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Our First Year Off-Grid: Building a Self-Sufficient Homestead

Two years ago, we purchased 25 acres of raw land with a vision: to create a thriving, self-sufficient off-grid homestead. The land came with an abandoned farmhouse, accessible only by a steep footpath, and our ultimate goal was to restore this ruin into our forever home. After converting a Jucatu van into a camper for temporary living, we moved to the land a year ago and began developing it from scratch. Here’s a look at our first year’s journey, filled with challenges, triumphs, and small steps toward our dream.

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Creating Access: The Road to Our Future Home

Our first priority was to make the land accessible. The steep footpath to the farmhouse wasn’t practical for construction, so we needed a proper access road. Finding a skilled machine operator proved difficult, leading Philipe to train in bulldozer operation. Fortunately, we found Senhor Antonia, a seasoned operator with over 40 years of experience. In just a day and a half, he carved out a road from the top of our land to the farmhouse—a task that would have taken Philipe a week. The road was robust enough for trucks and heavy machinery, opening up possibilities for further development.

Securing Water: The Borehole Adventure

With the road in place, we turned our attention to water—a cornerstone of off-grid living. Drilling a borehole was the next step, but it wasn’t without drama. The drilling machine broke down, requiring a 230-kilometer trip for a replacement part. Despite the setback, the team struck water at 70 meters and drilled to 90 meters for a strong flow rate. Installing the pump was our chance to get hands-on. With research, sourced materials, and help from friends, we successfully installed the pump.

After several cycles of emptying and refilling the borehole, the water cleared enough for testing. We sent samples to a lab, but the results showed high levels of iron and manganese, suggesting the water wasn’t suitable for drinking. Local neighbors, however, shared a practical test: create a puddle and observe the residue as the water drains. A grayish stain indicates drinkable water, while a whitish stain suggests salts and undrinkable water. Their confidence in iron-rich water being safe has left us weighing the local wisdom against lab results—a decision we’re still navigating.

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Building Infrastructure: Water Tank and Storage

With water secured, we dug out space for a 1,000-liter water tank at the top of our land, a key component of our off-grid water system. Lacking pickaxes, we made do with shovels, and with friends’ help, we completed the task. Connecting the pump to the tank is still on hold, as other projects took priority.

Storage was our next urgent need. We purchased a secondhand shipping container for power tools and personal belongings. Preparing the site was grueling—Philipe, Elva, and Nina worked until 4 a.m. to level the area for delivery. The container was leak-free and functional, but it heated up like a sauna, even in winter. To make it usable, we insulated the walls and ceiling with XPS insulation board and added rock wool to accommodate the container’s dents and bumps. We finished by lining the interior with OSB board, creating a more comfortable and functional space.

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Adding Joy: A Swing for Our Toddler

Amid the functional work, we prioritized beauty and fun. We set out to build a swing for our toddler, Nina. After an embarrassing mistake with overly elastic rope, we found the right materials and built a sturdy swing. Nina’s joy as she swung made every effort worthwhile, reminding us that our homestead is as much about creating a joyful home as it is about survival.

Shifting Plans: From Farmhouse to Pallet Cabin

Initially, we planned to dive into renovating the farmhouse, but we soon realized it’s a multi-year project. Living in a 6-square-meter camper for years wasn’t sustainable, so we decided to build a pallet wood cabin as an interim home. Finding the perfect spot was tricky, so we brought back Senhor Antonia’s bulldozer to carve out terraces—not just for the cabin but also for raised garden beds and tree planting. These terraces will support our vision of a self-sufficient homestead with food and shade.

Beating the Heat: A Shade Structure

Anticipating 40°C summer days, we built a 9×6-meter shade structure over the container to create a comfortable outdoor space. This was our biggest project yet, and we were grateful for the skilled help of our friend Noo-Noo. Despite rain and mud, we completed the structure in a couple of weeks. It now protects us from scorching sun and heavy winter rain, making our land feel more like home.

Looking Ahead

Our first year off-grid has been a whirlwind of challenges and small victories. From building a road and securing water to creating storage and spaces for joy, we’ve laid the foundation for our self-sufficient homestead. In the coming months, we’ll focus on building the pallet cabin, connecting the water system, and developing the shaded area into a homely space. Each step brings us closer to our dream, and we’re excited to share the journey.

Thank you for following along. Stay tuned for updates on our off-grid adventure!

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