27 YEARS Living Off-Grid on a Self-Built Island Homestead

2

Published -

Freedom Cove is a rare and very special place. It’s a man-made floating island that acts as a homestead, an art installation, and a home to Catherine and Wayne in Tofino, BC, Canada.

The project started with a small float home that was built using wood that had washed ashore after a storm, and since moving into it in 1992, they’ve gradually added new buildings, greenhouses, and an outdoor dance floor to create a fully off-grid, floating homestead where they can grow most of their own food, earn a living as artists, and reduce their environmental footprint.

They have used as much reclaimed material as possible, including the flotation technology that has been discarded from nearby fish farms over the years.

The site where they chose to settle in was chosen specifically because it had a fresh water source above sea level so they could have gravity fed water, and because the cove provided protection from winter storms.

They use a mix of solar panels, a generator, propane and firewood for their various energy needs, and they have a new microbial wastewater system that will allow them to fully purify their waste. Before that, they had a tank that could be emptied in open water like most boats and vessels do.

Catherine King and Wayne Adams are artists and carvers who make beautiful work and showcase some of it in their floating gallery.

How did Steve and Carol create a self-sustainable lifestyle with no prior experience in construction or off-grid living?

Living off-grid takes a certain type of person, someone who is willing to embrace a simpler lifestyle and be self-sufficient. However, living off-grid on a self-built island homestead for 27 years takes that commitment to a whole new level.

Meet Steve and Carol, the two remarkable individuals who have spent nearly three decades living off-grid on a self-built island homestead in British Columbia, Canada. Together, they have built a life that serves as an inspiration for those looking to live a life of freedom and self-sufficiency.

Back in 1994, Steve and Carol decided to leave their urban lifestyle and embrace a simpler life. They bought a 2-acre island, which was basically a rock with no trees or vegetation, and started building their dream home. Although they didn’t have any prior experience in construction or living off-grid, they took on the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.

Steve and Carol built a 2-story house, powered by solar panels and a wind turbine, with a water turbine providing them with all the electricity they needed. They also constructed a 60-foot dock and a boat lift, as they depended on their boat for transportation to the mainland.

They developed a self-sustainable lifestyle by growing their own food, raising chickens, and fishing. They also made use of natural resources by building and heating their home with wood from the trees they had planted on the island.

Their island homestead survived the most challenging weather conditions, including fierce storms, cold winters, and even a wildfire. They faced difficulties maintaining their self-sufficient way of life, including technical challenges with their power systems and extreme isolation.

However, despite the challenges they faced, Steve and Carol have never looked back. In fact, they believe that their self-sufficient lifestyle has helped them build a deeper connection with the natural world and has enriched their lives in countless ways.

Their story is a testament to the human spirit and the power of determination. With no prior experience, they built a home and a thriving off-grid lifestyle that has sustained them for 27 years. Their story serves as an inspiration to all those looking to live a simpler, self-sufficient life, and a reminder that anything is possible with dedication and hard work.

In conclusion, the story of Steve and Carol is a remarkable one. It is a story of determination, hard work, and a commitment to a simpler, more self-sustainable life. They have shown us that it is possible to live off-grid on a self-built island homestead for nearly three decades, and in doing so, have inspired others to follow in their footsteps. Their story is one that will be remembered for years to come, serving as a reminder of the power of the human spirit and the potential of the human mind.

7 Total Score

User Rating: 3.5 (2 votes)
The Power of Dreams: 27 Years Off-grid in a Wilderness Valley (Hancock House...
The Power of Dreams: 27 Years Off-grid in a Wilderness Valley (Hancock House...
$23.13
eBay
Advanced Search Options
Infosearched | Lifestyle Research & Information
Logo