I looked at a property this week that definitely could be our simple living dream.
It ticks off many boxes, and would be a place where Linda and I can ride out the final phase of our lives in peace and quiet surrounded by nature.
The property:
- very quiet, private location away from it all, but just as near to town as we are now
- 560 sq ft cabin with wood stove and wired for a generator
- 160 sq ft garden shelter with wood stove
- off grid, with some solar panels
- large garden area
- greenhouse
- fruit and nut trees
- chicken coop
- composting area
- 33 acres of mixed forest
- close to where we live now
This place is as close to ideal as we have seen in a long time. That tells you everything about what we have been looking for.
Nature, quiet, peaceful.
And set up so we can take care of our selves and reduce our dependence on the system that is coming crashing down all around us.
Then I wonder if I am crazy.
Henry David Thoreau was 28 when he started his two year project in Walden Woods. I am twice that age now, and have a handicapped partner to care for.
This may, or may not, be the homestead project that will work for us. But it does represent the way we would most like to live.
If it's not the one, we will continue to seeking our Walden, because that remains the dream.
Am I crazy? Oh, yes, yes I am. Crazy for nature.
Thoreau never intended for Walden to be the end of his life. He regularly went to his mother's for her to wash his clothing, sat in pubs to visit, spent a year or so living at Emerson's place with Emerson's wife, taking care of the place. That place you describes seems like a very small place for a disabled person.
ReplyDelete560 square feet is small for the smooth operation of a wheelchair. We used to live in a condo about the same size and it was tight, but we did it. If we were to do it again, we would just have super minimal furniture. It may be tight, but it is possible.
DeleteI wonder why Thoreau didn't make his situation permanent? It seems like a great way to live, and it sounded like he enjoyed it a great deal.
- Gregg
Wow. It looks gorgeous and on 33 acres with that stream/brook bubbling and babbling along on its way. Gardens ready to go, a perfect sized cabin and all those wonderful trees. I believe you can get narrow wheelchairs for small spaces which would help - but you already live in a small space so you probably have that all worked out. It would be a healthy environment for both of you, you can grow most of your own food and keep chickens for eggs (they don't take up much room because they're so small, the cheapest animal protein you can get - a nearly perfect food. I could live on a vegetable egg white omelet!).
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you and Linda have already made a list of things that will make life difficult and another list that will make it wonderful. You said it's close to where you live now so you know the area and what kind of access you've got for everything you need in all seasons as well as people/services that can assist.
If this feels right, then it probably is. Of course there will be challenges. Nietzsche; 'what does not kill you will make you stronger.' Proceed with caution, not with fear. Good luck with your decision! Deva.
Love that enthusiasm. Proceeding with caution...
Delete- Gregg
I think it is lovely, but I worry that you will need assistance later and is it close enough for that?
ReplyDeleteIt is the same distance from town as we are now. Close enough to bike. Help at some point would be nice.
Delete- Gregg
I just finished reading my tattered "Walden" yet again. I seem to feel the need about once a year, often as not whilst we move through the transition of autumn.
ReplyDelete“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve always imagined.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
“If it’s both terrifying and amazing then you should definitely pursue it.” ~ Culprit Unknown
ReplyDelete