20 Acres & Debt Free: Inside Our Off-Grid Small Home

Video Description

Join our newsletter for all things living tiny! https://bit.ly/THT-Newsletter Their YouTube - @secretgardenalaska Their Website - SecretGardenAlaska.org His Book - https://bit.ly/43dHD1a Robert's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080365316760 Interested In Being Featured On The Channel? : http://bit.ly/Tour-Application VIDEO DESCRIPTION: On March 26, 2003, Bob parachuted into northern Iraq. Weeks later, he guarded lines of civilians waiting for water and fuel—an image that planted a lifelong goal: his future family would never depend on handouts for the basics. This tour follows the Starks—a family of six living mortgage-free in 835 sq ft on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula—as they show exactly how downsizing + off-grid systems can unlock time, health, and financial breathing room. What this video covers (for downsizers & self-reliance seekers) - How one veteran translated field readiness into redundant home systems (heat, water, power) - The budget math behind buying rural/off-grid: 20 acres + unfinished 680-sq-ft cabin for $80,000 (owner-financed) → ~$540.17/mo → paid off → freedom - Practical off-grid infrastructure sized for a growing family: well + filtration, rain catchment, wood + diesel heat, solar + generator, storage strategies - Minimalist family routines that actually work (one plate/fork/spoon per person, Conex storage, room-by-room organization) - The mindset shift from “flip a switch” to intentional living—how that supported sobriety, parenting, and purpose Home specs & systems: - Size & layout: 835 sq ft; living/dining “winter room,” hallway kitchen, bathroom + laundry, kids’ bedroom, nursery, compact primary bedroom - Heat (redundant): primary wood stove for space heat + water pots; backup Toyo (diesel/J-1) for consistent winter performance - Water: on-site well → Berkey drinking-water filtration; rain barrel catchment for gardens/animals; 65-gallon gravity tank upstairs for pressure - Power: 5×100W solar panels (expanding soon) + Honda 2200W generator in a weather-protected shed; 8×6V battery bank with inverter/charge controller - Kitchen: full-size fridge, propane range, baker’s table (weekly sourdough), drip-feed gravity water, slab counters; workflow for harvest → processing → meals - Laundry & bath: small efficient washer; line-dry inside; tub filled with wood-heated water (simple, reliable, low-energy) - Storage: minimalism inside; shipping container (Conex) for bulk dry goods, overflow plates, seasonal gear The budget story (why this path fit retirement goals) - Purchase: $80,000 (20 acres + unfinished 680-sq-ft structure) via owner financing after a 20% down payment - Monthly target: kept the payment at $540.17, covered by disability benefits, to free time for writing, gardening, parenting - Outcome: Mortgage-free; later added a yurt for flexible family use/income; daily costs centered on fuel, maintenance, and modest utilities Who will benefit from this tour: - Retirees & near-retirees trying to escape $1,800–$2,500 mortgages and rising utilities - Families considering rural small-home living with realistic comfort (full-size appliances, tub, dedicated kids’ spaces) - Anyone exploring preparedness without paranoia: pragmatic redundancy, cash-flow control, and nature-forward routines FAQ: Q: How many square feet is the home and how many people live there? A: 835 sq ft for a family of six on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Q: Is it fully off-grid? A: Yes—well water + Berkey filtration, rain catchment, solar array + generator, wood stove + diesel heater redundancy. Q: What did the property cost and how did they become mortgage-free? A: $80,000 (20 acres + unfinished 680-sq-ft cabin) with owner financing; ~$540.17/mo payment target—later paid off. Q: What appliances work best off-grid? A: Full-size propane range, efficient full-size fridge (plan battery capacity), small washer, and no electric dryer (line-dry). Q: Can kids thrive in a tiny, off-grid home? A: Yes—clear zones (nursery, kids’ room), family table culture, and outdoor time. Minimalism + routine = calmer days. If downsizing is on the horizon, and self-reliance is the goal, this tour offers a realistic, repeatable path: buy smart, build redundancy, and keep daily life simple. Filmed by - https://www.instagram.com/theaveragebrad/ Edited by - https://www.instagram.com/filmbro_/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Alaskan Off Grid Tiny Home 00:57 Off Grid Tiny House Kitchen and Food Storage 04:51 Living Room and Wood Stove Heating Solutions 07:45 Family Living Space and Intentional Minimalist Design 08:57 Why We Chose Mortgage Free Off Grid Living 13:47 Kids Bedroom Tour in a Small Home 14:58 Off Grid Bathroom Laundry and Water Systems 17:29 Tiny House Nursery and Master Bedroom Addition 21:56 Solar Power Setup and Exterior Homestead Tour 24:00 Benefits of Simple Living and Final Thoughts