Dan and Laura Harrison, a couple from the United Kingdom, have taken a leap many only dream about—leaving behind the urban grind to embrace a simpler, self-sustaining lifestyle. Their story is one of courage, resourcefulness, and grit. With no background in farming or construction, they moved to Portugal and transformed an abandoned farm into a burgeoning off-grid homestead. Documenting their journey on their YouTube channel, Origin Homestead, they’re inspiring others to chase their dreams, no matter how daunting.
From Camper Van Living to Homestead Dreaming
Dan and Laura’s off-grid adventure began years before they ever set foot on their rustic Portuguese property. They first transitioned from city living to life in a camper van, yearning to reconnect with nature. Adjusting to van life was tough, but it prepared them for their next bold move—a leap of faith into a 1.7-acre plot in Portugal, on the outskirts of a small village.
The property was far from a blank slate; it was overgrown with weeds, and its dilapidated stone barn seemed beyond repair. Yet, they saw potential. On their very first drive to the land, nerves and doubts filled the air, but so did determination.
Trial, Error, and Triumph: Building an Off-Grid Home
With no construction background, Dan and Laura tackled their projects step by step. Their first task? Creating storage. They built a polytunnel to protect their tools and belongings and repurposed a second-hand shed for additional storage. It wasn’t easy—assembling the shed without instructions took a fair amount of trial and error.
Next came clearing the land under Portugal’s blistering summer sun. They gradually began to shape their homestead, starting with the stone barn. It was a monumental effort to clear out debris—layers of hay and manure—but the transformation was immediate and satisfying.
Using recycled materials wherever possible, they built fences and gates, learning how to mix concrete along the way. A gate made from decking boards became a symbol of their progress and the start of a homestead that felt truly theirs.
Building Their Dream, One Project at a Time
From composting systems to a calisthenics rig, each project brought new challenges and triumphs. One of their most ambitious tasks was building a log cabin outhouse to house their shower, toilet, and compost system. They sourced free doors and windows and embraced mistakes as part of the learning process.
“Many people wait for the perfect conditions—enough money, experience, or resources,” Laura reflected in one of their videos. “But you just have to show up and figure it out.”
Reaping What They Sow
Their hard work began to pay off with their first harvest. Grapes, apples, plums, and olives filled their land with abundance. Stomping grapes for juice became a joyful ritual, while their solar panels powered their modest but functional systems.
To beat the summer heat, they repurposed wooden pallets and a tarp to create a makeshift plunge pool. They also built an outdoor kitchen, complete with a stovetop and sink, further integrating comfort into their off-grid lifestyle.
The Journey Ahead
Dan and Laura’s story is far from over. They still have big plans for their homestead, but their progress demonstrates the power of perseverance and creativity. With each project, they’ve proven that anyone with a dream can take the leap, even without experience.
Their journey is a testament to the idea that success isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, learning as you go, and finding joy in the process. For Dan and Laura, their $15,700 investment is more than a homestead; it’s a new way of life, built with love, resilience, and a vision for the future.
Takeaway
If you’ve ever dreamt of breaking free from the conventional path and creating something extraordinary, Dan and Laura’s story serves as a reminder: the hardest part is starting. Whether you’re building a homestead or chasing another dream, take a step forward, make mistakes, and grow along the way.