A new chapter unfolding- so happy to be finally sharing this with you all. Now that you know the FULL story and all the complications at the new cabin, WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK? What do you want to build here? 👀💛

when my mom was a kid, in the 60s northern rural spain, they had a watermill underneath their farmhouse that provided them with all the free electricity they needed, and enough to sell electricity to the neighbors. I always thought that was so cool. Hearing you talk about potentially having water power reminded me of that 😊

I'm voting for a tree house with a lake view - so happy for you that you got the opportunity to purchase that special slice of nature and the fact that it is right next to your property extending it to the lake, it was meant to be 💕 Can't wait to see what amazing things you end up doing there.

What a beautiful piece of land and so nice that it's adjacent to your property. My initial suggestions are this: 1. go in the cabin and salvage the beaded board and some of the varnished wood that still is solid. This can be mold treated in a tented enclosure and cleaned up to use as interesting features in another place. The woodcraft is old and that patina has arrived with the passing of time - it can be reproduced somewhat, but not exactly. This can be a throwback or honoring to the cabin. 2. Given the water intrusion, mold and flooding (personal experience) - I'm on team tear down the cabin and start over. The amount of money you put in to reno on that house - you'll always be chasing the problems you see today and it would be cheaper to build something else much more energy efficient. 3. Speaking of energy efficiency and your love of scandanavian looks - why not consider a log home kit or post and beam construction. The diameter of the logs will be natural enviornmental control - heating or cooling due to the R-factor and you'll love the asthetic. You've got a good road there and once the site is prepped - a team with a crane can set the house in a day or two. Then you'd have to finish it. but hey - 10 inch thick walls is a good thing for winter. 4. Set your homesite away from the spring floods and late summer hurricane floods. If you go up on stilts or a raised platform - remember to insulate your water and waste pipes doublly well due to wind and lack of heating from the structure. 5. Build a pavillion nearer the water that can be screened in for bug season, have a fireplace, and be a place where family can gather to enjoy watersports. Just my initial thoughts. Go Pack - great new creative projects are in store! 💛💛🐾🐾

If I owned that property, I would keep the location of the cabin, because of the view, big trees, and the merging river. But I would tear down the old cabin because it is in terrible shape and put pilings in and rebuild a raised flood proof cabin. Here in the Florida Keys, many houses are built this way to protect them from floods. An awesome piece of property!!! You can salvage a lot of usable wood from the old one.

Your thoughts on moving the cabin is spot on. there is too much moisture and you will always be battling that if the cabin stays there. With that in mind, building a new cabin on higher elevation and possibly on a platform, trying to use some of the old cabin to rebuild would make a great project. can't wait to see what you do.

The HMCS Chignecto ring is called a kisbie ring. The one you found would have been used by the ship’s crew to ‘welcome’ sailors and visitors on board the ship while it was alongside. The Chignecto was an old WW2 minesweeper and then used after the war to train ship’s officers to ‘drive’ ships. It sailed on the west coast even though it was named after Chignecto Bay in NS. Some of the other things in the cabin make me think the previous owners were in the RCN and were either Hull Technicians (those who took care of the hull of the ship as well as doing woodworking on the side and loved making those types of clocks you found) or boatswains (who took care of all of the ropes and lines on board the ship and it’s general husbandry and were pros at using blocks and tackles). If you can’t tell by now I’m ex-RCN 😊. Enjoy the new property!!!

I live in southern Louisiana, an area known for frequent flooding. I’d suggest a complete tear down. Then build a raised cabin on stilts about 20 feet off the ground… think coastal vacation home. AND a water wheel in river for electricity. Water just needs to be pumped, purified.

You two are amazing, I'm a 72 year old Grandmother and have been watching you since your Vanning days. Looking forward to see what you both come up with for this new season. Love from Australia. Yes I watch Max and Occky,

100% think you should build yourselves not just a cabin but a house! Start with the foundation that is there but expand and flood proof it. Then use your current home to keep living in during the build. When it’s done move over and leave your gorgeous first cabin for company. That view at the new property should be enjoyed daily.

Yep, I think that one is a tear down since it’s all flooded and rotting. Can’t wait for the demolition episode! I want to see you two operating the excavator! It might be cute to make a section of a few mini cabins for guests with a little bit of a summer camp vibe. A beautiful barn to host dinner parties or other larger gatherings could fun too. And maybe a game corner inside of the barn? Are you planning to get any chickens or other types of animals?

Please please please please preserve as much nature as you can on this incredibly beautiful piece of land 💚

Tiny home cabins on stilts would be really cool! Would feel like tree houses and be elevated above any flooding. Congrats on the new view!

Here in VA we put some of our houses on stilts because of flooding. You could put it up in the air so you don’t lose your view and don’t have to clear anymore trees. I vote to repurpose as much of the cabin as possible to build a great guest cabin. So excited for this new adventure!

WOAH!! How amazing that you've been able to acquire two connected pieces of land!! 🌲🌲🌲 Maybe you could build a cabin on stilts. This would also keep out rodents and bugs since there are sooooo many near the water!

That was a great buy, mainly because it connects to your property. The first thing I would do is have it transferred into "one" property with the County Tax Office to save on taxes, as two properties bill out more than one. During that process, form a Trust, Charity or other low taxable entity to title it in, and make all of it in that name/entity. As far as the cabin goes, you need to tear it down, and choose a higher elevated lot to build. When building, consider placing Helical piles in to support your framing. Works well in wet conditions if you have a good soil base to auger into. Good luck

A water mill is the answer here. It's an innovative idea for offgrid cabins, not as expensive as your solar array, a very interesting and learning project (gets more views) and who know all the things you can do once it becomes operational. Wood mill, flourmill, etc.

Wow congrats! Sadly due to the condition, I’d rip the existing cabin down. You could build a cute a-frame in a more elevated area. I recommend getting this A-frame building plan: Deek Diedricksen's Transforming A-Frame Getaway Cabin. Girl in the Woods has some videos building hers out & it’s so cute! Can’t wait to see what you do with this beautiful land!

Since it’s been flooded before, I suggest starting over and lifting the cabin up so the cabin doesn’t flood again. I noticed all the timbers are rotting so starting over with new materials is a must do anyway. It’s a very lovely place. Loads of potential.

Cinnamon Spread Dupe Ingredients 1 cup Imperial Margarine Yes, you can use (softened) butter. It just won't taste the *exact* same (although, it will be healthier). Your choice. 1 tbsp Cinnamon 1/2 tsp Cardamom 1/4 cup Icing Sugar 1/4 cup Brown Sugar 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract Instructions Whip all the ingredients up until smooth. You can store this in an airtight container in your fridge for a few weeks, if it lasts that long. If you opt for real butter, don't leave it out on the counter or it will spoil.

Hello Vanwives. Wanted to say thank you so much for all the enjoyment I get watching your video's. I thank you for being so professional and treating your channel as a job. Thanks for inspiring me to be more. So important!!!

With all that mold. I would tear the whole thing down and start over. I’m sure you two will make it gorgeous again! Speaking of cinnamon spread. I was just eating a piece of toasted raisin bread with a honey cinnamon butter spread 😂 I think you both should build your dream home like Tyler & Todd are building and AirBNB out your cabin. The cabin can pay off the new house❤❤❤ Can’t wait to see what you decide.

At first, I gasped and thought “yikes, that appears to be even more work than your cabin and property.” Then, I smiled because I know that whatever you choose to do will be fun to watch and it will all turn out well. Congratulations. I am looking forward to watching.

I think you should start over. Cabins on stilts to maximise your view and avoid water damage during floods whilst still being able to enjoy everything the land has to offer. Such an amazing spot.

This land is so darned awesome! If anyone can turn it into a masterpiece, it's you two. Gotta admit it, I'm envious.

Congratulations. There is so much potential here. Definitely build a little further away from the water, so no flooding. There are so many different kinds of structures you can build over time. One build at a time. I know you two can do anything you put your minds to. I can wait to see what you do at the new property.

WOW! What a gem! The fact that the new property butts up to your existing property is awesome!!! Tear the cabin down. The flood risk is too bad to put any money into it. Perhaps you can build a cabin somewhere else on the land. Congratulations ladies! So excited for you! Take care! 😊❤️👏👍

HMCS Chignecto was a minesweeper she was built in 1958 and decommissioned in 98? I think. That cabin is in a beautiful spot .

I live on the Mission River in Texas. Around here we simply build our houses on stilts and use the bottom as a cool hangout space! Once every 1 to 5 years between floods, gives us much time time to enjoy it! ❤

You could build on stilts or elevated piling so the house would be way up off of the ground to prevent flooding. A plus to that would be increased views,no flooding and you could build it with materials that would withstand your winters. Could be super beautiful! Love the property! So pretty!

WOW! Great property. Looking forward to the transformation! My first impression is that the cabin's foundation is worthy of reuse: fill in the crawlspace, determine a new First-Floor elevation that is safely well above flood level. The existing location is quite sweet, especially if the main floor and second floor were to be 4 or 5 feet higher. The immediate surrounding spaces could be treated as wetland, and identify raised pathways to get to the beach and to areas deeper into the forest, all the while designing for the relentless (but wonderful) flooding. Situate the roof for ideal solar orientation. This Guest Cabin doesn't need all the beautiful and utilitarian accoutrements that you have down the road..........it's an experience of solitude. Good luck!

Omg! I sailed on and was part of the decommissioning crew of HMCS Chignecto….wow….memories 😬🤣🤪☺️

Whatever you choose to do it will be amazing. Please be careful of mold and fungus, you need to wear protection. The area is stunning.

You could build a guest cabin at a more suitable location elevation wise. You could convert the current foundation into a picnic pavilion, (floor, 3 walls and a roof). Imagine having a floating dock on the lake. Imagine renting out the space as a wedding venue, reception in the pavilion, and honeymoon suite in the woods. Couples would likely want to come back year after year on their anniversary week to celebrate. Could be the start of something big!

I think you should call this new place the lakehouse. Also, my suggestion would be to turn it into a camp area that can be rented out to groups for retreats/weddings etc. and when not in use it’s your own personal camp to use with friends and family!

I like the idea of smaller cabins on stilts with a central gathering area (kitchen /reception) back from the waters of course and a bath/shower community area too. This would give you opportunities to maybe have a type or types of learning retreats to offer groups. This could be different learning experiences for people such as health (mental relaxation of yoga, pilates), learn plants to identify and use for meds, cooking, ask a guest such as a writer or painter to come and teach a class to your guest if they were interested in that hobby, survival skills such as an experienced prepper that could teach canning, supplies, safety medical needs you would need to survive a year......yes , I know I had a few run on sentences...lol... I like coming up with ideas and could keep going. Many blessings on your adventures with the new place!

I can see y'all making this a sort of a Airbnb. For people to come and see the the beauty and have the quiet time that this world does not offer much anymore. I live in South Carolina, but I would definitely consider a couple of weeks at this place. As always thanks for taking us along for the ride.

I think it would be really cute to do something similar to your hot tub sauna area but with guest pods. Have somewere they can stay and a bathroom area and then closer to the water build a little swimming hut where you can change, keeps snacks and equipment and maybe even toilet/outside kitchen for summer hosting. Good luck with whatever you chose to do ❤

Congrats on your newest addition to off grid living! I'm so excited that you are taking us on this journey and allowing us to be part of 'bring it to life'. If I could afford it, I would probably turn this into a destination place. Somewhere where people could come, relax, connect to nature with all the comforts good ol' off grid living could provide. So this is my idea: If the cabin is salvable, I'd turn it into a reception building that also had a good chill out area to accomidate visitors when the weather outside is too harsh (you know: fireplace, big screen for movies, and maybe some long tables for some dine and wine winter days/ nights). Then I'd build cabins (about 5-6) on the property. Small cabins, with the essentials: bedroom, bathroom, ktichenette. Each cabin would have it's own privacy and a trail that would lead to the main reception cabin as well as trails that lead to open spaces at the banks of the lakes that would have relaxing areas with outdoor fireplaces and lounge chairs just to relax and take in the beauty of nature. You could turn this into a winter destination (imagine Christmas!) as well as a summer destination for people looking for a few days to unwind and relax. This way, renting out the cabins would never make you feel like you have 'cabin fever', you could meet new, interesting people and who knows, maybe it could become a celebrity getaway destination! Also, this way you could make money for future projects and provide work for people in the area (cleaning staff, catering, gardeners, etc). Also, you could always be isolated in your own area at your main cabin when things get overwhelmed and don't feel like 'peopleing'. IDK, it's a big project with a lot of maintenence involved and a lot of commitment. It might be sth you don't want so, it's only my idea and if you like part of what you read maybe you can morph it into sth that is 'you'. Whatever you decide to do with it, enjoy the journey, girls! Can't wait to come along for the ride! Love you!

I can't help thinking that you both have a good knowledge base now after the work you have already put in. I don't think it would be a stretch for you two to build from the ground up in a higher elevation etc. It may take some time but in the end you will have something beautiful and to be proud of . (Not that you aren't already proud with your reno...but it is different starting from scratch.) You have built a wide community of tradesmen in the area. I'm sure you have many of your friends that would love to come and bring their vans and put in some labour staying on the property. What an incredible spot. Congratulations.

Crystal and jazz that property has so much potential. You could do so many different things to bring power there, especially with the river. You could even build a cool windmill or other things? Cannot wait to see the next chapter in your lives with this new property. Congratulations! Wishing you both all the best in life. Have a wonderful week. Take care 🐾

What a shame the roof leaked and caused all that damage. It looks like somebody put some nice work into that place. I'm looking forward to your new adventure!

Beautiful space to build a raised yurt. Since it's off grid, a yurt or even a dome like Tyler and Todd have would be beautiful

I'm confident you two could build a tiny cabin from the ground up at this point. Higher elevation, properly fitted for the weather, and a beautiful escape for your friends and family. It's too bad about the mold and moisture; idk what is save-able and how hurricane season would affect it after seeing the flooding earlier this year. Whatever you two do, I KNOW it will be amazing!

I love that we get to see a fun new chapter in your journey. My idea would be an A-Frame cabin with the roof as the solar panels, as long as it doesn’t restrict the view.

congrats! it's a beautiful, gorgeous property. how sweet that it's adjacent to your own land. whatever you dream of jaz and crystal it's yours. you both are more than capable. enjoy what is to come. and continued travel mercies and blessings.🕊

wow girls the new cottage and land has lots of potential our cottage started out the same but now after re situating the cottage we have a beautiful view of a waterfall ! another huge project for you both can't wait to see what happens stay safe see ya next Sunday 😄

So amazing that you guys bought the land adjacent! A new cabin on drier land but still with those epic lake views sounds like exactly the plan 💛

Imagine like a little swim platform/small dock would make a great addition to the land with like a gazebo sat on top , it’s would look so cute and a beautiful hosting spot you guys would definitely make use of it , can’t wait to watch this whole new process :)

Awesooome. Just got done watching Hannah Lee's video. Makes me sad when it ends. I love watching her home improvements and just enjoying her self in nature. ❤ Very inspiring. I cant wait to dig into your videos too!!!

You guys did an amazing job renovating your cabin. I think a new challenge of building one from the ground up would be so fun to watch. I know you guys would do so well.

You both rock. You renovated your first cabin and worked so hard learning as you went along. You both created a beautiful place to live. You are so confident now with all you have both learned that nothing is impossible. Luck in all you do. ❤

A bunch of tiny homes! Including an office for your editing/etc. I won't lie, though, living on a river has always made me nervous for flooding. But having survived hurricanes, polar vortex, etc, you guys will build smart and dry!

I can’t wait to see what you guys do with this property. Both of you are an inspiration.

So proud of you girls and your new purchase, can’t wait to see what you guys do and can’t wait to see what you guys do, love you guys and hope you have a blessed week.❤️❤️

How very exciting for you both!! The puppies too! With that type of acreage, you can make cottages on the property for visitors. They can be completely dry cabins. Are easy to construct as they come in kits. There is a company in Ontario that sells them.

If you can’t fix the water problem maybe you should tear down and rebuild in a drier site on the property. Nothing wrong with a new build either stick or modular. A new experience with new materials and techniques. Whatever you choose I will be excited to watch. Good luck sweet girls. 💕

I’m so happy that you’ve got a connecting property with such great water potential for swimming & maybe even electrical generation! We were able to buy our next door property too.

That view of the lake is amazing! Lake life is heavenly. I can’t wait to see what you are going to do with this beautiful property!

It's gonna be THE PACK PAD! I think it boils down to if you want to tear down what is there and reposition to make sure you have access year round and build from the ground up OR if you want to figure out a way to make that structure work… you could build up and leave ground level open like they do in coastal areas or you could go with a more innovative tiny and add to have a few structures, central bathroom-lounge-kitchen and satellite bedrooms? Or, something else, treehouses are wonderful but remember that if you’d like Gram and Moms to use it, we all get older and less mobile. Mostly, have fun, do what inspires you. So excited for your possibilities. xo

I can’t wait to see the Reno progress on the new cabin! I’m so happy for you all, this is so exciting!! 🩵

Congratulations on your next adventurous chapter. It’s really exciting it connects to your property. Mother Nature beauty is absolutely amazing

So many good ideas here, I can’t add to them. All I can say is congratulations! You two are amazing. Can’t wait to see what you decide.

That property is amazing and the cabin has tons of potential! I would put it on stilts to prevent flooding without having to move it further away from its current location. Not sure if that is possible but it would definitely get you a stunning result.

I love the tree house idea and you should name the area "Marina" that way we always know it's the property with the water front. 😄

This is going to be such an exciting project, can't wait to see what you do with it! Much love to you and the puppers xx 🐾🐾🐕🦓 xx

CONGRATULATIONS!!! This looks awesome! I'd suggest building an A-Frame cabin over the existing concrete foundation. There might be regulations that don't allow you to build a certain distance from the water unless it's using the foundation of an existing building. Besides, you would probably want to keep close to the water with that view. You could use the existing foundation to put beams across for an outdoor sitting area under the A-frame that you could screen off with bug netting so you can sit by the water and not worry about the bugs. If there is an opening elsewhere on the property, you could have a little bunkie city with a couple of bunkies for sleeping, a washroom bunkie, and a kitchen/dining bunkie and a covered octagon deck in the centre connecting all the bunkies. You can purchase the kits and build them yourselves seeing how handy you two are! You can get a little hydraulic turbine generator for the river (if regulations allow it) to get electricity, I'd still couple with solar. For heating, you could do an outdoor wood stove shack with piping hitting up multiple buildings. You two are going to have a lot of fun! I'm not going to lie, I'm a bit jealous. Make sure you check out the regulations for building near the water, it would be a shame if you take down that existing cabin and can't build something else in its spot. -Steve

You two are not afraid of a challenge. Being near your cabin is a big plus, clear the land and build any structure on stilts to avoid water damage. A lot of potential for power including water generation if the water is always flowing. You have my full support. You two can achieve anything you set your mind too. Lots of love from Mike. ❤❤

I would build either a couple of tiny houses or containerhome for your guests. With the size of the land, depending on how you feel maybe do some air bnb or a small campingsite for Canadians with campers. You could host retreats there. It's such a beautiful place to recharge your batteries. In Sweden, we have something called Attefallshus. You probably have something similar in Canada, small buildings that come prefabricated and take little time to get ready.

For clarification, what is above your head while standing in a room is the ceiling. The structure that covers your house is the roof. For certain there is water entering your cabin where the shingles are off, it does not mean your roof is going to collapse. It looks as though you need to get up and fix your shingles and that should keep the water out.

What a stunning piece of land 😍 I'm so excited that you're adding to your property. I immediately had dreams of you two designing a brand new cabin and watching a start-to-finish build vlog every week. I'm sad to say i have to agree about the cuuldrent cabin - time to tear it down, maybe salvage some pieces or design elements to use in the new cabin, and pick the new location purely based off the view from the front door. ☺️ Since I assume you wouldn't be living there, I think a nice but functional bunk house style cabin with cool storage and big communal areas and a massive table would be my vote. Plus a massive work shop with indoor toy storage. ❤

A treehouse would be amazing! Off the wet ground being a huge bonus. Also, it would be both familiar yet provide some new and different challenges. Whatever you choose I’m here for it and I know it will be awesome! ❤❤❤

Love the idea of a whole new build series at the new property 👍

Yes, you have such an exciting future ahead of you! Can’t wait to follow your new adventures. I see it as a potential rental for a vacation getaway .

I am excited to see your adventure in the making.

I REALLY THINK HAVING A TREEHOUSE WITH A WARPED AROUND DECK OVER LOOKING THE WOODS AND THE LAKE WOULD BE SO SO BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL. WITH All THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED REDOING THE YOUR CABEN I KNOW YOU’LL HAVE NO PROBLEM BUILDING THE TREE HOUSE. GO GO FOR IT. ALL READY EXCITED TO SEE YOU BUILD UP!!

That is a very nice spot on that lake. being so close to the river and lake I would think you would want to be back farther or up higher. If nothing else i would think some sort of hang out spot like a outdoor kitchen and bathroom. I would say it is deffentaly so nice to have that space to do what you want. good job.

Congratulations on your latest purchase and I look forward to watching this new adventure come back to life.

Jazz and Crystal I love seeing what you are capable of doing after some research. I really like the new cabin. It something that can get me to leave Australia to move to Canada. With the cabin I suggest salvage what you can and build new. It will be alot easier and no mould spreading.

Oh this is great another reno. I can't wait watching you guys bring it to life. So much fun watching you guys work your magic.

I lifted my cottage four feet, on Lake Erie. This cured all of my water problems. Talk to Porter about backfilling the lot to keep it dry. You could build a number of van camping lots along the river for your van lifer friends and a little cash flow. The foundation looks great, you can save this cabin, and we all know that you have the skills. Plus killer content for the next three years. Congratulations on the acquisition. This is a brilliant move. I'm driving from Waterloo to North Sydney in four weeks, if you need anything from Ontario 😊 Great channel gals!! Love it

My Grandma had that same clock! Brings back some memories.😊

Congrats on the new property, I have vision of a log cabin on stilts with water wheel with spaces set up for visitors with their vans and perhaps as Airbnb or something like that. It's exciting🎉❤ very happy for you both 💕

Congratulations on you new land. It looks amazing. I think a couple of connecting tree houses over looking the lake would be awesome.

Why not put a couple of domes like Tyler and Todd’s for your visitors to stay in or even use as holiday rentals. Love watching your videos . ❤❤

I have been following you two for a bit now! Congratulations! Excited for you gals. I actually retired about a year ago and feel like I’m connected to you. I can’t wait for Sunday every. Week just to see what you ladies are doing. Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us. Gods Blessings!

I want the clock. I love it. Good luck with the new cabin. It will be fun watching y’all transform it into your vision

You guys are awesome! I love your energy and your love of nature. Thanks for sharing this fabulous find!

I see Tal and Mads as next door neighbors! Don't try to save the cabin. Salvage what is interesting and demo the remainder. Build a new energy efficient structure in a safe location. Just retired after over 30 years as a general contractor. Happy to help you with the planning.

Wow, Ladies!!! What a gorgeous property PLUS the BONUS of being connected!!! A holiday cabin would be lovely!!! Hydro-Electric Power??? What an incredible opportunity!!! 🥰❤️🎶🇨🇦🤗🤗🐶🐶

Wow how cool to buy a property that joins to your own cabin, it feels like it was meant to be yours. The drive way looks really good like Crystal said so that has the potential for guests to come on to the land. A tree house sounds amazing. You are both so clever and resourceful that whatever you do with the property it will be fantastic x

Oh that's so fun!! You can just hike through to the new cabin/canoe with your friends eventually. Loving it! Damn, very excited to see the process of this new cabin

it would be so cool to see you both build a bridge over the little stream for a place to relax and watch the fish go up stream 🙂 genuinely curious about flooding tho, so close to the water, I hope you both keep that in mind with improvements to the cabin! I know you both are capable of anything ❤ I love this for you 2!

Tear it down. Take all of it apart and get rid of it. Build a platform on top of that basement and some sort of outdoor space. Maybe something covered with screens. But nothing that you would care if it got wet. Build a new house/ maybe some sort of container cabins with a shared bathroom for your guests. That's my suggestion

Congratulations, I’m so happy you’ve finally gotten to this stage in your journey! The way I see it, you’ve really only got two options; Different elevation, new build, possibly better overlooking view, or; stilts on the current foundation and have a raised cabin. Hydro power generation is also a must if you e got the current for a turbine in that river 🤩

SO HAPPY THAT YOU BOTH GOT SOME NEW LAND....IS YOUR LAND HOOKED TOGETHER????? SO PROUD OF YOUR PACK....PLEASE KEEP THE UP DATES COMING ..GOD BLESS YA'LL

Was going to go to bed but I saw these amazing ladies video and decided that at 1:35 am on Monday morning I will stay awake and watch this amazing video love it 🥰 prayers and blessings to you both and your beautiful puppies 🐶 love your Aussie family friend John ❤❤❤you two always put a smile on my face thank you ❤❤❤

CABIN NEEDS TO GO. Mold is no joke. Put your energy, resources and time into building what you want.

This is such an opportunity! 10 acres, in the wild, access to multiple waterfronts and connected to your original property! You two certainly made the right decision. You have learned SO much since first stepping onto you current home sight. You are such a team! As for the property…it isn’t safe by any measure. The mold and rot will continue in its current location. I think that bungalows, placed strategically, (maybe even on stilts) would be a great way to house family and friends. There will be a perfect place for a central common area…maybe a rustic covered pavilion. This is so exciting and I can’t wait!

Wow, what a great spot!!! I think foundations are one of the hardest things to build for off grid. But that one looks like it’s in pretty good shape. Your may want to mortar in a few rows of 8x8x16 stretcher blocks to raise up the height of the foundations to not have to worry about flooding. Then you can build new from scratch and save as much (siding) material as your can to pay tribute to the old cabin. (It is lovely) I would definitely move to the lake front property once you build the new house. Having 2 places, one for guests is perfect, because friends and family will stay longer if they are not in the bedroom next door. Also, having the creek / river for power generation is amazing. You will have ample sun in the summer and hydro electric in the winter. You may be able to run a mini split to heat and cool both places. My wife and I have a similar setup in BC and we are just working on the addition for hydro electric and an addition to our second cabin for friends and family. You 2 inspire me!! PS, the battle born batteries will not be the way to go! You will need more power capacity with less of a footprint in the future.