Simpson
A Journey to an Off-the-Grid Lifestyle
The hustle and bustle of urban life can often take a toll on our peace of mind, leading many to dream about escaping to a serene, back-to-nature lifestyle. This story brings to light one such dream turned into reality – a tale of a woman who took a leap of faith and ventured towards an off-the-grid lifestyle.
The hectic world around us can be overwhelming. Amidst all the chaos, more and more people are cherishing the idea of unplugging from the grid, leaving city life behind, and embracing the tranquility of nature. Meet Rosie, a woman from the Coromandel who dared to turn this dream into reality.
Rosie’s courageous journey started with the sale of her house in Auckland. Touched by the serenity of the Coromandel land she found on TradeMe, she boldly moved. In exchange for the hustle and bustle of Auckland, she chose the nurturing calmness of nature.
Rosie was able to embark on this journey due to the financial freedom that came from selling her Auckland property and moving in with her husband. Being off the grid, for Rosie, is not just a dream; it’s a manifestation of her self-reliance. She appreciates the security of having an abundance of water, and solar energy, and the reduced living costs that come with it.
Rosie’s new home is located on a privately owned reserve named Mahakirau Forest Estate. Her plot, the smallest of the 25 lots spread over 1,100 acres, is a 23-acre paradise surrounded by bush. The land is under a covenant that focuses on the guardianship of native creatures, making it a beautiful sanctuary.
Rosie’s Haven is a masterpiece crafted from four 20-foot shipping containers. She chose this unconventional architecture because of her fascination with the industrial look and the flexibility it provides for future expansions. It’s not just the architectural design but also the sustainable features – solar panels, large water tanks, and a worm composting septic system – that make her home stand out.
Rosie has designed an outdoor gathering area where she cooks over an open fire, watches the sunrise and sunset, and spends quality time. She’s also working on planting her garden with edible and medicinal plants to enhance the self-sufficient lifestyle she is leading.
Rosie’s home, named Whare Iti, meaning ‘sacred space’, is more than just a house. It’s a living piece of art. Her daughter, a talented artist, has contributed to the home’s charm by creating paintings that adorn the interiors.
The interiors of Rosie’s home are as captivating as its location. The spacious kitchen boasts tool trolleys repurposed as storage units, giving it an industrial yet high-spec appeal. Her living room, painted in vibrant orange, houses a cozy wood fire and a full-size personal library, curated over two decades. The room is completed by a floor-to-ceiling window that offers an uninterrupted view of nature’s canvas.
Rosie’s home includes a spacious bathroom designed with an eye for the future, featuring a large shower that could accommodate a chair if necessary, and a toilet that feeds into a worm composting system. The bedroom, offering panoramic views and adorned with a king-sized bed, personifies simple, sustainable luxury.
Rosie’s off-grid life is not just about escaping the noise of the city, but a testament to a sustainable, self-reliant lifestyle, and being in tune with nature. From the choice of building materials
