Imagine leaving behind the conveniences of modern life—no city power, no running water, no grocery stores down the street—and choosing to build an entirely self-sufficient life in the middle of nature. That’s exactly what Jeff and Rose, along with their five daughters, have done in northern British Columbia, Canada.
This family of seven isn’t just surviving off the grid; they’re thriving. On their 40-acre homestead, they generate their own electricity, collect their own water, grow food, and heat their home without relying on any modern utility services. For most people, this lifestyle sounds extreme, but for Jeff and Rose, it’s a dream come true.
Why They Chose the Off-Grid Life
For many, the idea of living off the grid comes from a desire to escape the rat race, cut down on expenses, or live a more sustainable life. For Jeff and Rose, it’s a mix of all three. They didn’t want to work tirelessly just to pay bills—they wanted to live simply and spend more time together as a family.
By ditching traditional utilities, they’ve dramatically reduced their cost of living. They still make money, but they don’t need much because their lifestyle doesn’t require a big income. Instead of spending on electricity, heating, and water bills, they put their energy into creating a life where they rely on nature and their own hard work.
A Home Built from the Ground Up
With just $25,000, Jeff and Rose built their own four-season cabin from scratch. Instead of hiring expensive contractors, they handled everything themselves, from clearing the land to constructing the foundation.
The cabin is built to endure the harsh Canadian winters. It stands on wooden supports, with durable cedar posts, plywood, and logs forming a strong, insulated structure. The roof is tightly sealed to keep out extreme cold and strong winds, making it comfortable year-round.
By doing everything themselves, they avoided massive expenses on excavation, grading, and other construction costs that typically come with building a home.
100% Off-Grid Power System
No power lines? No problem. This family runs completely on solar energy.
They use two solar panel systems:
- A 12-volt system for small electronics like lights, laptops, and phones.
- A 2.5-kilowatt system to power larger appliances like a refrigerator, freezer, and washing machine.
What about winter, when the sun is scarce? They have a backup generator to keep things running during cloudy days. It’s an efficient setup that keeps their home powered year-round.
How They Get and Store Water
In place of running water from a municipal system, they rely on rainwater. They’ve built a system of overhead pipes to collect rainwater, which is then stored in an underground tank to keep it cool.
Before drinking or cooking with it, they purify the water using a Berkey filter, ensuring it’s safe for consumption. This method saves them from the cost and maintenance of wells or water delivery services.
Cooking and Heating Without Gas or Electricity
Unlike most modern homes, their kitchen doesn’t have gas burners or electric stoves. Instead, they cook all their meals using a wood-burning stove and an antique oven.
For heating, they use firewood, which they gather themselves. Wood stoves not only provide warmth but also serve as a cooking surface in the winter months, making them a dual-purpose tool in their off-grid lifestyle.
No Plumbing? No Problem!
One of the biggest adjustments in off-grid living is dealing with waste. Instead of flushing toilets, they use a bucket toilet system. By adding sawdust and sand after each use, they naturally compost their waste, eliminating odors and avoiding the need for expensive septic systems.
It might not be for everyone, but for this family, it’s a practical and cost-effective solution.
Growing Their Own Food
Although they aren’t completely self-sufficient in terms of food, they grow a significant portion of what they eat. They plant vegetables, raise chickens, and store food in bulk to reduce their trips to town.
Preserving food is a key part of their lifestyle—canning, drying, and freezing ensures they have enough supplies even during harsh winters.
Homeschooling and Teaching Life Skills
Jeff and Rose homeschool their daughters, combining traditional education with practical skills like farming, carpentry, and survival techniques. Unlike a typical school setting, their kids learn firsthand how to grow food, build structures, and live sustainably.
The Reality of Off-Grid Life
Living off the grid isn’t easy. It requires hard work, dedication, and adaptability. The family spends a lot of time maintaining their land, managing their energy use, and making sure they have enough supplies for winter.
But for them, the trade-offs are worth it. They get to live debt-free, spend more time together, and enjoy a level of freedom that few people experience.
Would you ever consider living off the grid? Jeff and Rose’s story proves that with the right mindset and determination, it’s possible to create a fulfilling life outside the modern system. 🚜🌿