It finally feels good to say it — we’re officially starting our off-grid life. This is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time: trading traffic and noise for trees, trails, and the sound of wind in the pines. On a double cruise ship day in the city, while crowds filled the waterfront, I loaded up the Volvo and pointed it toward our 13.8-acre woodland property — our future off-grid base.
I bought this land before the real estate madness hit, and what started as a good investment has turned into something much more meaningful. The property is 5.57 hectares of mostly untouched woodland, with a rough driveway, a few old trails, and endless potential. The plan is to build a geodesic dome here — a simple, efficient home powered by solar and wind, surrounded by gardens, a greenhouse, and small workshops.
This first visit was all about exploring — walking the front boundary, checking where we can clear for the dome, and taking in the scope of what’s ahead. There’s a lot of windfall to clean up, old growth to respect, and new paths to carve out. The previous owner had started cutting a perimeter trail, and I plan to finish it, connecting different areas like a personal network of trails across the property.
Every trip here brings the dream a little closer. It’s not about building fast — it’s about building right. This land represents a slower, simpler life — one grounded in sustainability, purpose, and the freedom to create our own way forward. The Hidden Acre Series begins here, and I can’t wait to share every step of the journey.