They Built An Entire House For Less Than Your Phone
Imagine living in a home that you built yourself, entirely off the grid.
That’s exactly what Bryce and Misty have achieved.

They’ve spent over a decade building a cob home, homesteading, and raising their family without the typical conveniences of modern life.
Let’s dive into their remarkable journey and discover how they do it.

Creating a Home Without a Mortgage: How They Did It
When Bryce and Misty decided to leave the city, they paid off their debt first.
This allowed them to build their own home without the burden of a mortgage.
They estimate that the cost of building their entire home, including all additions, was less than a thousand dollars.

Food Production: The Heart of Their Lifestyle
Food production is a cornerstone of their off-grid lifestyle.
They embrace permaculture principles, focusing on sustainability.
Having a food forest and implementing chinampas, which are raised garden beds in wetlands, allows them to produce an abundance of food.

Building with Nature: The Cobb House
Their home is primarily made from cob, a mixture of clay, sand, and straw.
This material is not only eco-friendly but also incredibly effective for insulation.
Most of the structural components come from timber harvested from their property.

Powering Their Home: Solar and Wind Energy
Solar panels provide most of their household power, enough for everyday uses like charging cell phones and laptops.
Although they have a wind turbine, it has faced challenges being 60 feet in the air.
Water is sourced from a hand-dug well and rain barrels, ensuring they have access to water year-round.

Keeping Costs Low: The Minimalist Approach
Living off-grid doesn’t mean living without expenses.
They pay for cell phone service and animal feed but strive to keep their costs minimal.
Instead of owning a car, they rely on taxi services for their monthly trips to town.

Repairing and Maintaining Their Home
When repairs are needed, Bryce simply uses a shovel to gather earth, mixes it, and packs it into place.
This hands-on approach keeps their home in good shape while minimizing costs.
They source clay from their property, making it easy to repair walls as needed.

Challenges of Off-Grid Living
While this lifestyle is rewarding, it comes with its challenges.
There are no conveniences like a washing machine or dryer, which means they wash clothes by hand.
Every chore takes longer, but they appreciate the time spent in nature and on their property.

Homeschooling in Nature
Bryce and Misty homeschool their daughters, integrating their lifestyle into their education.
The children learn through hands-on experiences, gardening, and building.
This life immersion style of learning fosters a deep connection with nature and responsibility.

Innovative Food Production Techniques
Their food forest is a testament to their commitment to sustainable living.
They plant various species together, allowing them to thrive and support each other.
This method reduces labor while maximizing harvest yields.

Chinampas: A Revolutionary Gardening Technique
Chinampas, inspired by ancient Mexican practices, allow them to grow food in wetland areas.
This technique is essentially a large-scale hydroponic system, tapping into the natural resources of their land.

Living in Harmony with Nature
Every aspect of their lives is about living in harmony with nature.
They produce as much as they can on their property, sourcing locally when they need to buy.
This approach not only minimizes their environmental impact but also fosters community connections.

Building a Community: Engaging with Neighbors
Over the years, they’ve received tremendous support from their community.
Neighbors often provide materials and assistance, creating a strong network of mutual aid.
This sense of community enhances their off-grid living experience.

A Sustainable Future
Bryce and Misty’s journey into off-grid living is proof that a sustainable lifestyle is achievable.
With determination, creativity, and a connection to the earth, they have built a life that many aspire to.
They believe that food forests and permaculture practices could be the solution to many agricultural problems today.

Through their journey, they inspire others to consider how simple living and a connection to nature can lead to a fulfilling life.
Are you ready to explore the possibilities of off-grid living?