Ep 4. Tennessee Greek Cottage

In season 12 episode 4 of Building Off the Grid, viewers are transported to the beautiful Tennessee countryside for a look at a unique and sustainable cottage that is a true labor of love. Set against a breath-taking backdrop of rolling hills and lush forests, the Tennessee Greek Cottage is a one-of-a-kind home that marries traditional Greek architecture with modern green building techniques.

From the outside, the cottage looks like it was plucked straight from the hills of the Greek islands. The white-washed exterior, blue doors and shutters, and classic terracotta roof tiles are all inspired by traditional Greek design. However, this cottage is far from typical. It was built with sustainability in mind, using a variety of green building techniques and materials to make it as eco-friendly as possible.

The home was built by a couple who decided to put their day jobs on hold and embark on a journey to create their dream home. They had no prior experience in building or construction, but were determined to learn along the way and do everything themselves. They spent five years working on the project, living in a small camper on-site while they built the cottage by hand.

One of the biggest challenges they faced was sourcing the materials for the home. The couple wanted to use as many recycled and reclaimed materials as possible, which meant a lot of hunting around for second-hand items. They found everything from reclaimed wood for the floors and ceilings to old windows and doors that were repurposed for use in the cottage.

To add to the sustainable nature of the home, the couple also implemented a number of green building techniques during construction. These included using straw bales for insulation, installing a rainwater collection system, and positioning the home to take advantage of passive solar heating and ventilation.

The episode follows the final stages of construction as the couple puts the finishing touches on their dream home. They are shown adding final touches to the interior such as installing light fixtures, painting walls, and laying tile. The couple also shares some of the more unique features they included in the home, such as a custom spiral staircase made from a repurposed metal tree and a built-in nook for their cats to sleep in.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of the love and dedication that went into the construction of this home. The couple's passion for sustainability and traditional Greek design shines through in every detail of the cottage. The incredible views of the surrounding countryside don't hurt either.

Overall, Building Off the Grid season 12 episode 4 is a must-watch for anyone interested in sustainable building, DIY construction, or just looking for some inspiration for their own dream home. The Tennessee Greek Cottage is a testament to the fact that with some hard work, creativity, and a lot of passion, it's possible to create something truly exceptional.