Greetings from the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York! My husband and I are proud to say that we’ve been living off the grid for nearly eight years now, embracing a lifestyle that’s as fulfilling as it is sustainable. Our small, cozy 20×28 cabin is nestled on six acres of land, complete with a year-round trout stream that adds to the serenity and charm of our surroundings.
When we first made the decision to live off the grid, we had a vision of independence and self-sufficiency. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to build a sustainable lifestyle, and while it has certainly come with its challenges, it has also been incredibly rewarding. Our cabin, though modest in size, is the perfect space for us to live in harmony with nature, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region.
Our off-grid setup is carefully designed to meet all our needs without relying on traditional utilities. We have 800 watts of solar power, which provides enough electricity to run everything we need in the cabin. This includes lighting, small appliances, and other essential devices, all powered by the sun. During the day, our solar panels generate enough energy to keep everything running smoothly, while at night or during cloudy weather, we rely on battery storage to keep our systems operational.
For heat, we use a wood stove, which not only keeps us warm during the long, cold winters but also adds a cozy, rustic ambiance to the cabin. There’s something incredibly comforting about gathering around the stove with a hot drink, especially when the snow is falling outside.
For hot water, we’ve installed an on-demand propane water heater, ensuring that we have hot water whenever we need it, without wasting energy. The propane-powered apartment-size cook stove is compact yet functional, allowing us to prepare meals efficiently without using excessive energy.
Living off the grid in the Finger Lakes has truly been a life-changing experience. There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing that we are largely self-reliant, reducing our impact on the environment while enjoying the beauty and tranquility of our land. The year-round trout stream provides us with not only a picturesque view but also a sense of peace, as the sound of running water is always a reminder of how connected we are to nature.
Over the years, we’ve learned so much about sustainable living, from maintaining our solar panels to managing our water systems and waste. We’ve come to appreciate the simplicity of living without the constant hustle and bustle of modern life. We spend our days outdoors, gardening, hiking, and taking care of our land, while evenings are spent by the wood stove or enjoying the peace of our surroundings. It’s a slower pace of life, but one that we wouldn’t trade for anything.
We also enjoy being part of a larger off-grid community, which is one of the reasons I love seeing the posts and pictures shared in this group. It’s inspiring to see others living similar lifestyles, finding creative solutions to challenges, and celebrating the joys of off-grid living. There’s a sense of camaraderie and shared knowledge that makes us feel connected, even if we’re living in different parts of the world.
As we continue to live off the grid, we’re always learning and adapting, making improvements to our systems and finding new ways to live more sustainably. It’s not always easy, but the sense of fulfillment and peace we get from this lifestyle makes it all worth it. Living in our little cabin on six acres with a year-round trout stream is a dream come true, and we’re excited to keep building on this journey of self-sufficiency. Here’s to many more years of off-grid living, and a big thank you to everyone in this group for being such a supportive and inspiring community! ❤️
