UPDATE: A couple has turned their dream of owning a vacation home in the Pacific Northwest into reality by embracing off-grid living. After struggling with soaring housing prices, they purchased land and a trailer, marking a unique lifestyle choice that is capturing attention.
Sally Marks and her partner, Carol, fell in love with the Pacific Northwest after visiting the Olympic Peninsula in 2010. Their desire to escape the Arizona heat and immerse themselves in nature led them to explore options for a second home. However, with many listings priced over $500,000, their dream felt financially out of reach.
In a surprising turn, their real estate agent introduced them to a 4.6-acre wooded lot about 30 minutes from Port Townsend. The property, purchased sight unseen for $160,000, lacked basic utilities but offered a unique opportunity to live off the grid.
Since acquiring the land in 2022, the couple has transformed their lifestyle. They ordered a 20-foot Airstream Basecamp for $65,000 and equipped it with portable solar panels. They have developed a rainwater collection system, using boiled rainwater for domestic needs while hauling drinking water from a nearby facility.
Living in the forest has its challenges, but Marks and her partner have embraced the adventure. They have set up a cozy outdoor tent equipped with a propane stove for cooking and a space for Carol’s band rehearsals. With their landlocked property, Carol stores her kayak at a marina 18 miles away, where they also have access to hot showers and trash disposal.
Despite the difficulties of off-grid living, Marks expresses gratitude for their decision, stating, “The Pacific Northwest is now our home for three to five months a year, just like we dreamed.” The couple prepares their property for winter before returning to their on-grid home in Arizona, ensuring everything is ready for the next season.
The couple’s journey highlights a growing trend among individuals seeking affordable alternatives to expensive housing markets, showcasing how creative solutions can lead to fulfilling lifestyles. Their experience serves as an inspiration for others navigating similar challenges.
As more people seek to balance affordability and lifestyle choices, Marks and Carol’s story resonates with those dreaming of escaping to nature without the hefty cost of traditional homeownership.
Stay tuned for further updates on this inspiring transformation as they continue to share their off-grid adventure.
