Ep 6. Smoky Mountain Homestead
- TVG
- February 12, 2019
- 40 min
In Building Off the Grid season 6 episode 6, "Smoky Mountain Homestead," viewers are taken to the stunning wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, where a family of four is embarking on the adventure of a lifetime: building their own self-sustainable homestead.
The episode begins with the family hiking through the lush forest, scouting out the perfect spot for their new home. After finding a clearing, they set to work designing and building their dream cabin, relying solely on the natural resources around them.
The family's first challenge is finding water. They decide to dig a well, but quickly realize it's harder than it looks. They end up having to bring in a professional well digger with specialized equipment, but even then, they hit complications when they encounter a layer of rock that's difficult to drill through.
Next, they begin building the foundation for their cabin, using rocks sourced from their property and hand-mixing concrete. They have to navigate the steep terrain and challenging weather conditions, but their determination and hard work pay off as they see the structure of their home begin to take shape.
Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse into the family's off-grid lifestyle, as they forage for food, collect rainwater, and use solar power to run their basic household appliances. They also share their hopes and dreams for the future, as they plan to raise chickens and goats and create a self-sustaining homestead that will provide for their family for years to come.
As the cabin nears completion, the family faces one final challenge: installing a wood-burning stove for heat during the cold winter months. They carefully measure and cut the chimney, but in the end, it proves too heavy to lift onto the roof. With a little creative problem-solving, they devise a system of ropes and pulleys to hoist the chimney into place, and soon their home is warm and cozy.
Overall, the Smoky Mountain Homestead episode of Building Off the Grid is a fascinating look into the world of off-grid living and the determination it takes to build a self-sustainable home in the wilderness. It's an inspiring reminder of the beauty and power of nature, and the rewards that come from living in harmony with the land.