| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| GirlwithHook |
Posted - Mar 27 2012 : 07:53:31 AM
So, with the Mister starting his new job, he's looking towards the future. We both still desperately want an earthship. Our current lease is up in August of 2013, and Ric has said that ideally he'd like to be able to move into our dream home at that time. (He accepts that it could be a few years off, but...you know, why not?) His best friend is an architect, so that part at least is covered. 
So...we've done our research, and I think we have a pretty good idea of what it entails. (I do at least; can't always speak for him! *laughs*) I thought I would check here, though. Do any of you live in earthships or similar homes? Heck, even a yurt would help! What would you recommend for a total newbie? What would you do differently, and what should we avoid?
We do plan to have a greenhouse and a "farmette" of sorts so we can grow as much of our own food as possible. Ric won't let me have a sheep, but maybe a few chickens so I have eggs for baking? (I should ask him while it's fresh in my mind.) Any suggestions there?
A hook, a book, and a good cup of coffee.... |
| 22 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Tall Holly |
Posted - May 06 2012 : 4:24:09 PM
Alexis,
Congratulations on finally being land owners.
I remember finding this property and knowing it was the right one because there was water in the barn and we would not need to lug it from the bathroom in the house like we had been doing.
Good luck,
Holly
farmgirl #2499
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| Lexi Lavender |
Posted - May 06 2012 : 12:25:10 PM
Thank you for the congratulations!
Also, I found out that what is planned for water is called a 'fire pond'. If your not familiar, it's a pond up on the hill that is fed by a solar pump. Then the water will gravity feed down to the house, garden and green house.
cheers!
Silverweed--aka---Alexis...Farmgirl#4034
A weed is just a plant that no one has found a use for yet... |
| houligan19 |
Posted - May 05 2012 : 07:06:06 AM
Congratulations!!! That must be so exciting to finally get to start after three years! I am on year 2 of looking for property, so maybe next year I'll get one too.
I am very excited for you!
http://earthhomevt.blogspot.com/ |
| Lexi Lavender |
Posted - May 05 2012 : 06:12:43 AM
Hi Sarah and Holly:
We got the property!!! It took awhile to sink in because we have been looking for about 3 years, so we had sort of a delayed reaction at first. But I now all I keep thinking about is my current garden, which plants am I going to transplant, take cuttings, where to put etc etc ...
The water info is great, there is a working well but it uses an electric pump. This property doesn't have a stream on it like others we looked at, so I'm not sure what M's plans are for emergency water but he is very interested in off the grid type stuff so I'm sure he has a plan! Anyway its a celebratory weekend for us.
I can't wait to start working on projects on the property!
Cheers!
Silverweed--aka---Alexis...Farmgirl#4034
A weed is just a plant that no one has found a use for yet... |
| houligan19 |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 8:42:42 PM
Alexis- I'm not sure I know which poet you mean??
Either way good luck with the land, we are still looking. I hope you get it!!
Definitely keep me posted.
Holly- The earthships collect rainwater so we only need a spring if the politics say so.
I guess sometimes you have to do things like get a well even though you don't need one to follow codes.
http://earthhomevt.blogspot.com/ |
| Tall Holly |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 4:56:26 PM
Hello,
I am not sure if this is the info you want but where ever you build make sure you have a spring and a gravity feed to the house.
I am not sure if mortgages allow springs anymore. We have a spring and it gravity feeds to the house. We have a 350 gallon holding tank then there is a pump to bring the water up to the house. If we have a power outage we can always go down stairs and bucket the water up. It has saved us many times from stinky toilets and paper plates.
We live in central Vermont. Land can be very expensive.
Holly
farmgirl #2499
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| Lexi Lavender |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 4:13:40 PM
Hi Sarah:
Nice name. like the poet?
we looked at land today, cross your fingers for us, we plan on making an offer on Thursday... I'll keep you posted. It's on a hill, about 9 acres with well and septic already on it. Mostly trees, gravel driveway in.
Even the name earthship is cool :)
cheers
Silverweed-Alexis...Farmgirl#4034
A weed is just a plant that no one has found a use for yet... |
| houligan19 |
Posted - Apr 29 2012 : 7:17:13 PM
I am also planning on building an earthship in the next few years. I think that they are the most amazing homes I have ever seen. In the process of getting the piece of land right now. I have also started my blog on the building of the home. Of course, there is very little right now because things are moving so slowly for us. Good luck with yours, I would love to hear how you are doing as you move along.
http://earthhomevt.blogspot.com/ |
| Lexi Lavender |
Posted - Apr 29 2012 : 11:44:36 AM
Alyce, just looked up earthships, I see domes aren't anywhere near the same thing, wow the earthships are great! Good for you for wanting to be earth friendly.
I think the dome will be more earth friendly than most traditional architechture at least... and I don't know about where you are, but for instance here in Maine we have a publication called Uncle Henry's where people sell, swap and give away just about anything.
My plan is to use reclaimed items like cabinets etc.
also if you've heard of Chelsea Green Press in Vermont, they have a lot of publications on green building, there is a book on making a cement countertop, you can make your own, any color you want, decorate it with glass, rock or anything, so you can still do a lot of green things your self...
I would love to hear some ideas you have as well.
Silverweed-Alexis...Farmgirl#4034
A weed is just a plant that no one has found a use for yet... |
| Lexi Lavender |
Posted - Apr 29 2012 : 11:36:50 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Dusky Beauty
Well, when you share a life, you share the work, the expense and the mess! LOL! I'm glad my hubby is on board with pretty much anything that catches my fancy! (He's still not into my "buy a zebra colt and offer it for stud to horse owners who want zorses" idea though ;) but to be fair that one's pretty out there!)
~*~ http://silverstarfamilyfarm.blogspot.com/ ~*~
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.”
~Erma Bombeck
Silverweed-Alexis...Farmgirl#4034
A weed is just a plant that no one has found a use for yet... |
| prariehawk |
Posted - Apr 29 2012 : 12:00:24 AM
If I lived in an earthship I'd make my own paint colors for the interior. I think I also have a magazine with an article on making earthen floors. I think it would be cool to live in one.
Cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
| Lexi Lavender |
Posted - Apr 28 2012 : 10:42:15 PM
Hi Alyce:
I'll have to look up 'Earthship's but for now how about naturalspacesdomes.com
It's what we are interested in, easy to build, lots of price options from small to large and novice to exprienced builders can work on them. I plan on using reclaimed items as much as possible to keep the interior earth friendly. Because they are a dome they are heat/air conditioner savers. There is a video at the site you can watch. Hope this helps!
Silverweed-Alexis...Farmgirl#4034
A weed is just a plant that no one has found a use for yet... |
| Dusky Beauty |
Posted - Apr 15 2012 : 5:29:18 PM
Well, when you share a life, you share the work, the expense and the mess! LOL! I'm glad my hubby is on board with pretty much anything that catches my fancy! (He's still not into my "buy a zebra colt and offer it for stud to horse owners who want zorses" idea though ;) but to be fair that one's pretty out there!)
~*~ http://silverstarfamilyfarm.blogspot.com/ ~*~
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.”
~Erma Bombeck |
| Wendella |
Posted - Apr 15 2012 : 4:03:43 PM
Im so glad i started my ranch by myself so I don't have to ask if i can try something like chickens. Sometimes things don't work out but its nice to be able to get the want to try it out of ones system. "We live out life in chains and only we hold the key" or clese to that, the Eagles. |
| Dusky Beauty |
Posted - Apr 15 2012 : 12:03:21 PM
I love Earthships Alyce!! How great is it to live in such a cool conversation piece?? Growing up I was always kind of jealous of kids I knew who lived in the "dome" houses-- Everyone would know which house was yours, and SO much light.
If your other half is on the fence about chickens, see how he feels about ducks! They can make a property look "fancy" with a nice small pond, do wonderful things about your bugs, slugs, mosquitos and weeds, lay just as well as chickens (depending on the breed you buy) and the eggs are even better for baking and breakfast!
~*~ http://silverstarfamilyfarm.blogspot.com/ ~*~
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.”
~Erma Bombeck |
| GirlwithHook |
Posted - Apr 15 2012 : 08:29:33 AM
I am so there Susan, thank you!
A hook, a book, and a good cup of coffee.... |
| oregonatural |
Posted - Apr 14 2012 : 09:57:07 AM
Alyce, have you checked out permies.com? Lots of terrific ideas there and some wonderful community that are into the same things. Best of luck to you!
Susan
Farmgirl #4053
My off-grid homestead blog: http://oregonnatural.blogspot.com/
ETSY Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/OregonNatural
Blessings to you from my mountain girl heart! |
| katmom |
Posted - Apr 02 2012 : 8:52:21 PM
hey Alyce
I am not familiar with "Earthships'... but I have always been a big fan of eco-built homes,,, strawbale homes etc...
I know that a lot of the eco friendly homes far better in dryer climates.. I am going to have to go research 'earthship' homes... thanx for sharing with us.
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom.
"Is it time for my Dirt Manicure yet!"
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://www.graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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| GirlwithHook |
Posted - Mar 28 2012 : 06:16:21 AM
Thanks! We certainly are!
A hook, a book, and a good cup of coffee.... |
| sonshine4u |
Posted - Mar 28 2012 : 04:58:04 AM
I watched the documentary about them several weeks ago. Fascinating! You inspired me to check it out. Wish I could be more helpful with advice! Have fun in the dreaming/planning stage!
Playing in the Sonshine
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| GirlwithHook |
Posted - Mar 27 2012 : 10:06:57 AM
Aren't they gorgeous? It's like a high-tech fairy tale.  I wish we had more storage space so we could start saving bottles already. *dreamy sigh*
A hook, a book, and a good cup of coffee.... |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Mar 27 2012 : 09:23:42 AM
I don't live in one, Alyce - I hadn't even heard of one until your post! But I have to say - how BEAUTIFUL they are! And what an intriguing concept! I especially love the glass bottle "windows" incorporated into the building - just like stained glass! I wish you both all the best with this endeavor! I can't wait to hear about your progress and see pictures! Very exciting! :) - Nini
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Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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