On this page, you’re going to find a mix of PDF guides, posts, and other resources you can use to start creating the homestead of your dreams wherever you are, whatever your circumstances. Whether you have two pennies and a button to your name or a hundred prime acres with dollars to spare, there’s something here for you.
Our homestead project and how it can help YOU
I originally started this website as a resource for others wishing to build a homestead just like we did! We built our own cordwood house on 16.4 acres of beautiful Kentucky hills and wanted to share the process with you, including the ups and downs and nitty-gritty information to help you do it even better than we did. We welcome you to go down the rabbit hole to see what’s possible.
Now, let’s break it down step by step:
Buying Land
Just getting started? This free PDF guide will show you where to start your search and some things to watch out for. You also get a free checklist to print out and use to compare parcels while you search.
Our premium guidebook is designed specifically for homesteaders and those interested in country living, so you can find and purchase your rural property with confidence.
Read all of our posts about Buying Land
Buying Land in a Complicated Housing Market
Buying a plot of land and making a go of homesteading is a tantalizing dream…
6 Financial Tips for Buying Land for Your Homestead
Whether you want to homestead or just have a spot of Earth to call…
17 Real Life Tips for Buying Land Without Getting Burned
Buying land is a huge dream for many people. While you might want to buy…
Building a House
Get started with our FREE PDF guide all about getting started with building your own home from scratch.
Ready to REALLY start building? Grab the guide that started everything and helped us go from dirt to house with our own hands!
Read all of our posts about Building a Homestead
19 Awesome Books for the Home Owner Builder
Anyone looking to build their own home as an owner builder needs to be well…
5 Unexpected Lessons We Learned From The Home We Built Ourselves
December 21, 2017. The air was brisk and chilly. The ground was frozen solid and…
Foundations for Cordwood Building: How We Built Ours (and what to consider for yours)
There are many types of foundations you can use with cordwood walls, but you must…
Designing Your Gardens
Grab our FREE PDF planning sheets for your homestead garden! Keep everything nice and organized with the mini version of our full garden planner.
Grab the FULL PDF planning sheets and take your garden to the next level! Keep everything nice and organized with the full printable version of our signature garden planner.
Read all of our posts about Gardening
Awesome Online Gardening Resources for Beginners
Having a garden is a great step towards self-sufficiency. For beginners, it’s important to take…
Garden Projects You Can Do For Cheap or Free
Creating a beautiful garden shouldn’t take a lot of money. We run our homestead by…
How to Homestead in the City or Suburbs: 8 Easy Ways to Start
When people talk about “homesteading” you typically imagine a farmhouse on a big plot of…
Going Solar Powered
Grab our FREE PDF guide for getting started with solar energy. Includes checklists, resources, and even a handy script for talking to solar companies!
Read all of our posts about Solar Power
9 Things to Know About Off-Grid Homesteading
16.5 acres and a whole lotta chutzpah. That is what we started with when we…
Does Solar Power Work in the Winter? Our 7 Most Commonly Asked Questions
How well does solar power work in the winter? Can solar panels even make power…
Living Off Grid Into Retirement: An Interview With Two Intrepid Empty-Nesters
Many people wonder whether pursuing an off-grid lifestyle is a good idea. Especially given many…
Learn about Cordwood Masonry
Want to learn about cordwood building but can’t get to an in-person building workshop? Our online course is the next best thing! Features text tutorials, video masterclasses, and worksheets to help you plan your own custom cordwood building project. Always open and ready whenever you are!
Read all of our posts about Cordwood Masonry
Pros and Cons of Building With Cordwood Masonry
I once had a fat stack of Mother Earth News sitting in an ancient wooden…
How We Built Our Cordwood Shed
From 2017 through the first half of 2020 we had a modest 1.14-kilowatt off-grid solar…
Running Electrical Wiring In or On Cordwood Walls
There are many options to consider when running electrical wiring in your cordwood house. Here,…
Learn about Sustainability
37+ Low and Zero-Waste Gift Ideas For Every Budget
If you’re anything like me, you might be trying to live a more low-waste or…
BOROUX Water Filter Review 2025-26: Our Complete No BS Review
Updated October 2025 We’ve lived off-grid since the end of 2017, and since shortly after…
What Happened to Berkey? Water Filter Options for 2026 and Beyond
UPDATED October 10, 2025 For years, Berkey Filters had been a trusted water filtration option…
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