"Self-sufficiency does not mean 'going back' to the acceptance of a lower standard of living. On the contrary, it is the striving for a higher standard of living, for food that is organically grown and good, for the good life in pleasant surroundings... and for the satisfaction that comes from doing difficult and intricate jobs well and successfully." John Seymour ~ Self Sufficiency 2003

Thursday 22 March 2012

"The long and winding road...

... that leads to your door..." (part lyrics from "The Long and Winding Road" courtesy of The Beatles "Let it Be" album circa 1970)


It's unbelievable!  It's incredible!  It's amazing!


You all know that DD and WGuy were looking for some land to buy, for the purpose of simplifying their lives, becoming self-sustainable and reducing their ecological impact on this planet.


Well, they found something they liked, they submitted their offer, and it was accepted yesterday morning.  I'm going to give you two guesses where that land is...


...Whoopeeeeeeeee!
Our plot is # 527, their plot is # 512 :)
Yes - it is across a field from our farm :)  Mkid said to me: "Nana I'll be able to walk across the field to your house :)"



How absolutely outstanding is that!


There are 60-odd olive trees already on the plot and there is also a small wooden hut / cabin, as well as a separate bathroom / storeroom hut, which houses a shower and composting loo.  They are both sturdy and well built, and will provide them the necessary temporary protection from the elements. The owner of the plot had erected the only wind turbine in our area, but it is faulty and has been returned to the suppliers.  However, he is prepared to include all the equipment (charge controller, inverter, batteries, wiring) which is already installed, and WGuy is going to try and utilize it for some solar power, power LOL


They will initially use the small existing cabin, and our caravan whilst they build their new home.  They would like to erect a more permanent wooden home - on stilts - similar to this style.  The wood used in the buildings is Pinus Radiata and it is grown just down the coast in Knysna - so it's transport footprint is minimal.  Apparently, you can purchase this home in kit form and WGuy is then going to erect it.
They are determined to remain off grid, utilize their grey water, install plenty of rain water storage tanks and grow their own veggies - amongst other things :)


There is even the option of two local schools for MKid to attend - the closer one will entail his mastering the Afrikaans language (in anticipation of their move, and the school language restrictions in the area, he's already been taking extra lessons, and kids don't normally find language a problem, so I'm confident that he is smart enough to overcome this hurdle).  Alternatively, there is a small private school 24-odd kms away - a bit of driving schlep, not to mention expense.  Let's just wait and see what happens :)


Oh, boy! - I'm completely blown away!  In fact, I'm completely speechless and unable to put into words the myriad of emotions which are flashing, at breakneck speed, though my brain.  Suffice it to say, I'm wildly excited for them :)  And I will be there for any advice, assistance, physical labour and anything else that they may require.  Oh, boy!

24 comments:

  1. This is very awesome! The house they want to build is so elegant and beautiful. I am thrilled for you.
    Dan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dan - LOL Thanks. And I'm thrilled for them!

      Delete
  2. Oh Yeah! This is the BEST news. Love the pic of the house they plan to build.

    I've often told SM that all of his siblings (8) need to get together, buy a bunch of land, build a BIG house with a common area and kitchen and start our own commune. We could all take care of each other as we age.

    Looks like you've started your commune!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tami - Now, there's a thought! Combined forces - always better in the long run.

      Delete
  3. Wow that is great! Everything is really coming together.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jane - Exactly - and in more ways than you know ;) This opens up a whole new possibility for RMan and I...

      Delete
  4. Now that is happy news! I'm with everyone else, the house they want to build is beautiful. So are they going to cultivate and process the olives? That's pretty amazing. So much potential there.

    And another thing, that google maps photo is pretty just in and of itself. The topography and land is almost like art when viewed from above huh?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1st Man - :) Yup, olives will be a harvested LOL

      Yes, t'is pretty, isn't it!

      Delete
  5. I'm so happy for you.
    Love from Mum
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow! That sounds like a fantastic place to start a new home :)
    Congrats to ALL!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Brilliant news Dani! Congratulations to you and yours :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. How exciting. I can imagine how ecstatic I would be to have my daughter and her family living so close. Gee you won't be able to stop smiling for ages!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh YAY! Lots of family farming on one property or the other :). Does the intervening field belong to either of you? Just thinking I hope whoever owns it, now or eventually, is a nice neighbour.
    Cheers,
    Robyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Robyn - No, we don't own the middle property... yet LOL

      Delete
  10. That's wonderful. You'll have good food, good company and good times! What could be better?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judy - You summed it up perfectly - thanks :)

      Delete
  11. How absolutely wonderful!!! I'd be jumping up and down doing the Happy Dance if I were you :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Enjoy... good things come to nice people.
    :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brat - Thanks - takes one to know one :)

      Delete

Thank you for taking the time to comment - it makes my day and removes the "loneliness' of sitting at my screen blogging supposedly to myself ;) I try and reply as quickly as possible so please forgive me if sometimes my response is delayed.