make a deal? ;-)

[@metalman69201]

@@Romin.777 Who do you want to marry you?

[@jimwilleford6140]

Elizabeth Patton Me too.

[@maryhale1558]

Me too Elizabeth! Hope u find him!

[@barrybegley5379]

What a NICE couple. Thanks to Art and Mary for sharing their beautiful lifestyle with us. Many great ideas to be gleaned from this video. Greetings from Ontario, Canada.

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Barry

[@joyjoywairimu7083]

Wow, that’s awesome . Fresh vegetables and well water ! Long life and many blessings for sharing this video!

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Janerose

[@BeeKay4444]

Super appreciate the honesty here. Not necessarily an easy life. A very inspiring couple.

[@johnwedler7374]

One of my favorite videos! Wonderful Couple, Art and Mary!!!

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks John.

[@A123g-u3f]

Her quilts are so beautiful!

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Alba

[@nattyscrappy]

I loved this. What an amazing way of life. Myself & my partner dream of off grid living in our future. He loves the idea of farming the land too. I shared this with him

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks. We have 30 acres, mostly trees and rocks. The bedrock here is very close to the surface so our raised garden beds work very well and give us more vegetables than we can use so we share with neighbours and friends. All the best.

[@gogoboots7934]

Wow! Art and Mary, you are an amazing couple! Thank you for sharing your life. It was truly inspiring! Continued health and prosperity to you- God bless

[@jamieackinclose2236]

Love this! My husband and I are retiring next year and building a small 1 level home on our 5 acre lot in Fanny Bay. You guys are so inspiring! We too look forward to chickens and plan to have a good sized garden! Well done!!

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Jamie; All the best with your own adventure. You will be so happy you made the move.

[@amymiller6854]

Wonderful home! And Mary's quilts are exquisite!

[@genevievebeaulieu5030]

Art and Mary: You are amazing and inspiring. Absolutely love to see all that you've put into this lifestyle you've built. Thank you, Exploring Alternatives, for your great work ;)

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks for the kind words Genevieve.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you for watching, and for the kind words!!

[@wynolataylor1945]

I absolutely love your quilts and so glad to see you sewing off grid. Warmed my heart.

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Wynola for the kind words. Mary was sewing another quilt this morning.

[@pounamubts7802]

"the iron is staying " you go girl!!

[@vicky-s4c9x]

Lots of sensible, constructive advice

[@pappysproductions]

WOW! This video gets 10 out of 10 Sound Videography Story telling Interview Cute couple Information Awesome awesome awesome Great job!!!

[@artkelly6713]

Totally agree. Mat and Danielle did a fantastic job and are great couple to work with. Thanks for being so accurate in your observations.

[@orgtua4x48]

Agreed...the narrations very easy to understand,doesnt need a substitle to take the word..

[@tracylmcenaney]

Best off grid home i`ve seen yet. Its not tiny, just a nice regular spaced home, very nice#

[@LuluBowenTarot]

There is something awesome about being able to wear a housecoat. Hugely underrated.

[@John-Adams-Can]

We are doing exactly this in likely the same area. Our off grid choices are based on costs and long term costs more than anything. We never setout to be off-grid. Our neighbours are another toronto transplant and absolutely love it here.

[@artkelly6713]

Hi John all the best Lovely area to move to.

[@johnnyaingel5753]

TRUTH EXACTLY the only healty way to live THANK YOU so much for sharing this incredible story

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Johnny.

[@lauradavis1633]

Marys quilts are stunning!

[@jamescooper2005]

Thanks Art for telling us exactly how long your batteries lasted. Super helpful. You’ve both done so much work and research to make an amazing home. Thanks for sharing.

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks James for taking the time to watch and reply. Glad you found it helpful.

[@scotthargraves576]

Mary's quilts are beautiful.

[@markstevenson8209]

This is my dream to live completely off the grid and be totally self reliant.

[@witchyhour]

Go for it! 👍🤓💖

[@janew5351]

So nice to hea

[@witchyhour]

Guys, just plant for it and go for it. I'm 52 and moved offgrid last year. It's a lot easier than we expect it to be. Just plan well, watch a lot of videos like this one. There are a lot of people doing this and posting about their experiences. You learn so much about what works and what doesn't. It was much harder to do this before the internet and Amazon, I'm sure. If you really want it, if it's your dream, make it happen! 🤞😉💖

[@witchyhour]

@Dante Monte Thanks! I'll check it out.👍🤓💖

[@harisankar6266]

@@witchyhour only one problem , if many many choose off grid home,finally it will destroy the forest and natural habitat of the forest.

[@osogoodgirl]

What a beautiful home! I love how open and bright everything is!

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks. We had it designed so we felt we were living in the outdoors. Watched a bard owl swoop down and get a mouse under the snow as we sat and had supper. Amaing!

[@TheQueenOfDreams]

It’s beautiful to see people living off grid and thriving like this. 😘

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks

[@inkeycat1]

The best and most inspiring off grid video I've ever seen.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you for watching!

[@bc2178]

An absolutely lovely couple, who have achieved an amazing way of life.

[@kevmodee1866]

What an amazing couple these two are! I am jealous of their smarts and situation...but extremely blessed by their sharing. Bless you both!

[@pinatajuju4471]

Thank you Art and Mary for inviting us into your off grid home, it was inspiring. I wish you the best.

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Jesse for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the video. Stay well and safe.

[@rawlawgirl]

Wow! Lovely couple. He has a great voice and is so practical! It is nice to see an older couple doing this. I will definitely visit their Vlog/Blog!

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks for the kind words. Hope you enjoy our blog. Check out July and August 2011 and 2012 to see construction pictures.

[@varadak9957]

Wonderful people, wonderful lifestyle. The interview dispels many rose tinted ideas I had about off-grid lifestyle. Thank you for that.

[@artkelly6713]

You are welcome. Glad you found the video helpful.

[@mashamambea5704]

I like such a peaceful way of life.

[@roybrookton7938]

Thank you so much for putting this video together and sharing it great work, kind regards Roy

[@stephanieburns4560]

We may never go off grid as we have more urban plans, but I can sure appreciate a couple who have made their life into an art (I really didn't intend a pun). To have so beautifully & thoughtfully carried out your dream without compromise is something for us all to admire. Your children must be so proud and learning so much from you.

[@sarahk8117]

happy this came up in my feed. great channel. couple living their best lives! i am at peace seeing that and wish them the very best. hello A & M, Happy 65th!

[@lindylindybasicoceangirl]

...haha-I'm with you "trees/rocks/water"...the essentials great solution for a great couple...

[@debrafrei4717]

I love this couple and wish them the best in the wonderful life they’ve created. I aspire to do the same.....

[@lillypatience]

That's the life! And that sewing/craft room! My goodness I am jealous. I am guessing they have no issues with getting internet out there which is great. Thanks for sharing!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you for watching! Agreed, the sewing room is amazing! They do have internet and cell phone reception, although the cell phone doesn't work inside the house, possibly because of the way the house is built with extra thick walls?

[@petset77]

There are a few satellite internet providers. I'm off grid, 12 miles to a utility pole, and am typing this as proof. Good luck to you.

[@beverlybarnett6749]

Goodmorning Art & Mary, your home and the way vou live,is beautiful. God Bless you.

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Beverly; WE feel very fortunate to live as we do. Thanks for watching and enjoying the video.

[@blondbenz]

This is definitely retirement goals. Can't wait to read the blog!

[@zuluswazi9470]

Lots of love to you beautiful elders. You're living the life God destined us to live, off nature. And you're free from pollution & Covid-19. Thanks Exploring Alternatives. Love from Swaziland.

[@artkelly6713]

Appreciate the love from Swaziland.

[@zuluswazi9470]

@@artkelly6713 You're welcome Sir. May God keep you & your team so we can see more of your great discoveries (videos).

[@coppertopjohnson9782]

Very impressive. A beautiful home, a poignant couple, and a bright and wonderful future. Wishing you both the best.

[@jessrouse8475]

Great Guys! We are a young family about to head up that way for an off grid life. Appreciate your blog I put the tab on my homescreen for easy access!

[@artkelly6713]

All the best Jess. There are so many resources and helpful people on the internet.

[@user-cx5ni7me6l]

Nice mix of luxurious living / luxurious products, ‘normal’ life / living and a ‘simple’ environment. Have a wonderful day people Greetings with love

[@LindaIBrown]

2,500 sq. Ft is just right for me. Having room for my sewing, knitting/crocheting and writing is important to me

[@zarahp2098]

This video is amazing. Such sweet people, and such an inspiring lifestyle! (I also agree that Art would be a fantastic narrator for audio books.) Thabk you so much for sharing!

[@artkelly6713]

Our pleasure Zarah.

[@issecret1]

I love this. It wouldn't work for someone who needs to work, I think, but it looks very nice. And so much space

[@artkelly6713]

Our neighbour is "OTG" and she works in town as a massage therapist. You can build smaller if you prefer and all options should be on the table. Just be sure to build as energy efficient as possible.

[@babysingstheblues]

Love this. This is a good example of how off-grid living should be done.

[@janjbowman]

You did a great job little darlings . Your all set .

[@TimWoodVlog]

This is an incredible build, thank you for showing us your home.

[@artkelly6713]

You are welcome. Thanks for stopping by.

[@brittanywinn3955]

Oh my heart. Retirement goals right here! I am from a different generation (I am 35) but all of those things you listed are on my list too. I love the satisfaction, independence, and simplicity. Making my own bread, sewing, gardening, soap making...maybe one day I can tick off making my own maple syrup! You two are an inspiration!

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Brittny. Have you tried Birch Sap? It's a very healthy drink and doesn't require all the work maple syrup requires.

[@brittanywinn3955]

@@artkelly6713 No, I haven't but I am going to look into it for sure! Thanks.

[@michelecraig9658]

I love their ideas which are so innovative. They seem to have an immense amount of money in the infrastructure-- so not really feasible for a lot of us.

[@michelle7352]

I loved seeing all this detail I had no idea about. This sounds like so much hard work. Puts a different outlook on just flipping a switch, setting a thermostat, taking a long hot shower. Thank you for educating me.

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Michelle. We don't find it "hard work" About the only task I don't like is going out in winter to clear snow off the panels. I'm getting soft and prefer the chair by the woodstove.

[@austrobok2958]

@@artkelly6713 The panels seem to be at a good angle, maybe some sort of vibrating device attached to the pole would be enough to get the snow sliding. So you'll just have to flick a switch.

[@artkelly6713]

@@austrobok2958 Great idea. I think you could make a million dollars with such an invention. We have solar farms up here that have to wait for the snow to melt before they are in full production. A device that would easily remove the snow would be cherished by everyone, especially me.

[@atrain3593]

Thank you! Art & Mary. Very inspiring.

[@donnabelitz3105]

Your quilts remind me of my moms, June Belitz, so beautiful and I love the owl painting

[@marykelly1419]

Thanks Donna. The owl is a quilt I made as well.

[@missy3505]

What a great couple! I lived off grid in Arizona for a couple of years...what a beautiful experience.

[@NickDemski]

Seems like such an interesting way to live! I hope to be sustainable like this one day 🙌🙌🙌

[@SaadonAksah]

Wow lots of trees! 😍

[@raralaney]

Enjoyed watching this so much. They inspire me even more so to attain a lifestyle like this - off grid and connected to nature. Also i adore your blog Art and Mary! Thankyou so much

[@artkelly6713]

Hi Cara; Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed our blog.

[@muhammadyousuf6452]

Millions don't live in cities like this.. this is awesome, i wish both of them a healthy long loving life. Cheers

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Muhammad for the kind words.

[@7times7seas]

Great interview, great folks! Thank you all.

[@annchee1329]

Awesome retirement lifestyle, Art & Mary.Take care

[@artkelly6713]

Thanks Ann Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@TheArtofRVing]

Dude. your video is first class. Love this lifestyle. Beautiful.Refreshing.