Building an OFF-GRID Living Setup: Part 1 - Our Plans

In 2020 we bought an abandoned smallholding in central Portugal and one of the first things we had to do was create some temporary accommodation so we could live on site while renovating the old farmhouse.

Two years later we're still working on the house and still living in our temporary accommodation.

But for now, let's rewind to some time ago and take a look at the whole process of designing and building our base camp, starting with big-picture plan.

Want more MAKE. DO. GROW?

[joanbroadway]

What an excellent example of thinking outside of the box to make your dreams come true. You two really are an inspiration.

[BrynDavies]

I have to say I am in awe of your sketch up skills

[daydreambeliever]

Ah ha! Now I see what that circle was originally ❤

[j.n.sloane]

Very cool! I can't help thinking that you are going to be a part of your property in a way that so few people ever experience. I wonder if this experience is changing you both in ways you hadn't anticipated. You are facing such interesting challenges and problem solving and find such new facets of your personal powers. It seems like such an adventure in both the outside and the inside. More power to you both. Saludos desde Asturias.

[paisley]

It's so satisfying to see how far you've come in achieving your plans. That 'eira' was a natural place in which to place your tent and your other necessary living extensions. Well done you two!

[lynh]

Ya'll have come so far! Here's to future projects and steady progress!

[RSJonno]

sry i posted somewhere a minute ago, i have loved watching your mini series and forgot to thank you for all you went through. i do thank you for your insight and time i just wondered if what i what i have learnt was true. best wishes in your future living

[glenyscallaghan]

Very well thought out, it looks pretty much like what you ended up with.👏👏👏👏👏❤️❤️

[offgridwanabe]

Temporary has a whole new meaning but being comfortable is great.

[dtgphoto]

Love the way everything is thought through and planned but always open to change and adapting. A great look back in time 😎

[leestimis]

Wow it this was when I started to subscribe thanks for the memories.
2 years huhh. Seems like yesterday.
A long yesterday. Lol.

[LCamp-crfs]

I didn’t remember this stage anymore. Good update for me! BTW, I follow a Channel called Finca Life where they just upgraded their solar system for cloudy winter months. It was interesting. They might not use as much power in their daily life but have to power a whole water filtration system.

[henxike]

I would love to see the deck building video

[bigkevcanb]

Really liked this. I’ve watched the amount of digging you’ve done, have you ever used or seen a maddock, for breaking up soil, digging trenches, holes etc. I’m sure Kylie would have grown up with them in Australia. They are like a pick, but with flat blades, and can be filed or ground to fix the edges if damaged on stones etc.

[alvaalvarado]

what memories of when they started, and how good it turned out

[andreacrashe]

*Great to see how it all started again... you have both come a long way over the past couple of years.*

[vickihoneycutt]

In awe of both of you, you are clearly thinking ahead in everything you do. I look forward to all you new up dates. Keep up all the great work 💙 front USA, California

[nena]

I didn’t know there was a threshing circle under there!

[antoinettevanlier]

Very inspiring! We are a dutch couple sailing the world, with a dream for our "next" life to live from our own land, just like you do. We love the videos, thank you! Question: do you use any pesticides or how do you avoid bugs that eat the vegetables? Thank you!

[Jen.O]

to this Californian, the threshing circle looks like our typical kiddie wading pool, so I'm curious about it collecting water in the rain--does it drain off quickly so you aren't living over a pond? I'm guessing it must, since the wood deck supports need to be dry so they won't rot.