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New Adventures on the horizon

Woodlander

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41
Hi all, I have a question for you.
I'm a lucky bugger and have got my hands on 2 acres of woodland (part of an eco community). I have to prove I can be self sufficient for a year, then I can live on the land permanently.so I've quit my job running the pub, moved in with my fiancée for the time being, with the hopes to set up home on this land with her, and it will be home to our children when they are not with their other parent. There is a well on site, along with a small solar charging point and there's a substantial stream which we are planning to use for hydropower. My question is, if it was your land, what type of dwelling would you build? Round house? Log cabin? Crook frame? Something else? Has to be an eco home, so no permanent features, I.e. foundations, masonry work, and has to fit in with the surroundings.
I'm quite taken with the idea of a round House with straw bale and cob walls, but not quite sure yet. So was thinking I'd ask you folks your opinions and ideas.
 
Hiya woodlander

Sounds like a fascinating opportunity and I'm looking forward to hear how you get on.

We built our own camp out of steel-but obviously that wouldn't be right for you.

I have often thought mud brick,
or rammed earth (perhaps cladding your strawbales) would be a good way to go in a temperate climate where insulation will be an issue. The one consideration is that it would obviously be a much longer process than nailing together some timber into a hut. If you only have a year to 'prove' the pitch then you might need to focus on that rather than building....

Best of luck with your adventure!

We've never looked back. Best decision we ever made

Alan
 
Is this a one planet council scheme? They’re a marvellous idea. Initially I would build a small, very well insulated timber frame house on piles, simply because it’s fast, relatively cheap to build and won’t frighten the horses as far as home insurance, building regs etc. You probably won’t have time to get bogged down in building something complicated with bespoke furniture so keeping it simple and square also means that you’ll be able to fit some standard furniture into the space and extend at a later date. Have you given much thought to how you’re going to make an income? A few people run courses from their land but that also relies on your neighbour’s good will a little, having strangers turn up..
Whatever you choose to do you’re going to have your hands full for a while, good luck.

 
Last edited:
Hi all, I have a question for you.
I'm a lucky bugger and have got my hands on 2 acres of woodland (part of an eco community). I have to prove I can be self sufficient for a year, then I can live on the land permanently.so I've quit my job running the pub, moved in with my fiancée for the time being, with the hopes to set up home on this land with her, and it will be home to our children when they are not with their other parent. There is a well on site, along with a small solar charging point and there's a substantial stream which we are planning to use for hydropower. My question is, if it was your land, what type of dwelling would you build? Round house? Log cabin? Crook frame? Something else? Has to be an eco home, so no permanent features, I.e. foundations, masonry work, and has to fit in with the surroundings.
I'm quite taken with the idea of a round House with straw bale and cob walls, but not quite sure yet. So was thinking I'd ask you folks your opinions and ideas.

Sounds fantastic , good luck with everything :) :thumbsup: 😍
 
Sounds amazing, in terms of structure if it can’t be permanent, does it have to fulfil any other eco credentials? I’ve seen a static caravan that’s been insulated and clad with roughy timber that looks beautiful externally and has the advantage of modernity internally which may be an advantage on a rainy day when the kids are there!

Loads of stuff on the web, maximus ironthumper is a favourite of mine as he isn’t overly worthy and trying to convince you his way is the only way.


38
 
Yep what Mike says about the timber shack.

He said it better than me.

Just went and looked at the 'One Planet Scheme'. Its pretty progressive and forward thinking for some UK councils to officially sanction this.... It really is an unexpected adventure...

I'm keen to follow this..

Alan
 
Alan, it’s only in Wales..the rest of the UK governments wouldn’t consider it when the idea was put to them. It’s probably the first progressive thing to happen in Wales since the Bronze Age
Yeah Mike your right! Nothing much progresses here 😂
I think the law Ty Nos still applies here in Wales
 
I was wondering what would happen if there was some kind of accident that was linked to an uncoded building. In Australia the WHS brigade would be all over it like a rash! The authorities don't want to allow anybody personal responsibility anymore. The poor snowflakes!

I reckon the OP (Jon) is doing an amazing thing and will give those kids an incrediblely useful experience and education early in their lives. They'll grow to be confident, self-reliant and be able to work through and creatively solve problems better than their peers. And they'll appreciate the magic and value of the natural world.

Alan
 
Update:
After much hard work clearing and many meetings, I backed out. The main man that invited me in on the plan was just sky high and wanted to have a massive clearing to have a cannabis farm! Me being anti drugs, had to back out. So I'm still not living my dream, but it's closer than I have ever been so far! Onward and upwards as they say.
 
Mate

Really saddened to read this update. Disappointing for for you, but it sounds like you made the right decision. You don't want to get mixed up in cannabis farming at somebody else's direction and when its your home and that of your family at stake. Hope you find another similar opportunity elsewhere where the situation is better. Keep looking and you'll find something.

Alan
 
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