Why I live in a shed | Times Reports

Priced out of the housing market, Catrina Davies lives in a Cornish shack - and couldn’t be happier.
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[@keithoades5516]

Lived in a tent for over a year, cooked over an outside fire and washed in the creek, even in winter. I remember being very happy there.

[@rensha8635]

I love her little shed. She looks so healthy too - beautiful glowing complexion. A sign of happiness and plenty of fresh air.

[@fredrickaappletree3402]

I was just thinking the same thing 😊🪴🌺

[@loveishappiness7330]

Exactly

[@alanaalbarado2357]

The definition of poor is not this woman! She lives how she wants to and there’s nothing “richer” than having that freedom-it’s a blessing!

[@Qrtuop]

Yes, it's poverty. Stop glorifying it.

[@jimjiminyjaroo300]

It’s not poverty. If anything it’s rich parents with a plot of a land and out house for their adult daughter.

[@auroramothergoddess]

Oh honey that’s poverty and it’s a miserable life

[@avid2112]

shes poor

[@ravequeenellisd2680]

@@auroramothergoddess She has a home, food, independence & freedom, how is it miserable?

[@yellowbird5411]

I loved this clip. I wish more of us could practice "enoughism," which sounds like one step away from minimalism. What this kind of living does is it focuses us on what is important, what is lovely, what is needed and what is not. It relieves us of the stress of lack of money, and the stress of having to kill ourselves just to pay the rent and pay bills. Voluntary poverty as she calls it is not spiritual poverty. It is spiritual enhancement. We become more attuned to nature, to simplicity, to contentment. Looking outside of ourselves to material things for contentment never works.

[@ElleAshterra]

Well said 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@pesto12601]

Very poetic.. however - 99% of folks would rather be lounging on a yacht in the Caribbean vs squatting over a bucket in the yard during the winter! There is "enoughism" and then there is not knowing if you are going to eat tomorrow.

[@avalondreaming1433]

Well said. Poverty is living in fear and desperately trying to get more. She has everything she needs and that brings peace of mind.

[@Limogi]

Minimalism, i found, is very expensive. One gadget, but THE best. With enoughism, it only has to do the job, function over form.

[@storagebox1793]

Whose definition of enough should one follow? Also, should mental health issues be factored in?

[@tonja4824]

3/4 of the way into the video I realized that I had been smiling the whole time. ☺️

[@thomvogan3397]

Sadly the people who need this the most can't afford it. I can build a tiny house out of scrap for next to nothing but living on a tiny pension I can't afford to buy land to put it on. Not many have family that will give them a piece of land

[@hempmaiden]

True. It’s all well and good, but the shed is on land that appears to be owned by the family - making it viable. Most poor people can’t just go and put up a shed and live in it, although of course many would if they could. It’s OK for some who have the money and the legal means them, is all I’m saying.

[@emmaphilo4049]

So true! I know what you mean!

[@NO-ib1ip]

It’s a disgrace that people are priced out of the market and it’s startling how often this happens. She is very fortunate to of had this option and it’s great she’s safe and happy. Many people, men and women, have little to no options for housing so are homeless. Actually - no one should be homeless, particularly in a wealthy country like the UK.

[@BigBoom92]

Its even more shocking how those with property are indifferent to those who struggle to have a basic need. Sad considering the whole property market is based on supply and demand and requires some to be without so those with property can keep increasing there "asset" value

[@stuffandnonsense8528]

Homelessness is one of the worst crimes of humanity.

[@alexanderSydneyOz]

@@BigBoom92 What else is the property market to be based on?

[@135Ops]

@@BigBoom92 The property market doesn't require some to be without that's a very simplistic inacurate and misleading statement.

[@quentincrisp6933]

Isn't Socialism working in the U.K.? I thought that was the cure all?

[@dryland30]

I didn't know there was a word for it. I've been living in a one bedroom cabin for years. I've always thought about it as trying to maximize free time and minimize consumption rather than trying to maximize income.

[@regplasma7906]

Catrina looks healthy and happy and that's a great base for enjoying life.I wish her well.

[@kulturfreund6631]

Already her father doesn't seem to have been a rat racer himself. Cool people have cool offspring.

[@nikaa4237]

While it is sad that she has been priced out of the market, she has created a life for herself that she is content with and is grateful for and I admire her for that. I have had the misfortune of working with people (in suburban Canada) who have numerous properties, drive Mercedes and Porsches, exploit people for every penny and are still miserable and complain about the price of broccoli. They disgust me and I wish I could spend time around people like her who understand what's important in life.

[@TinkersTales]

nothing sad about it

[@phoenixman8569]

Im priced out of the market in b.c canada, starting in 2015 when the vacancy rate dropped below 3% In B.C, Real estate companies took advantage peoples desperations and prices for homes and rentals went though the roof, homes that were 250 to 300 thousand are now going for a million or more, So my income is far to low for house down payment and small condos are even $500,000.00 even with the small sum my late dad left me in his will i cannot even afford to buy a used mobile in a mobile in a quiet park and am forced to dig in dads funds each month to makes ends meet.

[@kateg9302]

I know some of those people and it makes me sick too. Most of us, including myself have more than we need but the people that go to such extravagant extents and have no self-awareness about it... wow it is just unreal how far removed from reality they can be.

[@jakephillips4453]

@Mr. Shlock You're the one who sounds angry.

[@andreablsph]

Another advantage of buying instead of renting

[@The-Portland-Daily-Blink]

What a lovely woman. She's absolutely lovely... I'm happy knowing that are people who can live like this and prosper and be happy...

[@vyvienvp3413]

What a delight. It's taken me years to reach the same conclusion, the little things have value, nature, peace of mind, friendship, everything else is veneer.

[@sambish1981]

Mindfulness 🙂

[@starababa1985]

If standard insulation is not an option, you could make large quilts to hang over the the walls or windows in the winter. Just gather up some scrap fabric from old clothes, yard sales or thrift shops and stitch in your spare time, using library books for inspiration/instruction. Where batting is too expensive, leave it out and simply add an old sheet for a liner. Using duct tape, seam the edges of flattened cardboard boxes together, attach to your walls with removable wide painter's tape (the blue stuff) and hang the fabric over it as a decorative cover. A long piece of 1x2 run through a stitched-on rod pocket top makes the fabric look neat and is easier to hang. I lived in uninsulated rentals years ago, and quilts or fabric covers over cardboard are a good way to add some warmth without altering the structure or straining your wallet. Old machine quilted bedspreads can also make for a quick no-sew solution by themselves, or as a thrifty substitute for the batting and backing.

[@marlenegold280]

People in the 1930s here used shredded newspaper, straw, sawdust in the wall cavity, then covered with some type of wallboard. Layers of wallpaper would add to the insulation. This was after immigrant-made sod homes when they first arrived; mostly in the prairies. Winters were brutally cold and isolating, summers were harsh with no relief. One sudden hail storm could wipe out your crops in 5 minutes flat … then you starved. At least she has a support system if something went wrong.

[@hughjaanus6680]

You can buy rolls of silver foil insulation in Lidl every winter. Put it on walls and ceiling and it reflects cold out and heat in. Make sure it's flame retardant, whatever you use.

[@blueskies386]

I thought that buying used carpet of a reasonable thickness, on the walls would make it warmer. You can occasionally buy used carpet from offices that have closed, advertised in newspapers etc.

[@jtothew4201]

There is tons of insulation options these days especially stuff for vehicles that are cheap and easy. But if she's happy she's happy I suppose.

[@blueskies386]

@@jtothew4201 No, she's cold.

[@stevenmccallan9202]

"Small things in life that matter and one of those things is coffee". Boy, did you nail it. How much pleasure is derived from a cup of coffee? Lots!

[@georginan4703]

Bloomin’ good show! We said to each other ‘brace yourself’, expecting a rich person’s ‘shed’, but you are doing the real thing and are a great example of how to live ‘lightly’. Well done.

[@jeffreybobeck9809]

Yep. I'm tired of seeing "trendy" $500/sqft tiny homes, built by people who are just virtue signalling.

[@caterinas6863]

She wrote a wonderful book called Homesick, Why I Live in a Shed. I loved it and I’m so happy I found this video so I could see what the shed looks like.

[@Sweetie8387]

It’s a really good book isn’t it

[@Prometheushighaf]

Just because you don't have a house doesn't mean you are homeless. She certainly has a home

[@mannyechaluce3814]

Homeless are the people who camps out by the highway, and close to Walmart and Expensive towns :D at least those are the Homeless in the US :D

[@maximodelacruz963]

❤️😀❤️

[@135Ops]

@@mannyechaluce3814 Two happy smiling faces talking about homeless people, really.

[@kcb5336]

She’s living in her parents shed for crying out loud!

[@gdronfield]

@@kcb5336 It happens to be a old asbestos garage, no wonder it's cold in winter even with the burner she has in there, the heat escapes out of the walls and the roof,..it's just like living outside except shes not living in a plastic tent, a cardboard box is warmer than that garage........

[@flowersafeheart]

"Enoughism," low on guilt. If you're happy with it, and it isn't hurting anyone, that basically means it's working!💚🌿

[@anythingrandometc3567]

She's independent and self-reliant. God Bless her always!

[@sorscha1308]

I love this. Just simplicity. That's what frees you and allows for happiness really. People living beyond their means and grasping for more 'stuff' can only ever be good for corporations and business, not for the individual 'consumer'. I don't live in a shed but i live WELL within my means, in a small home filled with things that are useful or hold meaning for me. I don't buy stuff just to keep up with the Jones'. Most of my furnature and white goods are more than 10 years old or were bought second hand and then had my stamp put on them. My TV is over 10 years old and was second hand then, it still does everything i need it to. My stereo is about 25 years old - it still works perfectly. I'm happy with what i have - that is peace.

[@allaboutmycats454]

The apostle Paul in the book of Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

[@fredgillespie5855]

My house is 200 years old and my cook cum dishwasher is pushing eighty.

[@free22]

Your 10 year old tv is probably not spying on you so there’s that.

[@davidleigh443]

You get it.

[@txspacemom765]

I so relate to the coffee comment. It's part of my daily soul routine. Love this!

[@MsRightio]

I grew up in a little home just like this from ages 4 - 15. It was a lovely childhood. Tropical Australia, so not too cold.

[@laughingalien]

Those were the times. Just look at the cost of housing now, Justine. I recently looked at a simple apartment in Sutherland (NSW) and it was 750k (add stamp duty to that and it's all over).

[@joannadorothy]

she said she doesn't make any money , so how she pays for her car expensses ? like fuel . insurance etc . ?

[@tomellis4750]

@@joannadorothy Watch again, you missed it.

[@mg8642]

@@joannadorothy she said she makes a little bit of money but she isn't chasing a high income or more stuff

[@lyndonlives638]

I feel like a great many people out there would be more than happy with a small, quiet rustic space like this as long as it was private and they had a sense of genuine ownership of it. Unfortunately society tends to make this very difficult for the vast majority to feel as though this is something that can be achieved.

[@lpanayi6954]

I agree entirely. For me it's not the space, but feeling secure and having that sense of ownership I crave.

[@cocoabane3577]

People could repopulate small ghost towns in the Midwest United States for next to nothing if they just made a meager living online, which many people now can

[@cocoabane3577]

I don’t understand why people feel glued to cities. Is it take out dinners? 😂 serious question

[@skullingtonfly]

Beautiful story. I love ‘making do’ a lot, gardening,craft and swimming in the sea. Swapping plants recycling and chatting with friends over coffee. The simple things are always the best 🥰

[@rebeccawilliams2410]

I wish life was more like this. I would definitely be happier xx

[@CrimsonBlot]

@@rebeccawilliams2410 It's totally possible no matter your budget. My father in law built a cabin from scrapwood and other salvaged materials. The only thing you might have to pay for is a wood burning stove, but you might be able to find one for cheap if you look in the right places. Get a small plot of land somewhere away from the city. That way if everything all goes to hell and you lose everything, you'll still have something. Then you'll realize, what was the point of it all? ^_^

[@breeze_japanese]

@@CrimsonBlot If everything really did all go to hell, i.e. a complete infrastructure collapse, then your cabin in the woods will be useless without a sufficient food and energy supply. Even if you had that, it would be a matter of weeks, maybe months, before people came and challenged you for your property. Individualism is not the answer.

[@CrimsonBlot]

@@breeze_japanese I don't see how if I legally purchased that land. What, entitled intruders? Better not if you value your lives. lol. I also live by 'dead men tell no tales', challenge me and the results won't be very good. You think I would be unarmed out there or something? LOLOLOLOL!!! You sound kinda salty btw, must be a liberal who hates the idea of self sufficiency. I ain't sharing anything with you communist hippies. You are probably a prominent member on r/antiwork huh? In before you spatter out some sharing is caring garbage or that I am republican trumper/nazi or whatever.

[@jakephillips4453]

@@CrimsonBlot I don't even see where you said individualism is the answer. Anyway if society did collapse I could easily see small land owners banding together to defend their properties. If I owned land close by, I would definitely come and help you defend your property.

[@susandoerr3896]

"Necessity is the mother of invention," the old saying goes. I took on an old cabin/house. You get creative and resourceful having to fill so many needs. I am glad you have that sweet space to help your garden grow. Thank you for sharing and to the Times, nice.

[@momentosvirales2023]

Nice video content! Sorry for butting in, I am interested in your thoughts. Have you thought about - Mahorrla Wooden Paradise Method (erm, check it on google should be there)? It is a good one off guide for building better sheds and woodworking without the normal expense. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my cooworker finally got cool success with it.

[@bossdog1480]

@@momentosvirales2023 Stop the Bots.😖

[@maxduietwiler2929]

You’re probably living a healthy happier life than people in beautiful expensive homes they can’t afford. I applaud you.

[@itsmeGeorgina]

Really?

[@kiamichikan5896]

As an off gridder in a small cabin, I can relate. The only thing that really bothers me is being alone.

[@mmc1086]

The most important of all points that wasn’t even obliquely mentioned in this vid

[@kiamichikan5896]

@PrisonBlock Canada I live in a small community of land owners. We have a fire hall that kinda serves as communal center. Unfortunately most here are oblivious of each other.

[@kiamichikan5896]

@Bob So true. Man, or woman was never meant to be alone. We were designed by God to have a partner

[@kiamichikan5896]

@@mmc1086 I can understand why. When I first moved here, I was content with being alone. I needed that time to heal myself

[@sammyvictors2603]

off gridder with internet access? I guess you can't go by these days without computers or cell phones.

[@jedics1]

Most of the developed world could do with some 'enoughism', the day I realised I had enough was a relief, one of the reasons is that it meant there were a whole bunch of things I didn't have to do anymore that I deeply hated. Time became mine again to spend as I pleased, there is not much I value more now.

[@charlesleblanc6638]

I love that saying ... The day I realized I had enough !

[@anitam7547]

I have been going out shopping - looking to treat myself. I couldn't find anything I wanted to own. Turned out I need silence, peace. I'm tired of stuff 'owning' me - it's like trying to spin plates whilst on a merry-go-round.

[@bossdog1480]

@@anitam7547 I can't understand people buying boats if they don't fish everyday. Boats are black belt wallet drainers.

[@jamesshamley6577]

Ive lived in a shed for 3 years and I love it. Solar panels, water tanks, gas stove and oven. Everyone would have a roof if more people could get by living a simple and cheap life.

[@jeandubois8810]

I used to live in a caravan in the north of England. Now I have a mansion in a leafy suburb of Paris, trust me, it is better.

[@jamesshamley6577]

@@jeandubois8810 Thats nice.

[@w3w3w3]

its not that... it is the fact that every peice of land you stand on is owned by someone. Everyone would have a home if they could find some open land and build their own house/shed or whatever... but no, that is not allowed.

[@jamesshamley6577]

@@w3w3w3 Good point. We can't do that now days.

[@w3w3w3]

@@jamesshamley6577 It will only get worse as countrys get over populated and housing crises gets worse... its BS tbh. I would love to just find some land and build my home and do whatever i want but they want you to work like slaves instead.

[@CHrisG-ol3ei]

I love her concept and her catch phrase “ if you don’t have money you do so much less damage than if you had loads of money” which when you think about it is so true -- Catrina, ive just ordered your book and I want to say to everyone, show your support for this great woman , and buy her book , Homesick living in a shed “

[@sematagi9291]

Thank you for sharing. I was reminded of my time living under a railway bridge for nine years on a mezzanine floor, freezing cold winters, stuffy summers, a park to one side of me and a truck yard on the other. I found an old door that opened to the park and it was transformative.

[@jamesfleming6773]

What a lovely happy person👍🇬🇧

[@farmboyuk1315]

What a level-headed lovely lady

[@captnodge]

Lovely story and what a lovely wise lady who also plays music I'm in a similar position myself only it all went downhill after having leukaemia. I'm still in hospital after 8weeks things are looking positive after treatment and seeing story's like this inspires me to be positive about life

[@ingoelds]

May God be with you and heal you

[@soniaharrison1016]

@John of Arc, I will remember you in my prayers, wishing you a speedy recovery.

[@captnodge]

Thanks both for your kind words I've just read recently catrinas book homesick .why I live in a shed Really well written

[@pattimiller9157]

I lived in a shed 14 years ..now I'm grateful for small things ..and yes coffee is one 😋 🙏❤

[@christophernoto]

A wise woman. Wonderful to have been brought to see her and to hear her story.

[@vernabryant2894]

The small things in life is what matters.I love your home.

[@rayclam8079]

Solutions to the housing affordability crisis: 1. Massive 80% rent control. 2. Massive taxation on empty properties to fund housing benefit for those who need it. 3. 80% House price caps and limit how many homes and land someone can own. 4. Ban foreign realestate speculation. 5. Tax the hell out of foreign owns land and homes. Housing shouldn't be a mere commodity, or an investment, or used for money laundering and tax avoidance.

[@rita4998]

I adored Catrina’s memoir “The ribbons are for fearlessness” that I read a few years back. I still think about it from time to time. And today to my surprise YT recommended this video! I’m glad to see her living her truth. And I really hope that she’s still writing.

[@jamesjameson4566]

Lolololol what's it about

[@rita4998]

@@jamesjameson4566 May I know why so many lols? 😂 It’s about her travels around Europe in a van

[@jamesjameson4566]

@@rita4998 I dunno my radar is going off, don't ask which one 😆

[@rita4998]

@@jamesjameson4566 😂😂

[@jamesjameson4566]

@@rita4998 have you read the great railway bazaar? I recommend that to you.

[@rachelhudson8362]

I'd love to meet her. She never said she was poor or needy, she didn't brag about her tiny home, usually on parents land. I'm guessing though that this tin shed is on her parents land, however its just perfect

[@vlmason9072]

Contentment is the key no matter where you live or what you live in. Being thankful for all you have is the 1st step 💕💕

[@mohamedlambat3966]

A genuinely happy and content person living her passion with a sincere sense of purpose and gratitude. This clip was meaningful and really touched my heart. Good bless you Mam!!

[@paulcowell7588]

What an utterly fabulous woman..and staying connected to her dad aswell..she isn't poor in anyway...

[@MrAllan9]

Beautiful home, simple and cozy.. work on getting a bit of insulation, make it winter cozy as well.👍

[@ChrisInToon]

I love how pragmatic Catrina is, I think I saw her on a program about Cornwall this year, it is sad that on the other hand how this lady is cooped up in this small space when other people barely use their holiday home and are not local, albeit this woman is seeing to this life challenge more than admirably which is more than can be said for most in our society, so good on Catrina.

[@brynnplant]

"You do so much less damage if you don't have any money to do damage with". Love that

[@WanieB]

I grew up for much of my childhood living in small campers with my parents. I find myself wanting to fall back into that lifestyle because its simpler & less of a burden. And having that good cup of coffee becomes more priceless the older I get.

[@whitrobinson]

"You do so much less damage if you don't have enough money to do damage with." That's brilliant and just what I needed to hear!

[@cisium1184]

Unfortunately I don't think it's true at all.

[@jamsaanich4993]

@@cisium1184 People with less money = less consumption and less consumption = less waste. Less waste = less environmental/cost damage. Pretty simple.

[@GeneralChangFromDanang]

@@jamsaanich4993 You don't necessarily create more consumption if you have more money. I live well below my means and I'm sure many other people do.

[@melilifabulosa5505]

That statement implies that money is bad, an evil force, and that people are better off not being tempted. It is the mindset of someone who allows choices to be made for them. Money can be used for safety, stability, generosity, and nurturing. To have financial stability is to have the power of self determination.

[@jamsaanich4993]

@@melilifabulosa5505 So you cant have self determination without money? What a ridiculous notion. Thankfully your perception is grossly incorrect.

[@kinoko510]

Beautiful inspirational lady. And a published author! I’ve read her book years ago ( really enjoyed it ) and then saw her in a documentary on the decline of Cornwall recently. Haven’t realised who she was. Anyways, she knows what matters in life! ❤️

[@aldralee]

Thank you for mentioning her book! I’m going to check it out.

[@defenderjack349]

What's the title of the book?

[@aldralee]

@@defenderjack349 "Homesick: Why I live in a Shed"

[@kinoko510]

@@defenderjack349 ‘Ribbons are for fearlessness’. It’s about her travels and busking around Europe.

[@josiecamilo7098]

Cornwall 🤔 maybe the duchess of Cornwall needs to do something about the housing? Future wife of a king and all.

[@bertiewooster3326]

I lived in a garage for 6 years it was great having bought the plot for £10k . Then out of the blue I was asked by a developer if he could buy as it would give him the only access to a backland development project I agreed for £290k then bought another garage!

[@emmaphilo4049]

Cool 😎🆒

[@davidjoseph6539]

Well done. You are keeping things simple . When life is simple, you have more time for yourself and nature. Continue your peaceful journey

[@onceANexile]

I have a 12x8 foot converted shed. With hot water. Boudoir. P o t bellied. Frig. And it's very comfortable...and a/c

[@tinyapothecarykitchen]

I love her home! What a treasure! I've been "living small" for years on very little income. Everybody seems to want more, but I'm always looking around my tiny home to see what I can get rid of. I've just ordered her book. She is rich indeed!

[@TheChaselg1]

I've just subscribed to your channel Jana. I liked your comment and I think you should have at least one subscriber!

[@stephengreen6338]

Book?, what where? tell me more

[@AngelaPickles1929]

Homesick: why I live in a shed.

[@stephengreen6338]

@@AngelaPickles1929 thankyou

[@itsmeGeorgina]

Yes, what a glorious day it will be if you manage to get through life with ... nothing.... like Ghandi

[@andyconway5638]

This is a beautiful life story. We can all learn something from this. Total respect to this wonderful member of the human race.

[@dougquaid]

What a lovely, sensible down to earth girl, we need more like this.

[@mikeyazel8725]

Simplicity is a beautiful thing, when my father passed away I found a little book in his things of house plans for the building boom following WWII. None of the house designs in it were much more than tiny cottages by todays standards 750-1100 square feet. One of the pages was marked and was the house my dad helped his brother build. Now everyone seems to want a huge house and they price themselves right out of what they can afford soon becoming a slave to working all the time to pay for a house you never get to really live in.

[@10AntsTapDancing]

I have an actual house but it's old and scruffy. I recently upgraded the bathroom and laundry because the floor had rotted out but I did it for the fraction of of the 'normal' cost by having a strict budget. I didn't know I was practicing voluntary poverty because my friends tell me I'm mean with money. In the upcoming recession I will still have my house because I have very little debt and my life won't change much. Catrina is really living the dream and her home looks great. I'd get it insulated though, I hate the cold, lol.

[@marlenegold280]

Your money, your choice

[@JackieBaisa]

I would insulate it as well, haha. But hearing her talk about her stove, you could sense the happiness in that.

[@kagigebiquillboxes8565]

You struck a cord with me when you wrote "mean with money" . . I got a similiar reaction when I became interested in minimalism and would talk to friends about my reluctance to buy ANOTHER jacket . . . I'm also a recovering alcoholic - - my friends' responses to ideas about living more simply sounded a lot like talking to others about quitting drinking over drinks.

[@carolking6355]

What a loverly person. Good for her. People who buy expensive homes with huge mortgages must envy her.

[@weareorigin]

In capitalism countries, they look down on her. But they work so many hours, and don't enjoy their expensive homes.

[@bigphilly7345]

yes, they’re envious of her freezing in a shack and having to take a dump in the middle of a field like an animal.

[@sukhmaidickoff]

@@weareorigin What a load of bull you´re writing. Why would people in capitalist countries look down on her? Great for her, if she likes living like that. But why on GODS earth would anyone look down on her for living like that? Just because I personally could not live like that doesn´t mean i think she is an inferior person or that I look down on her. In addition I haven´t got a clue why you had to mention capitalism. If you think capitalism is bad then, honestly, you should settle in a communist or ultra-socialist country and see if they have better lives than here.

[@susanolson3611]

@@bigphilly7345 😂

[@susanolson3611]

@@sukhmaidickoff 👍

[@MikeKleinsteuber]

Great stuff. I take my hat off to Catrina for having the balls to see this through. I think we all could do with a little more voluntary poverty.

[@islanddweller3674]

Partly by desire and more by the sheer good fortune that a place came free where and when I sought....I live on a small offshore sparsely populated Irish island.. I was per se homeless ( pensioner needing to rent) And there happened to be what they call a demountable dwelling unneeded, Basically a trailer/caravan without wheels and a perfect simple home. A real home. Only what is absolutely needed. Easy to heat. This lady has learned the secret of happy living. That the home serves HER not vice versa.

[@charliensam]

What a lovely message. Living with "just enough" seems to be the recipe for a wonderful life filled with nature, self care, and no damaging habits. This healthy lifestyle shows in your beautiful smile. Thank you for sharing your story :)

[@debbiekoortzen1154]

This beautiful woman is truly inspiring.

[@robinflory6109]

I bought 40 acres in the middle of nowhere. Put a small off grid cabin on it last year. Has a year round creek. I love what your doing!

[@fredbarney3558]

You are so precious. No matter what the world thinks, you are greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved.

[@maryxm1]

Shed is gorgeous and so is Catrina,...I'm going to look up her book and buy it.

[@mimi1o8]

She has a beautiful calming energy.

[@pamelahall9459]

Fabulous. I lived ina shed for a couple of months and it was the best time ever… I treasure all my memories of there.

[@waydegardner7373]

There is beauty in simplicity. Small things like a good cup of coffee and the flickering of the fire seem to connect with a lot of us more than a 65” big screen. 😂

[@whylogicalthinking]

This is beautiful

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

Happy Christmas Catrina. Wishing you every joy. xxx

[@pascalsavy1306]

Such a beautiful concept and it gives me great happiness to see this. I just hope her local council doesn’t stop her and I can’t help but wonder how she’s getting away with it. There’s usually always someone acting through jealousy, stopping beautiful things like this. Good luck to her and long may it continue. I wish everyone could live like this ❤️

[@Jennifer-hw6vt]

I wondered the same

[@nickcoppard5335]

After 4years lawful use certificate , though you would then have to pay council tax I guess at the lowest rate

[@jayjayn007]

I really recommend following something similar to her. I left London and got stuck in Africa Post Covid and live on barely any money and it's amazing how little you really need. Sure not the London excitement but you find new beautiful things like African wildlife. I had addiction issues in London that I don't have anymore, nothing is available but fruit, vegetables and fresh air!!

[@laughingalien]

Nicely done, Jayjay. Addiction comes in many forms.

[@stepchildofsoul]

I hope you write a book about your journey and discoveries. I'd be the first to buy it!

[@rjkbjkayser]

God has Blessed you Richly...

[@leethompson4817]

This is so lovely

[@trevaperes5343]

I just loved this! Well done Catrina, what an awesome little home! Thank you for sharing.

[@annemariekekelders8120]

Beautiful ,the harmony and peace shines of your face. Al in balans that is what the world needs. Sorry for any mistakes in my english it is not my language I am dutch. All the best. Theo

[@dommccaffry3802]

She is really lovely. Her music is great, used to see her play in st ives years ago. Was hoping she'd have an album out by now, but does'nt look like it sadly

[@jbradshaw4236]

Her book is inspiring and beautiful.

[@chrishellize]

I had a friend who did exactly this for about 15 years until the shed was sold out from under her. She dealt with the insulation problem by layering newspapers and any bits and pieces within the frame, covering it all with cardboard much like you would use gib or dry wall, and then plastering with paper mache, which she then painted. It looked really cool, but I did always worry that it wasnt quite warm enough. Although this is a lovely way to live if you have the character for it, you can wind up like my friend. No home, no real income or savings and trapped as a renter for the rest of your life starting on the back foot in middle age. A scary prospect.

[@imalrockme]

It's not the cold that scares me, it's how flamable those layers of paper are!

[@mtnshelby7059]

I agree. These videos all seem very beautiful but as someone who lives in a very rural location I wonder about sources of water, wood, food storage if any.

[@lovefitsustogether9914]

She looks so at peace with herself. Less is best♻️....I love the fact that she is so in tune with nature💕🌿🌱🐦🦋🥬🥕🥗🎼📚

[@GretaWargh]

Catrina, I just ordered your book, ‘HOMESICK - Why I Live in a Shed’ looking forward to read your book! Big warm hug to you - all the way from Sweden ❤️

[@davidleigh443]

Catrina Davies you are an inspiration. Never be ashamed of being poor. I grew up in the U.S. middle class; I have been in various stages of the financial existences from Middle Class, Working class, Poor. I am no longer poor. I do not regret any time. My parents when they retired bought a mobile home in Florida. My Dad called it their tin house. It seems you basically have a tin house just smaller than my parents. If you have the basics, food (something to cook your food on), water, a bed, a toilet, somewhere to bathe, you have what you need. Please keep enjoying your life.

[@jennycurtis4447]

I once lived in someone’s laundry room in the Arctic. Very simple living. Had to make sure I had plans on laundry days😊. Good days.

[@cameronempey8350]

Beautiful video I’ve watched videos of supper weather trendy people who made like over 200k a year and then they save like millions to retire at age 40 or something I’m never inspired by those people but this girl is very inspiring thank you!

[@CatonaWall175]

I hope things go well for you. God Bless you.

[@ekaterinas.1330]

This is what I want to do soon, as I don't want to own any property apart from something about this size. I will insulate my place really well as I can't stand being cold. Can't wait to say goodbye to my big house. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and inspiring video.🤗♥️

[@bekkyjohnson6935]

I really enjoyed her memoir 'Homesick'. Her garden looks lovely, what a nice way to live

[@markeddowes1467]

Good on you girl, sincerely you have it so right.

[@yusraiqbal2153]

I love this lady's mindset. Actually, I have been thinking the same thing; I've always wondered what living in a shed would be like. Especially with a yard big enough for a garden, just as hers. I feel like small living can solve many financial problems of a lot of people, but unfortunately many of us fail to see that. Especially if someone who has a bit of money but has a down-to-earth mindset, as in helping out those in need, one would be more able to do so if they cut on luxuries a bit. A word of advice for her: if she does not have running water, it would be very beneficial to somehow build a well. As for insulation, she can use fiberglass or hay (long grass that dries up in the summer). Hay is a natural insulator that one can harvest for free if they cannot use fiberglass.

[@Anna-tj7mp]

I am reading Catrina's beautifully written book. What strikes me beyond her own resilience is the barbaric cruelty of the housing market and in what has happened in places like Cornwall. How easily homelessness falls on those who are just a little bit vulnerable and how bad it gets. But also how staying connected to nature has helped and healed.

[@MD-wk3gj]

It appears she’s living a life of struggle with nothing and then she talks about her priority to good coffee and you realize she is living a good life. Many blessings to her home and the memories of her dad and his dreams.

[@paulwhent1370]

That place looks lovely I’d love a place like that and somewhere to grow my own food

[@vickiehodges7333]

I would love living in a shed,growing my own food.love it so happy for you.

[@kestrelfeather]

I'm like you. Enoughism, growing as much of my own food as I can, gathering herbs and medicine from the forest, living in this small mountain cabin that is affordable. I chose this lifestyle more than forty years ago and I wouldn't change it for anything.

[@MrPolos64]

That word : "enoughism" ; I think we all need to grow up to it, learn and adapt to it. Thank you.

[@theWZZA]

Living simply but fully.... that's all anyone needs.

[@clovermark39]

Read her book about her time moving into the shed and all her struggles. Glad she has found happiness in it and love her philosophy.

[@Angie-fe8yd]

Please could you tell me the name of her book 🙂

[@rustynuts4426]

I would also like to know the name of her book

[@rustynuts4426]

@@Angie-fe8yd found it. Its called Home sick by catrina davies

[@clovermark39]

“Homesick, Why I live in a shed” Catrina Davies.

[@kabardinka1]

It's nice when you can film someone living like this on a sunny, temperate day, but it doesn't show the reality of surviving through winter, long rainy months or having a child to take care of.

[@akilasultana2368]

It’s pretty tragic that we’ve come to a point where people HAVE to be happy living in a shed because they can’t afford to live in a first world country like the UK. It’s lovely she’s appreciating what she’s got but let us not forget the amount she still has to suffer with her lifestyle out of no choice.

[@AllanDavisArt]

Think you've kind of missed the point. I don't think she was forced to live in a shed. She was just fed up of the 9-5 way of life by working just to pay her bills and ultimately - leaving to an unsatisfied way of life. As Alan Watts said, ' You'll be doing things you don't like doing in order to go on living - that is, to go on doing things you don't like doing, which is stupid'. He also said that it's better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing than a long life spent in a miserable way. We've become so consumed with having more, the new iPhone, gadget, etc but these things DO NOT give pleasure - perhaps for a brief moment but I think what she's trying to say is that what matters in life are the simple things. Not external and superfluous objects that fill an empty void. I don't know how old you are but your perspective on life certainly changes when you get close to 40 or if you have a spiritual awakening - or what you thought was in important in your 20s becomes less so in your late 30s.

[@Doofus171]

As someone who grew up very poor and eventually broke out of poverty in adulthood and far exceed it by many magnitudes now. I recognize very well what she is doing. What she is doing is called cope. Its a self-preservation mentality when under extreme stress and pressure. I call it "cope when you have no hope". Its a false sense of "everything is fine" or "i love it like this, I'm so blessed". But in the internal, on the inside, its turmoil. Its a type of self delusional to convince yourself that everything is great to avoid facing the hard truth and the hard reality of the life you are living. This happens when you lose all hope of getting out of the situation but you dont want to hate your life, so you make up this fake fantasy world in your mind that makes it all okay.

[@danbaltic9678]

Same here. Was poorest of my class. Now doing the best. What you wrote is 100% true. I am sure she's from well off family. Cause if you grew up really poor, you don't want to ever come back to that.