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A Farm of My Own:  Is this insane?  |
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kentuckywoman
True Blue Farmgirl
63 Posts
Majal
Ashland
KY
USA
63 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 8:48:31 PM
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Hi farmgirls!
I'm 23 and single. I just started my first real job a few weeks ago and now I feel like I can be realistically working towards my farm dreams! My goal is to own about 5 acres and have a little farmhouse with chickens, goats, maybe a few sheep or a cow and a big garden for myself. What I am realizing however, is that buying a house and being strapped to a hefty mortgage payment for 30+ years isn't for me. Especially with my meager writer's salary.
So I have an idea- save up for those acres (which I think I could do in about half a year or so) and build the house myself. Admittedly, I don't know how to build a house. But I have been looking into traditional home building methods like the cob house and little cottages. I am a young woman and single- can I do this? I really hope so. I figure I just take baby steps. Order some books on the subjects. Save up for my land. Things like that. Learn as much as I can.
Any suggestions, stories, or advice would be so appreciated! |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 9:00:20 PM
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Hi Majal:
Welcome to the site. You'll love it here. There are so many wonderful women who can give you such great advise. My husband and I rebuilt our house twice. We had to gut the entire house after two floods. With the help of only one carpenter, we rebuilt our house ourselves. Where there's a will, there's a way. Sounds like you have the will, and I know you can find the way. Stay positive.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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ritagail
Farmgirl in Training
10 Posts
Ritagail
Bartlesville
OK
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 9:04:48 PM
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I'm sure there are other women on here who will have more practical info. What I want to say to you is that if this is your dream, GO FOR IT!!! One thing you might consider doing is starting a scrapbook, or even a digital diary/scrapbook. Each time you find something you think fits with what you want to do, ideas, ads, articles, images, etc., put them in your scrapbook or files. Build up your library. Also think about other skills you can learn that will earn you income while you are living on your land.
And realize to truly be independent you will have to endure unpleasant "chores".
But don't lose that starry-eyed dreaming just yet.
;) |
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Cindy Lou
True Blue Farmgirl
2325 Posts
Susan
Lonsdale
MN
USA
2325 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 9:09:01 PM
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I believe you can do this and who knows, maybe someone may join you in the plan by the time you get to it. Or you may be able to work out bartering for help with the work of building. We had great help from an artist friend who had studied architecture and a practical old farmer who could do a lot with almost nothing. It is a sign of strength and determination that you are ready to do this on your own and there will be people out there who may be excited about helping you.
If you are buying land without buildings and can have that paid off first it will be a great step in the right direction. We did that and when we were ready to build we had a place to do it. We did a lot of reading and planning and were ready to build our octagon when we had a bit more money saved. We got a loan for about $5,000 and did almost all the work ourselves. Our neighbors built a pole building first and lived in it while building the house, it became a combination workshop and animal shelter when they got to the house.
You are wise not to get tied to a big mortgage. Even if you make a living writing, it will probably
be avariable income. When you have money save what you can.
Good luck!
"You can't roller skate in a buffalo herd.....
But you can be happy if you've a mind to. All you've gotta do in knuckle down, buckle down and do it, do it, do it!" |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2010 : 03:56:50 AM
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That sounds wonderful! You cam surely do anything you put your mind to! I have a friend who built a house one paycheck at a time. Each month she did a little bit and finally a few years later she has a beautiful home that is 100% paid for! That's how they did it in the "olden days". I think it's a great plan!
Farmgirl Sister #17
Blog
www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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Cindy Lou
True Blue Farmgirl
2325 Posts
Susan
Lonsdale
MN
USA
2325 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2010 : 08:04:24 AM
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I'd suggest looking for a book called Handbuilt Homes. It would be about 30 years old so you might find it in a library or a used book site. I haven't seen the creativity in anything since that one. It was an inspritation when we built.
Oh, by the way, did you know that woman were the plumbers in ancient Rome and did some amazing things?
"You can't roller skate in a buffalo herd.....
But you can be happy if you've a mind to. All you've gotta do in knuckle down, buckle down and do it, do it, do it!" |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2010 : 08:23:11 AM
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If you dream something fiercely enough, your dream can come true.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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N@n
True Blue Farmgirl
223 Posts
Hackett
Arkansas
USA
223 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2010 : 09:59:14 AM
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Hello Majal,
And Welcome to this corner of the world.
My husband and I bought 17 acres got it paid off then had our little house built. We didn't get started seriously until we were 55 so if we can do it so late in life, you with your most productive, energetic,healthiest years yet to come can surely do it!! I know you can girl. Keep us all updated on your progress.
N@n in Ark
keep searchin'-it's out there somewhere. |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2010 : 10:00:35 AM
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Hey Majal--a thought before building a house--make sure the land is zoned agricultural. I've heard of people buying a whole lot of acrage--15 acres...which they thought was big enough for a farm, but it was mostly forested. They came to find out they couldn't cut the logs and the land was zoned for hunting! So be careful.
Your dreams sound like mine--I'd want to build with straw bale and cob...once you get the money together and looking at property--you might want to see if there are schools or contractors that do such green building that might use your "project" to show to students. Might save you some money. There are usually people who will pitch in to help--so I think you should go ahead and move forward with your dreams!
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
View My Work:
art/dolls: www.vagabondcreations.blogspot.com
The Horse Drawn Project and Farming!
www.beyondvagabond.blogspot.com
View the blog and radio show!
Renegade Farming!: www.therenegadefarmer.com
NEXT RADIO SHOW: Jan 31st ~ Heather Smith Thomas, author of "Storey's Guide to Raising Beef Cattle" and "Storey's Guide to Raising horses" If you like horses or cattle, JOIN US! |
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kentuckywoman
True Blue Farmgirl
63 Posts
Majal
Ashland
KY
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2010 : 10:06:34 AM
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This has given me so much encouragement. Thank you all!!
I just ordered a bunch of books on Amazon and Half.com including the book 'Country Women' that Marybeth suggested.
Farmtopia- I am so happy you mentioned that. I hadn't even thought about the possibility that land would not be zoned for agriculture out in the country, but you are absolutely right.
Cindy Lou- I couldn't find Handbuilt Homes on amazon or ebay, but I will keep looking!
Many thanks! |
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HorseLady
True Blue Farmgirl
87 Posts
Rose
Irwin
PA
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2010 : 6:52:01 PM
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There is alot of info out there about building your own home from a kit. These are smaller ones, generally. A good source is Countryside Magazine. I think it's a great goal, but I wouldn't rush into anything. You are still rather young.
Hug a horse or a dog today! |
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paradiseplantation
True Blue Farmgirl
1277 Posts
julie
social springs community
Louisiana
USA
1277 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2010 : 07:17:21 AM
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Majal, my daddy always told me that if I could dream it, and was willing to put forth the effort to do it, I could achieve anything. It was good advice in my childhood, and continues to pay off today. I say go for it. Start saving, start researching (I strongly agree with Zan - zoning and other obstacles could rear their ugly heads), and go full steam ahead. We all have faith in you. And keep us posted. Especially if you find yourself getting discouraged, we'll all help you get over it and moving in the right direction again!!!!!
from the hearts of paradise... |
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mscountrygirl
True Blue Farmgirl
552 Posts
Michelle
Lucedale
Mississippi
USA
552 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2010 : 07:36:13 AM
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I have done many things people said couldn't be done! Back in the old days people had barn raisings! Maybe you could put one togther with local people. Who knows,maybe some farmgirls could come out! Work toward the goal!!!
Michelle
It's all good! |
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2010 : 04:22:00 AM
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Sounds awesome! I would agree with checking on zoning, etc. for the land you want to buy. Currently we have a bit of land (13 acres) so people often think we can do all sorts of things with it...but its in the city limits so there are SO many things we aren't allowed to do. You would hate to get a piece of property and then not be able to live out those dreams! :) Good luck!
And no...to answer your title, you're definitely not insane!
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.wakeupstartlearning.blogspot.com
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2010 : 05:57:03 AM
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I think saving up and living mortgage-free is a great idea.
Make sure you check out the code laws in your area for the building itself though. If you're going to use building techniques that aren't the norm for the industry, you may run into some problems with building inspectors and home insurance. Better to know in advance and head them off if possible. |
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KaleidoscopeEyes
Farmgirl in Training
20 Posts
Stephanie
Amesbury
MA
20 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2010 : 4:39:45 PM
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Definitely go for it!
I am in a similar situation as you are... I am a 20 year old city girl who has been in love with the farm life for all my life. My boyfriend and I are going to save up and do whatever possible to make our dream a reality. For example, we'll be staying on 24-arces of his family's heirloom land for the summer, camping out in a small canvas tent, and working the land to get experience.
So my advice would be to do whatever possible to get hands-on experience. There's a lot to learn about the country life (I've been reading everything I can get my hands on also!) so the more you do, the better. Maybe get involved a local community garden. We also joined a "Meetup" (www.meetup.com) group about urban homesteading to learn a few tricks. It will also give the opportunity to meet like-minded people ;)
But go for it! Good luck and keep us all posted!!! |
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dawnm
True Blue Farmgirl
92 Posts
Dawn
Blueridge Mts
Va
USA
92 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2010 : 9:12:45 PM
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You have a wonderful dream. You are so smart asking for collective experiences. I am a Planning and Zoning Commissioner. Too ofen I see people not doing their homework before committing dollars. It is so heartbreaking when someone buys and then learns after the fact that they made a huge error with their decision.
Dawn
Small farm farmers rock! |
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2010 : 04:41:09 AM
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Majal,I'm only 14, so I can't give you a lot of advice about home building, but you need to go for your dream. There's no reason why you aren't entitled to go for your dream. That's not insane, it's what our country was built on: hardworking people who had a dream and went for them!
God's Blessings,
Megan
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
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magnoliakathy
True Blue Farmgirl
453 Posts
Kathryn
Magnolia
Texas
USA
453 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2010 : 05:19:55 AM
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YES YOU CAN You are right pay off the land first. Call the county tax accessor and see if there is any way you can keep your taxes low - we found out that if we had not built our home and then our barn on concrete slabs, the taxes would be lower, see how much land you need and what you need to do to get an agriculture exemption. It could be a simple as growing hay on your land, and here we are paying $8.50 a square bale at the feed store. Ask around, barter where you can, and most of all you go Farmgirl
When you free your mind your heart can fly. Farmgirl # 714, |
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mscountrygirl
True Blue Farmgirl
552 Posts
Michelle
Lucedale
Mississippi
USA
552 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2010 : 06:02:11 AM
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The Planning and Zoning gal has given you really good advice. Look before you leap. I have finished "phase one" of my dream to teach. I got the master's "phase 2" is to pass the teaching tests. I have to take two of them. "Phase 3" is to get a spot for Aug. Planning is very important. Make you goal attainable in small phases so as not to get discouraged.
It's all good! |
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vintagejenta
True Blue Farmgirl
83 Posts
Sarah
Walden
NY
USA
83 Posts |
Posted - Mar 11 2010 : 11:03:40 AM
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I'm 25 and my boyfriend and I dream of a little cottage on 20 or so acres out in the country. He wants a tractor and a woodlot, I want a kitchen garden, a couple of chickens, and a mini jersey cow. But we, too, know the burden of being saddled with a mortgage. His parents designed and built their own house, but I'm not sure I want to go that direction.
HOWEVER, Mother Earth News has done several articles, how-tos, and such about single women and others who have built their own houses. Check out http://www.motherearthnews.com and search "how to build a house" and you'll get 100 results. Not all are for houses to live in, but they've got articles on log houses, timber houses, rammed earth houses, adobe houses, etc.
You can do it! But I agree, get the land first. And GOOD LUCK!
---------
http://citygirlcountryfood.wordpress.com |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Mar 11 2010 : 11:25:53 AM
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Majal, welcome and your dream sounds like my dream...GO FOR IT!!! Live your dream =)
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter
http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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jelliott
True Blue Farmgirl
70 Posts
Jennifer
Athol
Idaho
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - Mar 11 2010 : 11:54:27 AM
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Keep on taking those baby steps and someday you will run. It will happen, just keep that dream going. It will be the bestest feeling in the whole world when that dream comes true and you are running.
Keep us informed. God speed.
If music be the food of Love, play on. Wm. Shakespeare |
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Rueby
Farmgirl at Heart
2 Posts
Jerusha
Atlantic
PA
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - Mar 11 2010 : 5:58:46 PM
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| I don't think it's insane at all. There is also a neat home building material known as hay bale house. The whole house is essentially made from hay bales and it insulates itself, is virtually fireproof and is beautiful Do a google search for images and you'll see how neat these houses are. I would love to build one. |
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Kyria
True Blue Farmgirl
213 Posts
Kyria
Carthage
TX
USA
213 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2010 : 6:19:22 PM
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| Absolutely you can do it! Another great resource is the Backwoods Home magazine. www.backwoodshome.com |
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A Farm of My Own: Is this insane? |
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Is this insane?
