Thrifty couple builds self-reliant, $60K homestead & workshop

Marlena and Eugene built their homestead in Blanco, Texas using salvaged windows, doors, wood flooring, tile, a bathtub, a lot of plywood, and some lumber. After over a decade of building, they now have a completely off-grid home, workshop, garden, and rental cabin.

While they did spend for the new 23 solar panels that run the three buildings, they bought all six of their 500- to 700-gallon rainwater barrels for a few hundred dollars each instead of the 1,000 they cost new.

When Eugene first arrived on the property, as a caretaker for the main landowner, he pitched a tent as his home, but he still spent nights in Austin (often at his mom's home). Slowly he began to build. First, he erected a porch for his tent. Later he added a one-room shelter with an open-air kitchen.

When his now-wife Marlena joined him in 2016, they began building a more permanent setup. They added shutters to the kitchen so it could be closed off in winter, but open in summer (they rely mostly on DC fans for AC). Their bathroom includes a recycled bathtub and a stone-floor shower.

To accommodate overnight guests for their wedding, they built an off-grid cabin (with gas fridge) in just two months with mostly recycled materials for just $12,000. It now provides income as an overnight rental.

To avoid trips to town, they grow their own food in raised beds and raise chickens in a recycled coop (they plan to add goats and bees). They are now able to go two weeks without leaving the homestead for provisions.

Their latest addition is a modern barn that serves as both a workshop for Eugene’s tools and for Marlena’s jewelry business. It was built to convert into an event space to rent for added income.

[pinksapphire]

It’s so amazing how when he started he couldn’t build a deck, but by the end of this video he had built a MASSIVE building, 🥰.

[smilingjoy]

I really appreciate how she lets the people tell their story. I always feel like I'm watching a documentary film.

[criticaluplink]

This couple is amazing, they seem much more happier than regular people, It’s about living a life you want and not keeping up with the jones

[jonasfrito]

20:22 "I'm often impressed with my self when something works"
I can totally relate with that! Love their humbleness and the ability to realize the value of making something imperfect and learning from it.

[BradThePitts]

ANOTHER honest and pallettable video from Kirsten! No filler, no corny host in a tight suit & white sneakers, no over-use of the word "entertain." Refreshing!

[chezmoi]

How to build a deck? "Thing, thing, and you put a thing." "No, no, you gotta have way more _things!"_ "And so that's how I learned to build a deck." I can't stop chuckling.

I sooo love those 9' doors, they are so elegant and airy, with all the other windows. All the inventive 'features', the found pieces of the puzzle like the tiles and the wood,

There is nothing more comfortable than a clawfoot tub. I used to read in mine, running more warm water in as needed with my toes (back when we didn't know water was a luxury).

This is so inspiring, the constant learning while doing, the dreaming and inventing, and the love poured into it glows like Austin at night. So happy to share it, thank you.

[anydaynow]

It's amazing how they built up their skill set and confidence by just going at it. Definitely inspiring!

[briangilbert]

I love the way he constantly talks over his wife, never lets her finish a sentence

[steph]

I really admire this couple for doing this. It takes a lot of courage to step out and do something like this and the result is awesome,

[piccane]

I might not interested in the interior design of this house. But I like how the owner's hard work and the process of how he learned things & make it happened, also how he tried to fulfill the functionality of those places by using reclaimed materials. Great job!

[annmorgana]

“ it sometimes doesnt feel like I did it, it feels like it happened” as an artist i can relate to this sense of being the least part of a creative process.

[hazonku]

I love how the place just came together based on their needs & what they could get their hands on. As an artist I can totally relate to that feeling of "Sometimes it doesn't feel like I did it, it feels like it just happened."

[janewhitzend]

What an adorable couple. I love their go for it ideas and willingness to just do what they needed!

[peri]

He did it all himself with help from YouTube he said. Gotta love innovative people. Two very interesting likable people. I would like a follow up on them after they start holding yoga events, weddings, etc. An air BnB tiny house is next I bet.

[andreaandrea]

As always, when I watch one of your documentary videos, I feel as though I have been on a journey and met the people. They (your films) are so strong. I join with others in appreciating the use of silence and nature ... and the voices of the people you're filming (as well as your own family's voices!). So many times I simply cannot get through a video because of the sound and the level of irritation it produces in me. We are bombarded by sound. Thank you so much for your artistry.

[idrissamorehouse]

everything on this channel is great but this episode is special - learning as you go, jerryrigging on the fly when necessity forces you - built a couple quasi legal backyard projects back in the day in this same spirit so this guy is close to my heart - frontier spirit meets tinkering junk artist = LOVE IT!!

[mysticalmisty]

Amazing build 😀 I think it’s great how he tells Kirsten his mistakes he made through it all... Nothing worse than big head who sailed through their builds with no errors!

[rtothes]

They have the right ideas, and the ambition to follow through. Kudos.

[imnotsurewhy]

I love this guy so much. He's very humble and down to earth kinda guy. Someone that's just content with what he's got.

[BrookeMonfort]

I think I know Eugene...from a farmstead, far east side of Austin. Glad to see he's found a mate and made his dreams happen.